Help making a decision

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:16 pm

Hi everyone-
Since starting to think about scooters a while ago I've been doing research in this forum and wanted to ask a few questions.

My car has finally died and I'm about to take the scooter plunge. Someone a while ago recommended the Genuine Buddy but as I get closer I'm not sure what to pick.

If anyone can offer opinions on these questions, I'd appreciate it!

1. How important is the dealer? The closest Buddy dealer to me is a Triumph Motorcycle dealer (I'm in Fort Lauderdale, FL). I haven't checked them out to see how into the scooter side of things they are, but from their website http://www.pure-triumph.com/ it seems that scooters could be a bit of a sideline. I do have a scooter only dealer- Varsity Cycle http://www.varsitycycle.com/ near me but they only sell Vespa/Piaggio/Aprilia and Kymco. They seem really great, they do all of their service there at the shop, and are super close to me, which I know is important. Does anyone have an opinion based on this little info., or better yet does anyone know about either of these dealers?

2. From my trip to Varsity, I have gotten really interested in the Aprilia Mojito. I've read every post that mentions them on this board, but thought I'd troll for any more thoughts about this scoot! The Buddy is less expensive, but I wonder if the dealer closeness and scooter-centric focus outweighs the savings. I suppose I could choose a Kymco Agility 125 and get both savings and the closer dealer but I really like the more retro looking scoots.

3. Is it right to ask if there is any end-of-the year wiggle room in prices? I know that in general there is very little markup in scooter and generally you pay MSRP. But if so, I'll step up my search and make a purchase by the end of the year.

A little more info- This scoot would make us a six-wheel family. We have a little boy so we still need at least one car! I have a 5 mile commute on moderate roads, traffic-wise. Nothing above 35mph. I plan to take the scoot every day I can and my wife would take the car (and thus most of the toddler-cartage!).

Oh- one more thing. The safety/training courses in my area offer either motorcycle or scooter training. They told me to take either one. Anyone have a thought on this? Common sense would say take the scooter training but then again being trained on something larger and more powerful/complex (shifting) might have its benefits.

Again, thanks already for all the knowledge I've gleaned from here. I appreciate any answers to my very general questions!!

Joe

SERIES ITALIA RIDER · Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:42 pm

hey man... from my part here's a suggestion.... i just bought a new buddy 125 series italia in september, i had a kymco 50cc prior to that. it was a great little scooter and i think kymco is a decent brand as far as small scoots go... i do think the buddy is better built and a more solid riding scooter but had no problems with my kymco at all, it was a great running scoot.... you can try to get a little wiggle room on price on any scoot you are trying to purchase right now before the end of year but you probably also wont have quite the selection that you would once the '08 year comes out.... i would suggest taking the time to visit the buddy dealership and at least compare the buddy with the kymco and i think you'll see what i'm talking about when i say i think its built a bit more solid, and it actually sits different and feels different.... definately compare the 2 in that lower price range before just settling for the kymco.... thats just a suggestion from my view though.... the motorcycle training school is a great idea, i did it just before i bought my buddy and learned a lot.... good luck choosing.....

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:50 pm

1. Dealer support is VERY important. This is not a knock on the Buddy, but if you are most comfortable with the other dealer, go with those guys. But check them out first with the local BBB and Google their name to see what type of complaints they have against them. I'm going through a problem now with a Kymco dealer.

2. The Mojito is a beautiful machine. The Buddy is less refined. The Buddy is a much lighter scooter that you can "flick" and it is quick. The Kymco Agility 125 is an okay scooter. But the Buddy is much better.

3. The '08 model year is just around the corner. Many dealers are getting incentives to move the old bikes out. Bargain the best you can and use competitive written offers from competing dealers if possible.

It sounds like you do the same type of commuting that I do. I only go 6 miles one-way to work. Although, it is a little cold in the mornings, I've calculated that my savings in gas is pretty close to $1,000 since May.

Finally, do take the MSF motorcycle training course.

