Honest Opinion (sorry to be redundant)

Peby01 · Post by **Peby01** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 5:06 pm

As some of you may know, someone hit my Buddy 50 while parked in front of my house! Well I am finally calming down a bit and went to talk to my dealer. The way things look right now, it'll probably be totaled because there are some stress fractures on the areas where the foot rests are bolted, one side is completed busted through along with all the left side being scratched, the windshield damaged, the steering column busted....etc

My question, and I need some honest opinions. The bottom line, is it REALLY a big difference between the 150 and the 125? No matter which one I choose, I will make changes to the panel covers. (I NEED to be DIFFERENT) Is the money really worth the $400 or so more for the 25cc of the international? My dealer has a Italia (not crazy about green) coming in and a black 125 later this week. He will hold whatever one I want. I just can't make of my mind if the 150 is worth the extra money.

PLEASE HELP!!!!

GFridrich3 · Post by **GFridrich3** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 5:50 pm

For scooting around town, take the 400 bucks and buy yourself some accessories for the 125!

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:00 pm

I haven't ridden a 150 yet, so keep that in mind. Supposedly it's just a little quicker out of the gate, but it tops out at the same speed as the 125.

But the way I look at it is why bother with the extra 25cc? Sure it makes it highway legal, but how much highway driving are you going to be doing? Supposedly you need at least 250cc for any REAL highway driving. And if you pull off your 125 stickers, how will the police know you're not highway legal? The 125 and 150 are exactly the same size. Especially if you're cruising along at 65mph.

And you get slightly better mpg with the 125 on top of saving $400.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is: If you're going to be riding on the highway a lot, get a 250cc. If you aren't on the highway much, why spend an extra $400 for worse gas milage and a little better acceleration to about 35mph?

Just my opinion. Let the 150 riders start flaming away!

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:41 pm

I kind of thought the 150 was just a way to sweeten the pot and make the International editions a little more special.

Some have said there are noticeable performance differences between the 125 and 150. But I have yet to read anything that's conclusive or beyond "I can feel it." I'm not sure if the difference is so great that it couldn't be compensated for with a windshield on a 125.

The most significant difference is probably off the line acceleration. (How much time do you spend WOT, riding as fast as the scoot will go?) But the Buddy 125 is plenty fast off the line.

Really, I would think that if you're concerned about the $400 price difference, you won't regret buying a 125.

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:35 pm

i ride a pamplona and I did not have a 125 to compare it to, however I just want to put on the record that I'm averaging 89.85 MPG so I don't really think that the 150's get "worse" gas mileage than the 125's...seems that they are about the same (based on what other 125 owners have stated to me personally and what I've read online).

as far as the other comparisons, the horn is better in the 150, the initial out the gate pickup is faster. I can go faster (top speed) than a lot of 125's who I've ridden with, but that might be due to me being lighter weight than them...not sure.

sotied · Post by **sotied** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:38 pm

125

Horns are nearly identical.

Gas mileage is better on the 125.

The guys in the 125 club are better looking and the girls are more glamorous than those "had to buy my way into Euro-chic" 150 riders.

And black is a great base color to start with. When you change out the panels can I have the ones that run along the base of the scoot? I'll give you my Orange panels.

Peby01 · Post by **Peby01** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:57 pm

sotied wrote:125

Horns are nearly identical.

Gas mileage is better on the 125.

The guys in the 125 club are better looking and the girls are more glamorous than those "had to buy my way into Euro-chic" 150 riders.

And black is a great base color to start with. When you change out the panels can I have the ones that run along the base of the scoot? I'll give you my Orange panels.

I'll let you know if and when I change them. (gotta get it 1st - LOL) I am a fly by the seat of my pants kinda girl when it comes to colors on my scooter. An idea will hit me and I'll just ride with it!

THANKS for all the replies!! I am really leaning towards a black 125. I will never take a scooter (or motorcycle) on a highway! I am scared to death. Most of the people on I95 in rush hour (at least where I travel) are completely nuts - I am risking my life enough while sitting in my cage!!

justscooten · Post by **justscooten** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 11:23 pm

NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLASMENT!! 150 all the way

GFridrich3 · Post by **GFridrich3** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 11:29 pm

justscooten wrote:NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLASMENT!! 150 all the way

Dude, we're not exactly talkin about Big Block Chevy hot rods here...

