Update: Buddy is still in the shop - upsized to a new scoot

303mike · Post by **303mike** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 5:54 pm

Hi all,
the saga continues, but I decided to write the ending before I find out exactly how I got there

First, the Buddy - it is still at Sportique here in Denver. They still think the problems are caused by some sort of electrical gremlin. It will start most of the time now (new coil), but will die occasionally when coming to a stop. They can't figure it out. They have had the bike for exactly four weeks as of today. Groan.
I knew I wanted to upsize to a highway capable scooter at some point in the future. I was getting very frustrated by the length of time and the lack of communication I have been getting from the shop (none at all), so I decided to just pull the trigger now. I tried to work with Spotique on a trade for a 2007 People 250 S they have for $2800. They were fair, but we couldn't come to an agreement. In retrospect, I'm glad as it made me check Craigslist where I found the new scoot...
A 2007 Piaggio BV 250 with only 3500 miles in immaculate shape for only $2000. It is glorious:

I took it out on the highway yesterday to verify the speedo to a gps. It had nothing to do with seeing how fast it would go

I hit 76 actual mph (86 indicated) and it was rock solid. That felt close to the top speed, but that's enough. It is super-comfy and easy to ride, even at slow speeds. I couldn't be happier.
As for the Buddy, I will let Sportique figure out, and fix, what's wrong, and then I'll sell it. Hopefully it won't take too much longer, or cost too much. The Buddy has been a great scooter, and I will certainly miss it. If you notice, I was careful to say I upsized, not upgraded.
Although I'm an infrequent poster, I will definitely stay on this forum. The news, advice, and entertainment I get from here is invaluable - even if it may not directly apply to me anymore.
So after all that, yay new scooter!

still shifting · Post by **still shifting** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 5:59 pm

Sweeet now your runnin down the Hyway... R

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:16 pm

That sounds like a great deal.
Congrats!

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:32 pm

i say keep the Bud or if you've had enough of it sell it and maybe invest in another used scoot? if not now, down the road. that way downtime will be bypassed if one or the other break and best of all you still have small scooter!

big scooters with big wheels are somewhat different animals imo. lesser animals

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:14 pm

What a great deal! Having recently gone through my own troubles diagnosing my Buddy, I do sympathize with the mechanics at Sportique. These things can be baffling at the best of times. (To give you an idea of what I went through you can read this thread.) But certainly customer communication is always vital. I have no doubt they will figure it out eventually and you will be the proud owner of two great scooters. I was lucky that I had a loaner scooter while mine was out of commission. But had I the money I would certainly have bought another bike just as you did.

Great that you got such a good deal. You are set for a great summer of riding! Head for the mountains!!!

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:01 pm

That's a beautiful bike at a terrific price! I'm so, so, sooooo jealous. To me, it seems that the BVs handle more like a motorcycle than a scooter. Did you feel that way, too? Of course, there are pluses and minuses to that, like everything else. Since you were thinking about supersizing to a highway-capable scooter anyway, the BV250 is an excellent choice and you could hardly ask for a better deal. I hope you enjoy your new-to-you scooter for a long time to come.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:43 pm

Nice score, Mike!

Which Sportique have you been working with?

Don't suppose we'll see you at any of the Misfit Toys rides?

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Tue Mar 27, 2012 3:07 am

That is one VERY sweet scooter, especially at that price! If you're going to go maxi-ish-scooter, the BV is a nice big wheel scoot. Very nice.

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 4:17 am

Have 'em check wire continuity...especially to the coil. Caused possibly by poor wiring harness routing. On my Buddy the pet carrier pinched the harness, breaking the write inside the insulation where it couldn't bee seen.

303mike · Post by **303mike** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 7:31 am

Thanks for all the advice on the Buddy. I hope to someday relay some of the wisdom to Sportique. Not surprisingly, they have remained consistent in their pattern of not contacting me with any sort of update over the past week. Since my recent purchase removes my immediate need for two-wheeled transport, I am stubbornly waiting on them to contact me. I am not holding my breath.
The good news is I couldn't be happier with the BV 250. It is fantastically fabulous. While not quite as nimble as the Buddy at low speeds, I'd say it does 80% of everything a scooter should do, combined with 80% of everything I'd expect from a motorcycle. A compromise that has exceeded my expectations in every way.
I am already planning a ride to the top of Pike's Peak this summer

303mike · Post by **303mike** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 7:33 am

Oh, and I do hope to make it out to at least one group ride this season. Nothing like spending a day with like-minded scooterists!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:19 pm

Strange that they've not contacted you. I received calls when each of my parts came in, and one of the sales guys lives nearby. offered to bring them over on his way home. But, I have almost 0 tools and don't trust myself to align the headlight right, so I'll have them put 'em on in the morning and straighten my cowl protectors.

If you want I can keep you posted on the local rides. There's a Denver Scooterists facebook page I can add you too, and I'll PM you the April St. George's ride on the 21.

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 4:24 pm

Congrats, that's a nice looking scooter at a great price!!