Modern Buddy

Went by the dealer today and noticed that my rear shock seems too soft/weak. I'm not that heavy, and the girl that had my scooter before me was tiny, so I don't see how this could be shot in 5000 miles. Are there any upgrade options for our scooters, or is stock the only way to go?

Actually, there are a myriad of options available to you...they'll just require some study and research on your part. Look at and make sure you understand the way the shock is mounted. Then measure the distance between the mounts (with the shock unloaded). Find one that matches those dimensions. The other thing you need to know is how much rebound, preload etc. that you want.

Another possibility is; see how similar the shock is on the Rattler 110 to the one on the Buddy...it seems to be a higher-end shock. It might just be a simple swap! And orderable through your dealer...

--Keys

...matter of fact, I went to my local Genuine dealer today and the shock from the Rattler 110 looks to be a direct swap and it's an adjustable, gas-charged type.

--Keys

Wouldn't that be covered under the warranty?

I believe he bought it used

kmo2771 wrote:I believe he bought it used

Ahhhh....

Besides, a shock absorber is considered to be a "wear item"...just like tires. VERY, very doubtful it would be covered under warranty unless it was bad due to a manufacturer defect.

--Keys

Everybody keeps saying the warranty isn't transferable... but i don't see where that's documented. I've read my warranty document several times and don't see it anywhere that it is non-transferable.

truckasaurus wrote:Everybody keeps saying the warranty isn't transferable... but i don't see where that's documented. I've read my warranty document several times and don't see it anywhere that it is non-transferable.

Check it out: previous discussion

Well, that may be Genuine's official stance, but the warranty document i was presented with (and signed by me and the dealer) at purchase said nothing about it not being transferable.

From a legal standpoint, not explicitly stating that and refusing to honor a warranty claim to a subsequent purchaser is consumer fraud, at least in the state of Texas.

...and in my mind, it's just plain stupid to be talking litigious activities over what is just maybe a thirty dollar shock absorber. Just buy one and put it on. Sheesh!

--Keys

Keys wrote:Besides, a shock absorber is considered to be a "wear item"...just like tires. VERY, very doubtful it would be covered under warranty unless it was bad due to a manufacturer defect.

--Keys

I beg to differ, they're covered under an automobile's warranty, and a motor scooter warranty too. I haven't seen any documentation that refers to them as a "wear item" (for that matter, the engine is a wear item too) They're covered for two years, just like the engine, frame and electrical system (minus bulbs). Push come to shove, the dealer will replace under the original terms of the warranty.

truckasaurus wrote:Well, that may be Genuine's official stance, but the warranty document i was presented with (and signed by me and the dealer) at purchase said nothing about it not being transferable.

From a legal standpoint, not explicitly stating that and refusing to honor a warranty claim to a subsequent purchaser is consumer fraud, at least in the state of Texas.

In CA the wording at the bottom of the warranty document, "The warranty is effective for TWO years from the date of purchase by the original owner." Then you have to sign it on the other side stating you understand and agree to the terms.

I'm not sure if this wording is the same in all 50.

Sure. The warranty on a $2600 scooter DAMN well better equal the warranty on my $36,000 SUV!!! And I want EVERYTHING covered!! I had better NOT be inconvenienced in ANY way, shape or form!!!

...good attitude to drive your dealer, who by the way makes an absurdly low profit on the sale of a scooter, right out of business. But that's okay...as long as YOU get what you want, who cares....

This whole thread is beginning to disgust me...

--Keys

"good attitude to drive your dealer, who by the way makes an absurdly low profit on the sale of a scooter, right out of business."

Where did this come from?? Dealers get paid from Genuine to do warranty repairs. Do you think warranty claims are a out of pocket expense for dealers?

--Keys
_________________
Proudly Ignoring Popular Opinion

Leeroy Jenkins wrote:

"good attitude to drive your dealer, who by the way makes an absurdly low profit on the sale of a scooter, right out of business."

Where did this come from?? Dealers get paid from Genuine to do warranty repairs. Do you think warranty claims are a out of pocket expense for dealers?

