Modern Buddy

Hi Guys, I am looking to get two Genuine Scooters. One for me, and one for my girlfriend.

I do not have much experience with owning scooters, but I was referred to Genuine by a few people I trust.

I am looking to get a larger cc model scooter, and I am looking to buy as a surprise, a 50cc scooter for my girlfriend.

My question is two parts:
1. What are a couple of the most popular scooters in the larger cc? Is there a great value priced model? What are the top 2 or 3 models in the larger cc?
2. What are the top 2 or 3 most popular scooters for girls? As it is a surprise I do not want her to get any hint she may be getting one.

Thanks for your help guys!

If you want to stick with Genuine, get the Blur 220i for yourself but get the gf a Buddy 125. If you get her a 50cc, she won't be able to go for rides with you unless she rides pillion on the Blur (and that will be frustrating).
If she has a Buddy 125, you can go for rides together on most back roads.

There are many other good options for big scoots from Sym, Kymco and Piaggio. I'll let others experienced with those comment.

Nice position you're in there!
Good luck!

The Buddy 125 is the best-selling model Genuine makes, popular with both male and female riders (though certain colors tend to be more popular with one or the other). But I wouldn't pay too much attention to which is the most "popular", because it really comes down to which one best matches what you want... and for the girlfriend, which one matches her wants.

I'd caution you to consider carefully whether to "surprise" her with a Buddy 50. First, unless she's said otherwise, or you're sure you know her well enough to know, she may just not be that interested, and then you're sitting with a $2000+ coatrack parked out back. Or she might prefer something faster (Buddy 125/170, Blur), or more retro (Stella), or more off-road-able (Roughhouse). Or just a different color. There are also other good scooter manufacturers out there (Honda, Yamaha, Kymco, Vespa, among others), and she might like one of theirs better. I'm not saying "don't"... I'm just saying "make sure you're sure".

Whether a 50cc is "enough" is a good question to start with. For many people (such as me) it is. I've had mine for three years, 15,000 miles, a lot of commuting, and three extended road trips so far, and I couldn't be happier with it. It was cheaper and a little less red tape to buy, it's a little cheaper to own, and it does what I want it to do. With the restrictors removed, it'll go 40mph but no faster. Since I don't have any interest in going faster than that, it's a perfect match. For me. But if I wanted to take my scooter on 55mph roads, I'd better off with a Buddy 125 or one of the other motorcycle-class scooters.

But let's start with you. What do you want in a scooter?

Tocsik wrote:If you want to stick with Genuine, get the Blur 220i for yourself but get the gf a Buddy 125. If you get her a 50cc, she won't be able to go for rides with you unless she rides pillion on the Blur (and that will be frustrating).

Or when they ride together, he limits his speed to something her scooter can keep up with. Couples sometimes do that sort of thing for each other; I used to do it when my short-legged boyfriend and I rode bikes or went for walks.

Well, after you've listened to all of us jawjack allow me to suggest hitting http://www.genuinescooters.com

As mentioned above, the Blur220i is the highest displacement Genuine offers. It's a sportbikey scoot.

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but IIRC all Buddy displacements are in the same body...or very nearly so. Therefore a Buddy 170i is physically no bigger than a Buddy 50 or 125, but would be much better able to keep pace with a Blur. And traffic.

Stella is a metal-bodied old-school manual shift. Retro gorgeous, but shifting isn't for everyone.

The best scooter brands out there (reliability)
Geniune
Kymco
Sym
Honda

If you want to do two up riding, I would encourage 250cc or higher, especially if you need to be able to do highway speeds safely. The rest of the information posted already is great advice.

What TVB said about the surprise scooter. My BH expressed an interest, no more, and I jumped right onto a second scooter. It turned out ok, I guess, because that is now my ride, but it took an ill placed Mercedes for that to occur. If not for that accident, the Fiddle would be little more than a dust collector.

Better for the two of you to ride together and let her decide that she really wants her own scooter.

ravenlore wrote:Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but IIRC all Buddy displacements are in the same body...or very nearly so.

That's correct. People say "bigger"/"smaller", but all Buddies have the same body, with different engines, different components such as brakes/wheels/shocks/horns, and different cosmetics.