In this case, i think its gotta be said, $400+ for an extra 25cc is completely NOT worth the money. It can be better spent elsewhere!

tunseeker1 · Post by **tunseeker1** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:07 am

well seeing your coming off a 50 i think a 125 will get everything you want done and look better in the color dept

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:21 am

tunseeker1 wrote:well seeing your coming off a 50 i think a 125 will get everything you want done and look better in the color dept

While I personally disagree with the last part of this I think you should just go with the color you like. If you get an International, you get the extra 25cc's (probably not that necessary to you) the better horn (which is quite a bit better) and the color you love (if that's what you love).

Look deep inside your heart. The answer lies within.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:45 am

After riding both, I'd still pick the 125 even if they made the 150 in orange. The engine is a bit more powerful from 0-30mph, but really, the 125 itself can speed up like a rocket if you make it. I never do it, but I know just using half throttle, the thing speeds up faster than most cars on the road already.

Peby01 · Post by **Peby01** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:47 am

tunseeker1 wrote:well seeing your coming off a 50 i think a 125 will get everything you want done and look better in the color dept

About the color.......I still LOVE my PINK buddy!!! Wouldn't even be thinking of another one if wasn't for "the incident"

The thing about the internationals is that I don't really LOVE all the colors. (PLEASE don't take offense....I'm always a little different that the other person) If I am happy with my 50 (mod of course) I will be VERY HAPPY with a 125.

I am starting to think that $400 for an extra 25cc is not worth it. I could use that money for some accessories (& a few extra panels) that will make my Buddy unique. I am NEVER like the next person. I want to be the "different" one. It's part of my personality - I'm just "a little" nuts!! LOL

chancerbeans13 · Post by **chancerbeans13** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:21 am

Why dont you get a 125, and use the $400 to buy the pink panels you cant reuse from your Buddy. That way, you get your Pink Buddy back, but with a little more kick in the engine!

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:23 am

About a month or two ago, genuine claimed they still stock pink panels and can put them on any 2008 125. 1-2 members have a 2008 buddy, pink panels, no extra charge for them. But now with scooters selling like crazy, not sure if genuine can do a quick swap....quick.

Smiziley · Post by **Smiziley** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:35 am

I test rode a 125 and 150 yesterday with the intent to find out the difference between the 2.

After riding both, I still wasn't sure which was quicker. The 150 sounded a little throatier under full throttle, but the 125 seemed to accelerate just as quick. However, cruising at 30 the 150 seemed to pull harder under full power than the 125, but again not really that much faster.

For the $400 difference, the 150 just didn't seem to stand out that much over the 125. The horn was noticeably louder though, honked the 2 when they were parked right next to each other.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:10 am

I think the difference in sound is also from the muffler used in the 150, a different model of muffler.

rajron · Post by **rajron** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:25 am

I already have a 125 – and have never ridden a 150.
If I had the choice I would go with 150, 25cc’s are 25cc’s.

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:49 am

I've got a 150 and I think that if I did it again, I'd get a 125. Performance is almost the same and the colors are way better on the 125's.

Howard

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:17 am

A toyota corolla and a ferrari can both hit 60mph and hold it with ease, time is the difference of which one can accelerate faster to 60mph.

The 125 and 150 have a similar top end, depending on your weight, both will hit similar speeds, but one is just a tiny bit faster and more powerful because of the extra 25cc's.

If you love the color, the horn, and the 150cc engine, I'd do it, the price of the bike is still cheap compared to other brands with similar specs and features.

If you got your license, I'd ask the dealer for a test drive if possible, you can see for yourself if it's worth the extra 400, many of us have our own opinions, but the best is to ride it for real so you can form your own opinion.

psi777 · Post by **psi777** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:27 am

Probably a bit out of line for me to post much of anything here in terms of advice, considering I've had my Scooter for all of 24 hours...but since no one else has mentioned this part: after asking around among local riders, I decided to go with the 150. I have been told that when doing steep hill climbs, esp. with a passenger, there is a bit more noticable of a difference between the two.

I'm up in Bel Air (LA), which has some pretty steep winding roads in all directions, which the locals tend to drive up way too fast. I was already wary of trying this on anything under a 250 (I can almost guarantee that if you were stuck doing 10-15mph uphill, some idiot would catch up to you going too fast to stop around a blind turn), but I really liked the Buddy, so I gave the 150 a shot.

Rather unique circumstances, I know...but I can't be the only one out there who faces lots of steep hill climbs.

