buddy vs. stella

vijamendelson · Post by **vijamendelson** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 11:45 pm

I have my heart set on a 2005 red Stella. I have one on hold, and I am finishing my MSF class tomorrow. I went over today and sat on it for the first time, and realized my feet do NOT touch the ground completely, because I am only 5'4". I did the MSF class on a cc125 Kawasaki, and my feet did touch the ground completely, which is reassuring to me. The thing is, I LOVE the Stella, but if only the balls of my feet touch the ground at stops, I'm not sure how secure I will feel on it. My other option is the cc125 Buddy (also in red), but the look is so different, it's hard to get as excited about it. Can someone my size who owns one or the other let me know what their experiences have been like? Before 5pm Tuesday? That's when I have to buy or lose the Stella. I'm just concerned about handling the weight balancing at stops with only half a foot on the ground. Thank you!!

robtaylor · Post by **robtaylor** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 12:21 am

my personal opinion
i think the buddy is more suited for someone under 5' 10" it is a great fit for my wife who is 5'3". i know you didn't ask this part but the buddy is a little quicker than the stella especially since stella is a manual and buddy is twist and go.

p.s. i love the styling of the stella more myself but i bought the buddy

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:18 am

why don't you just see about getting the seat shaved down?

thepezident · Post by **thepezident** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:19 am

I'm probably gonna get a Buddy 125 and I'm 6' 1". I've been reading other posts and am starting to wonder how I can fit on one...

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:23 am

Have you sat on a Buddy to compare? I thought the Buddy was actually higher. Also, were you wearing boots when you sat on the Stella?

You can gain a couple inches or so by lowering the seat. And there are a number of aftermarket seat options for the Stella.

Our MSF instructor, who was probably about your height or less, suggested learning to just tilt the bike/scoot and have one foot flat when stopped. I only put one foot down half the time anyways.

dannyW · Post by **dannyW** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:58 am

thepezident wrote:I'm probably gonna get a Buddy 125 and I'm 6' 1". I've been reading other posts and am starting to wonder how I can fit on one...

yo the pez ..

i'm 6' 5"

and have enough room for my lil wifey...

its the best....

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 2:45 am

I have a Stella.
My wife owns a Buddy.
Apples and oranges - height differences being the least of them.
The Buddy definitely has a lower profile than a stock Stella (the Buddy is narrower), although there are aftermarket seats available for the Stella which would place you lower to the ground.
If you prefer a manual transmission and the classic styling of a Stella, why not look around for a smallframe Vespa? This would be a perfect scooter for a shorter rider.
I'm 6'1" and feel like a circus bear when I ride the Buddy. I don't know how you taller folks do it.
You should test ride both and see which one feels better. They really are totally different animals.
Good luck!

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:24 am

Johnny wrote:I have a Stella.
My wife owns a Buddy.
Apples and oranges - height differences being the least of them.
The Buddy definitely has a lower profile than a stock Stella (the Buddy is narrower), although there are aftermarket seats available for the Stella which would place you lower to the ground.
If you prefer a manual transmission and the classic styling of a Stella, why not look around for a smallframe Vespa? This would be a perfect scooter for a shorter rider.
I'm 6'1" and feel like a circus bear when I ride the Buddy. I don't know how you taller folks do it.
You should test ride both and see which one feels better. They really are totally different animals.
Good luck!

Isn't the warranty on the Stella 1 year, versus 2 years on the Buddy? That kinda tells you something....

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:52 am

Johnny wrote:I'm 6'1" and feel like a circus bear when I ride the Buddy. I don't know how you taller folks do it.

OMG!!!! what an image. i could just picture you in an ill-fitting red suit with some idiot trainer-type running alongside you holding the chain around your neck while you make circles in the ring. i nearly spit my tea on my monitor. <snort>

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 3:39 pm

mattgordon wrote:.
Isn't the warranty on the Stella 1 year, versus 2 years on the Buddy? That kinda tells you something....

My experience so far hasn't indicated one is more reliable than the other.
I can definitely wrench on my Stella and Lambretta easier.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:16 pm

mattgordon wrote:
Isn't the warranty on the Stella 1 year, versus 2 years on the Buddy? That kinda tells you something....

It probably doesn't tell you much about the two scooters except that the Buddy is the new kid on the block trying to break into a market where most folks have heard bad things about Chinese knock-offs. In other words, mostly a way to reassure buyers that the PGO Buddy is different.

vijamendelson · Post by **vijamendelson** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:29 pm

I have spoken to numerous people. It seems those who don't ride much say to avoid the weight of the Stella (given my height) and those who ride a lot (my teachers in the MSF class, my dad, and others) say it's something I can definitely learn to manage. The learning curve is obviously steeper on a heavy manual than on a light automatic, but not impossible. I plan to test-drive both tomorrow before any purchase happens. Driving to a friend's house last night in my Toyota Echo, I did imagine what it would be like to be on a Stella or Buddy instead, and the Stella definitely seemed harder to handle (90-degree turn while shifting and watching for problems in the intersection...) but she may be worth the extra training/practice. I'll keep you posted on what I decide and come back here for more ideas if I wind up with a Buddy!

