Modern Buddy

First of all Hello to all .... As of yet I am sad to say I am scooterless and have never had one .... but looking ....
1st time I saw the Buddy it just struck me as so cool ... kind of vintagish looking ... the Sunset or cream 50cc is kind of what I am looking at ....

What does it mean when it says max speed 30MPH* resticted ?
Can it be unrestricted? if so how fast unrestricted?

Is it comfortable to ride a ways ? (I am 6 foot tall)
even though it would mostly be used for to and from work and store and both are only about a 2 mile round trip..... still need a bit of comfort for the joy rides ....

What kind of mpg for the 50cc?

Is the MSRP pretty much the price you pay ?

Many more questions to come....

I own a 125 but I belive they have the same frame. I'm 6'0" and put tons of miles on my Buddy. It's certainly comfortable enough for the 2 mile trips you're talking about.

Not sure what MSRP is these days, but you'll pay close to if not above that. Keep in mind, some dealers charge a set up fee.

Not sure what to tell you on the mph or mpg questions.

It can be unrestricted but the 50cc will (depnding on your weight, road conditions...etc) will only be able to max speed at or around 45mph. Possibly faster given conditions.

The 125cc can get upwards of 65+mph or so again depending on various factors.

I personally found the Vespa LX150 seat more comfortable. That's one of the many factors why I bought that over a Buddy. The Buddy seat wasn't uncomfortable to me at all. I'm 5'9" and weigh about 190-195ish right now and when I was test riding. I test rode the 125cc and it has a LOT of zip (speed) off of initial throttle pull. Actually more than my Vespa does.

Most 4 strokes are getting in the range of 60-80+ miles to the gallon. There is a break in period where the gas mileage isn't as good as after the break in period. If you're only going 2 miles...I wouldn't stress on the gas cost so much. The other factors about the Buddy should be more important.

MSRP is fairly straight across the board. Depending on your state there will be other "Out the Door" or OTD costs like taxes, title (in the case of my vespa Shipping costs passed lovingly onto me ) Others here can tell you more about their experiences with the buddy. Use the Search feature, you'll find many of your other questions have been asked and discussed already.

It never hurts to ask or attempt to haggle. Dealers have been known to throw in things like helmets, free scooter accessories, clothing...other things in lieu of discounting the price.

WELCOME!!!

Test ride the scooters! Only YOU know what feels "right" to you.

We STRONGLY encourage taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundations Basic Rider Course regardless if you need it to get an M designation in your state or not. (Some State a 50cc doesn't need anything to operate. Others you still need M classification on your Drivers License.).

The MSF requires the operator to have:
DOT approved helmet
Gloves that cover the wrist, protect the knuckles/hands
Eye Protection
boots/shoes that cover/protect the ankles
Jacket
Long Pants

We use the phrase ATGATT (All The Gear ALL The Time) It generally refers back to the basic level of protective gear the MSF course requires.

http://msf-usa.org/downloads/Scooter_tips-screen.pdf

Profiecient Motorcycling by David Houghs is a great book. There's a few others recommended that I want/need to get to read as well.

There's a thread called, for all new members/owners you should check that out! Search is the best way to find it.

I've got the 50cc. It's quite comfortable for me 5'10" 190lbs. I commute 6 miles each way to work and use it for short errands. It's perfect for that. I paid the msrp. I haven't heard anyone on this board talking about getting much of a discount on price.

My dealer derestricts all the 50cc's he sells - the restriction is not required under Texas law. I can ride a 50cc without a motorcyle license of any kind. That's why I got it, that, and thinking, "I'll never want to go much faster than 40 anyway." Derestricted my 50 cc has pretty nice acceleration and tops out around 40-42 mph. I do tend to run it wide open throttle most of the time. My gas consumption runs between 70-80 mpg.

I really like the Buddy 50 but wish I had bought the 125, not for the top speed but for the extra power to get around in traffic. I'm pondering modding the scoot with the cylinder kit, the performance pipe, rejetting the carb, and changing the variator weights. The cost and time for all of that would equal the difference in price for the 125. Also the new 125's have all the cool lighting upgrades.

You can't go wrong with either one.

Here's the weird thing about the price, I gather from others, the price of the Buddy is uniformly MSRP + Destination Fee + Dealer Prep (not including state taxes and license).

However, my dealer threw in gloves, helmet + face shield (because I wear contacts). I got a nice 50% discount off a nice jacket. Also, I got 30% discount on my windshield.

So I think there is a lot of margin that the dealers have per bike. Having worked on the dark side of retail, I know that there is a tremedous margin on the apparel side.

Thanx for the feed back .... another question. .... how is the buddy for reliability ???? ... saw some recent threads about people being scooterles for a couple weeks

I live in northern sub of Mpls and bought my Buddy 125 at Scooterville; other than that the only other dealer is suppose to be in Mankato.

Scooterville stocks the Buddy, and I don't know anything about Starr Cycle Yamaha 200 Pierce Ave. North Mankato, MN 56003 (507) 385-1990

I was going to buy the 50cc Buddy and I'm so glad I didn't. The 125cc opens up more places to ride, the frame is slightly larger but not noticeable to the eye but you will notice when you sit on one.

Couldn't find better guys to buy from than Scooterville.
Scooterville price is $2700 for 125cc plus tax & license
http://www.scootervillemn.com/scooters/ ... y_125.html

For the Buddy Italia 125cc it is $3000 plus tax and lic
http://www.scootervillemn.com/scooters/ ... talia.html

Buddy 50cc is $2100 plus tax & lic
http://www.scootervillemn.com/scooters/ ... dy_50.html

Genuine Buddy
http://www.genuinescooters.com/buddy.html

I'm don't think the 50cc is meant to run at full throttle 30mph 100% of the time. But the 125cc would be able to go 30-35mph even during the 500 mile break-in period at 1/2 throttle, then 40-45mph 3/4 throttle from 500-1000 miles.

Derestricted in MN you need your M endorsement or risk loosing all your driving privileges including your dr lic.

The Buddy 50cc is a nice scooter to start out on, but there is so little difference size wise in a short time you'd want the 125cc. Just for that extra oomph for various reasons.

I pondered which one to get and I have no regrets that I didn't buy the 50cc; in fact, I was glad I didn't get the 50cc.

In MN, you need to take the written test and pass to get a M permit valid for one year. Then when you are ready take the skill tests to get the M endorsement.
http://www.dmv.org/mn-minnesota/motorcycle-license.php
http://www.dmv.org/dmv-practice-test.ph ... motorcycle

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/mmsc/latest/ ... d=5&mid=31

http://www.msf-usa.org/CourseReview/Questionframe.htm

http://msf-usa.org/downloads/Scooter_tips-screen.pdf
(Then click on screen to download)

Even if you ride a 50cc you should know this info for your own safety.

Unless you are under 18, it is not mandatory to take BRC course but recommended. In fact, some questions on permit test are in the BRC book but not in MN Motorcycle manual.

Riding on M Permit, you need DOT approved helmet, can't carry passengers, can't ride on interstate highway, may not ride at night (1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise).

We all have different needs; but if you invest in the 125cc, you won't have any regrets.

I second what ryder1 said. You will not regret the buddy 125 just because it does open the door to drive so many other places. And Scooterville is awsome to deal with, Ed and Bob will not steer you wrong. I love my 125 and it has been very reliable for me, 1,500 miles and no problems as of yet. I am 5'11" and 190lbs and have no trouble with comfort. Oh yeah i also commute 30 miles each way to work with 1/3 of that being 55mph and the 125 does great. Make sure to say hi to Scooter if you go there.