How to access battery

[pinsnip]

I am a new Buddy 50 owner and my dealer is not opened today. Could someone tell me how to access the battery? Sorry so inept..

[ericalm]

Check out the service manual, page 25:

http://modernbuddy.com/pdf/buddy50_service_manual.pdf

Isn't this also in your owner's manual?

[pinsnip]

Thanks Eric.
Does the floormat stick to the floor again once it has been removed?
John

[pinsnip]

I had thought the floor mat was stuck down with adhesive. Thanks for the instant help. Great web site.

[ericalm]

I had thought the floor mat was stuck down with adhesive. Thanks for the instant help. Great web site.

Did you get the floormat up? It's just held by little rubber nubs.

[dubbylove]

Hey Ericalm- that PDF file you attached is very helpful. I'm thinking about doing my own oil change so this is will help me out. Thanks a bunch for sharing that. Have you done your own oil change?

[ericalm]

Hey Ericalm- that PDF file you attached is very helpful. I'm thinking about doing my own oil change so this is will help me out. Thanks a bunch for sharing that. Have you done your own oil change?

I haven't changed the oil on the Buddy yet, but I do my own oil changes on my Vespa. The process is practically identical. There's a good thread here with step-by-step Buddy instructions and pics. I had no mechanical skills when I started doing stuff on the scooter—it's very easy and straightforward.

The most important piece of advice is to be sure to get the filter on very tight when replacing it. A few people have had them come loose or fall off after an oil change and the results can be disastrous—as in needing a new engine. The Piaggio-branded filters cost a few dollars more but have a bolt head on the top, making then easier to tighten. The "generic" Hi-Flo filters have this weird slot on top and are more difficult to turn. I have always used the Hi-Flos but will swap to the Piaggio filter when I change the oil on the Buddy (just for the added confidence).

Other piece of advice: be sure you have the right tools for the job beforehand. Investing $30 in tools will save you plenty on down the line. On my first (aborted) oil change attempt, I thought I could make my adjustable wrench, sockets and channel locks work and they just didn't at all.

[dubbylove]

Thanks for the tips. Where do you think the best place (online) to buy these tools? Or can I buy it from a scooter store?

[ericalm]

You don't need any specialized tools, though jettin.com sells a double-ended wrench for both the drain plug and the oil filter. The tutorial link I provided above gives the sizes of the wrenches—you can get them at a good hardware or auto parts store.