Buddy-Vespa...HELP

[lastbestwoman]

OK, I had made my decision on the buddy. Really. For some reason this morning after a lovely present opening I start getting second (third, fourth, sixty gazillionth) thoughts.

I've ALWAYS wanted a vespa. I just love the styling. They make my mouth water. After hopping on a Buddy 50 a couple months ago (first and only scooter I've ever been on) I was thrilled with the fit, size, price point, etc. So I just stopped looking at the Vespas. And then this am I start cruising around the Vespa site again...arrgghhh!!!! I care NOTHING about the Vespa coolness, "culture" etc. I just want one. I know it's a totally personal decision but I'm really struggling. Eric, it looks like you own both a Buddy and a Vespa; why? I'm sure you've been asked this before so maybe you could fire off a previous discussion link or give some much needed advice. I'm thinking maybe I could get a good deal on a 2007 lx. Maybe pay close to what the 08 Buddy 150 is. Sorry if this is a tired discussion, any and all educated opinions are welcome. I went over to the modernvespa boards and I percieved, well shall we say I bit of myopic snobbery; I would like to hear from people who have direct experience with both Vespa and Buddy scooters.

Thanks!

[jmazza]

While I don't have direct experience with both, before buying my Buddy (Italia) last week, I had really started to want an Aprilia Mojito for the same reasons you drool over Vespas.

While I still love the look of the Mojito and Vespas, I went with the Buddy because this is my first scoot and so the difference in price ($1500-ish) was a huge thought for something that I am not even totally sure is going to fit my needs/lifestyle. Now, after having my Buddy for all of five or six days I am totally in love with it. I took a nice hour-long Christmas Day ride today and even when I saw a few Vespas, I didn't even look twice because the Buddy is so much fun. It's the perfect scoot for me for the reasons you mentioned- fit, size, price point, as well as the other factors I'm sure you've thought about- it's a solid scoot from a solid company (not that Vespas aren't), the community here is great, and the bottom line is this is great, quick and fun (read: A BLAST!) scoot.

So, again, my reasons are completely subjective, but maybe helpful. I'm sure had I spent the extra $$$ on the Mojito I'd love it too, but I'd also probably wonder if I spent too much. In every way, I made the right decision to get the Buddy.

[jrsjr]

I went over to the modernvespa boards and I perceived, well shall we say I bit of myopic snobbery; I would like to hear from people who have direct experience with both Vespa and Buddy scooters.

So so so true...

I would like to hear from people who have direct experience with both Vespa and Buddy scooters.

Sure, first may I ask you a question? How experienced a rider are you? If this is your first scooter, and particularly if you are new or fairly new to riding, I would highly recommend the Buddy rather than the Vespa. I say this because we've repeatedly seen that the Buddy is quite rugged and easy to repair in the event of a small bang up. The Buddy's body parts are plastic. When they get dinged, they're pretty cheap, available, and easy to swap out. Not so with the Vespa. The body/frame of the Vespa is all one piece of metal. One minor ding to that metal and you have a real situation on your hands. In the first place, it's unbelievably easy to actually crease that body by running into something at a very low speed. If that happens, your expensive Vespa may well be totalled. Ouch! Smaller dings to the bodywork may not total the machine, but they are heck of expensive to repair.

So, if you really aren't attracted by the "Vespa cache" (read, "snob appeal"), then I would suggest that you get the Buddy (you won't be sorry, really you won't) and ride the heck out of it. After you've built up your riding skills on the Buddy, reevaluate. If, at that point, you still want the Vespa, sell the Buddy and get a significant portion of your money back and use that to make a down payment on the Vespa.

P.S. The LX just isn't my favorite Vespa. There isn't anything major wrong with them, but we've seen a couple little problems with them. The LX's fuel tap for some reason has been unreliable. Early LXs had a battery that was too small. Piaggio finally figured that out and stated putting bigger batteries in them so we stopped hearing that complaint about the new ones. The LX has lots to recommend it. It's light and maneuverable like the Buddy. I just think they're overpriced, not really as reliable as the Buddy, and they're not nearly as robust as the Buddy in a bang up.

Hope this helps.

[lastbestwoman]

Thanks so much for the feedback John. I am brand-spankin' new to scootering-this will be my first one. I agree with you that the Buddy is probably a better choice for me. I had no idea about the issues with body parts in the event of a crash in Vespa vs Buddy.

I do think the Buddy is adorable and I will be happy with it-just gotta stop looking at those Vespas...