Exactly. It's great business for them. If they are shying away from it, they don't have someone or the "time" to do their own paperwork to administer the warranty work, and they're being very short-sighted about their own business. Service (paid out of pocket, or under warranty) and accessory sales is the backbone of vehicle sales model...not a few hundred bucks on each scooter sale. The "aftermarket" it's called. Business 101.

pcbikedude wrote:

truckasaurus wrote:Well, that may be Genuine's official stance, but the warranty document i was presented with (and signed by me and the dealer) at purchase said nothing about it not being transferable.

From a legal standpoint, not explicitly stating that and refusing to honor a warranty claim to a subsequent purchaser is consumer fraud, at least in the state of Texas.

In CA the wording at the bottom of the warranty document, "The warranty is effective for TWO years from the date of purchase by the original owner." Then you have to sign it on the other side stating you understand and agree to the terms.

I'm not sure if this wording is the same in all 50.

I signed nothing on the warranty doc.....

OKay, folks, let's try to tone down the arguing and get back to discussing the issue. The OP has yet to reply to this thread and has likely been scared off from replying since things have become rather testy in here.

From day 1 of Buddy sales there have been questions and debate about the transfer of the warranty. Genuine states that it does not transfer. The warranty document itself implies it does not, but is a bit vague. Legally, Genuine may or may not be required to honor the warranty for its duration regardless of how many owners the scoot has passed through. This may vary by state, though.

The moment you buy a scooter, you accept the terms of the warranty whether or not you sign something stating that. Because dealers are reimbursed for warranty service, many are likely to repair anything under warranty regardless of if you bought the scoot used. In fact, we have yet to hear on this forum of anyone being denied warranty service because they're the second owner.

Scooter parts, service and warranties are not directly analagous to their automobile counterparts. Your scooter shocks will wear out. Generally, this will take longer than 2 years to happen. If, in fact, the shocks are somehow defective then they should be covered by warranty. If, however (going hypothetical here), a rider is 350lbs. and uses his Buddy to haul cinder blocks across bumpy gravel roads then I assume that they would not be covered because they're not at fault. The OP said the shock was "soft" but we don't know if it's totally blown and needs replacement, if it's always been like that, or, after 5K miles, if there's a reason for it. Logically (to me) it would seem like a manufacturer's defect would have been noticed or problematic before 5K miles.

Finally, even if the shocks were replaced under warranty, they'd be replaced using stock Buddy shocks. The OP had asked about finding a firmer or adjustable shock. So far, we've had one post helping with that, with a lot of pointless bickering and hot air following.

id be interested in a better shock too im a tad over 300 lbs but i dont haul cinder blocks accross bumppy gravel roads

pcbikedude wrote:

truckasaurus wrote:Well, that may be Genuine's official stance, but the warranty document i was presented with (and signed by me and the dealer) at purchase said nothing about it not being transferable.

From a legal standpoint, not explicitly stating that and refusing to honor a warranty claim to a subsequent purchaser is consumer fraud, at least in the state of Texas.

In CA the wording at the bottom of the warranty document, "The warranty is effective for TWO years from the date of purchase by the original owner." Then you have to sign it on the other side stating you understand and agree to the terms.

I'm not sure if this wording is the same in all 50.

If you read that carefully, it doesn't speak to transferability at all. All it says is that the warranty expires two years from the original date of purchase. Note, it does not say "TWO years from the date of purchase FOR the original owner."

That language only speaks to the length of the warranty term. Very important legal distinction. Thus, the warranty should be transferrable.

Keys wrote:...and in my mind, it's just plain stupid to be talking litigious activities over what is just maybe a thirty dollar shock absorber. Just buy one and put it on. Sheesh!

--Keys

Sorry, i wasn't asking vis-a-vis the shock absorber question (so i was technically off-topic), i was just responding to a theme i noticed across the board that the warranty is non-transferrable. I'm a new buddy owner (twice over) and i feel that some day i may actually want to sell my scoot to another with the warranty still active.

I suppose i should have started a new "warranty discussion" thread, but didn't. Nonetheless, anyone in Texas should be aware that this licensed attorney believes the warranty to be fully transferable in the state of texas. Your mileage (i.e., your state) may vary.

cheers,

L