Modern Buddy

Hi there!

I have wanted a scooter as long as I can remember. I have always lusted after Vespas but they are out of my price range. I have finally decided the Buddy 125 is the scoot for me. I live in Bozeman MT; winter is quickly approaching and temps are gonna drop. I would like to ride as much as possible but I'm wondering how realistic it is. I would love to hear from anyone living in areas that get WINTER (snow and cold) and their experience with cold weather riding. Should I just wait and purchase in the spring?

Thanks!
Susan

Cold is mostly a matter of wearing the gear that will keep you warm, at least down to around 10F... I rode almost all winter last year. I've only ridden down to about 14F myself but I hear some things start getting reluctant at temps much lower than that.

Snow is another thing entirely. Two wheels on snow are not nearly as forgiving as 4, and I am sure you have noticed people getting into trouble on snow with their cars.

I think I'll refer to ScooterDave. Classic picture:
viewtopic.php?t=2376&highlight=wimps

ScooterDave could pass for Andy Capp in that photo

Like lobsterman said, the right gear will get you through some pretty cold temperatures. I've ridden in Denver down to about plus 7 F but it's pretty uncomfortable after about 10 minutes. So, if you're properly geared up and don't have far to go, you can ride well into the winter. I do not, however, ride in snow and I avoid ice like the plague.

Bozeman weather is like Denver on steroids so your riding season will be shorter than mine. Other than that, I would think that area of Montana would be a scooter/motorcycle paradise. I remember one trip when we stopped at Chico Hot Springs on our way up to Spokane. It was early May. Just as we lowered our aching bodies into the steaming hot springs the snow started falling. In the pool that night, surrounded by whitecaps, snow mingling with steam, just gorgeous. Woke up the next morning to over a foot of snow. Pretty much white knuckle all the way to Missoula.

Montana weather is something other than else.

Did you do that trip on a Scooter?

pcbikedude wrote:I think I'll refer to ScooterDave. Classic picture:
viewtopic.php?t=2376&highlight=wimps

ScooterDave is a great rider, but that caption should read something along the lines of "trained professional on a closed course - don't try this at home". I'm pretty sure I remember that the ride only went about far enough to snap a picture. SteMer did something similar last winter as well.

Susan -

Other folks good advice about how to keep warm in winter is fine but I'll share another perspective. If you have no experience riding a scooter, do not try to learn in the winter attempting to deal with snow and ice. Going down on a scooter is no fun. Learn in good weather. Take a safety course. Build your skills and enjoy your scooter. Enjoy. You will love it.

Dooglas wrote:Other folks good advice about how to keep warm in winter is fine but I'll share another perspective. If you have no experience riding a scooter, do not try to learn in the winter attempting to deal with snow and ice. Going down on a scooter is no fun. Learn in good weather. Take a safety course. Build your skills and enjoy your scooter. Enjoy. You will love it.

I have to concur Dooglas on this one. If you're new to scootering, there's no sense in rushing into it now only to find yourself smack dab in the dead of winter. You'll simply enjoy learning to ride much more in the spring, then can tackle next winter with more confidence.

lastbestwoman wrote:Did you do that trip on a Scooter?

Sweet fancy Moses! No, that was a car trip to pick up my daughter after she finished her 1st year at Gonzaga. I-90 west of Bozeman is not scooter country, especially scooters under 400cc's.

It is a trip I would like to repeat on a motorcycle though, either in June or July. I'd do a quick blast up to Thermopolos, WY or Chico the first day. Spend the night in either hot springs because I'd be pretty sore after 7 hours of riding. I'd spend a day or two touring Yellowstone and then another couple of days riding the back roads to Glacier. Someday...

The advice about waiting until Spring is wise, especially if you haven't ridden before. However, you may also find that there are some deals on 2007 Buddys as the riding season ends. Then again, if it's a rough winter, you may not ride again for months. Tough call.

lobsterman wrote:SteMer did something similar last winter as well.

Yes I did. As long as you keep it moving in a straight line, no problem (on a recently shoveled sidewalk). Turning? Now that was a problem. Kept it garaged until the roads were dry. And I'll agree, finding the right mix of riding gear to match the weather is key and will keep you riding as long as you want. My ski jacket over my riding jacket works great in the cold.

Thanks for all the feedback. Now that I've decided it's time, and I FINALLY have the funds, I'm just champing at the bit-I test rode a Buddy last week and was so happy I almost peed my pants (another winter-time consideration...eeewww ). I guees I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer.

We have a tiny dealer here and he only had the 50 which I loved but I think in the long run I'll be more happy with a little extra oomph in the 125-no?

I am absolutely so glad that I got the 125, it's the perfect scooter. Go for the extra power, you won't regret it.

Thanks! Other than the two-tone color and white-walls and other options how is the Italia model different than the regular buddies?

I was going to get the 50cc but the dealer kindly suggested I go with the 125.

I have NO regrets and am very glad that I did NOT get the 50cc. The 125cc gives more versatility of where I can ride, greater oomph for crossing intersections, and getting out of the way quickly if needed.

If you are already leaning towards the 125, follow through. There isn't too much difference physically between the 50 and the 125.

Italia...as far as I know it is the mostly the coloring; except the tires are white walls which has caused problems for some Buddy owners. If you have preferece of Tube or tubeless tires, then definitely research out which Buddy has which.

Found your armor jacket, gloves, and helmet?

If you plan on riding at all in the hills you will be very unhappy with the 50. I've only spent a few days in Bozeman over the last few years but I got to know the roads in the area pretty well. The 125 is a much better match for you.

Also keep in mind that those retro whitewalls are truly retro in that they have tubes. If you plan on riding into the county you're better off without tube type tires. A flat with tube types typically calls for a tow while you can carry a flat fixing kit for tubeless tires under your seat.

How important is this really? Well, my other bike has lace wheels and tube tires and I've never had a flat (knocking furiously on wood). So, if the SI is really calling your name you should probably take the chance or you'll regret it. You can always switch out to tubeless tires when you need a new set. I'd have to buy new wheels to do that on my GT and tubeless Alpina wheels are over $1000 each.

lastbestwoman wrote:Thanks! Other than the two-tone color and white-walls and other options how is the Italia model different than the regular buddies?

Not at all!