I'd argue that "most popular" and "what's best for a specific rider" may be two very different things. Everyone likes different colors, displacements, vintage vs retro vs modern, styling, wheel size, seat height, other features. There are "better" and "worse" manufacturers and that should be taken into account, but Genuine has some holes in their lineup that may be better served by other brands, and finding a good dealer is just as important as finding a good scooter.

If I based my record collection on "what's popular" I'd have a few thousand Hootie and the Blowfish, Celine Dion, Andy Williams, and Limp Bizkit albums that would be of no use to me. : )

I am with those who caution you against "surprises". Some people are born to ride and many are not. That is why Craiglist is filled with bikes that hardly have any miles on them sold by nice guys who surprised their wive or GF and were hoping she would take up riding. Some ladies are perfectly happy riding in the back and that is where having bigger cc bike that can accommodate two is a better choice than getting her a ride of her own. Depending on the area where you live 50cc may be a not good choice. I wanted 50cc initially to avoid having to get a license. My local dealer cautioned me (bless his heart) that with uneven terrain we have in my area (hills. Up and down) 50cc bike will not do well. Boy am I glad I have a 150cc bike (it was worth the hastle of getting licensed). I went on several rides with folks on 50cc bikes and any time we were in a hilly area they fell behind. In some places 50cc may work perfectly fine and if there is no license required there is less hastle. Something else to consider is whether your GF can ride a bicycle. In my riding glass they strongly suggested that we practice bicycle riding before taking a class.
Good luck!

spr0k3t wrote:The best scooter brands out there (reliability)
Geniune
Kymco
Sym
Honda

I'd probably also add Yamaha to that list.

k1dude wrote:

spr0k3t wrote:The best scooter brands out there (reliability)
Geniune (Genuine)
Kymco
Sym
Honda

I'd probably also add Yamaha to that list.

If you are going to build a list - there is certainly no reason to leave Vespa off of it based on reliability.

Depending on what you want, it might be worth it to you to check out Honda dealerships as they are having some very good deals on the SH150i as they are replacing it with a different model. Apparently, American scooter riders prefer the smaller wheels over the larger motor-cycle type wheels. They are not discontinuing the model, they just will not be selling it in the US. It is one of the most popular models in Europe. And you have Honda reliability and distribution. I looked at one and came very close. I found it a bit tall. I'm sure I would have gotten used to it, I just found something that spoke to me more. It's totally different than any of the Genuine scooters. Hope I'm not being too vocal. I have just tried and re-tried so many in the last couple of
of months that all this info is fresh on my mind... And some of it may be helpful.

I can tell you that the 170i is a fine bike, and will be able to keep up with the Blur, for the most part on most roads. As for the Blur, it looks like a fine ride and I talked with someone the other day that owns one and he likes it. I have ridden 50cc for quite some time, and they are nice, but the limitations can get frustrating.

As for riding together on the same bike? Depending on weight, for short trips I am sure the Blur or the 170i would be fine. We do date nights on the 170i, but we don't go fast, and we don't go far.

I can recommend the Buddys without reservation as solid small frame scooters and an excellent value. The Blur is a bit more complicated situation. They have never really caught on and are difficult to resell. They are a decent bike of their kind IMO, but they have many competitors that might be equally good or better choices depending on exactly what you are looking for and how you intend to use it.

I don't know if budget has anything to do with the choice, but I don't think you can do better than the Kymco Agility 125 (money wise). Next would be the Buddy 125.

If I were you, I'd get two 170i's. If you insist on having more displacement than her, get her the 125.

If you don't mind the modern looks of the Blur, you could get that for yourself and a 170i or 125 for her.

I don't recommend the 50 if you plan on doing rides together.

I would get her the 50 cc Pamplona!!
She will fall in love!! Great looking, plenty of punch for a newbie!! Any woman would be `absolutely tickled to get a 50 cc Pamplona if they are new to scootering and its a surprise. She will be able to take off on it as soon as its unveiled and buzz around. No license and just a sticker registration! Down the road if she becomes really into scootering she can change to more power later. Many many people love the ease and the peppy nature of the 50 cc and for many it is plenty of power, myself included!

kimmiekarma wrote:. No license and just a sticker registration! Down the road if she becomes really into scootering she can change to more power later.

Well, the vehicle registration/driver licensing requirements vary significantly by state, so your experience in MA will be different from OP's in FL.