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:46 am

IF the Canadians get the two-tone pink, can USA dealer order those pink panels?

maybe the 2009 will come out in a unique color you like.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:48 am

I think PGO canada themselves order those from PGO taiwan. Dealers can only order what genuine will order from PGO, so I doubt that cool looking 2 tone is available to us.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:57 am

psi777 wrote:Probably a bit out of line for me to post much of anything here in terms of advice, considering I've had my Scooter for all of 24 hours...but since no one else has mentioned this part: after asking around among local riders, I decided to go with the 150. I have been told that when doing steep hill climbs, esp. with a passenger, there is a bit more noticable of a difference between the two.

I'm up in Bel Air (LA), which has some pretty steep winding roads in all directions, which the locals tend to drive up way too fast. I was already wary of trying this on anything under a 250 (I can almost guarantee that if you were stuck doing 10-15mph uphill, some idiot would catch up to you going too fast to stop around a blind turn), but I really liked the Buddy, so I gave the 150 a shot.

Welcome! Another LA rider.

You're definitely right about riding with a passenger—150 would be better. And a passenger uphill, well, even with a 150 you'll have a tough time topping 45-50mph up a decent hill.

amanda_c · Post by **amanda_c** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:09 am

Hi, psi777, I'm a new rider, too. I've had mine for two weeks.

after asking around among local riders, I decided to go with the 150.

I did the same thing, and most everyone I talked to on these boards and others, and offline told me to go for the 150 when I explained what kind of driving I'd be doing. Of course, the motorcycle riders all told me to go all the way and get a 250 cc motorcycle, but they're a little biased.

I live over a steep hill, and my 150 takes it no problem. So far, there hasn't been a single instance when I've wanted more power or faster acceleration than the St. Tropez could deliver.

It doesn't hurt that I also happen to love the colors of the Saint-Tropez. And if liking one stock color over another stock color makes me some kind of unspecial Europhile conformist, that's ok. I spent 3 months researching and got exactly the scoot I wanted, which makes me a happy unspecial Europhile conformist.

Peby01, get the scoot you want at a price you're comfortable with. If you don't like the paint job, and you're not 100% positive you want whatever extra power or sprinkling of pixie dust (it works when you believe!) those extra 25cc's can impart, then get the 125.

BeachBuzz · Post by **BeachBuzz** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:09 pm

GFridrich3 wrote:
justscooten wrote:NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLASMENT!! 150 all the way
Dude, we're not exactly talkin about Big Block Chevy hot rods here...

In this case, i think its gotta be said, $400+ for an extra 25cc is completely NOT worth the money. It can be better spent elsewhere!

said the guy with the 150 Blur

sradwick · Post by **sradwick** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:11 pm

Don't know if this helps, but I just got the Italia 150 and love it. I originally bought a 50 cc Piaggio Fly, and it just wasn't fast enough. I rode the 125 before I bought the 150, but didn't WOT either of them.

Scott
Atlanta

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:06 pm

Peby01,

If you have been doing just fine with the 50cc, then gt the 125 and save the $400. You can use the money to get some pink panels or other mods/paint jobs. Have you looked to see if your panels on the 50 would fit the 125?

I subscribe to the "Tim, the Tool Man, Taylor" philosophy of when in doubt get more power, but in your case, I don't think it makes a big difference.

chancerbeans13 · Post by **chancerbeans13** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:17 pm

One other thing to consider, not sure what the effect would be, but the extra $400 will add extra taxes added onto the price, plus, a 150cc will probably be more for insurance also...Even though in true life, it is not much more power, in the eyes of the insurance companies, a larger engine displacement = more power.

NathanielSalzman · Post by **NathanielSalzman** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:32 pm

sotied wrote:
Horns are nearly identical.

Not even remotely!

I installed the Stebel in my wife's Buddy yesterday and it is loud beyond belief. It's also a pain in the ass to cram in there - so if I were in the market, I'd be tempted hard to just get it pre-installed.

As for the 125/150cc issue. I don't think you'll regret not having 150cc's. Get the Buddy you like the look of - or if you're going to replace the panels anyway, just get whatever is available.

Buddies are going to be hard to come by for the foreseeable future, so you may want to simply purchase what you can get your hands on. Personally, I think the extra 25cc's, the horn, the white wall tires, and the two-tone color scheme is a deal at $400. You're basically getting it at cost-of-upgrade.

Trogdor7 · Post by **Trogdor7** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:45 pm

The other major difference that most reply's overlooked was the horn. When riding a scoot that weighs less than some riders, you need a way to be noticed and the horn on the 150 helps with that. I know they sell the horns after market, but not sure what the price and cost are.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:46 pm

The 2008 125's also have the stebel horn in them, but they have the magnum installed into them. 136db, while the nautilus is 139db.

betsy q. bramble · Post by **betsy q. bramble** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:50 pm

I suppose I should take the word of the people on the board who have done test rides, but all the people who work at my shop say that the 150cc Buddies have a noticeable, almost scary, increase in speed.

