Modern Buddy

Today on my road there is a lovely black Buddy 125 parked on the sidewalk. I thought i would check it out as it is only the second Buddy i have seen since i got my Mocha 170i last month. Low and behold i could not believe that it was not licensed, but registered on the 30mph restricted scooter program.

How is it possible to even register such a thing when it clearly is capable of going far more than even the limited use plate that some 50cc have to have.

I got my bike new, and the dealer registered mine plate insurance the whole shebang. I dont understand the process obviously, because i thought that you had to prove that the bike was valid to be able to utilize the sticker program here in MA.

You're assuming that sticker belongs to that scooter

velobuff wrote:You're assuming that sticker belongs to that scooter

True...The assumption stems from the fact it is attached to the scooter, but you are right it may not have been designated to it originally. Still can not fathom why people do it, and more importantly how they get away with it.

We don't have a verified registration program like in MA for the under-50s, but here it's annoyingly common to see "instant downgrades" like Roketa 150's having their '1' peeled-off, or even Buddy 125's turned into just "Buddy", then tooling around with a cardboard 49cc placard in the license plate holder (either homemade or free at most dealers).

I've seen at least two Bud 125s (with their distinctive exhaust) wearing the placards. Grr.

uklemond wrote:

velobuff wrote:You're assuming that sticker belongs to that scooter

True...The assumption stems from the fact it is attached to the scooter, but you are right it may not have been designated to it originally. Still can not fathom why people do it, and more importantly how they get away with it.

If they're ever in an accident then they'll realize it's going to cost far more than registering and insuring it legitimately in the first place.

Some people just don't realize rules exist for a reason. I'm sure if someone with an illegally registered vehicle without insurance ran into them, they'd be all up in arms about how their scoot isn't going to be replaced because the car owner didn't have insurance and what not.

Maybe it was this guy:

viewtopic.php?t=22362&highlight=register

Could also be that they bought a 50, got the sticker, decided it wasn't fast enough, so they got a 125 and moved the sticker to the 125.

Personally if the bike has to be plated, as it is here in MN, I don't care if someone puts a moped plate on their 125/150 so that they can park on the sidewalk. Honestly, it doesn't take more space, and the weight difference is negligible.

If it's not registered, then it's probably not insured. Let them take the risk of getting caught, and don't sweat it. If it gets stolen, in an accident or caught going faster than 30, they're SOL. It's like armor, let them take the risk and consequences of not wearing any.

-duo

velobuff wrote:If they're ever in an accident then they'll realize it's going to cost far more than registering and insuring it legitimately in the first place.

Exactly, when you get busted in Chicago and your paperwork isn't right, you get SCREWED with late payment fees, impound fees, tickets etc.

And i know dozens of people that thought they were getting away with it, and got hit hard when their scooter was stolen or towed, or a "your taillight is out" stop turned into an impound and a long walk home. Of course, whenever it happens, it's 'the pigs' or 'the man,' not their own purposeful negligence.

Why don't people call this sort of thing in? Think if they got into an accident with you and can't pay for their end of liability. Who gets stuck? You do (I do) we all do. They are no better than a shoplifter or any other sort of crimminal. You just saw a crime and ignored it (if you asked me, which you didn't).

TYVM for your time.

If that happens, your uninsured/underinsured will eat it. and your insurance company will sue them to recover.

provided you get their info.

SYMbionic Duo wrote:If that happens, your uninsured/underinsured will eat it. and your insurance company will sue them to recover.

provided you get their info.

Well it makes them a bigger flight risk, either way, a scumbag in the making.

SYMbionic Duo wrote:If that happens, your uninsured/underinsured will eat it. and your insurance company will sue them to recover.

provided you get their info.

And :your: insurance will go up because your policy had to cover the uncovered costs.