Modern Buddy

Hi Folks,

As of yesterday I'm the proud owner of a 2021 Buddy 50. It's actually for my daughter to take to school, but I've been having a blast on this thing zipping around the neighborhood. It has one annoying little issue. Occasionally the starter doesn't engage the engine. It turns, but just makes a 'ZZZINGGG" noise. Tapping the start button a few times seems fix it, but I'm a little worried about sending it off to school like that. As a note, the PO let the battery run down and spent a while kick-starting it so I'm wondering if the starter just needs some exercise, or does it need to be taken apart and cleaned, or replaced?

Also, oil. I'm not near a dealer so I'm going to have to buy it from Amazon. I'm open to suggestions on type. Also, how do I know the oil reservoir is filled? Can I tell without taking off the front seat panel?

Thanks in advance. Loving my new Buddy!

Jim Moore
Jax, FL

If I recall I did the following.

Lube the bendix gear shaft. It gets sticky and dry. It lives under the transmission cover.

I did the D-Mod and put in a larger battery when it came time to get a new one.

I see your not in a cold area so that's a good thing. Have your kid learn how to kick start it so she wont get stranded either way.

Agreed on checking the starter Bendix. I had the same issue when I got my '07 Buddy 50. I had to flush mine out with cleaner and lubricate the shafts and sliding bits. They generally aren't wear items, but if you need one, you can get one here:

http://www.scooterloungeonline.com/buddycrankcase

It's part #19 on the diagram.

I’m a little surprised a ‘21 would be having any starter issues, even a minor lubrication issue.

I would not be shocked if the battery were in less than-perfect shape. They’re fragile and many just don’t last very long. I would suggest connecting a known good 12V source to the battery (like a car battery) and seeing if the starter behaves better. If so, replace the scooter battery.

My 2021 Buddy 50cc does the 'ZZZINGGG' thing every now and then. Most often after sitting for a week or more, so I suspect related to battery. Usually, after a couple pushes of the starter button, it'll go. Kick starter is a great insurance policy, if needed.

You can open the hatch, located at bottom of under seat storage area, to visually check oil reservoir. There is one Phillips screw to remove. I just turn on cell phone light to light up the reservior and see oil level.

Amazon does have Genuine brand motor oil 2T full synthetic. That's what I use. Otherwise, I think the Motul brand 710 2T full synthetic is a decent alternative.

Congrats on your Buddy purchase! I hope it can serve you and your daughter for many years to come.

Thanks guys. The starter issue seems to have largely cleared itself up. Or maybe I'm just not worried about it anymore. In any event, thanks again for the help.