Hello, from a new scooter owner in Houston

[Xeys]

Well, I bit the bullet and decided to get a buddy 125 2006 model(it cost me about 200 bucks less than the 2007). I've never ridden anything other that road bikes and mountain bikes before... I got mine at scootersmith here in houston. The owner seemed knowledgeable, and even gave me a ride back to my place with his truck, with buddy secured in the back. Mine was 2900 out the door, and I got a rear storage pod also(for an additional 150). I probably paid an average price, maybe a bit more... And then I see that the 2007 model seems to be a bit better... Darn. Oh well, what's done is done. Hopefully I didn't make a mistake trying to save a few bucks. Anyways, I will be signing up for the MSF here in town in a couple of days. I have been riding the city bus all this time, and I just got sick of it. Hopefully, I will survive and not get killed here in houston. Anyways, I guess what I'm saying is "Hi".

[rajron]

Hi !

[lobsterman]

Xeys,

Welcome aboard. You haven't made a mistake. The 06 Buddy is a great scooter and is what the vast majority of us here are riding. The 07 changes are nice but not earth shattering.

Let us know when you take the MSF and what you thought of it.

[polianarchy]

Howdy, fellow Texan! I lived in H-town for a good long time as a kid. I LOVE my 2006 model! My only bummer is that mine's not red. However, due to the extreme cheap price of the body panels, I'm thinking of a two-tone pink and red mod sometime this summer. Hmmm....

Welcome aboard the MB board! It rules almost as much as riding a scooter.

[vitaminC]

Welcome!

Nope, you didn't make a mistake- just think how far you can go if you spend that $200 on gas for your new B125!

[rablack]

Welcome. I got my 2006 50cc at Scootersmith as well (Steve's a nice guy). You'll have fun with it.

[Xeys]

Well, I just paid for the course, the first day will be on march 23rd. Boss Hoss cycles at 6604 south loop east is putting it on. I have no way to get there other than the bus, but it looks like the bus can get me within 2 miles. Then I'll just walk in from there, I guess. My father, who I am taking care of(he's 87) thinks I'm crazy for getting a scooter when I had the bus system( I had to sell my previous car for some funding earlier). I'm getting to live there for free as long as I take care of him(I think thats a win/win!). I needed to finish school, so I was thankful for the help. I'm going to University of Houston for Hotel and Restaurant Management. The bus ride will take almost 3 hours! Crazy, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. All I need to do now is get my insurance taken care of, and get my tags in and have the dealer put them on, or me, I guess? And my MSF will cover the rest. Anyways, I'm babysitting right now, so I have a spare bit of time to write this. The little guy is taking a nap, so I can take a break for a short while. LOL

Xeys

[Kurzer]

It sounds like you're well on your way

Welcome!

[Keys]

Xeys,

I hope I don't get too confused seeing your posts...

--Keys

[BuddyRaton]

The 2006 Buddy 125 is already a classic! Good choice!

BR- Not David

[markontour]

Welcome to the Houston Scooting community. There are several groups you can join for weekly rides...

Houston Scooter Battalion
Filthy Few Scooter Club (though I think you have to own a metal scooter to play with them.
United Scooter Riders

I'll look forward to seeing you on the road.

[lou76]

congrats, mang.... i think that 200 bucks is well-saved.... the 07's do have some snazzy features, but nothing that you can't add on yourself for a comprable amount if you so desire...
enjoy!!!

[Xeys]

Well, I decided to go putter around the neighborhood with my lil buddy. LOL. I've never ridden a scooter or motorcycle before, but riding this thing feels just like riding a bike. Brakes are in the same place. I especially liked the turn signals. They were placed perfectly for me. I only went a max speed of 25, but still had lots of fun. Turning is just as easy as my mountain bike. Turns tight. I have 2 long thick link steel chains I plan to use to secure buddy. I'm concerned where I will park it at my friend's apartment. She lives in a crappy complex, and crack-heads abound. All I can do is chain the 2 wheels up, and then chain the rear wheel to... something. It would kill me to get this stolen or vandalized. I'm almost thinking I shouldn't even bring it over. I hate thinking about it. How do the people on this forum secure their lil buddies? Anyway, I had so much fun zipping around here it should be illegal. I attracted a lot of weird looks. It will get even weirder when I dress in full battle armor, ie best protective gear I can afford. More to follow.

[sunshinen]

Run the chain through the frame, not the wheels. Look at the top of the center stand, there is a nice place to run a chain through there where it cannot be removed by undoing a few screws.

Invest in a heavy-duty lock and a cover.

[GenuineSlacker]

greetings from a creme buddy in houston. Actually, if you head down to the smith right now it should be in pieces.

[Xeys]

I spent big dollars today on a leather long sleeve jacket with armor inserts, A Scorpion 400 EX full face helmet, and armored full finger gloves. I'm also considering a Peugeot moped for 250 bucks as a light duty cheap backup for the scooter, or something to take to my buddies' house that crackheads won't want to steal. More details to follow.