New Buddy 170i

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:58 pm

Hello, I'll start by admitting I am new to scootering. I just purchased a Buddy 170i and have been riding it for 2 weeks trying to break it in. It is awesome blast, I never thought it could be so much fun and I haven't even given it full throttle yet. With that said I do have one issue, high speed instability.
When talking with the salesman I explained to him what I intended to use the scooter for, which is to commute to and from work. This commute would involve a 10 mile stretch of road which is posted 55 mph and I would need a scooter capable of doing this. I was looking at an Aprilla Sportcity 250, but the salesman, looks, and reputation of the Buddy brand persuaded me to get the 170i. The scooter is extremely "twitchy" at speeds above 45 mph, and unsafe at 55+ mph. After reading several reviews of other Buddys this seems to be an inherent problem attributed to the lightness of the scooter and the 10" wheels.
Finally I'll get to my question. Is there anything I can do to make the scooter more stable at 55 mph? Is it possible to put larger wheels on it?

Mtlgrlie · Post by **Mtlgrlie** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 9:15 pm

so sorry for you dilemma....are you new to riding in general? or just the buddy?

we now go over 50, 55 all the time on our 150's....i have a blackjack which came with ncy forks and felt more stable than our used Pamplona 150cc with standard forks.....I installed the beefier, heavier ncy's on it and it feels much better! don't know what comes on the 170's, but maybe others could chime in about the forks?

the tires can't be bigger by the way.....

unless I missed something.

hope that helps.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 9:22 pm

Congrats on your new scooter! You're in for a lot of fun! You have nothing to be concerned about in needing to go 55mph on a Buddy. I ride at that speed regularly and have ridden mine up to 75mph without issue.

Regarding the instability you are experiencing, it is not normal. There could be a couple of contributing factors.

Number 1, you are a new rider so going 55mph right away might not be advisable. Just the newness of riding on 2-wheels at speed could be contributing to the twitchiness. Riding at speed requires experience and technique.

As for possible physical factors contributing, first, check that your tires are properly inflated. 30psi front and back is the recommended psi. You should get in the habit of checking tire pressure every other fill up. If that is not the solution, put your scooter on the center stand and spin the front wheel. Look for any wobble or looseness. Also check that the forks are sturdy and have no play. These are unlikely problems IMO, but if you notice an issue take your scooter back to the dealer and have them service it.

As for correct riding technique, I hope you have taken a MSF course or at least read Proficient Motorcycling to begin learning rudimentary good habits. These are great resources.

Once recommendation I can make is, when riding at high speed, gently press forward on your handlebars (you should be doing this anyways if correctly counter steering). The pressure will steady the scooter. At GPS 75mph I was pressing hard.

My guess is that a little more experience and good riding technique will help a bunch. But definitely check thoroughly for any physical setup issues.

Ride safe! And definitely stay within your own personal comfort zone.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 9:39 pm

Thanx for the quick answers. As far as the fork is considered, on the side, the mechanic at the shop suggested I replace the front fork with the ncy's that come on the Blackjack if I planned to ride a higher speeds.
Yes I am new to powered 2 wheel riding, however I have riden and raced, when I was younger, BMX and road bikes for more than 30 years so balancing and manuvering hasn't been hard to pick up. Yes I did read a riding manual cause there are no riding schools in this rual area. I plan on taking the scooter in for a check up next week.
With all that said I love the scooter, epecially in town, if I had known it would be this much fun I would of gotten a scooter years ago. Thanx again. Happy scootering all ;~).

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 10:00 pm

I regularly ride at 55mph+ and have had no problems even up to 70mph with my stock 125.

You're probably still getting used to the scooter and how it handles. That's probably the biggest part of your uneasiness. Another part is wind and road surface. If there are ruts or grooves in the road, your scooter will try to track those grooves and you'll feel a loss of control. Same with wind gusts. But you'll quickly learn to 'go with the flow' and not let those variables affect you. Always be aware of the road surface and avoid any trouble spots.

Your scooter is easily capable of handling 55+ for 10 miles with total control. With more time in the saddle you'll figure it out.

ScooterLou · Post by **ScooterLou** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 12:48 am

In my neck of the woods 10mi on a buddy with a posted speed limit of 55mph is a little hairy. Even in the slow lane traffic can easily move along at 65mph making it difficult for the buddy to keep up. Roads posted at 45mph can even move at 60mph. The buddy can usually keep up on those posted at 45 but I stay away from those posted at higher limits. I would suggest finding an alternate route. Over time you will get used to riding the buddy at it's maximum speed. New riders tend to tighten up the faster they go when they need to do just the opposite.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 2:17 am

I agree with others, just ride more and get more experience. The bike is capable of doing that just fine.