The reason I'm interested in the lx is because of the automatic transmission, I'm not ready to start thinking about shifting.

Thanks for your feedback!

[joelh]

I understand exactly what you are feeling. I bought the Buddy because I wanted a sturdy, reliable first scoot and it has been all that and more. I have always wanted a vespa, however, and that hasn't gone away in the year that I have owned the Buddy. I think I may eventually satisfy my vespa longing with a vintage "project" scoot. But I don't see myself getting rid of the Buddy for a long time.

[buddyboop]

I have both a Vespa ET4 and a Buddy SI 125.
I love both for different reasons. They are both about as fast as each other but totally different. The Buddy is very light as it is plastic The Vespa imho is the "Cadillac" of scooters. It is sturdy and well built.
If you have always wanted a Vespa get that because you will always wonder and dream on about it.
I also have a GT200 and love that. I was a brand new rider on my Vespa ET4 (like the LX150) and never dropped or crashed it (knock on wood).
I would test ride each and then decide, maybe even ride more than once before you buy.
Best of luck and you can always get a second scoot later too!

[jrsjr]

The reason I'm interested in the lx is because of the automatic transmission...

Of course, the Buddy is also an automatic, so you're covered there, too.

[Buddy_wannabe]

.... Buddy is only scoot I have owned ... so I can not speak from experience about the Vespa ..... but I am new to the Scoot thing and I would recommend the Buddy for the 1st scoot .... Get some experience ... and I know this might sound kind of strange and I dont get it myself but there are some people who get a scoot and then find out they dont like it or it doesnt work for them ....

I bought my Buddy 50 because the 50 is all I really need for what I use it for ..... but now I think the 125 or 150 would be cool ..... the Stella would be way cool too .... very Vespa-ish for way less $$$$

[robtaylor]

if i read correctly i see that you are in bozeman that is montana right? i am wondering about the dealerships there, sometimes the location of the nearest dealer can make a big difference, especially since both companies mentions have a good warranty policy for the "break in" period. i'm sure this has played into your internal struggle but if not just a reminder that a shop close by that you can trust is a wonderful thing.

good luck.

[anderson]

robonz23 makes an excellent point, I believe. Dealer support is very important, and Bozeman -- I see that there's a Genuine dealer in Bozeman (which is wonderful, as I've been pushing a friend of mine to get a scooter, and she's from Livingston, just over the hill). But aren't the closest Vespa dealers in Spokane and Salt Lake City? I'd love to hear what you know about Dually Limited (the dealer on 10th Avenue in Bozeman).

Back to your original question, I recently sold a beautiful Vespa GT200, realized almost immediately I missed having a scooter, and picked up a red Buddy 125. Now it's true; the Vespa was beautifully put together and it ran without a problem. But I'm finding, for reasons that I can't quite quantify, that I'm enjoying the Buddy a LOT! -- possibly more than the Vespa. Perhaps it's the size (or the knowledge that if someone dings the buddy, it's going to be a $50 repair job instead of $500. Those Vespa rear cowels are EXPENSIVE!) Maybe it's the acceleration, which still continues to surprise me. In any case, it's really, really fun.

So fun, in fact, that I'd consider picking up one to keep at my family's home in Livingston when I visit. So let me know what you find out.

[gt1000]

Myopic snobbery? That's an interesting take. Is it human nature or is it more of an american thing? What I'm talking about here is the idea that if it's more expensive, it must be better.

That said, there are reasons why Vespas are better than Buddys. Then again, I can think of some reasons the Bud's better than than the LX. Only you can decide what's best for you so I'd recommend you spend quality time on both and then decide. jrsjr's points are all right on the money but the proof is in the riding. When the time came to replace my Mojito 50 I was pretty set on either a People 150 or LX-150. The Buddys had only been available for a couple of months and I hadn't heard of them or this forum. One good ride on the Buddy sold me and I have no regrets at all. But that's only because, for me, the Buddy is an all around better fit. If the Buddy hadn't been available, choosing the LX over the People would've been easy.

Ride 'em both, then try to decide objectively. If the Vespa urge is still strong I'd buy the Vespa. Yeah, you run the risk of wasting money if you decide in a year that scooting isn't for you. You also run the risk of dropping and denting your Vespa. But, if you buy the Buddy and long for the Vespa, you run the risk of having to dump the Buddy and selling a scooter or motorcycle for a good price can be a trying experience.

Of course, you could also luck out and get a good price for your used Buddy (or LX, or People, or whatever two wheeled contraption you're trying to sell) but, in my experience, getting a good return on a used two wheeler is pretty rare.