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:59 pm

Think carefully. I have a friend who has an Aprilia Atlantic and is NOT happy. It is a fantastic scooter, but even though he has a local dealer, parts were NOT available and were horribly expensive when he DID need them. Someone tried to steal his scooter once and broke the ignition switch in their unsuccessful attempt. Since it was an electronic safety thing, it prevented any use of the scooter until it was replaced. THREE MONTHS AND ALMOST $300.00 later he got his scoot back. It is now for sale.

--Keys

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:54 am

Varsity is going to be carying Genuine products now that they have bought out Surf Side Scooters. Last time i was there I ran into the Genuine rep and had a nice talk with him. One thing that we agreed on is that a lot of Vespa or Piaggio buyers will put a few hundred miles a year on their scoott while Buddy buyers RIDE the snot out of them!

You should also check out the Scooter Superstoreof America in Hollywood http://www.sstam.com/hollywood/. Hardcore scooter people and they are a Genuine Dealer as well as SYM and a few other brands. I really didn't see any junk there. That is where I will be taking my Buddy and Vespa for service. I've been to the Ft. laud Triumph Dealer to buy a few oil filters. They have no interest in scooters. Drop me a PM if you want, Im always up for checking out scoots...especially when someone else is buying! If you go to the super store tell them I sent you, maybe I can get a free quart of oil out of it!

Another plus is that they are a suporter ofthe local riding group and a big sponsor for the Scooter encounter rally. No...I don't work there..LOL!

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:05 am

Thanks everyone- I knew I'd get some good thoughts here!

So the Aprilia parts delay is still an issue? I have read posts (dating back to 2004) that were hoping that things would smooth out when Piaggio purchased them.

And BuddyRaton- WOW_ that's big news about Varsity/Genuine!! I've still not even seen a Buddy in person but have done so much reading about them I'm really interested in them. And while the Mojito really turned my head, if repair is any kind of issue it would be a bit of a deal breaker as this scoot would need to be reliable for me, as it's replacing a car, not in addition to one.

I'll definitely PM you...

Dibber · Post by **Dibber** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:48 am

First off. You have started off in the right direction, by doing your research. Several people I know thought it was wise to by the very low price scooters that so many people try to sell. I told them you get what you pay for. The dealer is going to be your best friend or wrost enemy and when I was shopping last year; I felt that most cycle/scoot dealers were trying to push a cycle on me even after I told them I wanted a scoot. The Mojito is a nice looker, but I don't know much about them. Kymco, Buddy (Genuine Scooter Co) and Vespa is what my dealer sell and they are about 70 - 80 miles away from me. Still worth the drive. Local dealers did not impress me. I took a motorcycle safety course ages ago and it is a good idea. My wife and both have 125 Buddy's and they are outstanding, get mid-to-upper 90 mph, and can cruise state and county roads eaisly at 55+ all day long (top speed is between 65-70mph depending on wind etc. No problems so far and we road them almost daily from June thru September and I was riding mine at the end of November..What ever you buy, I know you will love the ride. Oh ya, I couldn't get Scooterville to budge on the price even when buying two scoots, but they did through in 2 luggage racks for free. Try for accessories or a helmet or discount price on accessories. Good luck.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:24 am

Genuine owners really shouldn't be knocking another scoot because of parts delays.

The Mojito and Buddy are both good scoots, but they offer very different rides. If you can test ride each, great. If not, even sitting on them will give you some sense if their differences.

I'm not sure the Buddy weighs more than the Mojito. There are only a couple pounds difference between the Buddy and LX150, which has the same engine as the Mojito plus a mostly steel body.

Yeah, I know this is a Buddy forum and we all love the Buddy, but I think it's good for buyers to look at other scoots, compare them and select what they think best suits them.

metty · Post by **metty** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:09 am

This person is asking about the Aprilia. Is is not our duty to warn him of major parts problems with Aprilia. The Aprilia may look great but not when it's sitting in the shop waiting for parts for months. I once thought about looking at the Aprilia Atlantic and read of horror stories when it came to service and parts. And also a common engine problem. Is this not what forums are for to state the facts?