AxeYrCat · Post by **AxeYrCat** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:42 pm

I went from a Buddy to a Triumph, and I can tell you beyond any shadow of a doubt that you will quickly learn to manage the additional weight of the bike (in my case, 100% more, where as the Stella is what, 20% more than the Buddy or so?).

The Stella is definitely a rockin' scooter, but I liked that I didn't have to worry about mixing oil with the Buddy, that it got better fuel mileage, and that it was ultimately quicker than the Stella as well — not to mention that you don't get that scooter smell from riding it (which can be a plus or a minus, depending on your feelings).

x-mojito50mod · Post by **x-mojito50mod** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:31 pm

I'm 6'1" and have no problems on the Buddy...I just sit back a little further on the seat. The thing I do like about it's size and weight is it handles like a BMX with a big motor...you can "throw" it into turns like it's nothing, it stops real quick when you need it to, and it takes off like a bat-outta-hell!

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:23 pm

Johnny wrote:
mattgordon wrote:.
Isn't the warranty on the Stella 1 year, versus 2 years on the Buddy? That kinda tells you something....
My experience so far hasn't indicated one is more reliable than the other.
I can definitely wrench on my Stella and Lambretta easier.

I'm not insinuating that one is less reliable than the other, though the Buddy's are built in Taiwan by PGO, and the Stellas are built in India, and Taiwan probably has more experience as a manufacturing "entity" than India does...hence the warranty difference? For whatever reason, Genuine did NOT offer the same warranty on the Stellas as it does on the PGO built bikes. ? Just an interesting observation...

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:27 pm

Dooglas wrote:
mattgordon wrote:
Isn't the warranty on the Stella 1 year, versus 2 years on the Buddy? That kinda tells you something....
It probably doesn't tell you much about the two scooters except that the Buddy is the new kid on the block trying to break into a market where most folks have heard bad things about Chinese knock-offs. In other words, mostly a way to reassure buyers that the PGO Buddy is different.

Well, even when Stella was the new girl on the scene, she came with a one year warranty. Don't get me wrong, I love Stella's, BUT the two year warranty on our Buddy AND Rattler 110 was a big deciding factor.

nonsense · Post by **nonsense** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:12 pm

I know you're only asking about seat height, but I found this exchange with Brett Ratner at Genuine helpful when trying to decide between the two:

44ftf wrote:Q:--------------------
Dear Genuine,

I'm curious about the Buddy 125, particularly in the difference in the
maintenance schedules between the Stella and the Buddy. Is the Buddy
a lower maintenance machine? How could I get access to the
owner's/service manuals to see what things need to be done at what
intervals? (I want the most reliable, most fuel efficient commuter
machine that I can get for my money, and the Buddy seems like it might
fit the bill).

Many thanks,
b.

A:--------------------
Thank you for the email.

The Stella is an enthusiast machine. It is like getting a 1960s-1970s
vintage Vespa new with a warranty. It offers many options to upgrage,
accessorize, and hop-up for performance, but it is more finicky... kind of
like an exotic sports car.

If you are looking for a reliable and efficient commuter, it's the Buddy 125
all the way. You will be hard pressed to find a lower maintenance scooter.
In addition, it comes with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, and one free
year of roadside assistance.

I'm looking at the maintenance schedule and aside from oil changes
everything else on the list is inspection and adjustment/cleaning/tightening
as necessary.

Brett Ratner
Genuine Scooters Dealer Development
877.MY.STELLA

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:07 pm

It's great that you are researching but honestly:
Sit and test ride a buddy, sit and test ride a stella.

You'll know which one feels right to you.

Even prior to that ask your self this:

"Do I want to shift or would I rather Twist-n-go?" If you can answer that question, decision made. If not refer back to my 1st suggestion: Test ride each!

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 2:48 am

I love Mini Coopers. We've been car shopping since Labor Day and a Cooper S was high on my list. Problem is, we only have one car and it's my wife's everyday commuter. I drive it maybe once a week. So the car has to work for her and be an automatic while I'd prefer a manual. The first time we test drove an S we both loved it, although I did prefer the manual over the very fine 6 speed auto. Before taking the plunge and ordering our own, we went back for another test drive. Uh-oh. Instead of loving the car more I started noticing little bothersome things about it. If the Mini was mine alone I think I would really enjoy it. As our only car, it didn't quite make it.

Make absolutely sure you REALLY love the Stella before you buy it. Test ride it thoroughly and then ride a Buddy back to back. Then, if you can, test the Stella again. The weight difference isn't enough to worry about but the scooters are very different. I love my motorcycle and I love shifting but commuting on it on the roads I ride every day would be misery on the motorcycle while it's a blast on the Buddy. Tip toe stops can be an issue with a heavy bike, especially on a grade. But it shouldn't be much of a bother with a little bike like the Stella.

Flog 'em both and be honest with yourself. If you're still loving the Stella after all this you should get it, otherwise you'll be thinking about it every time you ride the Buddy. In fact, take your time and ride everything, otherwise you really don't know what you're missing. Who's to say you won't prefer a Vespa, Fly or People more?

