Looking for a particular type of service...

Duquesne · Post by **Duquesne** » Wed Apr 22, 2015 5:57 pm

Hi team, new member here. I got a Buddy 125 about a month ago, and am in love so far. Now I'd like to learn to take better care of it. I need a mechanic in Los Angeles. More than a mechanic, I'd like someone who will rent me their brain. I would do all the wrench turning, but they would be instructing me, and be an extra set of hands if the job requires. Does this even exist? In an ideal world it would be at their shop, or one of the rental shops, as I don't have very many tools(basically just sockets and screwdrivers).

I know I can watch youtube videos, but it's just not the same as having someone in the room, plus the thing about the tools.

Cheers for any tips.

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 12:22 am

I don't hang out on ModernVespa.com any more, but there's a guy over there, handle greasy125, who is hooked up with ericalm, our esteemed admin. I don't know what the status of his shop is, but he's the SoCal scooter-mech-guru. He's great and he likes to spread the knowledge.

ucandoit · Post by **ucandoit** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 7:33 pm

When I got my used 2008 Buddy 125 it leaked gas from the air filter compartment, stuttered in the lower gears, etc. I knew nothing about scooters. I really worked my butt off learning to do the mechanics: removed and cleaned the carb. x3. Valve adjustments--twice to get it right, replaced petcock, spark plug, fuel line, oil changes numerous times to get the gas out, gear oil change, etc. I did meet a young man at a hardware store that volunteered to help me change the cvt belt, etc. but I didn't take him up on the offer. It's a matter of trust. Still, that is coming up next. Anyway, I watched a LOT of youtube videos over and over again to find good instruction and studied the Buddy manual, such as it is. I spoke over the phone with the Neil, the mechanic at Scooterville, I went to motorcycle shops,(good, but not the best). You will be lucky to find someone to come help you in person, but I think it can be done. I would ask on scooter websites in the LA area. People enjoy helping one another.

sunshinen · Post by **sunshinen** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 7:44 pm

I lucked into someone who did that for me a long time ago.... He'd left a business card on my scooter at mall parking lot... so I'd bought 3 scooters on a whim and called him saying I'd pay him for his time to come teach me to fix them up. They didn't need much, just some Seafoam, really... but my point is there are experienced people that would be willing to do something like that.

lascooterservice · Post by **lascooterservice** » Wed May 13, 2015 9:55 pm

jrsjr wrote:I don't hang out on ModernVespa.com any more, but there's a guy over there, handle greaasy125, who is hooked up with ericalm, our esteemed admin. I don't know what the status of his shop is, but he's the SoCal scooter-mech-guru. He's great and he likes to spread the knowledge.

sorry that i'm late to the party... but this is greasy125 checking in.

if you're in LA and you need some love for your buddy feel free to hit me up.

818.861.4640

my shop is up in north hollywood and we are open 10~6 tues~sat

also, thanks for the props jrsjr!

-g

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed May 13, 2015 10:03 pm

Greasy...when did you start slumming at MB!

Seriously...Greasy be da man. He has given me and other tons of really valuable advice...and kept me from doing some stupid things!

lascooterservice · Post by **lascooterservice** » Wed May 13, 2015 10:14 pm

ehh, i pop in from time to time.

i give a glance every few days see if somebody local needs a hand on something that i can help with.

glad i could be of assistance at some point for ya!

-g