Modern Buddy

Hello All. Seriously considering buying myself a Buddy next week. My car has been having major problems, gas prices are going up, up, up... May sell my car cause I can't afford to keep it going and start scootering around town.

I have some questions:

I have read on this forum of scooter owners buying new tires and other things. Is it really necessary to have better tires?

And what about the rain? I know it doesn't rain a lot in L.A., but how feasible is it to ride around town on a scooter when it is raining? Do any of you here in L.A. ride your scooter year round as your only form of transportation?

I think what I am probably looking for besides answers to these questions is to be convinced to buy myself a Buddy.

Oh, one more question.... should I take the motorcycle training class?? Is it worth the $250? And if I do, can I take it with my scooter or should I learn on a motorcycle? That seems much more difficult and I don't plan on riding a motorcycle.

Thanks for any and all answers....

The MSF is worth every penny, it will teach you things a pro cyclist doesnt even know. Many experienced riders go in just to learn those secrets and tips, not just beginners.

Rain, any type of rain should work and be safe, unless it's pouring down and storming. Just drive in the tire tracks of other cars, the car tires will toss water and oil to the sides and center of the road. So you'll be safer riding in these areas.

Also, tires, what comes on a buddy is great already, just use them, when you need new tires, put some better ones on.

I think what I am probably looking for besides answers to these questions is to be convinced to buy myself a Buddy.

Well, I can give you my 2 cents on this one. Hell yeah...buy a Buddy. I've never had more fun in my life than riding this thing around. Not to mention saving on gas money. Don't hesitate even one minute.

Oh, one more question.... should I take the motorcycle training class?? Is it worth the $250? And if I do, can I take it with my scooter or should I learn on a motorcycle? That seems much more difficult and I don't plan on riding a motorcycle.

As for the MSF course...it's definitely worth it if you're going to get a 125 or larger scoot. In Virginia, you can NOT take the course or get your license on a scoot....you have to take the test on a motorcycle. So unless you've got a friend willing to loan you his bike, you're SOL. Drop the bucks and spend a weekend learning how to ride safely. You won't regret it. P.S. In Virginia it only costs $150!

WillieJ wrote: I have read on this forum of scooter owners buying new tires and other things. Is it really necessary to have better tires?

My Buddy still has the Shinko whitewalls it came with. They've been fine so far. Although I may switch them out before next January when it actually does rain in LA.

WillieJ wrote: should I take the motorcycle training class?? Is it worth the $250? And if I do, can I take it with my scooter or should I learn on a motorcycle? That seems much more difficult and I don't plan on riding a motorcycle.

I highly recommend the MSF class, especially if you're gonna be riding in LA. I've been commuting on my Buddy from Silverlake to west LA and what I learned from that class has been invaluable. Not sure about other MSF classes, but at the Westside Motorcycle Academy, you have to ride one of their bikes. I was hesitant about that, but all their bikes are 250cc and under. So it was really no big deal.

nuttmeg75 wrote:

WillieJ wrote: should I take the motorcycle training class?? Is it worth the $250? And if I do, can I take it with my scooter or should I learn on a motorcycle? That seems much more difficult and I don't plan on riding a motorcycle.

I highly recommend the MSF class, especially if you're gonna be riding in LA. I've been commuting on my Buddy from Silverlake to west LA and what I learned from that class has been invaluable. Not sure about other MSF classes, but at the Westside Motorcycle Academy, you have to ride one of their bikes. I was hesitant about that, but all their bikes are 250cc and under. So it was really no big deal.

I took the MSF offered by Ride Right at West Valley Occupational Center in woodland Hills. They let us use our scooters, but now I wish I'd ridden one of their motorcycles instead (simply because it's been a while since I've ridden anything that shifts).

The course is worth $250. I had 10K on my scooter by the time I took the MSF; I wish I'd taken it earlier but still came away with some good info and honing of my riding skills.

Too bad more of you don't live here in Ohio - the MSF costs $25.00!!!!!

scooterdyke wrote:Too bad more of you don't live here in Ohio - the MSF costs $25.00!!!!!

Heck Yeah! Just got my buddy. I'm in Avon Lake. Where do you go for the MSF?

DJE

Polaris Career Center in Middleburg Heights offers the course, but they're booked all the way to October. Check you p.m., I sent you a link!

scooterdyke wrote:Polaris Career Center in Middleburg Heights offers the course, but they're booked all the way to October. Check you p.m., I sent you a link!

Thank you very much. That's where I thought I'd have to go. I ride a '08 Tangerine. Hope to see you scooting through town this summer. I'll be riding mine downtown for work everyday and for fun on the weekends. What a blast.

DJE

I didnt pay a cent to take my class, no charge for minors

jfrost2 wrote:I didnt pay a cent to take my class, no charge for minors

In CA, it's $150 if you're under 21.

I use my Buddy as my only form of transportation, and I live in Seattle... So you can definately handle it in the rain.