Modern Buddy

has anyone found studded tires that would fit the Buddy 50? I've been looking since Michigan has promised us even worse snow removal this year. If I can't find studded tires for the Buddy then it looks like I'll be bike'n it to work since I already have the studded tires for my Trek

I have found some that do fit the 125 and 50cc models of the buddy, and any other bike with the same tire size. It's just stupid and suicide. On a car it makes more sense since you have 4 wheels for stability, but on a scooter/motorcycle/bike you have no balance or stability once you slip. Studs wont guarantee your safety. It's best to just ride with your normal everyday tires in the winter on the nice snow/ice free days.

I haven't rode a scooter with studded tires but I have rode a dirt bike with them. Did they help compared to regular tires? Yes. Did I have a few close calls? Yes.

If you want to seriously consider studded tires on a scooter or a motorcycle or a car, get a spare set of wheels to mount the studded tires so you can switch them yourself & quickly. Plus if you do it you'll have the satisfaction of being able to say you've rode on ice! Your choice man, just my $.02

I've been running studded tires on a bicycle for years without so much as one acident. You have to adjust your riding during the winter months but I have found that cars give you way more room when your on a bicycle in the winter. I think its a bit harsh to say that running studded tires on a bicycle is stupid and suicide. Now I can't speak to running studded tires on a scooter. I've seen video of folks running them on motorcycles but never on the street, its always on an ice rink or some other off road area. Having never run them on my scooter, I'm at the stage where I'm still doing research. I'm neither stupid nor suicidal so I do want to figure out what the level of risk is and then decide wether riding during the winter with studded tires is worth the added risk. Just remember that there are many folks that would say that simply riding a scooter at all is stupid and suicidal. I think that riding a scooter happens to be fun and practical and I'm simply looking for a way to extend that fun and practicallity. If I can't, then I can't and I'll simply default to the bicycle agian this year but if I can find tires that fit and enough reviews from folks who have used them to feel comfortable that they work (at least on black ice) then I'll probably give them a try. If anyone has first hand expereince with studded tires on a scooter or motorbike then I'd love to here from you. btw kawasaki77, one of the alternatives I've been thinking about for a winter vehicle is a Yamaha TW200 with studded tires. That thing has a massive rear tire!

Also, make sure they're Michigan-legal; the state has limitations on how much damage the studs can do to pavement (and we really don't need the roads any worse than they get already).

Given the choice between a scooter on snow or a bicycle on snow, I'd go with the latter. It's warmer, it's easier to maneuver around hazards, and when (not if) you hit a slippery spot and lose control, it's easier to catch yourself* and less painful if you don't. The good news is that regardless of what you're falling off of, you won't have to worry about road rash!**

*assuming you don't have your feet locked into toe clips

**assuming that you're dressed for the weather

Even if I felt that running studded tires would enable me to safely control my scooter,I wouldn't do it around here. When we have snow or ice, the car drivers just can't handle it. Last year, my partner got front-ended (in our car) by a truck sliding backwards in the snow, just to give an example. But then again, we get so little snow and ice that none of us are experienced with it. It's probably different in places where people are used to it.

LOL TVB I do use toe clips but I keep'em really loose during the winter so I havn't had any problems the last few years. I did see a guy who was trying to run his fixed gear with 23c race tires last winter take a pretty rough fall. Part of me felt sorry for him but the other part had to laugh at his fashion before function approach to winter biking

My $.02 - If you really want to extend your riding season, move out here to AZ or SoCal. Year round baby!

Howard

pdxrita wrote:Even if I felt that running studded tires would enable me to safely control my scooter,I wouldn't do it around here. When we have snow or ice, the car drivers just can't handle it. Last year, my partner got front-ended (in our car) by a truck sliding backwards in the snow, just to give an example. But then again, we get so little snow and ice that none of us are experienced with it. It's probably different in places where people are used to it.

This is why I chose to use such strong words "stupid and suicide" also. Even if you control your bike 100% fine, not every car on the rode will have full traction and control. It's better to just sit out the bad days.

jfrost brings up a good point I didn't think about. In the aspect of other motorists possibly flattening you, one might want to reconsider. Here in Kansas where the white stuff is common, you see very few weather related winter crashes except maybe a few in the big towns. People don't have their heads crammed quite so far up their ass because it's common & they know how to handle it. However, when I lived down around the Fort & there was craptastic weather, people were everywhere! In the ditches, sidewalks, yards, etc, nowhere was safe. I imagine how light a buddy is, it would be easier to ride than a motorcycle in the white stuff, plus you don't have to worry about shifting, etc but I'm just guessing there. I've rode through a few lighter snow storms, just take it easy & look out for locked up brakes headed your way!

If you're curious, just try riding in it, like around the block a few times, with regular tires & then if you're confident, invest in studded tires. That way you can try it out & worry about spending money later.

kawasakifreak77 wrote: If you're curious, just try riding in it, like around the block a few times, with regular tires & then if you're confident, invest in studded tires. That way you can try it out & worry about spending money later.

I'd second this. I actually rode in the snow a bit last year, and it wasn't that bad. Its not ideal, but totally workable.

that is a good idea kawasaki77 My complex is one big circle so the next time it snows a bit I'll take her out for a few laps and see how she does minus studded tires. If it seems that all she needs is a bit more traction then I'll look harder for some studded tires. Also, I have seen places that will stud existing tires. Has anyone used such a service for anything cars, motorcycles ect. If so how did you like the end result? I also found out today on a completly different note that Trek now makes a few models of electric bicycles that seem to be getting positive reviews. I might look into that if the scooter doesn't work out for winter commuting, although at $2600 its certainly not a very cost effective option

That's how I did it man, I've rode through light snow mostly around town & down back (dirt) roads on regular tires a bit. If you're feeling really ballsy, drifting the ass end out a touch can be a good rush & people will think you're absolutely nuts!

On your question about studding standard tires, I worked at a low rent tire shop for awhile & we would stud tires. Probably just have to ask around, best of fortune to ya man.