My 1st Scooter!!!

[Lil Buddy]

Hello everyone. I just came across this site yesterday and am going to pick up my first scooter this weekend! Im buying a "used" (less then 500mi) 06 Buddy 50. I will be using my 50 for my commute to and from work, on 35MPH roads, 10 miles each way.
I have so many questions but will start with just a few......

1) What kind of helmet do you prefer (skull cap, full shield....)? Yes, we have a helmet law in Washington.
2) Do you reccomend any other protective gear?
3) I saw a post about 1st mods to make. I will be getting a short windshiled. What else will boost the performace that can be done yourself?
4) what are realistic top speeds and MPG of a de-regulated but otherwise stock Buddy 50?

Im sure these and many of my other questions can / will be answered as I spend more time on this site. This is a great site! I can't wait to start scooting!

[Eazy]

1) What kind of helmet do you prefer (skull cap, full shield....)? Yes, we have a helmet law in Washington.
2) Do you reccomend any other protective gear?
3) I saw a post about 1st mods to make. I will be getting a short windshiled. What else will boost the performace that can be done yourself?
4) what are realistic top speeds and MPG of a de-regulated but otherwise stock Buddy 50?

Answers:
1) I prefer a half helmet, DOT approved of course. I have a Bell "Drifter." I've noticed a lot of people on this forum rock full facers though. I like the wind in my face and the bugs in my teeth.
2)I recommend at least a high quality riding jacket and gloves. Corazzo and Joe Rocket are good places to check. I also recommend on longer rides pants and boots. I've always been taught (i've been around motorcycles most of my life) "it's not if you wreck, it's when you wreck."
3)It's a 2 stroke, so you can do a lot. I recommend starting with an exhaust, jets, rollers, and maybe a little stiffer clutch spring.
4) I'm not sure about MPG but MPH you can expect around 40-45 indicated depending on conditions.

[MikieTaps]

I prefer full face... I have rocks tossed into my visor pretty much everyday...

[jfrost2]

Wear a full face, some riding gloves, and maybe a jacket. I think the jacket is as big of a deal as the helmet is. Gloves arent needed, but in a crash, you can slide and grind your skin down, so gloves would really help.

[jrsjr]

I wear a full-face helmet, a mesh riding jacket and light riding gloves.

[ScootLemont]

I wont chime in on all the other gear suggestions (I am sure you will get some with your post) but I will suggest you think about gloves.... I had not thought of those & after reading a lot of posts, I ordered a pair they seem like a good idea to me.

Re speed - I have a Rattler 50 (same engine as buddy 50?)
Mine has the prima pipe, upgraded weights & a carb jet kit & it will do an (indicated) 50mph with me on it (210 lbs - 6')
It came that way from the dealer so I dont know how fast it was before the stuff was added.... but I assume there are some buddy 50 owners on this board that can give you a better idea of what mod will give you what increase in performance & how hard they are to do yourself.

Have fun!

[schlagle]

I like a half helmet for short strips and low speeds. I like a full face for long trips at highway speeds. I would also recommend a Corazzo jacket. They offer good protection, good looks, and good comfort.

And you should ALWAYS wear gloves. The first thing you do if, god forbid, you wreck is stick your hands out in front to cushion your fall. It's just a natural reaction and when it happens you will promptly remove all of the skin from your hands. Just get some light gloves for the summer. Really you can get some decent leather gloves at your local hardware store for $10.

[MikieTaps]

If / When you get gloves... I would recommend AGAINST the cheap "Racer" brand black leather gloves with the padding on the knuckles... the velcro straps are allready starting to come apart... i have only had them for 4 weeks...