[ericalm]

Here's the comparison I did some time ago between the LX150 and the Buddy125:

I own both the LX150 and Buddy 125 and can tell you there are some pretty significant differences. Some are subtle, the kinds of things you adjust to in time. Others are more fundamental: beyond the specs, the scoots have their own characters.

The weight is more evenly distributed on the LX because, I guess, of the steel body. Most of the Buddy's weight is low and in the center/engine area. This makes the LX feel heavier, though it isn't. It also means that it leans quite differently; it takes more effort to turn and you really feel it lean a lot more. At the same time, it seems to me like the LX has wider lean angles. This means that in some ways it's harder to control the LX, but the rider may have more control at times because it's tilting under force you're exerting over it.

In comparison, the Buddy feels "loose." It tilts easily; I hit kickstand my first time out on it, which has never happened on the LX. When combined with its zip, this makes the Buddy a fun ride that corners and handles with ease at fairly high speed. But as has been noted elsewhere, this contributes to the "overconfidence factor." The ease of riding the Buddy encourages new riders to ride beyond their abilities and this has led to several crashes. For me, this means having to be a lot more conscious of how much control I really have when maneuvering because it's quite tempting to ride it at its limits.

Jess described the Buddy as "twitchier" than an LX, which I think is a pretty good characterization. The two offer very different riding experiences, but I think that's in their intent and design. A Vespa is a very idiosynchratic machine, but it's definitely a few steps up in terms of build and finish; to me, it's a more mature, sophisticated ride. The Buddy is sort of like a teenager, eager, fearless, capable of doing all the "adult" things, perhaps even faster, but not as smoothly.

A lot of people have made analogies to cars, but basically it's like saying that not all 4-cylinder coupes are the same. I have to wonder if people whose main complaint about Vespas is the price all drive Hundais or Toyota Yarises or any of a few dozen other cars that probably perform as well as most others on the road while costing much less. Or if those who say that Vespas are for people who care about style (as if that's something bad) only wear generic brand clothes and shoes from Wal*Mart.

You should definitely look at each one, sit on them, try to see how comfortable each is for you. If you're over 6' tall, the Buddy may feel a little small. I'm sure lots of people will chime in to say they're 7' tall and can ride comfortably for hours. I'm 5' 11" and have size 12 boots—that's good for less than an hour of comfortable uninterrupted Buddy riding.

As I've said before, I think the Kymco People is a much closer competitor to the Buddy: similar price and quality, good specs, larger wheels. A good ride, but maybe not quite as fun.

I don't think there's anything wrong with admitting that which scooter you choose is not an entirely rational decision. Some of it is emotional, some aesthetic. And the fact is, when most people think of "scooter," the first thing that pops in their heads is a Vespa. There's nostalgia, cultural associations, and even the desire to own something with some history and a "pedigree."

The LX definitely wins in the fit & finish category—smoother lines, no exposed screws, much less plastic. But as mentioned earlier, the one-piece steel chassis means expensive body repairs if you ding it up.

I bought a Vespa when I did for several reasons: The Buddy wasn't available. No Stellas in CA. I wanted a classic scooter, but was unsure of my riding and mechanical abilities. The warranty gave me some confidence. I wasn't aware of the Kymcos. The Honda Meta and Yamaha Vino both seemed small (low) and a little cheap to me in comparison. Always wanted a Vespa.

If I had to do it again, it's hard to say what I'd do. I've bonded to my Vespa. I've modded it and turned it into a really unique scoot. So if I'd never bought it and was in the market today? Uh... too hard to say. I'd probably go for the Vespa GTS, actually.

If you're open to buying used, however, consider a used Vespa ET4. You can get them much cheaper than a LX, they have the same engine, and there are plenty of parts and accessories available for them.

And, really, if you're torn between the LX and a Buddy, you've got 2 very good options in front of you.

[ericalm]

I went over to the modernvespa boards and I percieved, well shall we say I bit of myopic snobbery

Ha! Yeah, I hate to rag on our sister board but sometimes it seems like they're less than open to the viability of anything other than a Vespa. I do my best to discourage the same here—that knee-jerk "Vespas are overpriced, not worth it and all about style!" opinion that's equally myopic.

[lastbestwoman]

Thanks for your input everyone.

