Modern Buddy

The other day I was riding my Genuine Buddy and it started to seemingly stutter (accelerate/decelerate rapidly), then died.

I tried starting it a few times, and it would start and run for a couple seconds then die.

My gas meter had been malfunctioning but I hadn't gotten around to fixing it. I checked the gas level in the tank and it seemed I was out of gas (there was a very small amount of gas in the tank, but I figured it probably wasn't enough).

I was able to refill it (after hiking to a nearby gas station and buying a portable gas tank). I started the scooter and it started no problem and kept running.

But ever since then, when I get past about 30 mph it starts sputtering, or rather a rapid acceleration/deceleration like just before it died. I can still get to a higher speed, but it seems to struggle.

I'm a novice with scooters (I changed the oil, so I can follow basic instructions), but I figured something must be going on with the fuel line? Since it happened just after the no gas issue. I'm not sure.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

You changed the oil so I'm assuming its a Buddy 125? What year and how many miles? Thinking fuel filter. Easy to change.

Yes Buddy 125. I believe 2013. About 6,300 miles.

Your stator may be bad.

What's the maintenance history? Valve adjustment, air filter, spark plug? What grade of fuel are you running? Do you always run the tank to empty?

Check the fuel filter for debris from the bottom of the fuel tank when you ran out of gas.

k1dude wrote:Your stator may be bad.

Sounds like the same thing that was happening with my Buddy 125 about a year ago. Had the carb cleaned a few times, the spark plug changed, and was still cutting out intermittently. Would sometimes restart right away, but sometimes it gave me a hell of a time. Finally replaced the stator and it fixed the problem right away.

I've never let the tank run out before.

I use regular grade fuel. Nothing special.

I don't know the maintenance history.

I will check for debris. How would I access the fuel filter?

There is a 1/4" in line filter that is right near your air box. Best access is had by removing the pet carrier. There is a fine mesh screen sitting inside your tank a top the fuel petcock, these aren't mean to be serviced. If you're valves have never been checked, you are due. The fuel filter can be purchasesd at any auto parts store, and is easy to swap out.

Maybe fill it up with 87 and try adding 2 oz of Seafoam. Take it out for a long run.

Sparkplug cap might need replaced

Bet they have almost no clearance. Replace fuel filter too. Check your manual for recommended maintenance at 6000 miles. Bet it's only had oil changes unless you got service records when you bought it

What year Buddy? Do you have a vented gas cap? This might be a vapor lock issue.