ItalianBoy · Post by **ItalianBoy** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 12:49 pm

gt1000 wrote:I love Mini Coopers. We've been car shopping since Labor Day and a Cooper S was high on my list. Problem is, we only have one car and it's my wife's everyday commuter. I drive it maybe once a week. So the car has to work for her and be an automatic while I'd prefer a manual. The first time we test drove an S we both loved it, although I did prefer the manual over the very fine 6 speed auto.

MINI Coopers in an automatic are a sin. I have the same problem with my fiance. I told her if she wanted a MINI she needed to learn how to drive stick

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 2:51 pm

gt1000 wrote:
Make absolutely sure you REALLY love the Stella before you buy it. Test ride it thoroughly and then ride a Buddy back to back. Then, if you can, test the Stella again. The weight difference isn't enough to worry about but the scooters are very different. I love my motorcycle and I love shifting but commuting on it on the roads I ride every day would be misery on the motorcycle while it's a blast on the Buddy. Tip toe stops can be an issue with a heavy bike, especially on a grade. But it shouldn't be much of a bother with a little bike like the Stella.

Flog 'em both and be honest with yourself. If you're still loving the Stella after all this you should get it, otherwise you'll be thinking about it every time you ride the Buddy. In fact, take your time and ride everything, otherwise you really don't know what you're missing. Who's to say you won't prefer a Vespa, Fly or People more?

Good advice....

daglafe · Post by **daglafe** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:57 pm

I ride an '04 Stella. I'm 6'-1" so it fits me fine, but my wife who is 5'-5" struggles with the weight to height ratio (being on tip toes) and has almost tipped over on a few occasions.

It's obviously up to you, she states it is just harder to handle the weight on your toes.

Good luck.

Dag

vijamendelson · Post by **vijamendelson** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 4:36 pm

I feel kind of of wimpy, but Stella was just too much lady for me right now, as an inexperienced rider. Maybe if I get to be a Scoot Queen on the Buddy, I can sell it in a year and go for a new Stella (the one I was looking at was a 2005 with 5000 miles). Or maybe I'll be so in love by then with the Buddy, I won't even dream of it. We'll see! Thanks for all the advice on here over the past few days - it was an intense decision.
But now I am the proud owner of a red Buddy (her name is Lorelei).
Vija

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 5:12 pm

CONGRATS!!!

Glad you test rode both!

Don't feel silly or anything like that. I test rode a 200 or 250cc Vespa even though I knew I wanted a 150. Why?! Just had to see if they felt better. For me, too heavy and too unforgiving on the throttle. I felt the bike was operating me not me controlling it.

150cc for me.

GLAD you were able to truly evaluate. Post pics!

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 5:37 pm

vijamendelson wrote:I feel kind of of wimpy, but Stella was just too much lady for me right now, as an inexperienced rider. Maybe if I get to be a Scoot Queen on the Buddy, I can sell it in a year and go for a new Stella (the one I was looking at was a 2005 with 5000 miles). Or maybe I'll be so in love by then with the Buddy, I won't even dream of it. We'll see! Thanks for all the advice on here over the past few days - it was an intense decision.
But now I am the proud owner of a red Buddy (her name is Lorelei).
Vija

Awesome, possum! Welcome to the happy world of scooter riding.

I absolutely 100% feel like that, too. I'm thinking about BEGINNING to look at Stellas & Chetaks in another five months or so. My goal was to learn how to ride first, and then learn how to shift and wrench later.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 6:42 pm

vijamendelson wrote:I feel kind of of wimpy, but Stella was just too much lady for me right now, as an inexperienced rider. Maybe if I get to be a Scoot Queen on the Buddy, I can sell it in a year and go for a new Stella (the one I was looking at was a 2005 with 5000 miles). Or maybe I'll be so in love by then with the Buddy, I won't even dream of it. We'll see! Thanks for all the advice on here over the past few days - it was an intense decision.
But now I am the proud owner of a red Buddy (her name is Lorelei).
Vija

Congrats on getting the Buddy! It's an excellent choice for a new rider. My wife impressed the hell out of me with how quickly she learned riding fundamentals on the Buddy. She used it when we took the MSF and she scored second-highest to the riding test, missing only a couple points. (I got a perfect score, but had been riding for a couple years by the time we took it.)

We're very happy with having 2 twist-n-go modern scoots in our household and I'm sure you won't regret your decision!

At the same time, once you take the plunge and get a scoot, it's not long before you start dreaming about others. A large number of MB and MV members have bought another within a year or so of getting their first.
I've had my heart set on a vintage shifter for (literally) decades, but was uncertain about my own mechanical skills and riding ability so went modern when I took the plunge. A new Stella would, in some ways, be the best of both worlds: shifter with a great warranty and new engine. I'll probably still buy a vintage someday... Someday...

Modern Buddy

buddy vs. stella

buddy vs. stella

warranty differences

Re: warranty differences

Re: warranty differences

thanks for the advice, no closer to a decision

Re: warranty differences

Re: warranty differences

wise approach

It's a Buddy!

Re: It's a Buddy!

Re: It's a Buddy!