New Buddy, first impressions

Ardeaem · Post by **Ardeaem** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 1:36 am

I just got my new '06 Buddy delivered today. It is a lot of fun to ride, but it will take some getting used to. I've never driven a scooter before. Here are my first impressions:

1. It can really accelerate. I have to be careful if I am behind a car at a light, because too much throttle gets me too close to the car in front of me.

2. People in cars aren't looking out for me. This can be a little scary when they come out of cross-streets.

3. People don't give you as much space as they would a car when coming out of cross-streets. Even if I am going the same speed as I would be in a car, they seem to think they can make a left turn from a cross-street safely with less space.

4. I have to watch my speed. I catch myself going 50 in a 30 without realizing it (I know the speedometer is off, but not by THAT much).

5. I have to get used to turning. I'm not sure yet how sharply I can turn on it. My first instinct is to slow down significantly through a curve, but that's not right - it makes the scooter less stable.

6. The scooter handles differently with 2 people on it.

7. It is so much fun to ride. I look forward to riding it more

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 3:07 am

If you don't already have your motorcycle license, I'm not sure if your state require it, please investing in the MSF course. It will give you the skills that you need to survive out there with all those crazy cagers.

BTW welcome. I hope you have a blast riding!

Ardeaem · Post by **Ardeaem** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 3:31 am

My wife and I have motorcycle permits, which in Missouri allows everything except driving at night and having a passenger. My wife really wants to take the MSF course; do you think it is worth investing in, over and above the knowledge required to pass a motorcycle written exam and a driving test?

Dennis Abrams · Post by **Dennis Abrams** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 3:35 am

Without a doubt it's worth taking the MSF class. I can't imagine driving my scooter in traffic without having taken it. It will improve your driving skills as well as increase your confidence on the road. I'd urge you to take it -- especially if your state will allow you to take the class on your scooter!

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 4:13 am

Ardeaem wrote:My wife and I have motorcycle permits, which in Missouri allows everything except driving at night and having a passenger. My wife really wants to take the MSF course; do you think it is worth investing in, over and above the knowledge required to pass a motorcycle written exam and a driving test?

Yes, you'll want to take the course. A lot of the issues you mentioned above are covered—most importantly, turning and curves under a variety of situations and speeds. Sharp turns, wide arcs, U-turns, swerving—these things all take practice and doing it with instructors present definitely helps.

But you're right, take a turn too slow and lose stability. Too fast and lose your ability to control the scoot. SOOO... course or not, practice practice practice.

There are some decent instructions on basic turning here:
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Scoote ... screen.pdf

Of course, you can only learn so much from a brochure.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 4:35 am

My first instinct is to slow down significantly through a curve, but that's not right

If I'm reading this right, it's not a matter of whether the MSF course is worth it. If you are applying either brake while banked into a turn, you need the class. Experienced riders can get away with trail braking in turns but inexperienced riders are taking unnecessary risks if they're braking in a turn.

I started riding when I was 16 and continued riding on and off into my early 30's when I stopped for a while. When I decided to start riding again a few years ago I went without the class for over 3 years. Finally got around to it last year and I learned a lot. I also realized very quickly that I had picked up quite a few bad habits that were hard to break in 3 days.

Take the class before you develop more bad habits. It's fun and a great investment.

JeremyZ · Post by **JeremyZ** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 5:52 pm

Ardaeam, one thing that will help with tailgaters and cutter-offers is a "crossing gaurd vest"

I wear mine whenever I'm going to be out in less than full light, and often when I'm in full light too. It helps a lot. People notice you because you look like a geek, but at least they notice you BEFORE they've hit your or caused you to him them.