Modern Buddy

I came out this morning to find my wifes "sweetpea" violated and gone. Here are the details... After being haggled over and over by our HOA threatening to get towed, we had to change where we park, along the side parking lot of the commercial strip behind our building. She came home from her job at 10:30 last night and locked the chain (kryptonite 7'). She was a bit careless and didn't put on the disc lock or tighten all the slack off of the chain. My assumption is the thieves were able to wiggle just enough slack to get the chain body up and over the headset and lift the front wheel up, probably removing the mirrors in the process. Police came and took report, the cop was nice enough to give me a lift to the FS, and after posting this on a few forums, I get to deal with Geico's claim department.

I can't stress enough, especially now having learned the hard way, of the importance of diligence and not becoming complacent. Looking back it's easy to say we should've tightened the slack and put the disc lock on, it could very well have been enough of an audible deterrant to probably not wake "us" up, but someone in the adjacent building, or frustrated the thieves so much that they'd just drop it and leave. I'm convinced that the tighter chain and disc lock was the only reason that mine is still there. I feel so violated. My avatar may be smiling, but believe me, I'm not.

A little about Sweetpea, she's a seafoam green 125 Buddy (2009), Virginia tags 469184, Vin #RFVPA20891006863, with approx 6000 miles. there are minor scratches along the right side of the matching topcase, but more distinguishable are the accessory LED flasher brake lights alongside the liscense plate, the oval LEDs on the front cover, and the BOB running lights with hyper white LEDs that I had installed. They could be left on not realizing that they're not stock parts.

Anyway, I'm crossing my fingers, but starting to realize that it's more likely a lost cause. Time to write up a flyer for area scooter shops.

That sucks BSFF I hope they find the scooter and that it hasn't been too badly mistreated. I can't imagine how angery and hurt I'd feel if one of my scooters got stolen. I really don't understand why folks feel the need to do crap like this. I have heard of quite a few folks who get thier scooters back though so there is still hope.

oh man that's not good. i hate to hear when something so personal get's stolen. people like to say "it's just a this and that" but i feel differently about cars and bikes people actually love and use. heck, it even had a name

i hope you get it back, although i know the odds may not be good unless found abandoned somewhere soon, simply taken out for a joyride. and while i blame the thieves, and understand your take on owner diligence and personal responsibility, i can't help but be....taken aback to your HOA. i mean it sounds like you have had discussion with them about the scooter and it's parked location, and it's just a little bike! god forbid EVERYONE start parking their scoots wherever they want to help prevent theft! although i'm pretty sure not many people have scoots where you live, or took issue with where you had it

anyway, hope you get it back, and i am happy not to have an HOA in my life telling me where to put my property

oh, and i'm sure the thieves may be back for yours. so keep an eye out!

That sucks, BSFF! It sounds like your apartment association is a group of jerks.

Before yours gets stolen, change the way that you're locking the scoots up. You've got the noose style chain, so use it! Noose it around the pole there and then chain the other end to the frame under the scooter with the shackle lock. There's a nice fat bar on the Buddy that's up close by the exhaust. Attach it to the CVT side to help keep your fingers clear of burns. Just make sure you don't attach it to the center stand, which can be removed with a socket set.

Good luck getting it back! I've heard of stolen scoots in Richmond getting found again, so there's hope for you too, hehe.

Boston is just awful for scooter thefts. It's ridiculous, and makes me worried every day I park mine at work. Since the city started cracking down on sidewalk parking (even though they continually tell the press that they're not), I've had to park my scooter unchained in the alley where I work. Fortunately I do have the disc-lock alarm, so it isn't completely vulnerable, , and there are lots of other motorcycles and scooters back there, but still, I would love to have somewhere to chain it.

I can't chain it at home either, but park it in my back yard, again with the disc-lock.

When I do use my chain, I usually put it around the shock in the back. I'd never chain it in a way that it could be slipped off.