In MN for example, a 50cc Buddy would be titled, registered and plated as a moped; the rider not needing a motorcycle endorsement. At the same time a 50cc Vespa must be titled, registered and plated as a motorcycle, and the rider must be endorsed.

ravenlore wrote:

kimmiekarma wrote:. No license and just a sticker registration! Down the road if she becomes really into scootering she can change to more power later.

Well, the vehicle registration/driver licensing requirements vary significantly by state, so your experience in MA will be different from OP's in FL.

In MN for example, a 50cc Buddy would be titled, registered and plated as a moped; the rider not needing a motorcycle endorsement. At the same time a 50cc Vespa must be titled, registered and plated as a motorcycle, and the rider must be endorsed.

It's the same in FL as MA.......

kimmiekarma wrote:

ravenlore wrote:

kimmiekarma wrote:. No license and just a sticker registration! Down the road if she becomes really into scootering she can change to more power later.

Well, the vehicle registration/driver licensing requirements vary significantly by state, so your experience in MA will be different from OP's in FL.

In MN for example, a 50cc Buddy would be titled, registered and plated as a moped; the rider not needing a motorcycle endorsement. At the same time a 50cc Vespa must be titled, registered and plated as a motorcycle, and the rider must be endorsed.

It's the same in FL as MA.......

Cool! I'm really kinda surprised that there are two states that have the same licensing laws.

ravenlore wrote:

kimmiekarma wrote:. No license and just a sticker registration! Down the road if she becomes really into scootering she can change to more power later.

Well, the vehicle registration/driver licensing requirements vary significantly by state, so your experience in MA will be different from OP's in FL.

In MN for example, a 50cc Buddy would be titled, registered and plated as a moped; the rider not needing a motorcycle endorsement. At the same time a 50cc Vespa must be titled, registered and plated as a motorcycle, and the rider must be endorsed.

Are the Vespa and the Buddy 50cc not basically the same, or are all Vespas manual and that is why?

Capt_Don wrote:

ravenlore wrote:

kimmiekarma wrote:. No license and just a sticker registration! Down the road if she becomes really into scootering she can change to more power later.

Well, the vehicle registration/driver licensing requirements vary significantly by state, so your experience in MA will be different from OP's in FL.

In MN for example, a 50cc Buddy would be titled, registered and plated as a moped; the rider not needing a motorcycle endorsement. At the same time a 50cc Vespa must be titled, registered and plated as a motorcycle, and the rider must be endorsed.

Are the Vespa and the Buddy 50cc not basically the same, or are all Vespas manual and that is why?

There are no new manual Vespas in the US.

MN's moped-plating law is somewhat complex, based on three criteria:

1) Displacement. (50cc and under)
2) Braking horsepower (2bhp or less)
3) Mechanical restriction to 30mph on a flat surface

Buddys meet all three criteria and therefore can be plated as mopeds in MN. Other 50cc scoots may not meet the other two requirements. Vespas for example are not mechanically restricted from the manufacturer, so no moped plate.

To further complicate matters just a little, de-restricting a Buddy is cake. Just has to be done AFTER title and registration

And there are moped-plated Vespas in MN, but they're grandfathered. Older Vespa 50cc's...ET2's for example, were titled and registered prior to the horsepower and restriction requirements (happened? started being enforced?)

kimmiekarma wrote:I would get her the 50 cc Pamplona!!
She will fall in love!! Great looking, plenty of punch for a newbie!! Any woman would be `absolutely tickled to get a 50 cc Pamplona if they are new to scootering and its a surprise. She will be able to take off on it as soon as its unveiled and buzz around. No license and just a sticker registration! Down the road if she becomes really into scootering she can change to more power later. Many many people love the ease and the peppy nature of the 50 cc and for many it is plenty of power, myself included!

I think the main reason people are advising against the 50cc, aside from the usual reasons, is because the OP talked about getting a large scooter for himself and a 50cc for her. If he is planning for them to ride together, then they'll be seriously mismatched and it will likely become frustrating very quickly. So on that note, I would concur with those above who have recommended the 125. It has plenty of power to go almost anywhere, but it's still small and light enough for a beginner to handle.

ravenlore wrote:
...MN's moped-plating law is somewhat complex, based on three criteria:

1) Displacement. (50cc and under)
2) Braking horsepower (2bhp or less)
3) Mechanical restriction to 30mph on a flat surface

Buddys meet all three criteria and therefore can be plated as mopeds...

