Buddy 170i vs. Piaggio Fly 150

[OldGuy]

I am curious about how the Buddy 170i and the 2014 Piaggio Fly 150 compare. Has anyone tried both, and so could comment on acceleration, top speed, handling/ride, cornering, and such? Also, How does the real world mpg compare? (I know it is not the best measure, but it's what we got...) Thanks!

[Alexbv200]

I am curious about how the Buddy 170i and the 2014 Piaggio Fly 150 compare. Has anyone tried both, and so could comment on acceleration, top speed, handling/ride, cornering, and such? Also, How does the real world mpg compare? (I know it is not the best measure, but it's what we got...) Thanks!

Buddy 170i is faster than the Fly 150 3v on take off, and I think both are similar in top end speed, again with the Buddy getting there first.
However, the Fly is a much, much, much smoother ride than the Buddy.
With a 5"inch longer wheel base, 2" larger wheels and larger tires, and also a rear strut and shock, the Buddy can't get close to the Fly 3v.
The 3v engine also is a much smoother engine compared to the Buddy; it sounds better, and offers less vibrations.
Storage is deeper in the Buddy, but the Fly can carry more stuff as it is longer, thanks to the relocation of the gas tank down to the floor board and the battery on the left side of the glove box.
The Fly has a more complete and more modern dash board than the Buddy, which includes a low fuel light and clock. The Buddy looks a little more "retro" which fits it well.
Both of side stand, although the one on the Fly has a built in kill switch will disable the starter once deployed so you don't forget it when you try to take off.

The Buddy is a little lighter than the Fly and more narrow, but both have the same seat height.
Myself being 6" tall I am much more comfortable on the FLy than the Buddy and if you carry a passenger, the extra 5 inch in wheel base will be well welcomed on the Fly, along with the pull out rear passenger pegs.
Also the handle bars are higher on the Fly which is great for taller riders as their knees won't bump the handle bars in each turn. Both handle great, but I'll give the edge on the Fly because of its suspension. The Buddy feels bumpy and on a bad road, it can become tiresome.
Both are great bikes in their own right; it is more which style you like best.
The Buddy looks retro, as the Fly looks modern, yet still very Italian and elegant.
Actually, if you put them side by side, you almost think of the Fly as a more modern version of the Buddy.

The Fly has an edge in fuel economy around town, with a scooter that is a little heavier than the Buddy. Keep in mind obviously that it will vary depending on your driving habits and climate. Both have about the same tank size.

Buddy has a 12v outlet, Fly has One push start.

As I said, it's really all about which style you prefer most, but if you don't have to have retro styling, at $500 less than the Buddy 170i and only $100 more than the Buddy 125, the Fly 150 3v is probably one of the best scooter you can buy!!
And with service intervals every 6k, you will make less trips to the dealership.
It seems that our clients agree as we have sold about 22 of these since June!

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Alex

[JHScoot]

i think a Genuine Buddy is sort of a "niche" scooter. it is a bit pricey when compared to other, more "modern" scooters and competes near the same price with nicer scooters like the Zuma 125 and the Fly 150. $3300 is a bit of money for a small 170cc scooter. a Buddy is what it is and people use one in all sorts of ways. i can ride mine for hours in good comfort

the Fly 150 is a nice scooter that rides and sits tall. better for some things then the Buddy, but the Buddy will move you down the road just the same. its just the character and charm of the Buddy you have to want more then the aesthetics, size, and more complete package a modern scooter like the new Fly offers

the Buddy will induce more riding grins. by a pretty fair margin, most likely. that is an opinion, of course. but its arguable, at least. and most likely a fact. if a few grins matter from time to time

[OldGuy]

Alex, great information. Very informative and helpful. Thank you!