Damn, BSFF, sorry to hear that happened. I hope your lady gets her scoot back, and if she does not I hope that little gecko comes through for ya.
They sure do like to steal scooters in the richmond area though? I wonder why that is? I know scooters get stolen from everywhere but richmond seems to be a hot bed for it.

that sucks hope it gets recoverd in one piece

but in the mean time i would file a complaint with the hoa and tell them you think it is partly there fault becuase you were forced to park in a less then secure area

Depending on his HOA, they are probably psychotic neo-nazis. Filing a complaint may only aggravate the situation.

I hope you guys end up finding it, or at least getting enough from insurance to easily cover a replacement. Good luck.

what a bummer, it could be a lot worse. she has mine for the time being. Her job is not as convenient to walk to and she moves around a lot more at work. We are moving out of there in 2 1/2 weeks, to a hi-rise with a controlled access garage! Not because of this, the lease was a done deal a week ago, but jeez, we've been parking outside for the past year.

Dude I hate friggn thieves, noth'n worse. My bud got jacked & they (POPO) called me the next day, I went & picked it up, only had to replace the mirrors. The whole time I didn't "FEEL" like it was gone. Really surprising that first gut feeling. Good luck amigo, if you find the thief, kik him in the teeth

when dealing with GEICO. They may try to reimburse you for "used" but make sure they know you had a warranty that you will not have if you have to buy used... Either they need to reimburse "value" of the remaining warranty or give you enough for a new scooter.

you're living my nightmare, so sorry. Seeing the chain there just hurts. Could you chain the scooters together so that they'd have to untangle or lift 2?

BUMMER!

jijifer wrote:when dealing with GEICO. They may try to reimburse you for "used" but make sure they know you had a warranty that you will not have if you have to buy used... Either they need to reimburse "value" of the remaining warranty or give you enough for a new scooter.

Really stinks about your bike. Thieves and HOA's suck.

As for the claim. Don't hold your breath on getting enough for a brand new scooter. Insurers typically only pay for the cost to replace it with something in the similar condition (age, miles, etc). Not sure how that will work with your warranty. Hopefully they will give you something for that.

Better yet, I hope they find it relatively unharmed.

jijifer wrote:Could you chain the scooters together so that they'd have to untangle or lift 2?

that's what we had in mind when we get to the new place. we'll have an assigned space undergound, but nothing to secure to.

There's been recent discussion about locks on other threads. I think this is a testament in how to properly lock the scooter. Mine is still there because there was not enough tension in the chain to get the bike out of the loop, and if so, the audible alarm would possibly have woken up a nearby resident, and if nothing else, irritated the hell out of the thieves until they gave up on it. Unfortunately, Jules chain is 7' long and she hasn't always been diligent about taking up all the slack before locking it. Coincidentally, she didn't secure her disc lock in place last night also. I'm not trying to throw her under the bus, she works a very demanding schedule and comes home at night drained, so the last thing on her mind is locking up her scooter like Fort Knox. It's easy for us to become complacent in that regard, and I'm sure our Buddy's been cased out for a while and tonight was the best opportunity for a quick grab. I just hope nobody has to experience this. I feel like Pee-Wee Herman, all paranoid looking into every pickup truck, open garage, backyard, and alleyway in the area.

Dude, that sucks sucks sucks! Keep an eye on the local Craigslist, and other popular "for sale" spots. And tell anyone you know who lives locally. Since these jerks went to the trouble of stealing your scooter they will probably want to ride it, and maybe someone will spot them in the act. This has happened to other members so maybe it will help you. No doubt you've told the police too. Maybe they will spot it.

I'm thinking hopeful thoughts for you. I know that if I lost my baby I'd be crushed. Try to keep your spirits up!

Man that sucks! I've been there. Our Buddy was stolen out of our carport and the stupid idiot was brazen enough to ride it in our neighborhood and we saw him twice. Our adrenaline was exploding the first time we saw it, and talked to him at a gas station, and then when we followed him, he caught on and lost us.

The second time (about 2 weeks later) I followed him (until I lost him) and the cops were able to arrest him and recover our scooter. About a week later (after it had been repaired) we went to pick it up at our local scooter dealer and it had been stolen the night before out of their parking lot. So, needless to say we had mixed emotions -- varying between anger and laughter.