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:59 am

Okay let us be perfectly honest here.

The Buddy has it problems too.
Speedometer cable falling off, seat latches not working, oil leaks, and fit and finish is very average. Some parts take a very long time to get.

There is no perfect scooter.

Not to discourage you, the Buddy is a great little scooter. Mojito is a beautiful scooter. The Kymco Agility 125 is nice average inexpensive scooter and it light years above it's mainland China counterparts.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:25 am

metty wrote:This person is asking about the Aprilia. Is is not our duty to warn him of major parts problems with Aprilia. The Aprilia may look great but not when it's sitting in the shop waiting for parts for months. I once thought about looking at the Aprilia Atlantic and read of horror stories when it came to service and parts. And also a common engine problem. Is this not what forums are for to state the facts?

I'm not saying that no one should knock another brand. I'm saying that for a Genuine owner to knock one on the basis of parts availability without mentioning that Genuine's had similar problems is hypocritical.

And, by all means, we should report facts. So, here's a fact: the Mojito and Atlantic are totally different scoots. The Mojito has the LEADER engine found in the Vespa ET, LX, and Piaggio Fly. The Atlantic engines are liquid-cooled; I'm think they're the QUASAR engines used in the Vespa GTS. Both are quite solid and reliable.

I don't know if the Atlantic suffers from other issues. But, anecdotally, I've not read of any such problems with the Mojito, and I know of several current or former owners who love that model.

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:35 am

ericalm wrote:I've not read of any such problems with the Mojito, and I know of several current or former owners who love that model.

If I had the money, I would have bought the Mojito.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:01 pm

Good morning to everyone-

Thanks again for the additional thoughts. Yes, I have also read some about parts difficulties with Buddies. I also had thought that was over because it seemed to be possibly due to more demand than supply at their launch.

I think I'm going to try to rearrange my day today and hit Scooter Superstore to check out the Buddies. Maybe I can get either of these dealers to be forthcoming about parts/repair times on each scoot. They both seem to be pretty good shops.

Not having my license yet, I can't do any test rides but so far have sat on a few. I'm very excited to check out the Buddy since that's the one I've been drooling over for the better part of a year!!

x-mojito50mod · Post by **x-mojito50mod** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:10 pm

I have had both Mojito and Buddy, though my Mojito was a kitted 50cc, not the 150cc. Yes, the parts thing was really bad for a while, but it's getting a bit better for Aprilia...it was when they were moving their headquarters from Atlanta to NY to merge with Piaggio that they had major delays. Also, if you have any engine problems with the 150cc, as Eric said, it uses the Leader engine, so parts are availible. As far as the ride on each goes, it's comparing apples to oranges. I like both, but for different reasons. IMO, the Mojito has a much smoother ride...more of a cruiser. It's lower to the ground and more stretched out, giving lots of leg/foot room so you can change positions a bit. It has a larger front wheel, so it sucks up potholes and tracks through corners a lot smoother. It has anti-diving "double" forks, making the front more plush as well. The seat is the most comfortable of any scoot I've sat on...I did 8 hours once...no sore butt. The Buddy is more "spirited" of a ride...I compare it to a BMX with a big engine. It's really quick in both acceleration and turning, so navigating heavy city traffic is easy. It's a bit rougher over the bumps though because of its short wheel base and "pogo-stick" front shocks. To me the fit is equal on both, but the finish on the Mojito's a bit better...they use nice ABS plastic that gives a bit, not the "shattering" kind on the Buddy. But, that's also part of the price difference. For the $, the Buddy is the winner, for comfort, the Mojito. For performance, that's determined on how/where you ride it and what suits your style. Test ride both if you can, and you'll know which is right! Hope this helps.
-Matt

My Buddy (R.I.P):

My Mojito (on Life Support):

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:43 pm

I too had a kitted Mojito 50 before my Buddy 125. xmojito's comments regarding the Mojito's suspension, seat and overall comfort are right on the money. It's sort of like riding your favorite chair. I've also got to assume that Aprilia's link-up with Piaggio will help the parts network but I did have far more difficulty securing parts for my Mojito than I do for my Buddy. It also helps that, so far, I haven't needed parts for my Buddy. My Aprilia was in and out of the shop a lot over the course of its 1st 2000 miles. The Buddy has only required 2 routine service visits.

