Buddy 50 or Buddy 125

ucandoit · Post by **ucandoit** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 10:51 pm

Got a used 2008 Buddy 125 (first scooter) last August. Am an older (61 yrs.) rider learning the ropes & it's a joy to ride.. I have until this August to take the motorcycle endorsement skills test. Anyway, I rarely go over 40 mph--not even half throttle. I just don't feel comfortable with the speed & my ability. Even as I get more confidence, I can't see myself touring. I'm wondering if a Buddy 50 would be a better fit. How fast does an unrestricted Buddy 50 go? Any suggestions, comments? I ride the quieter roads in town; no big hills, avoid heavy traffic, but some areas are posted 45mph. I wouldn't need an endorsement with the 50cc, though that doesn't mean skills and caution aren't required. Any thoughts, suggestions. Other than the endorsement, there would be no reason to change scooters. Never had the chance to ride a Buddy 50cc and wonder how it is different.

sunshinen · Post by **sunshinen** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 12:22 am

With a posted speed limit of 45mph, I would definitely want the 125cc for two reasons:

1) Most people go above the speed limit and really don't like people going under it. (You'll have to be the judge regarding the roads you'll be on.)

2) I like to have extra speed to accelerate, in case I want to get ahead of some trouble quickly, rather than riding at the top end and having only the option of slowing down to avoid other vehicles.

Unless the endorsement, insurance, or some other factor makes you want/need to downgrade.... (which it sounds like is not the case) the extra power is nice to have even if you don't need it all the time. And on 45mph roads... I think you'd regret downsizing, especially as you get more comfortable on it.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 12:52 am

The Buddy 50 and the Buddy 125 are exactly the same size and close to the same weight. You would really gain nothing by switching to a 50 and you give up the additional power for those times when you would choose to use it - going uphill, for example. As you note, about the only difference is the need for an M endorsement. My opinion is that the MSF Basic Course is a good idea for any rider, and you get the endorsement for passing the course. If you have been riding for a year passing the DMV test should be no challenge either. Or to say it a different way, if you couldn't pass the course or the DMV test, you probably shouldn't be riding a scooter. By the way, I am 8 years older than you so I have great faith in your ability as a rider.

DeeDee · Post by **DeeDee** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 1:19 am

Hi ucan. If I were you, I would take the intermediate rider skill class through ABATE: Take the class with the testing option. The class is a 6 hour low-speed intensive. This class can save your life. Even if you decide to go down to a 50cc, you will learn very valuable skills. Where I am, you take the test at the end of the class, and you take the card into your motor vehicle department to get your endorsement. The class is a lot of fun, and you can do it on your scooter.

https://www.abatemn.org/links-contacts/ ... -web-sites

sherides · Post by **sherides** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:06 am

When I was looking for my scooter, I considered a 50cc, because, like you, I didn't anticipate going over 35-40 mph. My friend, who owned a 350cc, recommended the 125 because I would have the additional power if I needed it to get out of a potentially hazardous situation. I ended up buying the 125, and I am glad I did. Not only have I toured with it, it is very reassuring to be able to speed up quickly when I needed to to avoid trouble. I bought it when I was 55, still riding at 62. And definitely do the MSF course. It was extremely valuable. And don't let them talk you into taking the course on a motorcycle. At the first orientation, the instructor tried to do that with me, but the first morning of the training, the instructor (a different guy) understood that I was going to be riding a scooter and totally agreed that I needed to take the training on the two-wheeled vehicle I was going to be riding!

sherides · Post by **sherides** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:08 am

By the way, if you have been riding for almost a year, you will definitely have an advantage when you take the MSF course. I was also in that situation when I took it, and I was the only person in the class to have a perfect score on the final test!

Neurotic-Hapi-Snak · Post by **Neurotic-Hapi-Snak** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:11 am

Stick with the 125, you already own it and getting a MC endorsement isn't that hard. As others have said, with a 50 you'll basically be wringing it for all it's worth at 40-45. Plus, as you gain more skill and confidence, you'll probably end up wanting to go faster than 40, especially if you live outside a city center. With the 50, you'll see streets you want to take but can't take because you can't keep up with traffic, which can be dangerous with all the aggressive and bad drivers out there.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 6:12 am

Where is TVB? He's the one to give a fully experienced answer to this question.

sc00ter · Post by **sc00ter** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:14 pm

There is no replacement for displacement. The 2 50cc scoots we have are modded, 1 has a stage 1 (pipe and vario swap) and the other is stage 2 (70cc/pipe/carb/transmission/etc.) and its just so much easier and quieter to ride the 125 Buddy. Plus you wont smell like 2 cycle exhaust, not all women like the 2t cologne! Most four stroke 50cc scooters are extra slow, so stay with the 125.

ucandoit · Post by **ucandoit** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:43 pm

Thank you for all the responses. It makes sense to stick with the 125. I've actually only ridden a few months as our winters in MN are soooo long. (Seriously, it is too cold here too long; and I like winter and the north).

Honestly, I think it's fear (lack of confidence) that prevents me from getting more committed to riding. With a 50cc I imagine I can just dink around and have fun, but that really isn't the reality. I'm avoiding learning important motorcycle/scooter skills, like leaning into curves, turning my head in the direction I want to go, etc. I aced the academic learner's permit test, but accomplishing the riding skills is something else. Taking the basic motorcycle safety course is probably the thing to do. I hope I can use my scooter, but I doubt it. I also will check on the intermediate class through ABATE, as Dee Dee suggested.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 11:03 pm

I highly recommend taking the BRC with their small motorcycles if at all possible. You get to push yourself more on their old bikes because you don't need to worry about damaging the bike. That and if you fall, the instructors consider it a failing on their part - they didn't teach you well enough.

KrispyKreme · Post by **KrispyKreme** » Wed Apr 22, 2015 2:15 am

Syd wrote: That and if you fall, the instructors consider it a failing on their part - they didn't teach you well enough.

Sounds like being a parent.