Modern Buddy

so this:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mcy/425013053.html
is for sale in my town. i really kinda have my heart set on a buddy 125 but have heard the vino recommended before...what should i do!?

Vino is a decent scoot...but its no Buddy! I took a look at the vino also before buying my Buddy. The absolute clincher was the gas fill location on the Vino. You can put a top case on it...as long as you never need to fuel up again. If you run a search you will find lots of information about the vino here. This is one of the better ones viewtopic.php?t=4&highlight=vino

Have you test rode a Buddy yet? Try both and see which one works for you? While the Vino is a great scooter I like the handling, pep, and feel of the Buddy better.

New Buddy: 2 year warranty; 1 year roadside assistance
Used Vino: No warranty; no roadside

http://www.justgottascoot.com/buddy.htm#Buddy%20Review

This is a good review of the two side by side.

We have one of each and both are good scoots. The Buddy is definitely the stronger as it accelerates. The external gas cap on the Vino limits options for racks and top cases, though it comes with a serviceable rack. The finish of the Vino is superior to the Buddy. On most other fronts it is a coin toss - braking, suspension, instruments, etc. The only other thing to be said about the Vino is that they are much easier to buy used at a good price. Low mileage '06 and '07 bikes can be bought at under $2K. Also, it is usually pretty easy to find a Yamaha dealer and parts are no problem. My advice is to go for a Buddy if you are planning to buy new but to consider a used Vino as an option if $$s are tight and you are looking for a bargain.

It may help to sit on each as well, especially if you can't test ride each. Whether one fits better than the other or one isn't all that comfortable in a normal riding position could be a deciding factor.

If the Buddy fits, buy it.

I contemplated between the two. Sat on both, the Vino was better for flat footing. I thought the controls on the Buddy were more visible, the Vino blended in with all the other silver color.

Took Buddy for a test drive and I immediately bought and have no regrets.

I got a good look at a Vino in front of a store tonight ... same color as the one in the ad ... thought it looked pretty cool ... I like the Vespa-ish looking leg sheild

How many other people have to go check out scooters if you see them parked some where ??

BuddyLove wrote:http://www.justgottascoot.com/buddy.htm#Buddy%20Review

This is a good review of the two side by side.

cheers for this, it was quite helpful!

ryder1 wrote: I contemplated between the two. Sat on both, the Vino was better for flat footing. I thought the controls on the Buddy were more visible, the Vino blended in with all the other silver color.

Our Vino is the beautiful deep blue. Looks great in my opinion. I understand there will also be a red Vino 125 next year. I sure agree, though. Sit on it and see if it works for you. My SO eliminated the LX150 when she tried the sit test on it. Both the Buddy and the Vino seem to be layed out better for small riders in particular.

Buddy_wannabe wrote:How many other people have to go check out scooters if you see them parked some where ??

Me, me! But first I have to goggle my eyes out and exclaim, "SCOOTER!" at the top of my lungs before I run over to check it out.

I too exclaim "SCOOTER!" quite loudly when I see one in a parking lot or even pass one going the other way down the street. Needless to say the people in the car with with me often find this odd...they just don't understand.

You still drive a car?!?!?!?

--Keys

polianarchy wrote:

Buddy_wannabe wrote:How many other people have to go check out scooters if you see them parked some where ??

Me, me! But first I have to goggle my eyes out and exclaim, "SCOOTER!" at the top of my lungs before I run over to check it out.

Me too! I have a mental list of ones I see. Some I see every day—there are numerous people whose commutes are opposite mine (grey Vino guy with beard, dented ET4 guy, green GT woman) and others i see frequently. I'm a frequent poster on the MV "Southern California Scooter Spotter Thread," often resurrecting it from being 4 pages deep in the forum.

I make particular note of the infrequently-seen models: yellow Baron (Who sells those around here?), Aprilia Scarabeo 500 (Where do they get their maintenance done?). And the vintage ones (Is that pokey Lammy a Li125? Why is it so slow?)

It's a bit obsessive and geeky.

Keys wrote:You still drive a car?!?!?!?

--Keys

Wisconsin's probably not a year-round scootering state... Until they start making snow tires and a l'il plow for the Buddy.

When I mentioned the silver color I was referring to the handlebar where the bottons are...they blend in.

On the Buddy there is color distinction. Like the yellow lever (knob, button) whatever you call it.

I didn't say I was the one driving...I guess I should have said while riding in a car. My wife won't ride on the back of the scooter or any two wheeled vehicle anymore. She had a near death expierience on the back of a Ducati in Italy. As for me, when the snow falls I'm putting chains on the tires.

I hate snow and luckily being a spoiled CA kid I don't have to worry about it unless I choose to. Just out of curiosity though...they make chains that fit the size of a buddy wheel?

Do you know if they make em for the Vespa (10 & 12 inch)?!

I frequent MV as well and there's talk about winterizing on a few threads right now but no one has mentioned chains yet. There's been jokes but...just curious.

Adjustable! Check 'em out here.

Don't really look all that safe to me, but if you're dead set on riding through snow, safety may not be your primary concern...