Who's running this LED headlight in your buddy?

[DeeDee]

HI, I'm looking for feedback from anyone who is using this 28W LED headlight bulb in your Buddy. How is it going? Has it melted the headlight lens? I put one in my C3 thirteen months and 6,000 miles ago. I love it. C3 has a glass headlight lens. Feels pretty hot. I want more visibility in my Buddy, but I don't want to melt the plastic lens. Thank you in advance!

[tenders]

I’ve had that bulb running in three Buddy 50s since 2019 with zero issues. Brighter, whiter, cooler, and lower wattage than the original bulb. The keys to their success in the Buddy 50 is that they are AC-compatible, and the wire mesh heat sink system reduces the module length so it fits in the space relatively easily. I do not notice that they make anything particularly hot.

[DeeDee]

Thank you for the reply. Next time I need inside the headset, I will order another.

[printdragon]

Link please or part# thanks, Shep

[DeeDee]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2251832 ... 4itemAdapt

[rottekatz]

Is it a simple installation?

Ordered Jun 21. DeeDee it's much cheaper from the site that you referenced than Scooterwest.

[DeeDee]

Once you remove the headset plastic, it practically installs itself. Hint, undo the speedometer cable at the front hub, not at the speedo.

[bmyers448]

Posted a question about headlights over in General and was referred here.

I’m looking to change the headlight on a 2008 150 and a 2013 170i to an LED.

Can anyone tell me if this bulb will fit those models? I went to Scooter West to get some info on it and they only list it as compatible with Vespas.

Will this work in my scoots? I see an exterior circuit comes with it. Does it address the AC/DC question? I’m not sure about the technical end of this.

Any help so greatly appreciated!!!

[rottekatz]

Posted a question about headlights over in General and was referred here.

I’m looking to change the headlight on a 2008 150 and a 2013 170i to an LED.

Can anyone tell me if this bulb will fit those models? I went to Scooter West to get some info on it and they only list it as compatible with Vespas.

Will this work in my scoots? I see an exterior circuit comes with it. Does it address the AC/DC question? I’m not sure about the technical end of this.

Any help so greatly appreciated!!!

I out the bulb in My wife's 2022 Buddy 125 as a result of recommendations from Wally and Dee Dee. It was easy to install and works well. It was only about $16 or 18 as opposed to Scooterwest's ????

[Therealslimshaggy]

I still don’t understand why anyone would use an LED bulb with one of the long wired ballasts and additional wires and crap going everywhere that not only is going to be harder to install and fit in the ballast but also more prone to failure with all the added wires everywhere. I have been using a plug and play bulb that fits just about everything It’s a plug and play led bulb with no ballast. No added wires. It’s super bright. Maybe even too bright. In fact it’s so bright I question why anyone invented a led bulb with ballast to boost brightness. Seems pointless unless it’s simply for voltage conversion which is still unnecessary when you see what I use below. I have used this in many scooters over the years including a Zuma 125 Suzuki address 110 and currently my roughhouse 50 which took a little widening chiseling at the circle base to fit but works great and soon will get installed on a buddy 170.

[2forfun]

what is the newest in led headlamp bulbs out there for a buddy 125 ?

[DeeDee]

This is a great bulb. You need AC. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568057 ... pt=glo2usa It uses 30 watts on high.

[Point37]

anyone running one of these?...

https://www.scooterworks.com/products/l ... ht-bulb-h4

[DeeDee]

Looks good. I'd give that a whirl if I were in the market. They don't tell how many watts it pulls. Shipping is likely to be almost as much as the bulb. LED headlight bulbs have come a long way.

