Buddy 125 vs 170 - oil cooler concern

[fijiman]

Hey Folks,
I am have a Buddy 125 and really happy with it. I’ve been eyeing a Buddy 170 but wanted to get some insights. I know that it will be a bit more peppier and top end with efi.
However I do see an oil cooler that is way down by the floor. Sometimes with my buddy 125 I do go over curbs and speedpumps, etc – just the normal scooter shenanigans. I am little concerned with the oil cooler so low and may get banged up.

Thoughts?


Thanks for all your input!

[sc00ter]

I passed on a 170 Buddy for that same reason, plus I hear they (170's) hate really hot weather and will cut power, kind of like a limp mode, to avoid overheating. Not sure if the latter was ever solved so ask someone who owns one...? I had to order my 125 as the dealer only carried the 170. I didn't want EFI and any extra tech associated with it because my local dealer(s) are not great at troubleshooting and would rather throw parts at a problem.

If I wanted more power I'd consider a BBK instead, and keep the much simpler carb/non-EFI set-up. If it wasn't for a lack of space I would have kept my 125 and hot rodded it. I still miss the simple no CEL Buddy sometimes. My PCX is way over complicated for my liking.

[fijiman]

I passed on a 170 Buddy for that same reason, plus I hear they (170's) hate really hot weather and will cut power, kind of like a limp mode, to avoid overheating. Not sure if the latter was ever solved so ask someone who owns one...? I had to order my 125 as the dealer only carried the 170. I didn't want EFI and any extra tech associated with it because my local dealer(s) are not great at troubleshooting and would rather throw parts at a problem.

If I wanted more power I'd consider a BBK instead, and keep the much simpler carb/non-EFI set-up. If it wasn't for a lack of space I would have kept my 125 and hot rodded it. I still miss the simple no CEL Buddy sometimes. My PCX is way over complicated for my liking.

I hear you...all good points! I ride and have several scooters and love the peppyness, lightness, reliability and simplicity of the buddy 125. I also have the 50 which I'll sell soon...

[DeeDee]

I owned a 170i for 5,000 miles, and I'm on my 2nd 125 with just under 25k, 17,000 of those I put on since purchase. I think the 125 is a superior bike. Most of what makes the 170 a 170 is crap added onto a 125 engine, bigger piston, less than stellar fuel injection system. When it's all said and done, you end up with one shock in the rear, and the same dinky 10 inch tires. If you're looking for an upgrade, I bet you will be disappointed. Find a Vespa GTS250, now that's an upgrade.

[fijiman]

I owned a 170i for 5,000 miles, and I'm on my 2nd 125 with just under 25k, 17,000 of those I put on since purchase. I think the 125 is a superior bike. Most of what makes the 170 a 170 is crap added onto a 125 engine, bigger piston, less than stellar fuel injection system. When it's all said and done, you end up with one shock in the rear, and the same dinky 10 inch tires. If you're looking for an upgrade, I bet you will be disappointed. Find a Vespa GTS250, now that's an upgrade.

Thanks you're absolutely right and I agree!
I've had GT200 and currently have a GTS300 (yes I am an bike/scooter enthusiast); and just love the light and nimble genuine buddy...I think I'll just keep the 125 for what it is...

Thanks for all your input!!

[Neil82]

I've been riding 170i for a couple years (3k miles) with no issues. I purchased it new, so I'd expect that. Haven't had any issues with underside clearance, but I don't really go over curbs or anything like that. It's something to consider and be aware of, with the oil cooler and oil filter underneath. I haven't experience decreased performance or limp mode with longer rides. I tend to ride early in the day when it's cooler, so maybe that is a factor. About 2 hours is my longest ride time.

I can't argue with the logic of a 125 being easier to troubleshoot and work on. The 170i seems only slightly faster than the 125 I test drove. Not a huge difference. Most noticeable was the throttle response on the 170i being a bit quicker.

[fijiman]

Thank you folks for the feedback! I am very happy with the 125 and will keep it!

[Neil82]

Thank you folks for the feedback! I am very happy with the 125 and will keep it!

Good call! I hope you can enjoy it for years to come.
You mentioned having a buddy 50 that you might part ways with... I wish I still had one. I miss the sound and smell of that 2 stroke engine.

[az_slynch]

I think the "overheating" issue only affected the '13-'14 Buddy 170i and that it was resolved by reflashing the parameters in the engine computer.

The oil cooler is decidedly in a vulnerable spot. On my 150s, the cooler is behind the battery box. It might be safer, but it doesn't cool as effectively due to it's orientation (fins towards a hot exhaust) and the battery box blocking much of the airflow.