Modern Buddy

After a series of unusual events, I have decided to trade in my Stella for a Buddy. It wasn't an easy decision, I loved my Stella. But I needed something super reliable and practical. Hopefully when I have more time and energy, I will be able to add a vintage (which is what I *really* want). For now, I have to go the practical route.

This is the first automatic bike I've ever ridden--it's so simple I feel confused! I also keep feeling like I'm forgetting something, like the fuel line or the choke. I rode it around the neighborhood this afternoon and it has really good acceleration, but I feel like I'm driving a toy. I think it's because it's smaller and more maneuverable than the Stella? At one point, I couldn't figure out why my blinkers wouldn't turn off, and then I realized I had turned on the hazards

So far I've had two pleasant surprises: my helmet fits under the seat (!) and the blinkers and headlight are incredibly bright compared to my Stella.

Anyway, I look forward to breaking it in and knowing that I have a fun, reliable scooter waiting for me in the garage!

Congrats on your new purchase. What kind of Buddy did you get and what color is it?

Oh, of course! I forgot the details...a nice Black 125.

Very sharp looking!

Congrats on the new 125. I've read that you'd been having problems with the Stella but I want one anyway. I wonder what I'd get if I traded in my 170i for one?....

Got to say I've been dismayed to read about all the difficulties people have had with Stellas. I realize it's an old design but it has been modernized somewhat. I think you made a pragmatic, well-considered choice.

Although I've never considered shifting a burden, it would be nice to be able to pull up to a stop, pull the brakes and just put my feet down.

Someday.

Southerner wrote:
Although I've never considered shifting a burden, it would be nice to be able to pull up to a stop, pull the brakes and just put my feet down.

Someday.

Shifting was only a burden when I was first learning, and a few times later when I stopped avoiding the bigger hills. I ended up enjoying it once I got used to it. I can totally see how owning several scooters happens--somedays you want one thing, other days another.

What kind of motorcycle do you have? I've ridden my friend's old CB200 a few times, it's a really nice little bike. Perfect size for me.

Drum Pro wrote: I've read that you'd been having problems with the Stella but I want one anyway.

And I would never discourage anyone from getting one! I just wasn't in the mindset to have a needy scoot--which is exactly why I wasn't jumping into a vintage quite yet. If you go into it knowing that there may be issues, and you have the time and are willing to deal, I still say it's a good scooter.

monkeykat wrote:This is the first automatic bike I've ever ridden--it's so simple I feel confused! I also keep feeling like I'm forgetting something, like the fuel line or the choke.

Enjoy! Your comment about simplicity reminded me of my scooter test drive. I asked three times before I believed that my feet didn't have to do any braking, shifting, or anything else.

I have the black 125 also. For me, I like that color best. My daughter is looking forward to getting a pink one, once she is old enough to ride.

A friend of mine owns both and refers to the buddy as his appliance. Its not an insult, just a reference to how reliable the thing is. Jut get on and go

monkeykat wrote:

Southerner wrote:
Although I've never considered shifting a burden, it would be nice to be able to pull up to a stop, pull the brakes and just put my feet down.

Someday.

Shifting was only a burden when I was first learning, and a few times later when I stopped avoiding the bigger hills. I ended up enjoying it once I got used to it. I can totally see how owning several scooters happens--somedays you want one thing, other days another.

What kind of motorcycle do you have? I've ridden my friend's old CB200 a few times, it's a really nice little bike. Perfect size for me.

Drum Pro wrote: I've read that you'd been having problems with the Stella but I want one anyway.

And I would never discourage anyone from getting one! I just wasn't in the mindset to have a needy scoot--which is exactly why I wasn't jumping into a vintage quite yet. If you go into it knowing that there may be issues, and you have the time and are willing to deal, I still say it's a good scooter.

It's a Honda PC 800. Heavy enough to make me want to consider something lighter at times, but a peerless commuter bike, especially with my mostly rural work commute.

Congrats! I had, and sold, and miss, a black Buddy. I still have my orange one though (had it first ).

I'd consider one again, if someone wanted to do some kind of trade for my MP3 250. I's rather have 2 Buddys then 2 MP3s. Don't get me wrong, I like my MP3s, but I really don't need 2. With two Buddys I'd be able to share the miles between them, and have a spare for the unlikely event of a break down.

5,000+ miles and going strong!

congrats on the new Buddy 125

I recently did something similar by trading my 2009 Rattler 110 w/ @ 1000 miles back into the dealership I bought it at a few months ago and got a leftover 2009 Black Buddy 125; I wanted a Stella, but budget fell short so I opted for the Buddy 125 for my utilitarian needs and decided to keep my used 2008 Buell Blast for recreational riding...of course the Buddy gets some recreational and the Blast gets some utilitarian from time to time

I like the styling on the Buddy more than the Stella and the Rattler...similar to the Vespa LX150 that got traded on the Buell Blast; even though the LX150 is fuel injected the Buddy 125 feels like it has more power and pickup;

I am in the process of breaking mine in sporaticly when the temps are warm enough; so far 3 rides & 150 miles mostly 3/4 throttle and under; the first oil changes (engine & rear hub) will happen @ 250 miles;

anyhow enjoy your new ride