I have no idea if the Mojito 150 has this issue, but my 50 really had some difficulties on very hot days. This wound up eventually costing me a cylinder head, leading to the addition of a 65cc kit. Which led to the meltdown of the after-market exhaust. We speculated that the engine compartment wasn't vented enough but nobody could ever prove anything. Anyway, I'd be suspicious of riding at WOT for any length of time in the hot Florida weather. And personally, I far prefer the overall package of the Buddy to the Mojito, but it really is apples and oranges.

My daughter lived in Ft. Lauderdale for a couple of years and I've been to both the dealers you mention. I didn't even notice scooters at the Triumph place and, judging from their website, they don't really care much about scoots. The Vespa place seemed okay but you'll get much more useful feedback from folks who regularly use that dealership. Have you posted a similar thread on MV?

As for the MSF class, I recommend taking it on a motorcycle. That way, you learn how to ride pretty much everything. That's just me though.

Test ride all of the bikes you're looking at, including the appropriate Vespas and Piaggios. I don't think you can go terribly wrong with any of those or the Kymcos or the Buddy. Me? I'd be a little leery of the Mojito but my personal experience with that bike may have been unique. Good luck!

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:49 pm

jmazza wrote: 1. How important is the dealer?

Very, you don't want to have to truck it across the state for service. Even if you do your own service, and mail order parts, it's just smart to purchase from a well-regarded local dealer.

jmazza wrote:2. From my trip to Varsity, I have gotten really interested in the Aprilia Mojito.

Eeeh, they're OK, in Europe I'd buy one, but here they just seem sort of ignored by PiaggioUSA and Aprilia dealers because they're focusing on Aprilia's motorcycles. I guess if the dealer is also big into scooters, that might make up for it...

jmazza wrote:3. Is it right to ask if there is any end-of-the year wiggle room in prices? I know that in general there is very little markup in scooter and generally you pay MSRP. But if so, I'll step up my search and make a purchase by the end of the year.

Probably not with Piaggio/Aprilia, I hear their dealer margins are very small. You might have better luck with other brands. Usually the only way you're going to get a good deal is on a bike that's been on the floor for more than a year that's been discontinued or superceded by a newer version. (for instance, a 2006 Genuine Blur, they're going under $3K and that's a great bike (I have one).

jmazza wrote:then again being trained on something larger and more powerful/complex (shifting) might have its benefits.

Yes, learn on the M/C, the M/C classes typically go into more depth, and the physics are the same and you'll be better off with a Motorcycle-class license rather than having to upgrade later. I think it's weird they offer both, there's very little difference other than shifting (and old scooters shift, and many modern scooters are as big as motorcycles, so there's crossover), I think it's mostly a way to make scooterists feel comfortable in their own class (so harley/sportbike jags* aren't hassling them, which has happened to many of my friends in mc classes), and I guess it's less intimidating to learn to ride a scooter, but there's not much more to riding a motorcycle, and it's all worth learning.

*Note: I have many friends who ride Harleys and sportbikes who are not jags. I'm talking about dudes who show up for the wife- or state-mandated MSF course in leather fringe or zubas and a tank top, riding without a license on their brand-new first motorcycle, a 1700cc monster that they've already dropped on the road, then make fun of everyone else in the class even as they (the jags) manage to drop their nightwing three times per class. If you take the scooter class, you miss out on that fun!

x-mojito50mod · Post by **x-mojito50mod** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:14 pm

GT1000...
I think our problems with the Mojito were they're 50cc's and 2-strokes. They need a lot more maintainance than their 4-stroke brothers, and pushing them WOT all the time will do a number on the little things. (At least that's how I rode mine!) With the 150's, I haven't heard anywhere near the problems we've had. All the problems I had with mine were after modifying the engine, but those parts aren't meant to be worked hard day in and day out...they're "racing" products afterall, and I commuted on mine. The Buddy was a breath of fresh air in the reliability and speed department after flogging the 50 for 12,000 miles! That's one thing I love about the Buddy...it's mechanically solid. But I have plans for the Mojito's resurrection

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 8:02 pm

Wow- thanks again everyone!

