Modern Buddy

I hope that this thread is not a repeat, if so please let me know.

I just got a hold of a 2007 (I think) Buddy 125 with under 3,000 miles which won't start. When I try the electric start all I hear is clicking. I've tried to kick start it but that doesn't seem to work though the previous owner said that he has never really had success with that. Worked a couple of time during the time that he owned it.

Could someone help me diagnose the issue. I assume that it's the starter but I want to verify that before I try to pull it out. It seems like it's a real pain to get to, not like the video I watched on how to replace a starter on a GY6. I did see a few random posts spread out in different threads of some instructions but they were quite disparate and I'm looking for some detailed help if possible.

Also, is the weak kickstart normal on these or could there be something wrong that I could possibly fix too.

Thanks. Looking forward to being able to drive this thing.

I would test the battery first. Mine did the same thing because the battery was dead and I had to try to kickstart it about 20 times before it fired up. Had the battery tested and it was bad.

I vote battery as well.

Jump it w/ a car battery. That will either confirm or rule out your battery before dealing with a much more difficult/expensive starter.

Just tried to boost from my car. Tried with the car off and with the car on. Attached cables from car battery to the scooter battery. Same clicking sound but no start.

Next step?

Also any advice or comments on the inability to kickstart? As I mentioned, the previous owner never had much success. I tried following different suggestions mentioned in another thread. Is this a Buddy 125 issue?

On the advice of a friend who says it helps with car starters I banged on the starter a bunch of times while starting it and the starter finally got going.

However the engine won't turn over. The gas has been sitting for a few months so I guess that would probably be a good place to start. If the tank is about half full can I just fill it up? Do I have to drain the tank? If so, please excuse my ignorance, how do I do so? Any easy and clean way?

Don't re-use the old gas, use new, especially after sitting for any extended period of time.

A good self priming siphon hose will do the trick or even a turkey baster, the tanks on these scoots aren't very big and should be fairly easy to drain. You should also look into changing out your spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, and do a carb removal/clean-out. Eliminate simple, less expensive reasons why it won't start before moving on towards the complex things.

And check your fuse's, make sure your kill switch isn't on, and hold the brake lever when using the electric start.