Modern Buddy

Well, as you all know, scooter supply is way low these days. I can't get a C3 or Vino 50 until September. I might be able to get a Metropolitan this summer. Buddy's and SYM are out of the question indefinitely.

I can get my hands on TGB, Q-Link, Vento, TnG, Daelim, loads of Chinese crap, and I could get lucky in the used market, although most of the used around here are crap, and mid-80's Honda Spree's, which I wouldn't rule out.

So...who should I stay away from?

Also, what are your recommendations for a 50cc that isn't horrible quality, isn't crazy expensive, and doesn't look "sporty". Sorry, I just HATE the sport bike look. I would only consider a TGB Sunset like my brother, as it's their least sporty, and I can get that one brand new for 2400 out the door.

I really need this scoot by September, when the new school year starts up. My family only has one car, and a scoot would mean that my fiancee isn't stuck all day without the car. I already know the cons of 50cc, and I'm perfectly happy to accept that given the saving on insurance and the like, as we are on a VERY tight budget.

So, give me advice people. This is the most open minded scoot forum I've found, and you guys all seem pretty impartial and willing to help those who don't have or can't get a buddy.

Actually TGB is taiwanese, their name is taiwanese golden bee. Their bikes are just as good as PGO's but I'd day in terms of looks and handling, PGO wins. Quality of mechanics though, very close.

Also consider Kymco and (new) Lambretta. The new Lambrettas are made by another Taiwanese company, Adly. The Lambretta purist don't like it. Quality wise, pretty good. Kymco, Taiwanese also, has an excellent quality reputation.

Ooh, lemme also clarify.

Anything over a grand, I am planning to finance, simply because I need it within a couple of months, otherwise I'd save.

TGB and Adly I can finance through a dealer here. Honda and Yamaha, as well, obviously, although the wait might be a while. Also, I am a little scared of the Cobra Sales website, which lists the TGB scoots at about 60 mpg. That seems REALLY poor, compared to other manufacturers.

Are Metropolitans really as sluggishly slow as people say? They're attractive simply because they have good mpg, and they're pretty reasonable at 1899.

My ideal is a SYM Mio or a Yamaha C3. Great looking bikes, and both have tech specs that I like. It's just that no one really knows when they are going to come in.

Remember to add 300-500 dollars onto the price of a scooter because of tax and prep and those small fee's.

In a 50... just my taste but I'd go with a Rattler50, BlackCat (paint it), Roughhouse, Ruckus, Zuma... Kind of the Humvee of scooter side of the spectrum.

I've heard good things about Daelim. I own a Kymco as well as my Buddy. I've been very happy with it.

pcbikedude wrote:Also consider Kymco and (new) Lambretta. The new Lambrettas are made by another Taiwanese company, Adly. The Lambretta purist don't like it. Quality wise, pretty good. Kymco, Taiwanese also, has an excellent quality reputation.

I've recently heard that the Adly Lambrettas are not all that good quality and that they've got some mechanical problems.

Kymco's probably your best bet. What about a Piaggio? The Fly 50 is priced pretty much the same as the other good 50s at $1849.

vnice wrote:Well, as you all know, scooter supply is way low these days. I can't get a C3 or Vino 50 until September.

Wow, the Yammy dealer here has at least 2 C3's, 2 Zumas and a few Vinos sitting here. Another bonus, by the time you rode it home from here, it would be broken in

I see that you are in Las Vegas. Would you consider driving to Phoenix? If you only want a 50 cc last week the dealer down here had a number of Buddys. They may still have some. Scooter Invasion in Tempe. Out here most people wanted the 125cc so he is pretty much sold out on them but last I saw had quite a few 50cc. They place their orders several months ahead of time and (unless spoken for) will be getting more 50cc's in over the next several months. If you have a Buddy dealer up there and know what you want you might even see if you can work out an arrangement with the dealers to get one of those shipped Buddys dropped off in Vegas instead.

Sorry ,I forgot. Do you have a RideNow powersports dealer in town? One of their places down here had a blue C3. That was last week. If they still have it and you have a RideNow dealer up there they would most likely bring it up to you.

You could go used. From the Las Vegas Craigslist I found three possibles. I'm not endorsing any of these particular scooters, but these give you a feel for what's out there in your geograpic location and price range.