That being said. Check the tire air pressures, and I would even take it by the shop I bought it from. Let one of the mechanics run it up to 60MPH+ JUST to be sure... If he says its okay, then you should be good. Just keep riding.

atlantaM3 · Post by **atlantaM3** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 2:29 am

the SC250 is a much more stable ride at 50+ mph due to the larger wheels/tires. The buddy is 'darty' in comparison past 55mph to me, so I understand what you mean. Once you get used to the buddy it isn't too bad though, just know that it isn't a one hand at 65 mph machine.

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:36 am

Hi- I am a new rider and 170 owner as well, I've had mine about as long. I also have a commute to and from work around 20 miles, and I scoot full time now.

Previously I was used to riding cupcake on my boyfriend's two stroke Stella, so my Buddy was incredibly smooth compared. Wind gusts come with the fall season here, though- I have taken mine full throttle and I have taken mine on the interstate once. Mind you, the interstate here is only 55mph through the city and this was at 130am with barely any other traffic on the road- but the wind gusts on the interstate with no trees around to buffer me from it made it seem like I was drifting, and it still turned out to be a bad idea. I'll be revisiting the interstate as a serious idea closer to the spring I think.

I do sometimes feel vibrations, but I'd been pretty sure I'd narrowed down what they were- things in my under-seat cubby (I've determined that at higher speeds, even if there is nothing loose in there, it makes the scoot vibrate differently) and air catching my windshield a little. These vibrations have been extremely minor and have never alarmed me or made me feel unsafe... just curious as to what caused them. If it truly truly worries you, take it to your dealer and ask the shop to give it a once- over... I assume you've already had your first service?

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:52 am

There really should be no reason why your Buddy should not give you a safe and stable ride at 55 mph assuming it is in good shape and correctly set up. I do have to say though, if daily commuting at 55-65 mph is one of your primary requirements - there are other rides out there that will do that with more high speed stability (while giving up some of the quick maneuverability and light weight of the Buddy).

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 4:35 am

LunaP wrote:These vibrations have been extremely minor and have never alarmed me or made me feel unsafe... just curious as to what caused them.

I suspect your wheels are probably a little out-of-balance. Have them balanced and the vibrations at certain speeds should go away.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 4:40 am

Not sure what tires come on the new Blurs, but better tires may help as will a small windshield.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:11 pm

Thanx for all the suggestions, I think my main problem is the wind. I don't have any vibrations with the scooter, just like what another author said, feels "drifty". I suppose a little more experience will solve some of the uneasy feelings.

Another author mentioned a windscreen, I wonder if that could help?

Well Thanx again for all the help, this is the best forum I have ever used. Have fun all ;~).

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:24 pm

k1dude wrote:
LunaP wrote:These vibrations have been extremely minor and have never alarmed me or made me feel unsafe... just curious as to what caused them.
I suspect your wheels are probably a little out-of-balance. Have them balanced and the vibrations at certain speeds should go away.

I had them checked at my first service- my front alignment was visibly slightly off from a disagreement the front brake and I had my first day riding. I didn't take it past 45 until they realigned and checked everything for me a week later. I chalked my problems on the highway up to my inexperience and not knowing how to handle my scoot in the wind- not the scoot. I have no problem going 50 or 55 on roads other than the gusty, treeless interstate.

As for the vibrations I spoke of... I know for sure one cause were the items in my cubby because removing everything made it stop. I am disinclined to avoid using my cubby simply because it does this... really, I shouldn't have even called it 'vibration' as that can be a scary term in the scooter world. It just felt different, and not necessarily in a scary or bad way. Just something I had to get used to

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:38 pm

2wheelNsanity wrote:Thanx for all the suggestions, I think my main problem is the wind. I don't have any vibrations with the scooter, just like what another author said, feels "drifty". I suppose a little more experience will solve some of the uneasy feelings.

Another author mentioned a windscreen, I wonder if that could help?

Well Thanx again for all the help, this is the best forum I have ever used. Have fun all ;~).

I have a small windshield, I believe it's the one made specifically for the buddy- I love it, it saves you from some of the rain when it's only raining lightly, and BUGS. I'm at a perfect height where the top of the shield comes right up to my visor, and so my middle front never has anything hit it.

It will make you, the driver, more comfortable while riding, but I think it will be something that makes your scoot feel slightly different as far as handling is concerned and it may be something you will need to get used to.

Modern Buddy

New Buddy 170i

New Buddy 170i

have both the 170i and the SC250