[Point37]

Looks good. I'd give that a whirl if I were in the market. They don't tell how many watts it pulls. Shipping is likely to be almost as much as the bulb. LED headlight bulbs have come a long way.

thanks for the feedback ...the other options i had seen a couple years ago had huge heat sinks on the back of the bulb which i was afraid wouldn't fit properly and i would really rather not modify the housing and have a potential for moisture...i have been wanting a brighter headlight or to add additional headlights (using the dead lights as blinkers)...i may give this a shot or see if i can find a similar bulb on amazon

[DeeDee]

You're welcome. I've tried 4 different LED scooter bulbs over the last few years. I believe the one you are afraid of is the best of the 4. I've used it in Buddy 50s, 125s and two 50cc Yamahas. It will last longer because the heat sinks do a good job of spreading out the heat. I've moved to others because they are a lot cheaper. I used to get these for around $13 shipped. Important thing for any Buddy is the bulb be AC compatible. These from NLpearl are a close 2nd. I have the 9005 version in my Ford Ranger. Buy 2, and you get free shipping.
Tax, shipping and all you and up about $7 per bulb. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568057 ... pt=glo2usa

[Point37]

You're welcome. I've tried 4 different LED scooter bulbs over the last few years. I believe the one you are afraid of is the best of the 4. I've used it in Buddy 50s, 125s and two 50cc Yamahas. It will last longer because the heat sinks do a good job of spreading out the heat. I've moved to others because they are a lot cheaper. I used to get these for around $13 shipped. Important thing for any Buddy is the bulb be AC compatible. These from NLpearl are a close 2nd. I have the 9005 version in my Ford Ranger. Buy 2, and you get free shipping.
Tax, shipping and all you and up about $7 per bulb. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568057 ... pt=glo2usa

thanks again...i'll give those aliexpress ones a shot...going to order them now

edit: came to $5.16 for 2 bulbs...first time ordering from there...have ordered from temu but a little sketched out by both sites

[DeeDee]

I order from AliExpress all the time. The products get here fast, and they have excellent customer service. The return/refund process is about as easy as Amazon.

[Point37]

I order from AliExpress all the time. The products get here fast, and they have excellent customer service. The return/refund process is about as easy as Amazon.

good to hear...i'll have to do a before/after photos once i get them and install when i dig the buddy out of hibernation...

off topic but just always have a hard time firing it up at the beginning of the season and sometimes during the season...always run seafoam in the tank and just top it off for the winter...usually siphon out the gas in the spring and dump it into my car and put in new fresh gas with seafoam...spring 2024 i pulled the carb and cleaned it but it really didn't look too dirty...i think i had read that this scooter has an automatic shutting petcock which would mean it should shut at the tank but i feel like i should run a fuel shutoff on it so i can kill the gas and let the scooter shut off from fuel starvation similar to how i shut down my snowblower to cut down on any build up in the carb so i don't have to pull it as often and run it through the ultrasonic...i mean when you just turn the key on the scooter to shut it down the petcock may shut but that doesn't allow for the fuel in the line and the carb to be consumed...or maybe i'm completely wrong about how it works...but i think a simple fuel valve just downstream of the petcock would be a good addition...wonder if anyone has done this...time to search

[DeeDee]

Watch Project Farm's YouTube video on ethanol and fuel additives. I use ethanol free 87 in everything I own including my 1991 Ford Ranger. I'll add MMO on occasion to my scooters as a cleaner and top end lubricant. If I have a light clogged jet problem, I'll use Berryman B-12. Seafoam does nothing as a fuel preservative. In Colorado, we can get 8 inches of snow, and 2 days later you can get in a 50 mile ride. I own 3 scooters, and each gets ridden year round. On my 2 stroke snowthrower and 4 stroke lawn mower, I siphon out as much gas as I can at the end of the season, and let them run until they die. When I need either at the start of the next season, they both fire right up. There are threads here on adding an inline fuel shut off. If you search the forum, you might be able to find the right manual petcock to replace your vacuum feed. I installed a new petcock and needle on Ryan's Buddy 150 a while back. It was pissing fuel out of the air filter and the scooter left him stranded. Usually they don't both fail at the same time. It often manifests it's self as a hard start problem.

