Modern Buddy

Gee, My first post on this forum!
I am not new to bikes but have been away for several years. Due to the rising fuel prices and my love of bikes I have decided to "dip my toe back into the water". I am looking at a 2007 125 Buddy with windshield plus trunk and a stock Rattler 110. The dealer has priced the Buddy at $2739 and the Rattler for $2500, both are out the door prices (tax, title & plate). Are these good prices? The scooter will be used to run into town 10 miles for errands, all back roads no highways. I am a big guy around 230 lbs and wonder what you would recommend for an errand runner.

You can guess my vote You've got a win-win decision on your hands there. The Rattler will accelerate better, has an adjustable rear shock and stop better. The Buddy will go faster and lack that two stroke smell. And both have a different look. I'm 200lbs 6'0" and the 110 does fine by me. Either way scoot and have fun...

Very nice out the door prices, similar to what I paid for my buddy, go for it, quick!

The Rattler does have more leg room with te pegs on the side. The handle bars are also much wider too.
Test ride them both and you'll likely know right away which feels better.

ride them both before you buy.

me, i would go with the buddy I have put 4k miles on my bud and about 100+ on a rattler. I know the both well.

I'd go with the buddy. just to let you know the accessories, (windshield, trunk, and rear rack that you must have to mount it run about $260 before tax). My buddy 125 handles my 200 lbs just fine, and at 600 Buddy units I am a happy camper.

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate your input! Going to go test ride them tomorrow and maybe one of them will follow me home . Hopefully it will not rain or snow.

people are going gaga for 2008 buddies, i bet yo could get a better deal on the buddy, (that price is good) but if you have cash... you never know.

enjoy what you get.

Those sound like REALLY great OTD prices (especially with all the add ons). Either way I think you'll be happy. Have you gotten a chance to test ride one? I had a blast testing out the Rattler (surprisingly fast) but the Buddy suits me perfectly (another 6ft 200 pounder) Plus I liked the style, storage, and it being a 4 stroke.

You might want to look at the Blur, if they have any. It's discontinued, and dealers have been selling the orange 2006 models pretty cheap. (the black 2007 model is harder to get a price break on) It's a 150, but not really much different speed-wise from the Buddy 125, it's just a bigger frame that might fit you better and the suspension and brakes are awesome. I'm 250, 5'11, and I feel like it's the perfect size for me, and it's just such a nicely-engineered bike with great ergonomics and handling.

Well I did it, I am the proud owner of a Red Buddy 125. The dealer even threw in a free helmet and first time service, not bad. Do any of you know how to get the bugs out of your teeth ? I am grinning so much it's like the grill on a Buick.
I tried the Rattler and it has impressive acceleration and a good top end, but to me it was overly responsive to input on the handlebars. Not knocking the Rattler but the Buddy just felt better to me. Thanks to all who responded, I sure enjoy this forum!

MANY MANY MANY CONGRATS!

Gimpy wrote:Thanks to all who responded, I sure enjoy this forum!

And we're glad you're here! Welcome to both Modern Buddy and Buddy ownership.

Have Fun and do that Ride Safe thing.

One less full time cager... nice

Gimpy wrote: Do any of you know how to get the bugs out of your teeth ? I am grinning so much it's like the grill on a Buick.

Fullface helmet and shield works well to keep them out!!

Congrats on the Buddy!!

Congrats! I find it very hard to compare the Rattler and Buddy. They just have totally different looks, feels and ride very differently from each other. Even the seating position on a Rattler really had me confounded—just felt weird to me, as I'm used to the more retro-styled modern scoot with a less aggressive stance. Or maybe it's just my weird proportions.