Should I trade up for better traction?

peterinsfca · Post by **peterinsfca** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 8:27 am

I have a Buddy 170i for just two years now and I love it. However I would like something with a little more weight and traction for wet roads and wind. I've thought of trading up to a Vespa 300 but having not ridden anything other than the Buddy I can not compare. Can anyone tell me if the Vespa 300 would have significantly better traction? Is it worth the extra $ ? BTW, my scoot is my primary means of transport.
Thanks all!

NeoGenesisMax · Post by **NeoGenesisMax** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 9:28 am

For the money youd pay for that vespa you could have a nice Kymco or maybe even a Blur. To be honest I would looke at the Kymco People 300GTi. Also look at the Kymco Downtown, Xciting, and Myroad if you're willing to spend Vespa money you might find mote for less. I changed from a Buddy 50 to a Kymco Like 200i. I feel more stable. But i too get blown around on extra windy nights.

BeefSupreme · Post by **BeefSupreme** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 1:45 pm

Better tires will help you in wet weather. As for getting tossed around by wind, from my experience the Like does better than my GFs Buddy. On windy rides we change up because the Like doesn't get as dodgy as the Buddy. The fatter 12" tires (vs 10" on the buddy) make a huge difference, so does the larger leg shield.

Or wait a few months till the Genuine Hooligan is released, same engine as your Buddy but with the bigger, fatter tires and leg shield.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 3:06 pm

I'm not sure that a GTS actually gets better "traction" than a Buddy, but the longer wheelbase and higher weight certainly make it more stable in gusty winds and at speed in my experience.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 3:30 pm

I'm not sure if these have better traction, but with 3 wheels and more rubber on the road you would certainly expect that to be the case.

Anyway, while they're a bit pricey, you might check out the Piaggio MP3 line.
http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooter/mp3-400.html

Rob

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 4:08 pm

Having ridden several bikes, 'traction' is more of a feel thing. sure, if you're looking for highway commutes a bigger bike is great! but just 'wet' weather or whatnot, a good set of Michelin tires will get you about as good as you get without getting a fairly large scooter/motorcycle.

The weight didn't save me from a severe wind gust either, keep that in mind

.

peterinsfca · Post by **peterinsfca** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 5:09 pm

Thanks for all the opinions and advice! I,ve been looking at scoots with bigger tires but was not sure if a 12" would make that much difference over a 10". But sounds like it really does. But having expensive taste the only look I really like is the classic style of Vespa. But I will consider better tires for my Buddy. I also did not know about the new Hooligan. I like the specs but not so much the look. Would love for Genuine to come out with bigger, more refined retro look scoot.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 5:23 pm

I forgot about the Hooligan!

Obviously it will be a bit before they arrive, but that could be a perfect solution for you.

NeoGenesisMax · Post by **NeoGenesisMax** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 6:16 pm

The Kymco Like is the spitting image of the Vespa ET and about half the price. Plus for your less money you get more. Front fork instead of single, dual rear shocks that are adjustable instead of single that isnt adjustable, fuel injection..... Im telling you you can do better thab vespa.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 6:32 pm

peterinsfca wrote:Would love for Genuine to come out with bigger, more refined retro look scoot.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 6:39 pm

I love that pic.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Fri Jan 31, 2014 12:25 pm

My 170i has 10" tires, my other rides have 12". Cant tell any difference so far as windy riding. Was surprised that my 170i was very stable. Not sure if the Piaggio MP series is still being imported but there should be some in stock at some dealers eho over ordered in 2011-12.

still shifting · Post by **still shifting** » Fri Jan 31, 2014 3:24 pm

Buy better tires? R

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sat Feb 01, 2014 11:45 pm

Wolfhound wrote:Not sure if the Piaggio MP series is still being imported but there should be some in stock at some dealers.

No new MP3s have been brought to the US since 2010. There are still a few new old stock 250s around but that is about it.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Sun Feb 02, 2014 12:32 am

That is what I thought Dooglas, sort of wish that I had gone for one while
Vespa Marietta still had some. Oh, well, I have a full stable any way.

toot · Post by **toot** » Sun Feb 02, 2014 1:44 am

Vespas weigh so much more. The ride is totally different. The Buddy 170i is like a little twisty machine, while the Vespa 200, 250 300 are like little huge Choppers.. They haul butt and track perfectly and just cruise along all day long. I do not take my Vespa GT 200 on very technical curvy roads, I take the Vespa when I go on long winding faster roads. As for better traction it is the tires and the weight of the scooter. Have fun on what ever you ride.

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Thu Feb 06, 2014 6:53 pm

I'm pretty sure that more weight isn't really going to be of much help. I don't know how embed videos, but check the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au-RkJdwXsA

Howard

Modern Buddy