Persistence pays tho. Watch for it in your neighborhood (thieves are pretty dumb) and in all of the for sale threads. Good luck!

Another thing you can try is have someone you know put up a "want to buy" ad on DC's craigslist. 2 good things could happen then: you get the bike back and the person gets arrested.

update here too:

http://scoot.net/stolen/

so folks in surrounding areas my have an eye out. and UGH! what is up with the northeast scooter thefts?! So many from around Boston. Makes my stomach sick. So sorry you all have to fear for your scooters day and night.

Boston is bad with the scooter crime so glad NH is not effected yet. our cops are known for beating the shit out of people so that might be a factor
boston has alot of bycicle vandalism as well hate to sound like im bashing bean town but they have alot of issues there.

I'm so sorry, BSFF I am angry for you...

BSFF,
Your story resonates. Anyone who has had anything stolen from them cannot adequately express how violated you feel.
Keep the faith. Hopefully karma will pay it back to you.
Mike

Sucks man. I really hope you have a positive resolution. Your old scoot in good shape or compensation enough to buy a new one.

Dude! Sorry to hear about this!

There was a huge scooter theft boom in VA, DC and NC last year and it seems to be happening again. There have been a lot of thefts in your area and Richmond.

Not that it's any comfort.

jijifer wrote:when dealing with GEICO. They may try to reimburse you for "used" but make sure they know you had a warranty that you will not have if you have to buy used... Either they need to reimburse "value" of the remaining warranty or give you enough for a new scooter.

Excellent advice.

ericalm wrote:Dude! Sorry to hear about this!

There was a huge scooter theft boom in VA, DC and NC last year and it seems to be happening again. There have been a lot of thefts in your area and Richmond.

Not that it's any comfort.

this is my naivete - who's riding all these stolen scooters? Where do they go to be sold. There was that one Richmond story last where the woman found her scooter (and others) being sold by a bunch of teens.

do people who buy them stolen know they were stolen such they lay low and not ride with other scooterists? Are they making it across state lines and countries?

such a freaking bummer! I hope these scooters are found safe and sound.

Many are resold quickly at very low prices. Some are taken to other cities for resale.

In SoCal, a lot end up in Mexico. I hear stolen Vespas often get parted out. Some dumbasses just joyride them and dump them. Some steal them, realize they can't get them started and dump them.

With this kind of theft, where tools and probably a truck or two are involved, they're almost definitely aiming to sell them and make some quick cash. My guess is that these aren't crackheads looking for their next fix; they have a way of reselling them. It may be as simple as having a few on a corner with a for sale sign.

Poor sweetpea! I really hope that the scoot is recovered.

Did this happen in richmond or boston? I saw a seafoam buddy yesterday in Boston on Mass Ave. & Columbus, about 9:30am in the morning.

lilguy wrote:Did this happen in richmond or boston? I saw a seafoam buddy yesterday in Boston on Mass Ave. & Columbus, about 9:30am in the morning.

Arlington, adjacent to DC, so very likely somewhere between Baltimore and Richmond by now.

That's what I figured, but I saw some people mention Boston earlier so I wasn't sure.

That sucks... hope they catch those MFers... and if they are joy riding it, I hope they bite the big one (and some how leave your SweetPea unharmed)...

BTW - I always chain up to the forks of my Buddy, usually front but sometimes the back. On my SYM I chain up through the fork and the wheel.

ah man, i hate to do this. but....but....a picture is worth a thousand words



misty, water colored memories :'(




they looked so right together (the scooters, i mean. i am sure you guys still look great as ever)

very first pic in the "scootin' couples" thread

This thread is dedicated to the couples out there who love each other and their scooters, and put the two together

damn thieves!

noticed two 50cc buddy on craigs list boston area

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:

lilguy wrote:Did this happen in richmond or boston? I saw a seafoam buddy yesterday in Boston on Mass Ave. & Columbus, about 9:30am in the morning.

Arlington, adjacent to DC, so very likely somewhere between Baltimore and Richmond by now.

