Rattler 110 reliability/parts

tornadobilly · Post by **tornadobilly** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 1:49 am

New guy, first post. My wife got a Buddy 125 2 months ago. I've been riding it and I'm ready to jump in with a Buddy of my own. I can get a Rattler 110 new, or a 125 or a Italia. The Italia is more money but there all in my price range.
I'm looking to commute to work with it, 7 miles, 50 mph top, not the best roads, in the dark one way. I'm attracted by the bigger tires of the Rattler, but it's a discontinued bike and I'm a little leery. I also like the idea of the bigger 4 stroke motor on the Italia.
In the 70's I was an experienced dirt rider but I haven't been on a bike in 30 years, the little Buddy's fun.
Any advice or thoughts appreciated, Thank you.

laxer · Post by **laxer** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 4:54 am

I would be uneasy on a stock Rattler on 50 mph roads. I've modified mine quite a bit and can cruise at 58-60 indicated (roughly 55 actual) and I still get cars flying by me on 45 mph roads. Though I would love to persuade someone to get a Rattler (it's been super dependable and boatloads of fun), I don't think it fits your needs. I'd probably go with the 125 or 150, but even those probably need a good and proper break-in period before you want to brave the 50 mph roads.

Again, I love, Love, LOVE my Ratt, but top-end is not its strong point.

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:31 pm

50mph in the Midwest is alot differences from 50mph in the Rocky Mountains. I have no problem on 55mph surface streets. When the big hills come I get to the right cause my Rattler slows down to 45mph. Again, my definition of "hill" and yours may vary.

chillas61210 · Post by **chillas61210** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:42 pm

Buddy if you are going to be riding at night. the headlight on teh rattler, roughouse, and blur is stupid it is split to look like a double headlight but its one bulb in the middle behind a bar that blocks some of the light!

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 4:15 pm

Yeah, the stock bulb is weak. The PIAA HS1 is a must have upgrade.

tornadobilly · Post by **tornadobilly** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 3:04 am

Thank you for the responses.

chillas61210 wrote:Buddy if you are going to be riding at night. the headlight on teh rattler, roughouse, and blur is stupid it is split to look like a double headlight but its one bulb in the middle behind a bar that blocks some of the light!

Wow, that sounds seriously cheesy. They must figure the target audience won't go anywhere at night. The Rattler's out.

I probably should have made my first post to the general discussion thread because I think that's where the conversation is going. I didn't mention in my first post that the dealer also has a Black Jack but at about $800 more than the 125 I don't know if the performance upgrades are worth it. Plus I'm not fond of the color scheme.

I like the Italia, does the 150 motor make it any more of a viable commuter than the 125? I should take the 125 out at night and drive it to work a couple of times and just see how it feels, see how well the headlamp works and what-not. It may be that the 125 is plenty for what I want. Of course if I get something that matches my wife's scooter that could irritate her, I'd have to get another color.

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 4:58 pm

I wouldn't throw the Ratter out over a headlight. The reflector does a good job of throwing a low beam, but it could be brighter. I still have the stock bulb. A 7 mile commute, 50mph, and on rough flat streets is perfect for a Rattler.

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Tue Aug 16, 2011 1:50 am

I have yet to read about anyone who doesn't like a slightly brighter scooter headlight anyway... 35W of headlight fury! And +1 on the PIAA HS1, direct swap and much better. Even better when you make sure the light isn't pointed straight down at the pavement too