The ride comparisons are really helpful, and all things equal there I like the thought of the Mojito.

Illnoise- The dealer that sells the Mojito is a scooter-only shop so I'm not worried about them caring more about their motorcycles!

I will post on the MV board about Varsity to see if anyone has experience with them as well.

Also good to know that some of the problems with the Mojito 50 might not occur with the 150...

On my way to check out some Buddies in a couple of hours... I'll report back more then!

It's great that there is such a passionate community around scooters- it reminds me of when I had my '66 Beetle (that I had to sell because I couldn't keep up with the maintenance on something even that simple!!)

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:43 pm

I too am torn between a Buddy and a Stella, I've been in love with Stella since I first saw one several years ago. Now that I'm looking for something with more Oompf than my 50cc Honda and Buddy is comming with a 150cc what do I do? "To shift or not to shift", that is my quandry now........
The nearest Genuinue dealer is approx. 70 miles from where I live as well.
Any suggestions, I have limited riding experience....

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:21 pm

OK...
Just got back from looking at Buddies... I liked the Series Italia a lot. Then I went back to Varsity and looked at the Mojito.

I really love the Mojito (just based on comfort of the seat and looks). I like that the Mojito is bigger and seems like it would be more noticeable to cars. But there's that price difference! The dealer said that they indeed did used to have trouble with Aprilia parts but they do pretty well with them now.

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:29 pm

jmazza wrote:OK...
Just got back from looking at Buddies... I liked the Series Italia a lot. Then I went back to Varsity and looked at the Mojito.

I really love the Mojito (just based on comfort of the seat and looks). I like that the Mojito is bigger and seems like it would be more noticeable to cars. But there's that price difference! The dealer said that they indeed did used to have trouble with Aprilia parts but they do pretty well with them now.

FYI: cars will ignore both equally!

I agree, the styling of the Mojito is top notch. Maybe you could find one used? Get what moves you, that way you don't have to buy twice...

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:32 pm

KABarash wrote:I too am torn between a Buddy and a Stella, I've been in love with Stella since I first saw one several years ago. Now that I'm looking for something with more Oompf than my 50cc Honda and Buddy is comming with a 150cc what do I do? "To shift or not to shift", that is my quandry now........
The nearest Genuinue dealer is approx. 70 miles from where I live as well.
Any suggestions, I have limited riding experience....

Tough to compare them, as they are quite different. Do a search, and you will find many threads here about scooter comparisons. Some things to think about are what you want to scoot for (commute, pleasure, etc), how involved do you want to be with keeping it going (2T vs 4T), do you need lots of after market accessories, etc... not to mention cost.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:54 pm

vitaminC wrote:
jmazza wrote:OK...
Just got back from looking at Buddies... I liked the Series Italia a lot. Then I went back to Varsity and looked at the Mojito.

I really love the Mojito (just based on comfort of the seat and looks). I like that the Mojito is bigger and seems like it would be more noticeable to cars. But there's that price difference! The dealer said that they indeed did used to have trouble with Aprilia parts but they do pretty well with them now.
FYI: cars will ignore both equally!

I agree, the styling of the Mojito is top notch. Maybe you could find one used? Get what moves you, that way you don't have to buy twice...

Good point on the cars! I'm sure it's true!

Your "get what moves you" comment is what's ringing in my head right now, but then again the $1500 difference in price is ringing in my wallet!!