I'm in Baltimore, and constantly checking CL for deals. I'll keep an eye out online as well as when I'm riding.

video that pisses me off but makes me feel good, too. because it shows how fail thieves ultimately are

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN9RqQBP ... re=related

if i came out and saw someone doing this to my soon to be scoot, i'd have to have a go at him. what a loser

I am in Baltimore area (county) and my scooter was right in front of my windows when they went after it this past January. Now that scooter is anchored to my front step I have the Forgetaboutit chain and lock around the middle, Xena, wire lock on the back wheel. I suppose they could find a way to still take it.
Check with Mark at Moto Strada. He is Baltimore local dealer in case someone comes for color matching accessories or ignition key/lock repair parts

jasondavis48108 wrote:That sucks BSFF I hope they find the scooter and that it hasn't been too badly mistreated. I can't imagine how angery and hurt I'd feel if one of my scooters got stolen. I really don't understand why folks feel the need to do crap like this. I have heard of quite a few folks who get thier scooters back though so there is still hope.

I live in Arlington..I will keep a eye out....I hope I catch the damn thieves...that a shame..Work hard for folks to still..

fingers a little fast...I meant ...Steal..

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote: I came out this morning to find my wifes "sweetpea" violated and gone. Here are the details... After being haggled over and over by our HOA threatening to get towed, we had to change where we park, along the side parking lot of the commercial strip behind our building. She came home from her job at 10:30 last night and locked the chain (kryptonite 7'). She was a bit careless and didn't put on the disc lock or tighten all the slack off of the chain. My assumption is the thieves were able to wiggle just enough slack to get the chain body up and over the headset and lift the front wheel up, probably removing the mirrors in the process. Police came and took report, the cop was nice enough to give me a lift to the FS, and after posting this on a few forums, I get to deal with Geico's claim department.

I can't stress enough, especially now having learned the hard way, of the importance of diligence and not becoming complacent. Looking back it's easy to say we should've tightened the slack and put the disc lock on, it could very well have been enough of an audible deterrant to probably not wake "us" up, but someone in the adjacent building, or frustrated the thieves so much that they'd just drop it and leave. I'm convinced that the tighter chain and disc lock was the only reason that mine is still there. I feel so violated. My avatar may be smiling, but believe me, I'm not.

A little about Sweetpea, she's a seafoam green 125 Buddy (2009), Virginia tags 469184, Vin #RFVPA20891006863, with approx 6000 miles. there are minor scratches along the right side of the matching topcase, but more distinguishable are the accessory LED flasher brake lights alongside the liscense plate, the oval LEDs on the front cover, and the BOB running lights with hyper white LEDs that I had installed. They could be left on not realizing that they're not stock parts.

Anyway, I'm crossing my fingers, but starting to realize that it's more likely a lost cause. Time to write up a flyer for area scooter shops.

I will keep a close eye out for Sweetpea.. Sorry to hear that.. Living in the Arlington areas..I had to get one of those U-Locks..with extension

I was talking to a detective friend who I hadn't seen since before it was stolen, he's going to follow up on the progress of the case, possibly get surveilance video from the bank... in the meantime, I happened to be browsing youtube for scooter thefts and found this Buddy125 stolen. It occured a week before mine, the same scenario, chained to a metal object with a loose fitting chain, and its obvious how easily it is maneuvered out of its belt. I did some searching and found Wardman Court to be a housing complex uptown DC, and confirmed it with Google Earth Street View. I'll be passing this information to my investigator and contact Metropolitan Police to see if there is any sort of connection with these thefts, same scooters, same locking setup, and in very close proximity. My wifes may have been cased for some time, since we frequent that area Sunday mornings for brunch, or it may have randomly been spotted parked, being visible from a major roadway.

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that's so hard to watch! gah!

Wow. That is disturbing on so many levels. First thought I had... if the scooter had a disk lock it would not be going anywhere so easily.

Little maggots. I wonder if they would have had as easy time of it it had the front wheel been locked, the disk lock was in place with alarm and rear wheel was locked. I they could still maneuver it our of the chain but they would have to carry it or break the key lock and take of both front and back wheels.

Stormswift wrote:Little maggots. I wonder if they would have had as easy time of it it had the front wheel been locked, the disk lock was in place with alarm and rear wheel was locked. I they could still maneuver it our of the chain but they would have to carry it or break the key lock and take of both front and back wheels.

