Modern Buddy

I currently live in New Jersey and live about 10 miles from work. I figure I can ride the scooter to work most days and on my days off just ride around the area for a few hours. I don't want a tiny scooter. I'd love a nice large one, but spending $10,000 is not quite what I had in mind also. I have no problem spending around $3000. For anyone not familiar with my area, there are tons of major highways around. I'm not even sure if it's a good idea to take these on the highways but I'd like to option to if needed.

If I could narrow the field to just 2 or 3 scooters then I can begin to find the best deals.

Thanx all
Steve

Within the context of Genuine products...

Although a Buddy or Stella can do 60, you would probably not want to jump on the expressway very often. A Blur would do alright, maybe even a Hooligan.

If you can find one of these used, you should be able to ride somewhere less than $3k.

If you scale back your expectations a bit, you should be able to get by with a Buddy 125/150. They are easier to find in the used marketplace.

The GT/GTS Vespas are well made large scooters and fun to ride. A used GT is a reliable ride and easy to find at under $3,000.

I would consider the Yamaha SMAX 155. It does 75 mph and still gets 80+ mpg.

Look at Craigslist everyday and look for good deals. There will always be people who buy a new scooter and then sell it later when they realize they no longer ride it.

cheaptoad wrote:I currently live in New Jersey and live about 10 miles from work. I figure I can ride the scooter to work most days and on my days off just ride around the area for a few hours. I don't want a tiny scooter. I'd love a nice large one, but spending $10,000 is not quite what I had in mind also. I have no problem spending around $3000. For anyone not familiar with my area, there are tons of major highways around. I'm not even sure if it's a good idea to take these on the highways but I'd like to option to if needed.

If I could narrow the field to just 2 or 3 scooters then I can begin to find the best deals.

Thanx all
Steve

Are you an experienced 2 wheel rider? Do you have a motorcycle endorsement on your DL? If not, strongly recommend you take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 day class which will lead to your endorsement. Such classes usually have a scooter division which will help you make an informed decision as to which scooter might be best for your area. Ride safe!

Bill in Seattle
'14 170i Hooligan Matte Green
'15 170i Hooligan Titanium (AZ scoot)

So far your choices are the Blur, maybe the Hooligan and the Vespa GT/GTS. I'll add the SYM HD200 and any Kymco (really almost any scooter) in the 200-300cc range.

Are you married to the idea of a scooter? I like both scooters and motorcycles. You can get a small motorcycle brand new for $3-$4 thousand if you look hard enough, and even a light weight 250 be a pretty good commuter.