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:41 pm

vitaminC wrote:
KABarash wrote:I too am torn between a Buddy and a Stella, I've been in love with Stella since I first saw one several years ago. Now that I'm looking for something with more Oompf than my 50cc Honda and Buddy is comming with a 150cc what do I do? "To shift or not to shift", that is my quandry now........
The nearest Genuinue dealer is approx. 70 miles from where I live as well.
Any suggestions, I have limited riding experience....
Tough to compare them, as they are quite different. Do a search, and you will find many threads here about scooter comparisons. Some things to think about are what you want to scoot for (commute, pleasure, etc), how involved do you want to be with keeping it going (2T vs 4T), do you need lots of after market accessories, etc... not to mention cost.

Well, I suppose I plan on using it equaly pleasure and commuite, as my daily commuite is about 7 miles on a gently slopinlg 2 lane rural highway, some hills in my area however, seriously bog down my 50cc as well as the idiots flying past me on the centeral Pa. roads I ride that should be 35 mph but everyone wants to drive 60moh on, scares me....
Maintance issues, I'd like to keep to whatever is simplest since I consider myself a "mechanical moron" and the best I can do on my own would be a simple oil change. Accessories well, no "Bling" wanted, just a rack to carry stuff and possibly a windscreen.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 2:33 pm

So after more thought, I think I'm going with the Buddy. I still really like the Mojito, but just can't justify the extra price. I've read that there are some dealers significantly discounting the Mojito but not my dealer! Which is a bit strange because they said they have quite a few - they have three in the showroom and more in the warehouse.

Along with the economics involved, this community is a big reason I've pretty much settled on the Buddy. There's not a very large local scooter community from what I can tell so having this forum for info/help/community is huge. Aprilia has nothing like that!

I just got my permit today (only missed one question about carrying a load on the bike which was somewhat misleading!) and I'm off to Surfside Scooters today to look again at the Buddy and maybe even buy.

I'm planning on doing some practicing in a nearby parking lot and then sign up for the MSF course in January.

Oh- I also found out that while Varsity (my local Vespa dealer) won't be carrying the Buddy, they can work on them since they are the same network as Surfside. So I'll have Surfside (a one hour drive from my house) ship the scoot down to Varsity and then they can be my point of contact.

Thanks again to everyone!

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:14 pm

KABarash wrote:
vitaminC wrote:
KABarash wrote:I too am torn between a Buddy and a Stella, I've been in love with Stella since I first saw one several years ago. Now that I'm looking for something with more Oompf than my 50cc Honda and Buddy is comming with a 150cc what do I do? "To shift or not to shift", that is my quandry now........
The nearest Genuinue dealer is approx. 70 miles from where I live as well.
Any suggestions, I have limited riding experience....
Tough to compare them, as they are quite different. Do a search, and you will find many threads here about scooter comparisons. Some things to think about are what you want to scoot for (commute, pleasure, etc), how involved do you want to be with keeping it going (2T vs 4T), do you need lots of after market accessories, etc... not to mention cost.
Well, I suppose I plan on using it equaly pleasure and commuite, as my daily commuite is about 7 miles on a gently slopinlg 2 lane rural highway, some hills in my area however, seriously bog down my 50cc as well as the idiots flying past me on the centeral Pa. roads I ride that should be 35 mph but everyone wants to drive 60moh on, scares me....
Maintance issues, I'd like to keep to whatever is simplest since I consider myself a "mechanical moron" and the best I can do on my own would be a simple oil change. Accessories well, no "Bling" wanted, just a rack to carry stuff and possibly a windscreen.