If that was the case, then as frustrated thieves, they would have probably just trashed the scooter. That was someones hard earned money, scum like that needs to be....... (add your own words here), and then fed to hungry wolves.

Things like this almost make some portions of Sharia law attractive.

- First offense: you'll never again use hand signals for right turns.

- Second offense: you get to eat out of a bowl labeled "Fido", and do a "doggy drag" across the carpet to wipe your butt.

Skootz Kabootz wrote:Wow. That is disturbing on so many levels. First thought I had... if the scooter had a disk lock it would not be going anywhere so easily.

I too was thinking that. My Zena is pretty loud, and the first thing they did was push (I thought) to see if it had an alarm on it.

I usually use a long cable on mine as well as my Zena disk lock/alarm, but I always wrap the cable around itself a couple times to take out extra slack.

The person in the video didn't even have their wheel locked! That might have helped...at least it would have slowed down their escape...

Yeah, someone COULD trash it my scooter if they found they couldn't steal it, but I have comprehensive insurance so that would cover it. To steal it (during the day, when it's not locked in my garage) they could cut the thick cable, but then they'd have to contend with carrying a scooter to their truck with the alarm screeching the entire way...and while they are driving along in their truck. Someone 'might' call the police even then. I certainly would, if I were in a car and someone drove by me with an alarm going of on a scooter or motorcycle in the back of their vehicle.

Low lifes...

so the outcome... I got a call from the claims department, they're ready to settle in the amount of $2,046. A little about the scoot, It is a 2009, had approx 6000 miles, new tires and a topcase that I included on the claim. There was also a year left on the manufacturers warranty. We purchased it for 2699 MSRP + 350 for prep and fees. That $2046 is before the deductable, so after that's taken out and the remainder of the lien is paid off, we'll be left with a few hundred bucks. Does the MB community think this is a valid assessment. The KBB value for that bike is $2020, so it's a few bucks higher. I still feel cheated.

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:I feel cheated.

I don't blame you. A couple of hundred might not buy it back if they found it trashed. A deductible never helps the insured. its a strange equation that used to get a final settlement. initial worth vs amount owed vs cost of current condition vs current cost of a used replacement + a little bit for the agents trip to Maui.

I'd like to hear other opinions also.

I don't. With a valid warrantee you should get replacement cost minus your deductible. That was as good as a new scooter with a warrantee. I say do battle with them and get more money. The insurance co's job is to give you as little money as they can get away with. When my Pathfinder got totaled I battled for six month with AAA, and got the amount I was given raised from $2500 to $7500 – exactly what I (and the appraisers and AAA's own website) said it was worth in the first place. They'll try to strong arm you but I say don't accept their first offer or even their second if it isn't fair. Find ads for used scooter of the same year, mileage, the same accessories, the same everything and see how those prices compare. Then get extra money for the warrantee which only a new scooter has.

That's $20 more than "resale" but was a year's worth of warranty only worth $20? I think not. I'd ask for an additional $500 for remaining warranty value then settle for something around $250 if you had to settle at all. A failed stator could easily cost $500 in repair without the warranty and failed stator are not uncommon.

Good luck!!

I really have no idea if this is a fair amount to give you as I have never dealt with insurance claims before but it seems like the price you paid for it new and the price you can buy a new one for now has gone down with all the good deals. I bet you could get a new one for a couple hundred over the amount they are offering. That's not so bad considering you will have a new scoot with a new 2 year warranty. Try to squeeze another couple hundred out of them and go get your lady a new Buddy while these price cuts are still on

Man, BSFF I am sorry for your loss. I haven't read any of the rest of the thread since I'm too lazy, but that sucks your GF's scoot got stolen. I also watched that video you posted and that is exactly why I lock to the front fork. I know they can still take the front wheel off & get it, but I think that takes longer and requires a pretty big wrench. Ideally I think locking through the rear wheel & then have a disc lock on the front is the absolute best if you can do it, since it's freakin' hard to move a scooter with no rear wheel, especially if the front wheel doesn't roll either .