2008 Genuine Buddy 150 Scooter, 3900-Miles

[Hoplophobia]

Current owner is asking $2,400 for a Buddy 150 from '08. It has apparently 4000 miles and comes with helmets, wind screen, trunk, security cable and alarm. This seems like a pretty darn good deal to me, and I feel like the owner will go lower with a bit of negotiation. Is there anything in particular I should be on the lookout for? I've been a cyclist for years, so I am no alien to two wheeled transport but this whole having a motor thing will be new for me!

Already pricing some safety gear myself, as I doubt the helmet will fit me and the other things (Wiped on a bicycle enough times to believe you can get by without safety gear. It's not a matter of if but when.)

Thanks in advance for any tips or tricks. This seems like a good starter for somebody with no motor vehicle experience.

[Hoplophobia]

Managed to negotiate him down to 2,000 bucks straight on. Even got a picture of the stuff sent to me.

[GrittyTacoman]

Proud owner of an '08 150 myself. Seems like a good deal to me. If there's a dealer in the area maybe you could have them check it out, but 4000 miles ain't bad. Have fun!

[Hoplophobia]

Thanks! Say, how does the thing handle in inclement weather? Do you commute on it everyday?

[MYSCTR]

Better jump all over that deal before someone else does.

Great clean looking Pamplona International.

I would expect he has records for service work done which is a good thing to know.

Great alarm, should have two keys for the scoot, alarm and topcase. Don’t count on the topcase for anything too heavy yet they work fine for light items. It is not watertight. In hard rain it will be soaked inside just count on it.

Have to get a prima pipe – we swear by them and others will know you are coming. My wife says it makes her scoot sound “tougher”.

At 4,000 miles the rear tire may be showing wear – and you won’t get another Maxxis white wall tire. Our rear tires seem to go about 4500 – 4800 miles on the Internationals.

If you have been riding (cycling) the road 5 years or more you are going to LOVE this scooter. We are avid cyclists and really enjoy the Buddy scooters for fun, for commuting, for shopping (home depot runs or groceries), for date night and rally’s… just about everything. Any excuse to not drive a car when taking a bike isn’t logical.

I have commuted in all degrees of rain and while some was not fun the scoot held up and performed awesome. The windshield will be a big help in rain yet anytime at speeds over 45 mph.

Buy it – have a blast!

[Hoplophobia]

Thanks! Glad to hear it. I just have zero experience and was just starting to think maybe about buying a scooter and then this falls into my proverbial lap. Talking with the owner right now about things like service record, when stuff has been replaced, etc.

From what I read I was already considering replacing the tires. Is there any other particular trouble spots I should look out for? The only concern I have for every day commuting is the snow/slush/ice season which we seem to get an inordinate amount of for how south we are.

But overall, I think I am talking myself into this thing.

[Dooglas]

Already pricing some safety gear myself, as I doubt the helmet will fit me and the other things (Wiped on a bicycle enough times to believe you can get by without safety gear. It's not a matter of if but when.

I suspect you mean "can't".

Nice looking scooter at a good value. I'd say - go for it.

[Hoplophobia]

Already pricing some safety gear myself, as I doubt the helmet will fit me and the other things (Wiped on a bicycle enough times to believe you can get by without safety gear. It's not a matter of if but when.

I suspect you mean "can't".

Nice looking scooter at a good value. I'd say - go for it.

No...not at all. That was...see, my fingers got messed up, from those aforementioned wipe outs. Totally not my own typing incompetence. Nope. Not at all.

[Danielm]

Check your local laws, you most likely need a motorcycle license for a 150. In my state, PA, the safety class is free and highly suggested, if you pass the class you get your M class license.

[TVB]

Thanks! Say, how does the thing handle in inclement weather? Do you commute on it everyday?

They handle well in the rain, just requiring some extra caution and care. But when there's snow, slush, or ice on the road, pretty much any motorbike is going to have problems, because it depends on good traction just to stay upright. Lean just a little on ice, and you can get a very close look at that ice, very quickly. I'll take a chance riding my bicycle on slippery roads, because I can go as slow as needed, I can usually stop before hitting a patch of ice, and I can catch myself with my feet if I lose traction. But on a scooter you can't really do that, which is why I don't ride much from December to March here in Michigan (just when the roads are clear).

[Drum Pro]

I say jump on that like a po-go stick. The Buddy is a solid scooter and is deceptively quick for it's size, and is really easy on the beginner to learn on. It's much more easier to handle than a Stella... Look into the MSF as well.

[Dooglas]

But when there's snow, slush, or ice on the road, pretty much any motorbike is going to have problems, because it depends on good traction just to stay upright. Lean just a little on ice, and you can get a very close look at that ice, very quickly.

I'm with TVB and I'd say it a little stronger. Scooters need to stay home during periods of snow and ice. Two wheels and ice just don't mix. (now, if you want to talk about Urals )