Yes we do have a small Genuine dealership here in town-Dually limited. As I mentioned earlier kind of an add-on to the owners coffeehouse business. I've been there a half-dozen times over the last couple years basically making myself a pain in the ass to Christain, the owner who is about the nicest, most patient person I've encountered. He's spent hours with me answering (sometime redundant) questions. He's always in his shop tinkering with his scoots. He offered me a great deal on the 50 Buddy I test rode but at the time I wasn't quite ready to purchase. I'm absolutely positive that if I purchased a Buddy from him I would get excellent support and service.

There is a Vespa dealer in Missoula (about 2 1/2 hrs from here). It's owned by a woman and I spoke with her on the on the phone at length a couple months ago. She sells several scoots including Genuine. In some ways the distance isn't far by MT standards, but Christains shop is literally 5 minutes away. BTW, after pestering Christain for so long now I kinda feel obligated... but on the other hand, I did tell him that I've always really longed for a Vespa as well. He's such a great person and so passionate about scoots that I think (hope) if I did choose to purchase a Vespa he would support me as much as he could. Although I'm sure that Vespas need to be serviced by Vespa dealerships while under warranty.

Maybe I'm naive, I know accidents happen, but I just can't see myself crashing . I'm 48 with a 14 year old. When I read posts about folks pushing their scoots and riding fast it honestly scares me. I want a 150 because I want the ability to move quickly when I need to. I imagine treating any scoot I eventually buy like gold and being hyper-careful (too many youtube scooter crash visits ).

So I'm still on the fence. After this post I'm going to put a call into the store in Missoula and maybe take a trip there next week and actually ride a Vespa.

I'm sure if I purchase a Buddy I will be happy. I'm sure I will always want a Vespa as well. I've always wanted Russell Crowe too, but I know THAT'S never gonna happen-and I've come to terms with it.
(lame)

Anyway, thanks again for all the feedback. And no offense to anyone that belongs to MV board; I just noticed that there seems to be more folks here who own a variety of scoots which doesn't seem to be the case over there.

Happy Holidays!

LBW

[illnoise]

I went over to the modernvespa boards and I percieved, well shall we say I bit of myopic snobbery

Ha! Yeah, I hate to rag on our sister board but sometimes it seems like they're less than open to the viability of anything other than a Vespa. I do my best to discourage the same here—that knee-jerk "Vespas are overpriced, not worth it and all about style!" opinion that's equally myopic.

That's impossible! ModernVespa was started because modern scooter riders felt alienated by the "vintage snobs" on the ScooterBBS. It would just be way too ironic and silly if they themselves became the snobs!

Anyway, to actually answer your question...

There's a good argument either way, and if you're thinking about it and doing the research rather than just dumping money into an impulse buy, you're well on your way to making a good decision. But it's *your* decision. There's nothing to be embarrassed about if you're just in love with the Vespa, if you can afford it and give it a good home, go for it.

You're smart to focus on the dealer, a good dealer very close to you is a deal-maker as far as I'm concerned. There's a lot to think about on top of that, though, if they're a coffeeshop selling scooters on the side, do they really have top-quality service? (I'm not saying they don't, but 'niceness' doesn't fix scooters, so make sure, heh). The whole dealer/importer relationship is so important too. Genuine usually makes good decisions about dealers, and supports them well, where Piaggio seems to do anything they can to unload a truckload of scooters these days. PiaggioUSA is pretty clueless, but if they ever tank, Piaggio's still safe in Italy and you've got a worldwide network of Vespa nerds/shops/experts to help you out. Genuine is smart and solid and they'll be around forever, but who knows what kind of support they'll be getting from PGO in the future? Even if they close the doors, their sister company, Scooterworks, will surely source/manufacture Buddy replacement parts.

If I were you? I'd get a Buddy 125, it's less than a Vespa LX50, and a lot faster/more powerful, and you'll enjoy it a lot more. Maybe I'm wrong, but just about everyone I know that bought a 50cc in the last couple years has ended up upgrading to a bigger scooter. It's not a speed/showoff thing, I just think you need more than 50cc to get around comfortably. I think 150cc is the perfect size for a scooter, and the Buddy 125 performance is on par with most 150s.

If you're sure you want a 50, buy the Buddy 50, if you love it, start saving for an LX, and make the decision whether to buy a 50 or 150. Especially if you're just learning to ride, the Buddy's a little less "precious" and you can shred it up a bit without hating yourself. Having the local service will be much easier and make you more likely to follow the maintenance schedule and keep your bike on the road more.

Or look for a used Buddy or Vespa, one that's a little banged up, and get up to speed on it. Once you're sure you're comfortable with it, sell it for $300 less than you paid for it (very little depreciation if you bought it used in the first place!), and get the scooter of your dreams.