Sounds as if either would perform quite well. The questions then are whether you feel a need to own a vintage-style scoot or would be happy on a modern automatic and how much cost is a concern.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:23 pm

ericalm wrote:
KABarash wrote:
vitaminC wrote: Tough to compare them, as they are quite different. Do a search, and you will find many threads here about scooter comparisons. Some things to think about are what you want to scoot for (commute, pleasure, etc), how involved do you want to be with keeping it going (2T vs 4T), do you need lots of after market accessories, etc... not to mention cost.
Well, I suppose I plan on using it equaly pleasure and commuite, as my daily commuite is about 7 miles on a gently slopinlg 2 lane rural highway, some hills in my area however, seriously bog down my 50cc as well as the idiots flying past me on the centeral Pa. roads I ride that should be 35 mph but everyone wants to drive 60moh on, scares me....
Maintance issues, I'd like to keep to whatever is simplest since I consider myself a "mechanical moron" and the best I can do on my own would be a simple oil change. Accessories well, no "Bling" wanted, just a rack to carry stuff and possibly a windscreen.
Sounds as if either would perform quite well. The questions then are whether you feel a need to own a vintage-style scoot or would be happy on a modern automatic and how much cost is a concern.

Now, here's another glitch in the thought process, I've just gotten a line on a Vino 125 for $1900, 2006 with 1100 miles. As much as I like the Vintage look of the Stella I'm thinking the "No shift" thing is swaying me, as well as fact I do not know how to do maintance on the thing. Yamaha Service, I have 3 dealers within 25 miles of where I live, closest Genuine service 70+ miles

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:59 pm

KABarash wrote:Now, here's another glitch in the thought process, I've just gotten a line on a Vino 125 for $1900, 2006 with 1100 miles. As much as I like the Vintage look of the Stella I'm thinking the "No shift" thing is swaying me, as well as fact I do not know how to do maintance on the thing. Yamaha Service, I have 3 dealers within 25 miles of where I live, closest Genuine service 70+ miles

Shifting is certainly a deterrent for a lot of new riders. I was concerned about it when I started scootering (despite having ridden motorcycles and a couple of shifting scoots long ago), as was my wife. Now we, like many other riders after they have some experience, are totally up for shifting. In fact, I think I made a much bigger deal out of it than necessary.

I also avoided a vintage scoot because I was unsure of my mechanical abilities which were nonexistent at the time (I'd now call them "meager"). But this would have no more affect if you owned a new Stella than a new Buddy or any other new scoot. The Stella should be reliable and maintenance is no more complex than on a Buddy or modern scoot such as the Vino.

The proximity of service is an issue, though. The benefit here would go to the Stella because any scooter mech/dealer that worked on old Vespa P-series could work on the Stella and would have parts. The only work that must be done by the dealer is the first maintenance and anything that would be covered by the warranty.

That said, by most reports the Vino's a good scoot and that sounds like a good price. If you like it, that may be the way to go. You may want to look into whether the warranty is transferable if having that is important to you. Sellers will often say it is—and may think it is—but in the case of the Genuines, it's not.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:33 pm

The vino isa good scoot but with one MAJOR problem for me, the location of the fuel fill port. I have a Givi E350 on the Buddy that holds a ton of stuff. You can't put one on the Vino without blocking the fill port

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:00 am

KABarash wrote: Now, here's another glitch in the thought process, I've just gotten a line on a Vino 125 for $1900, 2006 with 1100 miles. As much as I like the Vintage look of the Stella I'm thinking the "No shift" thing is swaying me, as well as fact I do not know how to do maintance on the thing. Yamaha Service, I have 3 dealers within 25 miles of where I live, closest Genuine service 70+ miles

I have a Vino and like it. Good finish. Reliable scoot. Local dealer - no problem. Parts availability - good. For all that, it is not as gutsy nor as quick as the Buddy that sits next to it in my garage. I would sure recommend the Vino, though, as a starter scoot. No bad habits. They are readily available used at good prices and I got a brand new one on a year end close out for under $2K OTD. Can't beat that !

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:32 pm

Just wanted to pop back in and say that I bought a Buddy yesterday! I have to go back today to do paperwork for the tag/title and arrange for delivery. The dealer isn't THAT far from me, but being a new rider, I don't want to make my first ride a pretty long commute on some of the crazier roads (US 1) that I'll ever drive on around here.

Looking forward to being a part of the Buddy family!!!

Modern Buddy

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