Wow, thank you!

pdxrita wrote:

kimmiekarma wrote:I would get her the 50 cc Pamplona!!
She will fall in love!! Great looking, plenty of punch for a newbie!! Any woman would be `absolutely tickled to get a 50 cc Pamplona if they are new to scootering and its a surprise. She will be able to take off on it as soon as its unveiled and buzz around. No license and just a sticker registration! Down the road if she becomes really into scootering she can change to more power later. Many many people love the ease and the peppy nature of the 50 cc and for many it is plenty of power, myself included!

I think the main reason people are advising against the 50cc, aside from the usual reasons, is because the OP talked about getting a large scooter for himself and a 50cc for her. If he is planning for them to ride together, then they'll be seriously mismatched and it will likely become frustrating very quickly. So on that note, I would concur with those above who have recommended the 125. It has plenty of power to go almost anywhere, but it's still small and light enough for a beginner to handle.

Sounded to me like he is already decided on the 50cc, he was just asking for recommendations for a one would be a nice surprise......... And I disagree, I don't think there would be a mismatch..... as, when he riding with someone with less power you can easily ride together by maintaining the same speed.... I think the 50cc is a great choice....for lots of reasons...

kimmiekarma wrote:Sounded to me like he is already decided on the 50cc, he was just asking for recommendations for a one would be a nice surprise......... And I disagree, I don't think there would be a mismatch..... as, when he riding with someone with less power you can easily ride together by maintaining the same speed.... I think the 50cc is a great choice....for lots of reasons...

It really depends on the two riders. Especially the one on the faster bike. The earlier comment that you "can't" ride together if your scooters are mismatched (such as 50cc and 170cc) is simply false. Obviously both scooters can go anywhere from 0-40mph as long as the riders can both go those speeds. Plenty of scooter clubs go on group rides with engines ranging from 50cc-300cc. It can be done, and it can be fun.

If you're the sort of rider who isn't really having fun until around 45mph, and your counterpart is the sort of rider who doesn't like going over 25mph, it doesn't matter what kind of scooter the second one is; you can't ride together. Either you'll feel held back, or she'll fell pushed, or both.

On the other hand, if you're the sort of rider who can appreciate a long 30mph scenic ride, and who doesn't care how fast you're going as long as you can watch the aforementioned person riding in front of you*, then you can even buy her a poorly tuned 4-stroke 50cc and ride it at 10000 feet altitude and all will be well.

*"Slower rider in front" has saved many bicycling/biking/scootering relationships.

If the OP is asking for advice, I presume he has not already decided on a 50. My partner was "tickled pink" with a Buddy 125 and we ride together frequently. For us, a 50 would have been a poor choice. I agree with the advice of several others on this point. The question also came up of 50 Buddy vs 50 Vespa. The modern 50 Vespa (LX or S) is a 4T CVT and is quite expensive compared to the Buddy 50, which is a 2T CVT. Vespa has not sold a 50cc manual shift in the US for many years.

Dooglas wrote:If the OP is asking for advice, I presume he has not already decided on a 50. My partner was "tickled pink" with a Buddy 125 and we ride together frequently. For us, a 50 would have been a poor choice. I agree with the advice of several others on this point. The question also came up of 50 Buddy vs 50 Vespa. The modern 50 Vespa (LX or S) is a 4T CVT and is quite expensive compared to the Buddy 50, which is a 2T CVT. Vespa has not sold a 50cc manual shift in the US for many years.

Blah Blah Blah!!

kimmiekarma wrote:Blah Blah Blah!!

Surely an insightful comment based on your extensive experience and thoughtful analysis.

Hmm. We have this huge thread and the OP has never returned.

Funny he posted the same thing in the Modern Vespa forums and replied plenty to them.

http://modernvespa.com/forum/topic100338

Dooglas wrote:

kimmiekarma wrote:Blah Blah Blah!!

Surely an insightful comment based on your extensive experience and thoughtful analysis.

Hahahahaha!!!!

Demo_Nic wrote:Funny he posted the same thing in the Modern Vespa forums and replied plenty to them.

http://modernvespa.com/forum/topic100338

I don't think those are the same people, unless he lives in New York and Miami, has driven a buddy, and also doesn't know much about them?

and Kimmie....
I don't wanna speak for everybody here, cause it's not my job, so I'll speak for myself.
If you don't want to contribute to the conversation, don't.
If you were here for awhile you might know that Dooglas has forgotten more about 2 wheels then you might ever know.