2001 Yamaha Zuma with 1400 mi - $1259
2005 Honda Metropolitan - $1650
2000 Yamaha 50cc scooter with 755 mi - $900

I heard the Yamaha C3 were sluggish, but maybe will be okay for your needs.

In reading the posts, I think you are looking for a 50cc that will give you the benefits of a 125.

Racenut wrote:

vnice wrote:Well, as you all know, scooter supply is way low these days. I can't get a C3 or Vino 50 until September.

Wow, the Yammy dealer here has at least 2 C3's, 2 Zumas and a few Vinos sitting here. Another bonus, by the time you rode it home from here, it would be broken in

By the time he rode it home from there, it would be September!

Well, I'm no great fan of 50s and most folks that ride them upgrade in 6 months to a year. If you're determined to go that route, I would strongly advise buying used. I noticed "jrsjr" suggested some leads. One other thing, the Honda metropolitan is really down on power and has a riding position that is uncomfortable for average to above average height riders.

IMO the "no license", "no insurance" side of 50s is not such a great deal, by the way. If you have no scooter experience you need to consider some serious training such as the MSF course. Also consider that a 50 has the same potential for wrecks, damage, and injuries as a 125. No liability insurance and you could be seriously up the creek.

A scooter is a motorcycle. You have 2 wheels, a engine, and 1 life. Your bike is just auto, step through, and less powerful.

Just because it's less powerful it doesnt mean it's any easier to ride, I agree on taking the MSF course, but taking that, you might as well get your motorcycle license and get a 125 or larger.

ericalm wrote:I've recently heard that the Adly Lambrettas are not all that good quality and that they've got some mechanical problems.
.

Well...it IS a Lamy!!!

A 50cc is a nice size to learn on and improve your riding skills.

I had a Yamaha Riva 50cc and I was glad I had that experience before I started riding the Buddy.

If you get a 50cc and decide to move up to something larger, then at least you will have gained experience.

Well, thing is, I am really buying this almost strictly for riding to work, and maybe a pleasure cruise through the park once in a blue moon. My family and I pretty much do everything together when I'm not at work, so it really is just a short commute vehicle. 7 miles each way, no major streets. I *do* hate the sporty look, though.

I appreciate the Craigslist links, but like I said, I am going to finance anything above a grand, if not lower. I don't the fund otherwise, nor will I before September.

I really just want a decent looking one that isn't a total slug and isn't a wannabe rice rocket in terms of looks. I actually kinda dig the way those little Spree's look. But, a lot of them are pretty jacked up nowadays.

And as far as speed, if I can do a steady 35mph, I'm very happy.

Oh, BTW, I *am* going to take a motorcycle safety course.

If you want to go a steady 35mph, I don't think a 50cc is going to do it for you unless you get it derestricted.

You want to pay under a grand? You may end up paying more in repairs and downtime than investing in one upfront.

I know there was recent financing thread around here somewhere, and there are people for and against it, but if you have decided that is the way you should go then I just got to thinking that I received some of those checks from one of my credit cards in the mail today. I don't really do much credit stuff, but I noticed the checks were for 1.87% interest until March '09, and then my regular rate on that card is not terribly high anyway. Plus if you had some sort of deal like that I can't imagine getting lower financing, and you would surely have it payed off (mostly?) by next March!

I only said I wanted to spend under a grand if it wasn't financed.

And of *course* I am going to derestrict it. I'm not gonna get crazy. An extra 5 mph is way cool with me. Like I said, my scoot needs are almost totally utilitarian. And since my girl isn't all that interested in scooting for now, I don't forsee much pleasure riding in my future. She's far more interesting than a scooter...believe me.

Vento, Q-Link, and TnG are Mainland Chinese scooter dealers. Somewhat more organized than the fly-by-night dealers and Pep Boys specials. But still more than a few rough edges, according to what I've heard on the net. TnG in particular has an awful rep these days.

If there happens to be a dealer in Viva Las Vegas, you might check out the Tomos mopeds. These are true motorized bicycle/pedal start 'peds right out of the 70's. The premix-only Sprint is likely the cheapest 50cc not made by a Mainland Chinese company. You'll probably have to slap on a Biturbo aftermarket pipe to see anything north of 30mph, though.