oops...new buddy

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:38 am

So I went to my local scoot shop for some new tires and exhaust fix on my Zuma 50cc. I had pretty much set my mind on saving a year and buying a 170i when I could.

Well, they had 3 internationals left. one in each color. The redncream one is pretty, but not my style. The St. Tropez is also awesome, and several people have them. The Italia...well, I'm sure they've sold some but I have yet to see another one. I test rode the 50 and 150. The 50 was brand new, hadn't been started in a while, and was kind of neglected. It sputtered a few times on me but once I got it running smooth, it was OK. It was not as fast or sporty as my Zuma 50cc, but it was a smooth ride to 35mph. I'm sure given time and break in it would get to 40. I only did it because it came in black, which is kinda my thing.

The 150 was ready to go. It scoffed at my need to go 30mph to test it. It giggled when I did a very fast and unexpected u-turn up a hill. It begged to play a little before the snow hit, so I rode it an extra mile before returning to the dealership. I had it go 50 for a short burst just because.

So, I kept asking questions about the 170i. Do you get them in? Has anyone bought one (a couple bought 2!)? blah blah blah. Finally he said "look, before I get one of those, I need to clear my stock of 150. So, I'll give you $400 off if you're serious". I got him to throw in the first service and some nice smelling gas treatment.

I named my new Italia Yoda. Unfortunately I drove it home in the sudden snow! Zumi the Zuma is probably ticked at me, as I put brand new tires on it and then promptly parked it, and Yoda is borrowing his cover until I can get another one.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:14 am

Hey, good for you. I bought my Italia in the winter, too, and it was painful waiting for snow and ice to clear. Warm dry days will eventually come, even to your altitude!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:41 am

Thanks!

It should be fine again by Monday. We get snow on and off. It's early Spring I'm worried about!

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 6:57 am

Congrats! May you and Yoda have many, many fun miles to come.

Pix?

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:47 pm

Congratulations!

Did you buy from Sportique? If so, which one?

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:52 pm

Sportique Englewood.

I wanted to warm it up a bit today, even though there is now way I'm driving on the icy roads. The battery was only 80% when I drove it home, so it was giving me some grief. The kickstart is stiff, so I figure I'll let it warm up tomorrow and try again. I don't want that battery going dead on me.

Raiderfn311 · Post by **Raiderfn311** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:31 pm

So very cool. 150's are quite a machine. Have fun and be safe.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 7:39 pm

Thanks! it was a tough choice between the Italia and St. Tropez. I'm more of a black/sportstyle person, but the avacado green was just to awesome to pass up, esp. for the discount.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 7:49 pm

Run-don't-walk to jafrum.com and get a Battery Tender Jr. : http://www.jafrum.com/Accessories/Batte ... ATTEND12JR $19.95 at last look.

The charging system on the Buddy is somewhat anemic - it will keep a battery charged with frequent riding, but with just electric starts and a period of idling, that's not really enough to replace what the cold weather and the electric start takes out of the battery.

Rather than using the alligator clamps, a lot of folks hard-wire in the extra pigtail and tuck the connector end out of one of the holes in the battery box so that it can be connected quickly to the charger unit. On the newer Buddys with a 12v socket, you can order the 12v plug option for the BTJr and charge it right through that socket. A few more bucks, but you don't have to reach under the scooter. This won't work with the full-sized standard Battery Tender - the 12v socket is protected by a small 1A fuse, and while the Jr. charges at .75A, the standard BT pushes about 2A.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:16 pm

Congrats!!! Italias are awesome.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:19 pm

Thanks! now I won't feel so bad if you ask to meet in the middle, sine I can go faster than 35mph! we should definitely organize some fun rides when the weather warms up.

CROSSBOLT · Post by **CROSSBOLT** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:48 pm

Skully, I will GUARANTEE you will not regret the 150! The Zuma can fume all it wants....

Karl

jmkjr72 · Post by **jmkjr72** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 9:44 pm

but that 150 will still be slower then a good zuma

izark47 · Post by **izark47** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 9:51 pm

Congrats!!! Force feel you do!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:04 pm

JMK, the only way a 50cc Zuma is touching the 150cc Buyddy is heavy modification. From the zumaforums we're both on, it's perfectly doable and enjoyable. However on that little thing it gets half the gas mileage and many times the stress on the engine. I don't think you'll get 20k out of a stage 6 Zuma without a lot of finesse, which I don't have. Also, for the same amount of money I'd put into it, the cost difference is already at....buy a bigger bike that's meant for 65mph.

By getting the Buddy and keeping the Zuma for my wife/small trips, I'm making sure that both have long and happy lives. The other reason: I got a stupidly good deal by bartering/buying a closeout model. Come spring if Angela has no interest I'll easily sell it for what I have paid + new tires.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:32 pm

skully93 wrote:Thanks! now I won't feel so bad if you ask to meet in the middle, sine I can go faster than 35mph! we should definitely organize some fun rides when the weather warms up.

Yeah I'm looking forward to exploring once it's warmer. This whole, warm day, cold day, warm day, cold day thing is frustrating! I was all set to do some riding this weekend and then that little snow storm and resulting icy roads killed that idea!

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 2:18 am

Buddy! Buddy! Buddy! Woohoo!

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 10:11 am

Great "I just went to the store for milk and eggs" story. Hope you get many fun filled miles.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 1:11 pm

Took Yoda out for a 20 mile varied trip yesterday. It was really cold in the morning but mid day it was riding weather, at least for a bit. I was easy on it for break in, but couldn't resist a couple of acceleration and near top speed tests. Gets to 55mp indicated without trying. I'm sure it will get more later on and could have pushed it, but that's for several months from now

.

kmrcstintn · Post by **kmrcstintn** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 7:11 pm

my local dealer has an '11 Italia and I wanted the 150cc engine, but it costs more than I can afford so I am getting a leftover '09 Buddy 125 & trading in my Rattler 110; if I need something bigger to ride I've got my used '08 Buell Blast moto

tbonestone · Post by **tbonestone** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:13 pm

What scent did you get for the fuel treatement? I hope not the weed scented one. LOL

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:17 pm

oof, no!

Root Beer! I have heard of a bacon and also a french fries one, but can't find them at the moment. I'll be waiting for warmer weather to use them anyway.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 1:31 am

Congrats on a good deal. I always liked the 2 tone green, and I love the green racing striped 170i, too.

way to go saving $400 ,too. Keep the battery on a charger and fuel stabilizer in the tank till spring. Then you will be riding every day or two!

Root beer flavored huhh? I GOTTA look this up. LOL

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 2:01 am

Uh, I ride most days. We did get 9" of snow a couple weeks back, followed by 60 degree days. I didn't ride due to the ice on the roads. Otherwise.....pfft.

There's always the threat of ridiculous rains in the spring too that could keep me from riding, but those are short lived.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 2:43 am

Sweet! I try to ride all year,too. 40 degrees feels great January! we just had a 60 degree weekend here as well.