Trike conversion for Buddy 150

CROSSBOLT · Post by **CROSSBOLT** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:47 pm

Anyone recommend a trike conversion for my wife's Buddy 150? Or a sidecar?

Karl

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 11:40 pm

As far as I know, no one has worked out a good way to attach a sidecar to a Buddy.

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 12:27 am

I can't recall the company right now, but there is someone who makes "outriggers" for motorcycles and scooters. The back wheel stays in place and it sets down into a frame. Two more wheels are attached to that. It looks like a trike but it actually has 4 wheels.

I'll see if I can find it

Howard

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 12:35 am

Nope, I don't think anyone has come up with a viable sidecar solution for the Buddy and I also don't recall anyone converting it to a trike since it's so small. I'll go ahead and venture to ask why you need to put a trike kit on her scooter? If she's afraid to ride it, you're probably throwing money down a hole if you try to solve it this way.

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 12:36 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPH-YvHotNk
The video for the tow-pac system.

Also try the Voyager kits. You would have to talk to them and see if they one that would fit your scooter. They are mostly for motorcycles.

Howard

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:44 am

pdxrita wrote:Nope, I don't think anyone has come up with a viable sidecar solution for the Buddy and I also don't recall anyone converting it to a trike since it's so small. I'll go ahead and venture to ask why you need to put a trike kit on her scooter? If she's afraid to ride it, you're probably throwing money down a hole if you try to solve it this way.

Also: scooters with sidecars are harder to pilot than without. A sidecar makes a lousy training wheel.

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 4:46 am

Its possible. This is / was by a company called Kelly's Kustoms. The website seems dead, but you never know what might still be around from them, or if the company itself still is?

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 5:10 am

There is a company supposedly making a sidecar kit for Buddy 50s, but it's not recommended for larger Buddys (i.e., not built for the speed). I haven't seen the rig, yet, but they're making some for Honda Mets and Yamaha Vinos.

http://www.kelticsidecars.com/
Just what every 50cc scooter needs—a sidecar! I sincerely hope the sidecars are built better than their website.

…And they're $1875.

Years ago, NoHo Scooters put a sidecar on a Buddy 125 and though it was mounted, the whole thing was too unstable and they scrapped it.

Guess I'll be the one to ask: Why do the conversion (probably at great cost and killing any resale value) instead of buying something better suited?

Lostmycage · Post by **Lostmycage** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 6:06 am

Get a mobility scooter. It'll be cheaper, have more acceleration, a higher top speed, better resale value, better fuel economy, better storage as well as be more fun than adding a trike kit to any Buddy.

CROSSBOLT · Post by **CROSSBOLT** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:03 pm

Pdxrita, all I can say is that she has the "hots" for a trike and I am trying to find a dealer with a demo so she can ride it and see if she likes it. She is a little skittish leaning in the corners afraid she will go down and this is after the MSF course. I don't get it so it must be an "older girl thing." There, that otta start something!

Personally, I think it is a waste of time and good money. Also, it will be a PITA to get the thing on our small trailer......along with the Yager and all the other crap we drag on a trip.......

Karl

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:19 pm

It's probably bigger than what you have in mind, but I know there's at least one for the 400cc Burgman. I was surprised to see one in traffic yesterday.

It just seems that a trike kit or SC would take a heavy toll on a small scoot's performance.

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:25 pm

CROSSBOLT wrote:Pdxrita, all I can say is that she has the "hots" for a trike and I am trying to find a dealer with a demo so she can ride it and see if she likes it. She is a little skittish leaning in the corners afraid she will go down and this is after the MSF course. I don't get it so it must be an "older girl thing." There, that otta start something!

Personally, I think it is a waste of time and good money. Also, it will be a PITA to get the thing on our small trailer......along with the Yager and all the other crap we drag on a trip.......

Karl

Fair enough. If she really wants a trike, I'd say, as suggested above, go out and buy something that's already a trike, rather than trying to tack something onto a Buddy, which probably wouldn't really handle or pull that well triked out.

Speaking as a slightly older girl, I can understand the trepidation on her part. But maybe you haven't given her enough time. I wouldn't expect someone right out of the MSF to just jump in and ride with gusto and no fear. Honestly, even though I had ridden a motorcycle a bit in the past, it took me just about an even 500 miles under my belt on the scooter before my fear level dropped off. If she hasn't done a lot of riding yet, maybe you could encourage her to get out some more. Just take it out a little bit each day for a quick spin around the block. I bet, with enough miles, her fear will level off and she'll learn to trust taking a bit of lean on turns.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:49 pm

Can-Am Spyder? Used MP3?

Honestly, 2-wheel riding isn't for everyone and for some reason, it's much harder to pick up after age 50 (though not sure what you meant by "older"). This isn't some kind of bias; most instructors and many who learned after that age will confirm this. Even Ron Perlman has said he had a very tough time learning to ride when preparing for Sons of Anarchy. And some people just never quite feel it and don't take to it. That's okay. Some people are crappy swimmers, skiers, etc.

That's not to say riding can't be learned in after that age, just that it's more challenging. Even after the MSF, some people just need practice, patience and taking the time to develop their confidence and skills.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:35 am

Tow-pac is the best known company making add-on trike kits for scooters and motorcycles. I would think that a Buddy is somewhat small and low on power for one of these conversions - but it can't hurt to ask. (certainly Tow-pac setups for some medium sized scooters are available)

http://www.towpacusa.com/

Cam-Ams are giant things and outside of the price range of most of us. The Piaggio MP3 is really not a viable alternative for someone who actually needs a three wheel solution. Sidecar set-ups for Stellas and PX150 Vespas are the easiest to come by and, in my opinion, the most practical choice for those that need/want a small three wheel rig.

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 2:33 am

ericalm wrote:Can-Am Spyder? Used MP3?

Honestly, 2-wheel riding isn't for everyone and for some reason, it's much harder to pick up after age 50 (though not sure what you meant by "older"). This isn't some kind of bias; most instructors and many who learned after that age will confirm this. Even Ron Perlman has said he had a very tough time learning to ride when preparing for Sons of Anarchy. And some people just never quite feel it and don't take to it. That's okay. Some people are crappy swimmers, skiers, etc.

That's not to say riding can't be learned in after that age, just that it's more challenging. Even after the MSF, some people just need practice, patience and taking the time to develop their confidence and skills.

I can see how this is true. I am well into my 40's and can tell you that my equilibrium isn't what is used to be. I easily get dizzy now - even something so simple as someone failing to properly orient their photo on Craigslist is enough to make me feel a bit woozy. I think that the equilibrium declines with age. Maybe it's tied in with hearing degeneration? Anyhow, yes, I think this could make learning to ride quite a challenge. However, taking the time to get comfortable could be beneficial to maintaining balance and equilibrium into old age. I can say that riding for the past 3 years (almost) has been good for me both physically and mentally. I think it might help to keep me young! So the moral of this rambling story is, if she's willing to keep trying on two wheels, give her the time, space, support and encouragement to do so.

CROSSBOLT · Post by **CROSSBOLT** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 4:50 pm

Pdxrita and others: You are all right on the money. I have taught lots of folks how to fly and it takes longer for an older person. That is just the way it is. Dear Wife has over 5000 miles on her Buddy and she IS getting better. I am hoping that she will get more comfortable and relax a bit and maybe forget about 3 wheels in any configuration.

Thanks again all,

Karl