Modern Buddy

I just noticed my "new" scooter is missing it's plaque the other night...and the shop that sold me my scooter has closed down (they were there for years, and I seriously doubt there was anything underhanded going on) so I can't approach them about it.

What would you do?...or would you even do anything?

(The last picture is a close up of the plaque in the 2nd picture)

If a Buddy has been damaged and that plastic panel has been replaced, the VIN plate may not have been transfered to the new panel. The date you see on your other VIN plate is the actual month of manufacture. The supposed US "model year" is often different than the actual date of manufacture. There is a document called the "manufacturers statement of origin" which is generated as part of the importation process. This MSO is filed with state DMV to assign the original title and this usually is the source of the "model year" which occurs on the title.

Just like a automobile, the new model year begins on September 1st.

Sometimes, even sooner because a manufacturer wants to to a early introduction but never before July 1st.

So, the plate shown indicates a build date of 09/08.
Because this was produced in the first production month of the 2009 model year, it is a 2009.

Although the plate isn't a critical component since the VIN# is stamped elseware into the frame, it would be nice to have when the memory fades regarding tire pressure.

I agree though, the bin likely was damaged in shipping and, athough the plate should have been transferred, obviously it wasn't....likely overlooked during repair.

Rob

Robbie wrote:So, the plate shown indicates a build date of 09/08.
Because this was produced in the first production month of the 2009 model year, it is a 2009.

Actually, you will often find European or Asian scooters where the build date does not fall within the period for the so-called model year (Sept to Sept, or whatever it happens to be). Actually, this clearly happens for US model cars for that matter. The cars that are delivered and sold in the first month of the new model year were obviously built 2 or 3 months earlier.

Michelle you got yourself one of those clone Buddy's

Robbie wrote:Just like a automobile, the new model year begins on September 1st.

Sometimes, even sooner because a manufacturer wants to to a early introduction but never before July 1st.

Not at all the case with scooters. Unsure how state DMVs or the DOT treat these things, but scooter manufacturers can call a scooter any model year they want. The Piaggio BV350s, on sale for a few weeks now, are 2013 models by their measure.

Interesting info. Whoda thunk? I figured there had to be a logical explanation for both of my questions.

Well, I DO have the VIN on the label there, but it does bug me that I don't have a plaque. I guess the plaque is easy enough to take off, so if the scoot was ever stolen, having a plaque might not help anyhow.

Is the VIN elsewhere on the scooter? If not, maybe I'd better get an engraving tool (scribe?) and go to work!

The VIN should also be stamped on the engine and somewhere on the frame.

I'll take a look then. Thanks!

I had to go out to the garage and see if my scoot has a plaque.. it does

Robbie wrote:Although the plate isn't a critical component since the VIN# is stamped elseware into the frame, it would be nice to have when the memory fades regarding tire pressure.

Just lift up the seat for a pressure refresher!

The _engine_ number is stamped on the engine, back by the gear oil filler.

The VIN is stamped on the frame under that rectangular plastic cap below the glove bucket on the backside of the legshield.

AlleyOops wrote:I had to go out to the garage and see if my scoot has a plaque.. it does

Mine used to, but not since I started brushing and flossing it daily.

The 10th digit of the VIN always designated the year of the machine. So it is indeed a 09. As others have said, when you replace that plastic panel you have to drill new holes and transfer the "plate". Someone just forgot or was lazy that day .

The VIN is also on the chassis underneath the plastic all the way up front. directly behind the front wheel (if that makes sense)