First Scooter! Used 2013 170i?

EuphonyWhite · Post by **EuphonyWhite** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 6:50 am

Hi everyone! Time to stop lurking and start posting! (on both ModernBuddy and ModernVespa)

My MSF class is next weekend, and I have been planning on taking the course on a Buddy 125, then testing a 2014 Fly 150 and deciding between the two.

Then I found a 170i for sale down the road! 800 on odometer, waiting to hear back on break in period treatment / maintenance. It has windshield, top case and front rack for about the same price OTD for the Fly. I am afraid it will get bought up before my test, but also worried about buying before I can test drive to really know what I would like.

I do like that it is used and might not be as bad if it falls (which it probably will)

I know it is the age old question, but what should I get?

GalVerte · Post by **GalVerte** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 8:45 am

I'm most assuredly no expert...but I'd say call the dealership to confirm that you can test drive the Fly. Due to liability issues, the dealerships in my area won't allow test drives. Though one has a system set up whereby you buck the liability issue by renting the scooter from them for an hour or two.

It may or may not help you in your decision making process. Best of luck!

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 11:28 am

Both are good scooters. Basically you would be giving up the new scooter warranty to get a comparable scooter with accessories. I guess it depends on your comfort level.

Personally I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used Buddy but YMMV!

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 4:38 pm

Fortunately, you are talking about two first rate scooters. I don't think you can go wrong with either the Buddy 170 or the Fly 150 with it's new 3V engine. You will want to do a "sit test" on both (off the center stand) to see how you fit. The Buddy accommodates short riders better than the Fly, in my experience.

jrstone · Post by **jrstone** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 6:52 pm

You really can't go wrong with either one. I actually considered trading my Sportcity for the new Fly but decided it wouldn't be that much of an upgrade. As far as build quality goes, I don't see much difference between the two. Yes, Piaggio is usually going to be the safer bet, but the Fly is definitely built to a price. Not that it's a bad thing. It's a great value for the money

Personally, I would go for the new scooter over a used one just because I like to KNOW everything that has been done to it. As far as being less upset if you crash a used scooter, why would you be? If you pay the same price for either one, what's the difference? I'd understand if you were buying one really cheap that was already damaged.

KrispyKreme · Post by **KrispyKreme** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 7:31 pm

jrstone wrote:
Personally, I would go for the new scooter over a used one just because I like to KNOW everything that has been done to it.

Same here. With cars, the depreciation is too great for me to buy new(although if I had the scratch I probably would). Alot of people buy scooters and treat it like a child would a toy. For this reason I have bought both my scooters new, and probably will go the same route next time around.

EuphonyWhite · Post by **EuphonyWhite** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 7:51 pm

Thank you for all of the input so far. I am on the shorter side for a male - 5'8", 185 lbs. I have sat on a 125 and the fly with centerstand engaged (makes sense I should drop it now - when I'm ready to buy I will give proper test)

Assuming the 170i is similar shaped to the 125, both were comfortable, the fly being noticeably larger.

**interestingly, the piaggio dealer also has a 2012 sportcity that I was originally tempted by until I saw the fly for $100 more

Girl on Fire · Post by **Girl on Fire** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 8:25 pm

I took the MSF course on a new Buddy 125 and ended up buying a used 2103 170i. They are pretty much the same feel but the 170 is 20 lbs heavier. I am 5'3" and I handle it just fine.
IF you have scootering experience, are you able to test drive the Buddy?
Don't get too worked up about letting it go if it's not the right time for you. There will always be something else around the corner.
I waited a bit and scored a scooter with 6 miles for ALOT less than MSRP.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 6:10 pm

I'm only 5'7" and it's easy for me, though I have a muscular build.

the fly is great too, and offers bigger wheels. You can't go wrong with either. Fuel injection is sooooo nice.

Whimscootie · Post by **Whimscootie** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 7:48 pm

"Fuel injection is sooooo nice."

I have to agree on that one. My C3 is EFI and so will be my Honda Elite 110. Starts right up, a tad more oomph, smooth and quiet running.

Fly is 3 valve, like my C3. Supposedly more efficient of an engine.

If you can "ride compare" them that would be nice. That may not be possible. A new scooter gives you a warranty. Bigger wheels offer more stability at higher speeds. (This is a generalization.)

Basically the biggest issue IMO is "fit". Do you fit on the scooter? Does it feel comfortable to you? Manageable, maneuverable, balanced. Unfortunately you can't tell a lot of this unless you ride one.

So then it comes down to utilitarian factors (accessories, etc.) and just plain aesthetics (do you like the way it looks?)

Which one gets you excited about riding it? Which one are you drawn to the most?

Dealer support close by is also important for some.

Just thoughts...

If right now, deep in your scootering heart, you know which one is "the one", then that is the one to go for.

Try it. If it does not work out for you (and you wouldn't be the first), then you will be able to move on to one that does eventually.

Gotta start out with something...

Me? I would go with the Fly. Why? I like the looks, the 12 inch wheels, the huge storage area, the 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.

jrstone · Post by **jrstone** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 8:19 pm

The only thing I don't like about the 170i vs the Buddy 125/150 is that it doesn't have a kick start. Came in handy last weekend when we were 130 miles from home with a dead battery.