[gt1000]

Maybe I'm naive, I know accidents happen, but I just can't see myself crashing Rolling Eyes . I'm 48 with a 14 year old. When I read posts about folks pushing their scoots and riding fast it honestly scares me. I want a 150 because I want the ability to move quickly when I need to. I imagine treating any scoot I eventually buy like gold and being hyper-careful (too many youtube scooter crash visits Sad ).

It's me again. At 48 with a 14 year old (especially if she's a daughter) you're definitely not naive. But, as far as riding goes, you are clueless. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. Ignorance is nothing to be ashamed of and, if you start riding, you're well on the road to educating yourself.

Crashes have nothing to do with how responsible you are. They're "accidents", and, as such, relatively unpredictable. I fell once while at a complete standstill. Stopped at a stop sign, put my right foot down and next thing I knew my helmet was bouncing off the pavement. Do not, I repeat, NOT, think for a moment it can't happen to you. Stay focused and prepared and we'll all enjoy your company here for a long time to come.

I've been though Montana many times on the I-90 corridor. I've also explored many of the backroads north of 90, between Billings and Glacier. I've also explored, at length, the area around Chico Hot Springs and Yellowstone. I can't imagine a better place to scoot or ride, Montana is amazing. Of all the "cities" in this expansive state, my favorite is Bozeman. It just seems to be made for scooting and riding. If you're staying in town a 50's probably fine but I'd be so tempted to explore Yellowstone and Glacier that I'd want at least a 125.

I think you'll love either the Bud or the LX. There's lots of good advice here. Ride 'em and then decide. And be careful!

[jrsjr]

I went over to the modernvespa boards and I percieved, well shall we say I bit of myopic snobbery

That's impossible!

Inconceivable!!!

[ryder1]

For the difference in price between the Buddy 50 and the unknown Buddy 150; I think you would be happier in the long run with the Buddy 125 or 150. You may not get the $$ back for the Buddy 50 to use on the Buddy 125 or 150.

Test drive either one and see what you think. If you need a riding permit to test drive and only to take the written knowledge test, by all means do that first before purchasing either scooter. Then work on getting your M endorsement (if you need it in your state for 125)

[Bethers]

Just a comment on not being able to see yourself crashing -

Please, please, please - if you haven't already - take the Motorcycle Safety course - it's worth it's weight in gold and will help you to possibly stop some accidents from happening just by knowing all the things to be aware of - some of which will surprise you. I'm 55, and in order to purchase my scoot, I took the class for my bday in Nov.

I can't help about what to buy. I'm purchasing my first Buddy - just put my deposit down - and after several months, this was my choice over the Vino and a few others, even though the nearest Buddy dealer is a 2+ hour drive away. Not sure how I'll get there for my first service

Good luck to you.

[ericalm]

Maybe I'm naive, I know accidents happen, but I just can't see myself crashing . I'm 48 with a 14 year old. When I read posts about folks pushing their scoots and riding fast it honestly scares me. I want a 150 because I want the ability to move quickly when I need to. I imagine treating any scoot I eventually buy like gold and being hyper-careful (too many youtube scooter crash visits ).

Really, regardless of how careful you are, crashing is always a possibility, just as it is when you drive a car. Today my wife mentioned that a certain restaurant has bad memories for her because the first time we went, she made me promise not to crash. I did, but 3 days later had to go to the emergency room thanks to a careless SUV driver.

In order to ride with confidence and safety, it's very important to realistically and honestly acknowledge the risks and consequences involved. I was doing about 35mph or less when I had my aforementioned crash—well below the limits of what a 50cc scooter can do. Had I fallen a different way, could have been much more seriously injured or killed. As it was, I was lucky to walk away with a torn AC ligament which resulted in 6 weeks in a brace and a few months of physical therapy.

[illnoise]

+1 on the crashing/MSF points.

No matter how careful and responsible you are, there are countless forces outside your control that can cause an accident, and the only way to reduce those odds are to learn all you can, and prepare for the worst. From what I've seen, the longer someone rides, the more they realize they don't know enough about riding. There are physics and techniques you'll never learn on your own that will save your life if you take the time to learn as much as you can.

[lastbestwoman]

Well, for what it's worth, so far,
they're ignoring me on the MV boards. Bummer.

