Modern Buddy

So, I went to visit Velobuff yesterday and check out the 250cc he had for sale.

We yapped, talked scooters, and he gave me his meticulous maintenance schedule. The original owner put a decent amount of miles on it, Velo bought it, and now wants the 300i . I'm happy to say I bought the 250 from him so the can begin to make that dream come true.

I drove it home from Boulder, didn't pay attention and got completely mixed up. Fortunately my wife was in the middle of watching a very deep TV show (not) and didn't think to worry right away.

So, here's my quick review/comparison with my Buddy:

1) 250 is nice if you want to go 55-65 regularly. The buddy will certainly do it, but it's a little nicer on something heavier.

2) if you're not too tall like Velobuff and I, the seat is fine. if you were 6' with long legs, you might hate it.

3) It's not a heavy bike, but you can't just toss it around as easy as the Buddy.

4) motorcyclists think it's a motorcycle until they pull up to the side. I received a lot of waves and down lows from the same people who ignored me or gave me the bird on the Buddy


Yoda will still be my daily commuter most of the time. I picked up the Kymco for 2-up rides with my wife and my once or twice a week commute to Boulder. I can't say that I prefer one over the other, just to say that they serve different purposes. I much prefer the Buddy for zipping around Denver, where any hesitation is met by either a red light, an SUV up your butt, or both. But going 55 up a hill, well the 250cc is just going to be better at that by nature. 16" wheels are also more comfortable for the roads we have here, some of which are barely recognizable as such.

Velobuff took a picture of me with KYM before I rode off, maybe he'll post it.

Good "first impressions" on your new bike - and congratulations. I'd say much the same about my BV and my Vespa or Buddy. The bigger wheels, heavier weight, and more power shine out on the road. The smaller wheels and classic scooter shape make a great around town ride.

congrats. that thing is definitely a maxi... and good for 2-up.

i think we're going to need to start a maintenance party around here. the couple of times that velobuff's helped me work on my buddy has really opened my eyes to the possibilities and made me realize how easy it can be to work on scooters.

Sweet. Velo is up north, and another local is here in Denver. So, either location we can have maintenance parties! .

We need a Denver meetup/grilling session too.

congrats on the new toy!
is it the People or Grand Vista?

Sorry, it's the Gray People. Forgot to put that in!

Had a chance to pick up an '07 people 250 with no darn miles, but it was pricey and it sat a long time. Velobuff knew his stuff so I figured it was better. Plus I like the Gray color better.

Tocsik wrote:congrats on the new toy!
is it the People or Grand Vista?

Grand Dink. Just gotta love Kymco names.

I'll second skully's fit assessment. I sat in a People (every model) when I was first looking for a scoot, and they just didn't fit. Then when the new 300i was brought in to the US I made a point of looking again, because the performance specs are good, the body is new, and hope springs eternal.

Eeww. Shorter than the older People! 6.3, 34" leg and I could barely fit in it at all..

there was one bigger Kymco (I forget which model) that had a more sloped seat, rather than a hard ridge, and the fairing was curved too, so you got some foot room.

The people 250 has definite END spots for your back and feet, so I'd say shorter legs are better suited. Upper body seems fine.