Modern Buddy

Greetings everyone - long time no see! Hope somebody remembers me here, it's been a while... and, it's been a while since I owned a Buddy - BUT - like magic - a FREE sea-foam green 50 just landed in my lap. It's cosmetically challenged (equal parts cracked panels & duct tape), and it has some mechanical issues (doesn't turn over, or even try), but hey - it's a Buddy 2 Stroke - we can fix this, right?!?

I hope you get it running with some careful disassembly and reassembly.
How do you like the Suzy s40?

Thanks! Re: the S40 (aka Savage 650) I LOVED it. I had to sell it on, but I really miss it. I have a Yamaha V-Star 650 now - also a freebie (long story), and it's a cool bike, but not for me. I'd trade it for another Savage in a heartbeat.

fretman wrote:It's cosmetically challenged (equal parts cracked panels & duct tape), and it has some mechanical issues (doesn't turn over, or even try), but hey - it's a Buddy 2 Stroke - we can fix this, right?!?

It's a horizontal Minarelli derivative, of course it can be fixed! Stronger & faster too, if that's your thing.

So, it doesn't turn over; is this by kickstart, electric start or both? Does the engine spin but not start, or does it not seem to want to turn at all?

One thing I like about air-cooled 2 strokes is how easy they are to work on. I bought a used Yamaha 80 in 1978 that went about 30 mph for $150. I took off the head, cleaned out chunks of carbon & put in a new plug in about 45 minutes. Went 50+ & I rode it all over town. Had an S40 too, 2004. Great bike. Loved the torque & light weight. Sold it for one reason, ergonomics. Never got used to that but I started out on dirt bikes. Tall seats & pegs straight down. Ryca Motors makes some cool kits for the S40. Might be one of my projects when I retire next year.

az_slynch wrote: So, it doesn't turn over; is this by kickstart, electric start or both? Does the engine spin but not start, or does it not seem to want to turn at all?

With the electric it didn't spin at all - haven't even tried kicking it yet - gonna get into it later this week I hope! I had a Buddy 50 way back when, that I installed a 70 kit on, then I got an Italia 150, then sold those for an MC... I've alway missed that 50 though, it's almost mystical how this one found me! Anyway, thanks, will report back when I've looked more into it.

New2Scoots wrote:One thing I like about air-cooled 2 strokes is how easy they are to work on.... Had an S40 too, 2004. Great bike. Loved the torque & light weight. Sold it for one reason, ergonomics. Never got used to that but I started out on dirt bikes...

Unfortunately even 2 stroke engines are sophisticated to me... I don't mind getting my hands dirty though, and luckily I've got some friends who know a lot more than I do, and this forum, to help out!

Re:S40 - I guess they're classified as Cruisers - in retrospect though, compared to theV-Star I inherited, the S40 seemed like a dirt bike! Lol. It was half the weight, and much narrower. Both seats are really low, good for me...

Of course we can fix it. You can even buy some of the seafoam buddy panels I have for sale