[shark]

We looked at alot of scooters. I too have visions of buying a Vespa. We bought a Buddy125 and havent looked back. I will be getting us another scooter soon. I could buy a Vespa but after spending time with the Buddy I will probably buy a black 08 Buddy 125 and use the other funds on accys.

[lastbestwoman]

...like mentioning kuncinich at a hilary fundraiser i guess.

bad analogy.

[peabody99]

I am not sure if I am getting the the analogy, but if so,I love the Kutch scoot!

[lobsterman]

Just my 2 cents...

I might have bought a Vespa if they were less expensive and the dealer was closer to my house, but the LX150 is a lot more $$ than a Buddy 125 and the Genuine dealer was closer to home. I am still happy with my decision.

As for crashing, it can happen to anybody no matter what precautions you take, and even the best get a little careless or distracted once in a while. Take the MSF course, absolutely. The more I ride the more I realize I don't have the skills I wish I had. Classroom education (MSF course etc) and experience on a scooter are just like in every other endeavor in life - they are complimentary learning methods.

As a parent myself, I humbly suggest you make a good example of yourself for your daughter. Learn all you can and be safe when you ride, show her it can be both fun and safe at the same time.

[gt1000]

Well, for what it's worth, so far,
they're ignoring me on the MV boards. Bummer.

"They're" not ignoring you any more. In fact, it seems as though you've stirred up a bit of a poop storm. While about half of the replies are of the typical and quite mindless "Vespa Rules!!!" variety, there are also a solid number of well thought out, objective replies. The ball's in your court now. You just need to weigh all the factors and then ride and decide.

One last thing...ask yourself why you've "always wanted a Vespa". Is it because you think they're the best scooters? If so, you can make an objective decision based on how the two bikes perform with you in the saddle. But, if you've always wanted a Vespa because of the "style" or the fact that it's an icon, the actual riding characteristics of the bikes won't mean as much because your Vespa lust isn't necessarily rational. And that's nothing to be ashamed of either.

Whether or not something is an icon is debatable. The only thing that really matters is whether or not the owner thinks it's an icon. I can assure you that the vast majority of people around the world don't look up and say, "ooh, an icon", when a Vespa (or Ducati, or BMW, or whatever) rolls by. But, if it makes YOU feel good, buy it.

[louie]

Just my 2 cents...

As for crashing, it can happen to anybody no matter what precautions you take, and even the best get a little careless or distracted once in a while. Take the MSF course, absolutely. The more I ride the more I realize I don't have the skills I wish I had. Classroom education (MSF course etc) and experience on a scooter are just like in every other endeavor in life - they are complimentary learning methods.

what lobsterman said...
us 48 year old chicks just don't have the bodies to withstand a lot of on the road training. we need the help of the collective experts, which is what the well put together course offers.
and
check out the report http://www.clarity.net/~adam/hurt-report.html
it still holds true mostly. btw the name hurt is the authors name.
over a year later and i'm loving riding more everyday.

[Drumwoulf]

Well, for what it's worth, so far,
they're ignoring me on the MV boards. Bummer.

Huh? -I see lots of good, fair responses to you over there on MV! (I also have a Vespa GT200.)..
-Including a few good responses from myself!

Listen, no matter how much info you get from these two good boards, your final decision is gonna be one that YOU make, and one YOU are responsible for!

So get the Buddy!

[Dooglas]

We own a Buddy 125 and a Vino 125 so I have ridden both of those quite a bit. I have also ridden the LX150 and the LX50. As others have pointed out, a lot of this really comes down to personal preference. There is one thing, however, that is more than that - the choice of a 50 vs 125/150. The 125/150 engine in a small frame scoot is a great all around ride. I really can't say the same for the 50s. I'm not saying there aren't some circumstances under which someone might choose and enjoy a 50. I am saying I don't see any circumstances under which a Buddy 50 or LX 50 has any advantage on the pavement over their big sisters. The LX 50 doesn't even save you any money (and the Buddy 50, not much). The 50s are no easier to ride and put you at a substantial disadvantage in traffic (where all of us ride). Most folks who buy a new 50 end of selling it within a year at a significant loss. Pick a Buddy 125/150 for value or an LX 150 if that Vespa style calls to you. Take an MSF course right away and enjoy your scoot!

[lastbestwoman]

Thanks again to everyone (on BOTH boards ) for your valuable input!

LBW

[poop colored buddy]

Eric, your vespa is gorgeous!

[ericalm]

Eric, your vespa is gorgeous!

Thanks! The Buddy is still pretty generic. I think we're holding off to see if—maybe—we get a CA Stella this summer or next fall.