[Point37]

Watch Project Farm's YouTube video on ethanol and fuel additives. I use ethanol free 87 in everything I own including my 1991 Ford Ranger. I'll add MMO on occasion to my scooters as a cleaner and top end lubricant. If I have a light clogged jet problem, I'll use Berryman B-12. Seafoam does nothing as a fuel preservative. In Colorado, we can get 8 inches of snow, and 2 days later you can get in a 50 mile ride. I own 3 scooters, and each gets ridden year round. On my 2 stroke snowthrower and 4 stroke lawn mower, I siphon out as much gas as I can at the end of the season, and let them run until they die. When I need either at the start of the next season, they both fire right up. There are threads here on adding an inline fuel shut off. If you search the forum, you might be able to find the right manual petcock to replace your vacuum feed. I installed a new petcock and needle on Ryan's Buddy 150 a while back. It was pissing fuel out of the air filter and the scooter left him stranded. Usually they don't both fail at the same time. It often manifests it's self as a hard start problem.

thanks again for all the info...when you say that it "manifests it's self as a hard start problem" are you referring to the auto petcock failing?...can they fail partially closed and not allow fuel to flow properly?...if so this may be my problem...and in that case a manual petcock would be the way i go to not have to worry about it again...if the manual petcock is a pain to get to i could always install a redundant valve in a better location downstream of the petcock

the only thing i use ethanol free in is my chainsaw and just buy trufuel at the hardware store...not sure where else i can get it but i would run it in everything if i could get it reliably...i have a case of marvel mystery oil at home that i've never used (inherited)...also have some bg 44k hanging around...never used the berryman b-12 before though but i'll keep a bottle on hand

[DeeDee]

You're welcome. When a Vacuum petcock fails, the STOP of fuel is halted. There is a rubber diaphragm in there activated by suction. That allows fuel to flow. When it gets eaten away, the fuel flows constantly. Hard start is typically excess fuel that made it past the float needle when the scooter sits for while. They get $7 a quart for ethanol free fuel at Home Depot. That's more expensive than decent wine. Have a look at this: https://www.pure-gas.org/

[Point37]

You're welcome. When a Vacuum petcock fails, the STOP of fuel is halted. There is a rubber diaphragm in there activated by suction. That allows fuel to flow. When it gets eaten away, the fuel flows constantly. Hard start is typically excess fuel that made it past the float needle when the scooter sits for while. They get $7 a quart for ethanol free fuel at Home Depot. That's more expensive than decent wine. Have a look at this: https://www.pure-gas.org/

thanks again...that makes sense...i feel that this is my issue...i have to look at the scooter to see where the petcock is located...1) i feel i have 2 choices...either go with a manual petcock...or 2) replace the auto petcock in kind and install an inline fuel valve downstream

[DeeDee]

This should bolt right on your Buddy tank: https://www.ebay.com/itm/335584352232?c ... W8JaVSHgsQ

[Point37]

This should bolt right on your Buddy tank: https://www.ebay.com/itm/335584352232?c ... W8JaVSHgsQ

thanks...that's what i will go with if i go that way...i'm going to weigh my 2 options (hopefully this weekend) when i have a little time to uncover the scooter and take a peak at the install locations to see if it will be a pain to actuate a valve under the tank vs an inline valve...i also want to look at the clearance of manual petcock under the tank vs the auto petcock (doesn't look like they are much different in height)...either way i want a shut off valve...just trying to gauge if it's a better idea to just replace the auto petcock and add the inline valve or just go with the manual petcock...i tend to overanalyze things a bunch before i pull the trigger on something...in my head by removing the auto petcock i lose a potential point of failure in the future...

the auto petcock also looks like it has 2 hoses 2 it...without looking i assume the top one goes to the carb and the bottom is in case the tank needs to burp?...in that case i won't be needing the bottom hose anymore

[scootERIK]

the auto petcock also looks like it has 2 hoses 2 it...without looking i assume the top one goes to the carb and the bottom is in case the tank needs to burp?...in that case i won't be needing the bottom hose anymore

One goes to the carb the other goes to the intake manifold. The one that goes to the manifold is the vacuum line what opens the petcock when the engine is running.

If I added a fuel cut off I would put it between the petcock and the carb in a location that is easy to reach from the cvt side of the scooter. Unless you know for a fact that the petcock is malfunctioning.

[Point37]

the auto petcock also looks like it has 2 hoses 2 it...without looking i assume the top one goes to the carb and the bottom is in case the tank needs to burp?...in that case i won't be needing the bottom hose anymore

One goes to the carb the other goes to the intake manifold. The one that goes to the manifold is the vacuum line what opens the petcock when the engine is running.

