The newer Genuine promo starts tomorrow (3 year warranty + 100 dollar service credit on a new Buddy), and I was planning on getting a 170i for my first scooter (as I've heard so many great things about them).
Anyway, I found out about a 2009 Blackjack with ~1600 miles on it that I figure after all is said in done would cost me a little more than HALF of a new 170i.
Anyone have any thoughts before I shell out cash, one way or another?
Haven't ridden the 170i yet, but I like that it has fuel injection.
We have a Blackjack and love it. It stands out because of the look. Performance is great, especially considering that I'm 265lbs! We bought it used last month, 09 with 2700 miles on it. Personally, I would save the money and get the Blackjack. You could probably sell it in a year for around the same money since it's a limited edition bike and seems to be in demand.
If you just have to have the warranty, buy the 170i. But, the money you save buying the Blackjack could be used for accessories, helmet, jacket, other safety gear, and repairs when needed.
That is a tough one. The thing about the buddies are they are made very well so I doubt you'll even actually need the warranty but might need the road side assistance for the "just in case". How many miles are on the BJ? has it been sitting unused with no new fuel or oil? The up grades that came standard on the BJ make it worthy but a new 170I with a warranty not bad either. Can't loose on either choice except in the wallet....
+1 on buying the blackjack and saving the money. I don't know what state/county you are in but you'd be saving on tax and possibly insurance costs as well.
The 170 is injected but the blackjack has a kickstarter and the aforementioned upgrades (NCY bits). If it's well looked after it's the better deal IMHO.
I understand the Blackjack's engine and the like are the same as a standard Buddy 150. Does anyone know if there's a blackjack specific service manual?
There is not.
Servicing the BJ is pretty identical to the 125 or other 150s, i think that the location of the oil filter is the only real difference as fas as service goes.
-duo
Nothing is Foolproof to a sufficiently talented Fool.
ericalm wrote:The BlackJack is a good way to go but with so few miles on it, you might want to make a few extra checks when looking at it.
Find out if it's been sitting, unridden, for a long time.
Make sure it starts and idles easily. The big problem with unridden scooters is that the carbs get clogged up if they're not stored properly.
Check the tires for dry rot, issues with the rubber, cracks or cupping.
Make sure battery and electrics are all good.
Those issues could run you an extra $500-$600 in additional costs to have fixed.
Awesome advice, thank you.
The owner says he's had the first two services done at the dealer, so I'm hoping it's in good shape. On that assumption, I'm guessing it's been about ~400 miles since last oil change and the like. I was surprised to read they recommend a change every 600. Even so, there's no reason the oil should look anything other than clean, correct?
With any luck, I'll be checking it out in the next few hours.
Drum Pro wrote:That is a tough one. The thing about the buddies are they are made very well so I doubt you'll even actually need the warranty but might need the road side assistance for the "just in case". How many miles are on the BJ? has it been sitting unused with no new fuel or oil? The up grades that came standard on the BJ make it worthy but a new 170I with a warranty not bad either. Can't loose on either choice except in the wallet....
i wouldn't worry about ot having the roadside warranty, you can get that added to your insurance policy; at least you can with progressive. i pay $10/yr. for the roadside assistance.
batgirl101 wrote:having bought the 170i and dealing w many issues, i'd go w the Blackjack in a heartbeat!
170 issues? That's bummers.
But yeah, I ended up getting the Blackjack. I more or less made the decision within two seconds of seeing it in the seller's driveway (even before I got out of my car!).
I never had a single issue with my 170, and that was back when there was the looming scare of the overheating glitch.
I /adored/ it. BUT I have also never known a single person to be unhappy with a Blackjack, either... so long as the BJ doesn't show signs of sitting for a long time, I don't think you could go wrong with either.
The 170 will cost you more because it's new, but will give you a manufacturer warranty (BONUS: the sale Genuine is having now with a service credit and extra year of warranty); it's fuel injected and and starts better cold, but if you have any battery issues (or if some jerk steals your battery, like happened to me), you're dead in the water because there's no kickstart. By everything I have heard, though, the BJ's perform just as well as the 170's as far as speed topout and how fast they get to it, so depending on how much the Blackjack is being sold for, that could be a fantastic deal.
yes the issues were mainly to do with overheating and fuel injection---if it were just with my scoot it would be one thing, but sadly the issue has happened with many here. Surging, and hiccups at speed--backfiring, all fixable but annoying and time consuming. My friend has 2600 miles on her 170i, its been in the shop for 3 weeks--they've changed out CDI, fuel pump, exhaust gaskets--a gazillion other parts and for some reason that damn thing is still wiggin'. Genuine and the our shop have been going back and forth on what to do next??
batgirl101 wrote:yes the issues were mainly to do with overheating and fuel injection---if it were just with my scoot it would be one thing, but sadly the issue has happened with many here. Surging, and hiccups at speed--backfiring, all fixable but annoying and time consuming. My friend has 2600 miles on her 170i, its been in the shop for 3 weeks--they've changed out CDI, fuel pump, exhaust gaskets--a gazillion other parts and for some reason that damn thing is still wiggin'. Genuine and the our shop have been going back and forth on what to do next??
Weren't those with the overheat glitch and FI hiccups just the earliest of the models? I'd heard they had a fix for the overheat thing on Genuine's money for any that had problems... sorry to hear about your friend's shop stay, though
I guess I'm the odd man out.....I'd rather have the 170i It will probably be my next scooter. I Love my 125 but like the `170 better. The Blackjack while kind of cool, would just lose it's "charm" for me pretty soon... But a lot of people like them, and I know they are the "IN" thing at the moment.. It's nice there is a good choice in Quality scooters from which to choose...
2006 Buddy 125 in ORANGE!..Sold
2007 Harley FLHX in Black Cherry!
1999 Saturn SC1...."Marvin"...Still runnin' strong
batgirl101 wrote:yes the issues were mainly to do with overheating and fuel injection---if it were just with my scoot it would be one thing, but sadly the issue has happened with many here. Surging, and hiccups at speed--backfiring, all fixable but annoying and time consuming. My friend has 2600 miles on her 170i, its been in the shop for 3 weeks--they've changed out CDI, fuel pump, exhaust gaskets--a gazillion other parts and for some reason that damn thing is still wiggin'. Genuine and the our shop have been going back and forth on what to do next??
what to do next? i am pretty sure under california's lemon law it would qualify if not fixable. i do not know the ins and outs of the law but i do know a lemon when i see one, or even read about one. and that particular 170i sounds damn close
hope it got worked out
anyway, old thread. i am just looking for a place to post some thoughts on my experience with the bj. so i picked this thread. haven't time to post right now, but skimmed the thread and found the quoted post interesting. so i wanted to respond
