Modern Buddy

Hey everyone,

After last weeks NYC Scooter Block Party, I kind of gave my girl the scooter itch. I'm trying to turn her into one of us. She's always been a passenger with me but now I'm doing research on what may be a good first scooter for her. She's about 5'5" medium build.

I've read the "Vespa vs Buddy" thread and have owned both... So I do know the experiences of both. I'm just here for opinions and persuasions on which one you would pick for the new inexperienced rider.

Value and practicality, what's better? I would occasionally being using it as well. Used Vespa or "new" Buddy? Price is not too far off from each other.

Is it even worth getting a 50cc or will that be a regret later if she ever got comfortable enough to ride the bigger roads?

Thoughts?

An inexperienced rider will probably prefer not having to learn shifting to ride the Buddy, but not necessarily. Has she ever tried piloting either kind? If not, giving her a few lessons on riding a shifty or test-driving both kinds in a large parking lot (entirely legal, even if she doesn't have a license) might determine if that's an issue or not.

New Buddy by a good margin. More fun, more economical, eaiser and less $ to maintain, AND that two year warranty.

I have no experience with Vespa so this is an unqualified, biased opinion. So prove me wrong, somebody.

/leaves rustling

Why not let her ride your Italia to see if she likes it?

I would honestly start with a used Buddy 125. Best value, most versatile, good resale. One thing to be said about Buddys and Vespas is the significant difference in seat height between the Buddy and any of the modern Vespas (Buddy is lower). At 5' 5", this may not be an issue for your girlfriend, but it certainly was for my partner who is 5' 3".

From personal perspective- I dislike shifting. I now know I would have totaly hated shifting in traffic. I never tried riding a Vespa. I believe they are all metal body? That would make the bike more solid, but heavier. I think preference depends on a rider's comfort with the bike. I am very comfortable with the Buddy, namely because I am short and older. It is light weight and very manuverable. Still, I am getting low profile seat because I want to be able to flatfoot . Trying out the bike is important.

Everyone keeps going on about shifting, but perhaps he's talking about a used automatic Vespa. Odds are that's what he's mentioning.

Besides, shifting is simple. Yes, it's a preference but it's not that hard of a concept to actually do. I would more likely be worried about mechanical aptitude since the average American driver is a mechanical idiot compared to previous generations, and older scooters do take more maintenance. Modern 4 stroke scooters (and the Buddy in particular) are pretty much fill up and go bikes these days. Change the oil once in a while in the gearbox and the engine and check tire pressure. That's it.

Dooglas wrote:I would honestly start with a used Buddy 125.

If you think you can find a price point that is similar and you are confident in the ability to have the Vespa repaired, then it could be a decision that is left up to her. How used of a used Vespa are we talking here? The older ones are notorious for needing repairs somewhat frequently. A new Buddy of course has the warranty and the roadside assistance. As for the shifting, honestly once you learn how to shift you don't even think about it anymore. It is really not a big deal, and believe it or not folks, some people like to shift. : ) I would not do the 50 cc, if she plans on riding anywhere besides in a town's limits. I know there are plenty of people out there who love their 50 cc., and I considered one when I was looking, but honestly, I would not have been happy being limited to that speed, and I go on a lot of 45 -50 mph roads daily. Shop around, see what she likes. As long as it is road worthy sounds like you can't go wrong.

Dooglas wrote:One thing to be said about Buddys and Vespas is the significant difference in seat height between the Buddy and any of the modern Vespas (Buddy is lower). At 5' 5", this may not be an issue for your girlfriend, but it certainly was for my partner who is 5' 3".

I am not an expert on this by any stretch...and this may not apply to ALL models of Vespa, but I'm 5'5", and I can just barely flatfoot my Buddy 125, and today I sat on a new GTV 300 and was able to just barely flatfoot it as well...

No one was more surprised than I, as I thought for sure the seat would be taller. I do NOT have the low profile seat on my Buddy either.

The new GTV 300 has the two seats on it, so maybe it is just lower than normal Vespas (if it is lower, that is) due to that...?

Of course, if she is just beginning, a 300 is probably not what she wants/needs.

Have you considered a motorcycle safety course? It is required in most States to get licensed to ride over 50cc, many have scooters, and most people either go all in or decide 2 wheels is not for them

Suggesting MSC for both you and your GF - good bonding experience potential too!

I'd say for a first scoot..Buddy all the way. I do love vespas, but they can be more of a temperamental machine at times, and since they have the metal body she might hate herself for dinging it during the learning process.

Plus, as others pointed out, 2 year warranty! That helps a lot if something does come up.

(I secretly do love vespas though, and one day will own one!)

neotrotsky wrote:...and check tire pressure...

Awww crap.