Tips for bringing back a dormant Buddy

James123 · Post by **James123** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 5:34 pm

Hello forum,

I love my Buddy 125 but because of a series of family events and logistics, it has not been ridden for almost two years. I'm excited to get back on it this spring.

I rode it trouble free with regular maintenance for about 18 months before that, but just around town so it's still got low mileage. I knew it wasn't going to be ridden for awhile (but I had no idea how long) so last time I filled it with gas I added gas stabilizer.

The scooter has been kept in a relatively warm garage. I have a Genuine approved battery charger but it has not been connected. (Original battery.)

Right now I plan to try to charge the battery, put air in the tires, and if by some miracle it starts, get it to the gas station (less than a mile) to fill up the tank and then straight to the shop for an oil change.

Can anyone offer any other tips, both in the case that it does start and if it doesn't? I have limited mechanical abilities but cannot perform and serious maintenance. I'm thinking that if it doesn't start, I'll probably have to have it towed to the shop.

Thank you!

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 5:59 pm

Garaged with gas stabilizer was a really good call. Ok...the battery may or may not take a charge...I would give it a shot...why not! If it doesn't you can jump start from a car. Just make sure the car is NOT running

Check the oil level, check the tires for any rot and add air as needed.
It it starts let it idle for a bit to get some fuel running through the carb.

Go get the new gas, change the oil and gear lube and ride it!

I'm betting it's gonna start. Keep us updated!

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 9:52 pm

Put it on a flat surface, attach clamps, raise it to the heavens, and then flip the switch. If it rumbles and the light comes on, scream, "It's alive".... LoL....In a all seriousness I haven't a clue....

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:28 pm

I think the hardest part will be getting it to kick over. you might just buy a pair of plugs for it. Swap one, then run some gas through it, then they can change it at the shop if it gets fouled from gunk.

Even if it just gets a tuneup. running a little extra Seafoam or like product for a few tanks will help clear it all out.

They're pretty solid machines.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sun Mar 23, 2014 1:17 pm

Another option if the battery isn't holding a charge is to keep it on the center stand and kickstart it. It can take a little practice to get the feel for how to do it, so this might not be the ideal circumstance to learn ... but it's worth a try, especially if you don't have jumper cables and a car handy.

(And it bears repeating: don't run the engine of the car if you jump from it. Its alternator can easily blow a fuse on the Buddy, and the car's battery should provide plenty of current on its own, without depleting it enough to make starting the car difficult.)

easy · Post by **easy** » Sun Mar 23, 2014 1:48 pm

I would kick it over some just to move the oil around some.

James123 · Post by **James123** » Sun Mar 23, 2014 2:24 pm

Thanks everyone. The battery is on the charger now, I'll update the thread when something happens, or doesn't!

James123 · Post by **James123** » Sun Mar 23, 2014 5:11 pm

It runs!

I think the battery is shot; it was on the charger for about 20 hours and not even a peep of charge yet as far as I can tell.

I hooked the scooter up to my car battery and it took a good 10-15 minutes of attempts. Finally got it so it would run for a few seconds as long as I twisted the throttle a few times before cranking. Then gradually got it to run for longer and longer as long as I rev'd a bit. After all that it now runs but will die if I let it idle for more than a second or two. I was able to take it around the block a few times without killing it.

That's enough to get it to the shop and to get some gas.

Surprisingly, I still have some tire pressure. They're low, but not as low as you would think after sitting for so long.

Thanks again for your help.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Mar 24, 2014 1:34 pm

Nice! I'm not surprised about the starting taking awhile and then running rough. Even with stabilizer the carb is probably still a bit gunked up. I would get fresh gas in there and add a few ounces of seafoam to a few tanks. There is a good chance that that will clear things up.

Buddys are freaking great! Let them sit for over a year and they will still start and run!

JettaKnight · Post by **JettaKnight** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:23 pm

Glad she started up! Second on the Seafoam idea. (reminds me I should use some)

Also, check all the rubber hoses and gaskets for cracking. If you can pull out the pet carrier a five minute inspection will do.

Then, check the brakes BEFORE rising.

James123 · Post by **James123** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 4:04 pm

I went to the DMV and got my plate up to date, ordered a battery, and purchased some Seafoam.

I'll do a basic inspection and test the brakes, but I still plan on bringing it in for service. I would like to have someone who knows more than I do give it a thorough check. However, I think I'll fare better at the shop bringing in scooter that runs well for a checkup rather than limping it in and asking them to fix what's wrong.

The forecast is for warmer temps this weekend, with any luck I'll be riding by then. Thanks again!