If the OP is even checking this thread anymore-
I would agree that it really depends on what you and your SO want.
If your stuck on Genuine, you'll not find too many people that will say it's not a good choice.
The buddy has been proven to be a damn near bullet proof, if you take a little care of it.
Blur is one of those bikes I would have gotten if it was available.
They don't make Rats anymore, but if they did I would say get that cause it's what I have and like it.

Wow thanks guys! I am sorry, I did not expect the responses to be so immediate or numerous. I am new at forums. Sorry for the delay in response.

After reading all the threads, I have come to the conclusion that surprising her would not be the best route to go haha.

I am going to take her around to a couple of shops and see what she likes. I am still leaning towards getting her something that is 50cc as she does not have much riding experience. And as mentioned, I can adjust my speed to match hers. Most of her riding will be around Miami Beach. My only concern is getting over to the beach without slowing up traffic.

I really like the look of the 170i. I do not need to have more power than her for the sake of having more power, it is just that I am 200lbs and she is about 110, and so I figured we may have similar performance with her on a 50 and myself on something larger.

Just from a cost point of view I am hoping she likes the buddy 50 haha.

I will check out the other brands you guys suggested and see if anything raises her eyebrows.

We are going to try and get to a couple of shops today. I will let you guys know which way we end up going.

I really appreciate the advice. I can't address all of them in this reply, but all were read. Again, sorry for not returning to the thread sooner. The email I used doesn't come to my phone and I did not check over the weekend.

Also, this is the only post/thread I have started. The other thread is someone else.

Scoot22 wrote:Also, this is the only post/thread I have started. The other thread is someone else.

My apologies.

BTW how tall is your GF? That could also make a difference whether you choose a Buddy or a Vespa.

Demo_Nic wrote:BTW how tall is your GF? That could also make a difference whether you choose a Buddy or a Vespa.

Agree. One of the most significant reasons why my partner chose a 125 Buddy compared to a Vespa LX was because of the riding position. She is 5'3" and feels very comfortable on the Buddy. She was unable to flat foot the LX and felt that the spacing from the normal position on the seat to the bars was a little long for her.

The good thing then if you go with a 170i and a 50 is that she can probably ride with you now and again, though I would hesitate to call the buddy a comfy 2-up beast from both ergonomic and braking standpoints. It'll still do it though.

Also, if you both get Buddy's, they of course use 99% of the same parts. Wheels are different and some frame parts might not be the same, but it's nice to have 'spares' if you swap out for racks and the like.

She is 5'3 as well so the buddy should be a good fit. And I am going to try and get both in the same brand. [/quote]

Scoot22 wrote:I really like the look of the 170i. I do not need to have more power than her for the sake of having more power, it is just that I am 200lbs and she is about 110, and so I figured we may have similar performance with her on a 50 and myself on something larger.

I know you sound like you're pretty much decided on getting the 50cc for her, and it also doesn't sound like a horrible idea, given the type of riding you plan to do. However, I just want to point out that, even with your personal size differential, a 170i and a 50cc will not have anywhere near the same performance. She will top out at 40mph (at best, derestricted) and you will be able to go up to 70mph or more. You'd be much better matched with her on a 125cc.

I know you sound like you're pretty much decided on getting the 50cc for her, and it also doesn't sound like a horrible idea, given the type of riding you plan to do. However, I just want to point out that, even with your personal size differential, a 170i and a 50cc will not have anywhere near the same performance. She will top out at 40mph (at best, derestricted) and you will be able to go up to 70mph or more. You'd be much better matched with her on a 125cc.[/quote]

I will definitely take that into consideration. If she feels comfortable on a 125 and likes the scooter, then I will go with it.

if you're just riding around Miami Beach then she MIGHT be ok with a 50, as long as she doesn't ride around like the knuckleheads i see down there during WMC renting scooters :-p i saw one dude crash right into the back of a car while trying to holler at a girl at a party. he was unhurt - physically, lol

Just tossing my two cents in (again): The only times I wish my 50cc had more guts are going up hills. I don't think they have those south of Jacksonville.