If I added a fuel cut off I would put it between the petcock and the carb in a location that is easy to reach from the cvt side of the scooter. Unless you know for a fact that the petcock is malfunctioning.

thanks!...gotcha so if i were to swap to a manual petcock i wouldn't need that hose to the intake anymore...not sure where the hose bung is positioned on the intake so not sure if it would make sense to plug it or just leave it open

i don't know for a fact that my issue is the auto petcock but it's always been hard to start to the point that i don't want to go far on it cause i don't want to get stuck not being able to restart...even after cleaning the carb...spark is good...battery is good...gas cap venting is good...but i guess if i were to remove the fuel line downstream of the auto petcock and see if fuel was leaking through the petcock with the scooter off that would answer my question (which i will)...once it starts reliably i will be more comfortable taking longer rides...that's the one thing i haven't been able to dial in since i bought it so i don't have more than 3k miles on a 2013 which i picked up used in 2018 with under 2k miles...the reliability has been holding me back somewhat cause it's not reliable (my lack of time is the other issue)...if the auto petcock is already failed i guess an inline fuel shutoff downstream would accomplish what i want...not sure if a failed auto petcock could cause a problem if there is a broken down rubber diaphragm in there that could potentially block the line...as long as i have fuel flowing it should be fine though...not sure if i could open up the auto petcock and remove a failed diaphragm should one exist

[DeeDee]

You put less than 1,000 miles on this in the last 7 years? What the bike needs is ridden, not a bunch of new parts. These machines are made to be used.

[Point37]

You put less than 1,000 miles on this in the last 7 years? What the bike needs is ridden, not a bunch of new parts. These machines are made to be used.

i agree and to do so i need to make it start reliably or i won't be riding it, which has been the case over the years...lack of time to work on it and ride it has been the other part of it as it's not a priority cause it's my second vehicle...the other part is it's pretty much a fun toy for me since i can't commute on it, no room for passengers and can't carry much cargo on it, so it doesn't see as much action as my car...but i wouldn't consider a brighter headlight for better vision/visibility at night and a fuel shut off valve to make it start better unreasonable parts to add to it...other than that i haven't done much to it aside from swap the mirrors for bar end mirrors, added dead light blinker adapters, added a folding milk crate on the rear rack, added a funny custom license plate frame and a few decals after i first got it...it's a great ride, i just need to get it to start reliably...at the time i got it we had a baby and i sold my last motorcycle and used the money to buy a riding lawn mower which i needed to save cutting time and had a little toy money left to buy the scooter to get my 2-wheel fix but haven't had the time to spend on it over the years...hoping to get it dialed in this year so i can get some saddle time in

[Point37]

bulbs and fuel shutoff are in...hoping to install them soon and get inspected for the season

[Point37]

so i took care of both things this past weekend...

headlight bulb
was straight forward for the most part...i didn't have the battery in it yet so i didn't try it out yet as the scooter is still in hibernation...i will say that the metal "ears" that fit into the slots in the bulb housing (shown under the bulbs in the photo below) are not the same distance apart on the led light so they had to be bent over flat...no other issues

petcock shutoff
so first i went and used long forceps to clamp off the fuel line connected to the carb...then i disconnected the fuel line to the carb...put the line in a bottle and unclamped the forceps...the vacuum petcock seemed to be working as only a little fuel came out...but i wanted a way to kill the scooter with a fuel shut off so i was going to install it anyway and there isn't really a good spot to install a shutoff downstream of the vacuum petcock that is easily accessible...after this i siphoned off the fuel, removed the vacuum petcock, put some electrical tape over the end of the vacuum line and zip tied the vacuum line to the fuel line...refilled with fresh fuel...did not test this either...the hardest part was removing the vacuum petcock filter screen...tried to pull it out from the inside with the long forceps but that didn't work...ended up using a small flathead screwdriver from the outside and using it to bite into the plastic to pull it down enough that i could push an edge of it into the center and then grab it with needle nose pliers and pull it out

hoping once the weather warms up a little more and i put the battery in it will now start/restart reliably...get it inspected and i should be ready to go...will have to test it on short trips around town before i go anywhere far where i could get stranded