Is this the right scoot for me?

sadtaco1 · Post by **sadtaco1** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:27 pm

I'm a real newbie to scooters and I am considering a Buddy Italia 125 cc scoot for my first purchase, but I want some opinions on whether this is the right scoot for me and my needs.

I am 25, and I am lookin for a scoot to use for my daily commute (4 miles round trip through a residential neighborhood), and also to the grocery store and on small errands. I won't use the scoot on the highway except for the very rare occasion. I am keeping my car (for the time being) for times when I need it.

I am hoping to completely rid myself of the car, but I am not ready to completely get rid of the car until I see just how functional the scoot is. I should also mention that I don't have any kids, and I live in the Gulf Coast region so winter weather is not an issue -- just the occasional 100-year hurricane!

Leeroy Jenkins · Post by **Leeroy Jenkins** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:38 pm

if you dont plan on going above 60mph, sounds like a good fit to me.

Most important thing is to take one for a good test drive. Also try ride other bikes to get an idea of the buddy and how it compares and serves your needs.

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 12:53 am

Leeroy Jenkins wrote:if you dont plan on going above 60mph, sounds like a good fit to me.

Most important thing is to take one for a good test drive. Also try ride other bikes to get an idea of the buddy and how it compares and serves your needs.

Ditto that.

and take the MSF course if you've never ridden before...and even if you have but it's been a while, it's an excellent course that teaches more than just how to turn (though that is very important too).

The Ninja · Post by **The Ninja** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 2:27 am

Why not a 50cc. As a first time rider it will be better to learn on a slower bike and with your commute it will fit the bill. I wouldn't bring even the 125cc on any highway.

Might be worth a look. No license is required for the 50cc, at least in NC, might want to check your state law.

weaseltamer · Post by **weaseltamer** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:40 am

oh noes! the 50 vs 125 argument!!

louie · Post by **louie** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 4:08 am

weaseltamer wrote:oh noes! the 50 vs 125 argument!!

face!

you never know but you might find that the 4 mile commute turning into a 15 mile round about...regularly. truly it happens to the best of us and i hate to drive my car. and too, i love to keep my options open.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 5:31 am

You are on the horns of a dilemma. On the one hand, you have a daily commute that's perfect for a Buddy 125 or 150. On the other hand, you hope to rid yourself of your car and, to me, anything under a 250 won't quite cut the mustard for life sans car. On yet another hand, a 250 is not a particularly good scoot to learn on.

As has been suggested, invest in the MSF before you buy. This way you'll know whether or not you like riding before you buy a bike. Then test ride everything. If you realistically think you can stay off the highway, a 125 is great. But, if the highway beckons, you'll need something bigger. Not want, need.

afriendofcheese · Post by **afriendofcheese** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 6:16 am

If you don't mind having to get a motorcycle endorsement, plates, registration, pay taxes, etc. then there's no real reason (financial maybe?) to not get the 125 instead of the 50.
The only reason I went with the Rattler 50 over the 110 was to bypass all the legal requirements. That said, it wasn't more than a few weeks before I wanted more speed (and I mainly bought it for a 4 mile neighborhood commute and store trips like yourself) and invested in the 70cc cylinder and variator kit.

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 2:56 pm

do you have a rental place near you? rent a 50cc for a day and see how it works for you. check it out on any hills and general traffic conditions you may face. have fun!

Leeroy Jenkins · Post by **Leeroy Jenkins** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:04 pm

take the MSF class, and get a 125+ you wont regret it.

sadtaco1 · Post by **sadtaco1** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 9:22 pm

in my state, the law requires a motorcycle license for a scoot over 5 horsepower. Anyone know how many horsepower on a 50cc Buddy? I can't seem to find that anywhere...

Leeroy Jenkins · Post by **Leeroy Jenkins** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 9:55 pm

Take the MSF course no matter what your laws require.

You can get hurt and kill yourself real quick on the road.

Don't get on any kind of motorized bike without proper training.

ride2die
http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/bike.htm

coopdway · Post by **coopdway** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:28 am

Leeroy Jenkins wrote:Take the MSF course no matter what your laws require.

You can get hurt and kill yourself real quick on the road.

Don't get on any kind of motorized bike without proper training.

Wonderful advice......Please do it!!

Da'Gnome · Post by **Da'Gnome** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:13 pm

Consider your build and weight what you'll be carrying...etc.. in to it the 125 or bigger, most likely will be the better choice and there great advice from all..