125 ok for SF?

[vespito]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of trading in/selling my 2007 Vespa LX 150 for a new scoot. My wife recently got her license and while likes mine, she is looking for something a little easier to maneuver if possible. We'll both be using the scooter. If it matters, she's about 5'5".

I was thinking the Buddy 125 might be a good choice (subject to test drive), but I'm a little worried it may not have enough ooomph for San Francisco. If anyone in the area can let me know what they think, it would be greatly appreciated. Oh, we rarely ride 2 up, but again, would the 125 be ok with that?

I love my little vespa, but I'm also looking forward to trying something else.

We may also try the Aprilia scoots, but I know next to nothing about them.

Thanks!

[mhardgrove]

I don't know about the hills in SF, but I was able to take my 125 in the back hills of Kentucky without issue and I was 270lbs at the time. I was able to keep over 40mph without problems, and I'm sure I could have gone faster but was breaking the motor in. A buddy that is in tune is rather quick.

[ericalm]

Buddy 125 is actually faster than a (carbureted, 2007) LX 150 off the line but maybe a bit slower on hills and with 2 up. The seat is much different than an LX so if you do intend to ride 2-up you should both sit on one together and see how it goes. When my wife and I had a Buddy 125 and an LX 150 we usually took the LX for 2-up, but we have done some 2-up riding on Buddy 150s. You might be able to find a Buddy 150 out there for a pretty good price and might want to look at the 170, too.

The 125 is certainly capable, though! There are MANY in the SF area and in the city you probably see a dozen a day.

The Buddys are easier to handle/maneuver than an LX and very new-rider friendly while not being a "beginner" scoot you'll want to trade after a year.

The Aprilias are nice but they don't have much interesting in the sub-200cc range other than their 50cc.

[vespito]

mhardgrove and ericalm - thanks for the responses. I think looking at the 170 is a pretty good idea, and thanks for the note on being easier to handle than the LX.

It would be nice to keep the LX 150 too but that will help finance any new scoot.

Thanks again - I'm sure I'll have more questions soon!

[mhardgrove]

The only thing I can say is test ride it and see for yourself if it works for you. this forum is good for getting questions answered! Have a good day!

[texepictetus]

None of the 125's on the Genuine San Fran ride had any problems keeping up as far as I know. We hit some pretty hilly parts.

[JHScoot]

Should be ok imo. 125's and 150's can have a bit of trouble with long inclines / grades with 150's being better suited. You'll watch sooner as the speedo needle drops even though the throttle is pinned on a 125, though. One rider here says she goes up a certain hill on her 150 and it holds 40mph. Same hill on her previous 125 was 25mph.

But shorter hills are fine. Even cars sometimes have to gun it up a short steep hill.

[vespito]

Thanks everyone. Next step: test rides for the me and the wife!

[batgirl101]

Should be ok imo. 125's and 150's can have a bit of trouble with long inclines / grades with 150's being better suited. You'll watch sooner as the speedo needle drops even though the throttle is pinned on a 125, though. One rider here says she goes up a certain hill on her 150 and it holds 40mph. Same hill on her previous 125 was 25mph.

But shorter hills are fine. Even cars sometimes have to gun it up a short steep hill.

true this

[fossel]

I would think the fuel injected 170 buddy would be awesome there,but I havent tried one yet,