Modern Buddy

Maybe some recall that I've been looking for a new Buddy down here in Estero Fl. Got down here on Nov. 1 and I'm just about ready to give up looking. There is a dealer over on the east coast about 120 some miles away from here (west coast) and there is supposed to be a guy at Fort Myers beach that sells scooters. The problem is that I am so use to AC motors (North Canton OH.) and Pride of Cleveland (Lakewood) dealers that I have been a bit spoiled. I left my 150 Buddy back in Ohio and thought I would get a new one for down here in Estero and just leave it here when I fly back home this spring. I wish there was a GOOD Buddy dealer near me here. I can however buy a Burgman 650. Wayyyyyyyyyy over kill for my needs. Wish I didn't love my Buddy so darn much. I'm a guy (234 lbs) and maybe a Burgman might be just the ticket,but upwards of 9K when I add some goodies ,,,well over twice as much money,,,nuts. (I'll be 70 this Jan.) and I'm a widower. Boy, if I was a young man I would try to start a Good Buddy dealership here in Estero FL. We need one. All the folks in this retirement village where I stay really liked my scooter. I fly down here now so I had to leave my Bud at home. Just sayin.

If you are thinking of something about the size of a Burgman, you might check out the Yamaha Majesty 400. I had one for a while and they are a very nice, reliable, bike. You probably could find a good lower mileage used one for much less than a Burgman.

I especially liked the forward storage areas vs the Burgmans.

Alternatively, maybe you could have your Buddy shipped down there...?

Good luck!

I've checked and shipping could be $700.00 or more down to me. Pride of Cleveland checks with many shippers to find the best price, but it still could cost me a bundle. I'll tell you this after looking at other scooters until I could see them in my sleep I have yet to find one with the storage of the Buddy, I might be a tad over spoken in stating that but some can't even add a front bracket for basket or such. I've taken my Buddy to the grocers and brought home a ton of stuff. My Buddy spoiled me pure and simple. I am on a fixed income that is starting to worry me with everything going up so I'll check out that scooter you referenced,,,thank you. PS. I have a large basket on the front of my Buddy,,,,holds a twelve pact of Yuengling Lager nicely.

Maybe try and find a Genuine dealer that will ship a new Buddy to you? Seems somebody on here did that because they didn't have a local dealer.

Sailboat13 wrote:I've checked and shipping could be $700.00 or more down to me. Pride of Cleveland checks with many shippers to find the best price, but it still could cost me a bundle. I'll tell you this after looking at other scooters until I could see them in my sleep I have yet to find one with the storage of the Buddy, I might be a tad over spoken in stating that but some can't even add a front bracket for basket or such. I've taken my Buddy to the grocers and brought home a ton of stuff. My Buddy spoiled me pure and simple. I am on a fixed income that is starting to worry me with everything going up so I'll check out that scooter you referenced,,,thank you. PS. I have a large basket on the front of my Buddy,,,,holds a twelve pact of Yuengling Lager nicely.

That DOES seem pretty steep, however, it's a lot less costly than buying a whole new scoot! If I were you, I'd consider it.

But can I just say, props to you for scootin' around at 70... that's awesome.

Anybody know anything about Motorcar Exchange in Ft Myers?

Motorcar is now in Fort Myers beach. I talked with a guy on the phone. Didn't have any Buddies on site. Wasn't impressed much with our conversation. I'll leave it at that.

Oh. Too bad.

I did just see a couple Elites on CL in your area. Even a 2010 Elite in Naples. It's not a Buddy, but it is a Honda, and it's hard to go wrong with a Honda.

Wow, you're pretty far down there. Never been down that far on the Gulf side. I suppose you've already looked at Genuine's dealer map.

Still, there's plenty of others even if not so close. I'd say that if you want to stick with a Buddy, try visiting a few down there and see which you like best. You already know you like your Buddy, you just need a good dealership.

A B650 would be great if you want to spend some time on the highway but is quite a stretch from a Buddy. You might prefer the B400 instead. Most reviews I've read say it's a toss-up between the B400 and the Majesty, especially the later Burgs. The earlier ones had some issues. The B400 is still capable of carrying a grown man at faster than highway speeds.