But frankly, I am with NathanielSalzman when it comes down to the horn, the white wall tires, and the two-tone color scheme.

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:55 pm

Busy intersection. WalMart parking lot. uphill turn off.

I ordered the 150. I'll need all the ooomph I can get riding around big TX SUV and truck drivers....

bfreed · Post by **bfreed** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:39 pm

$400 = windshield + rear rack / top case + full-face helmet
-OR- = windshield + Prima pipe + rear rack + bungee cords
-OR- = 100 gallons gas ~ 9,000 miles of riding.
-OR- = 2.5 years of decent insurance

I always think of purchases in terms of "what else could I get instead."

(which is how $15,000 for minivan, OR... turned into a Buddy 125 and some other stuff.

)

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:28 pm

betsy q. bramble wrote:I suppose I should take the word of the people on the board who have done test rides, but all the people who work at my shop say that the 150cc Buddies have a noticeable, almost scary, increase in speed.

While I can't conclusively say that's not true, they certainly have an incentive for saying that.

Let's assume it is true. Is an almost scary increase in speed over the already fast 125 what you want or need? Is it $400 worth of scary? Maybe, for you, it is.

Me, if i were going to buy a Buddy today (if I could hypothetically get one), it would be a Pamplona. That's based on all the other differences of the Internationals (color, horn, whitewalls) as much as it is the extra 25cc (which might make a difference for me because I weigh over 200#). Were it not for the larger engine, I would pay maybe $200 more for an International. So, for me, that's $200 worth of displacement.

That may be a little easier for me to break down because I have ridden a 125 enough to know that it has plenty of speed and power to meet my everyday scootering needs. I also have my Vespa to compare it to, which actually has more on the top end than I need.

betsy q. bramble · Post by **betsy q. bramble** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:01 pm

Well they aren't trying to sell me, Eric..I work there. I'm not saying that is the reason to go for the 150 either...I am more in line with the people who say it's worth it for the color schemes and tires and horn and THOSE types of differences.

bfreed · Post by **bfreed** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:16 pm

betsy q. bramble wrote:I suppose I should take the word of the people on the board who have done test rides, but all the people who work at my shop say that the 150cc Buddies have a noticeable, almost scary, increase in speed.

Well they aren't trying to sell me, Eric..I work there. I'm not saying that is the reason to go for the 150 either...I am more in line with the people who say it's worth it for the color schemes and tires and horn and THOSE types of differences.

If you work there, then I wouldn't take *either* the word of "people on the board..." OR the "people... at my shop." I'd go out right now and test ride myself!

betsy q. bramble · Post by **betsy q. bramble** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:18 pm

Trust me, I would if we had any left!

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:14 pm

betsy q. bramble wrote:Well they aren't trying to sell me, Eric..I work there. I'm not saying that is the reason to go for the 150 either...I am more in line with the people who say it's worth it for the color schemes and tires and horn and THOSE types of differences.

Ha, so do you get a discount?
And do they have scoots for you to test ride?

I would love to do a Buddy 125 vs. 150 comparison ride. Problem is, it's hard to level the playing field for all variables other than displacement. The only way to do it is to run two brand new ones, which haven't been broken in so which may behave differently in real world conditions.

betsy q. bramble · Post by **betsy q. bramble** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:49 pm

ericalm wrote: Ha, so do you get a discount?
And do they have scoots for you to test ride?

I think so! But we literally don't have a 125 or 150 Buddy in our clutches anywhere. We have maybe one 50cc left and I am shocked that it has lasted on the floor for this long.

I started out with desires for the "zombie blood" 125cc Buddy. But the longer I sat and stared at the Italia we had on the floor (under deposit, grr) the more I felt the need for the two-toned paint job, and the white walls. I love the seafoam, but I am not crazy about all the black that is on the 125s. Granted, when I joined this board, I was enthralled by all the amazing paint jobs people have given their Buddies, but I don't know how capable or patient I could be in doing something like that to mine.

At this point, if the next batch of Buddies we get doesn't necessarily include what I want, I am grabbing what I can, and customizing away!

Modern Buddy

Honest Opinion (sorry to be redundant)

Honest Opinion (sorry to be redundant)

150 Italia

Diff not only 25cc