2008 BUDDY WATCH!!!!!

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:37 am

Today's class plain sucked.

The guy kept yelling at me, not raising his voice yelling, but angry yelling.

"we're here to ride MOTORCYCLES, not wimpy scooters like you've been used to kid"

"the reason why you cant ride a motorcycle GOOD is because you're too used to being skilless, no clutch on a buddy is there?! all the other students RIDE REAL BIKES."

Really, if all the other students are so professionals, why dont they even own bikes yet? many of them are real beginners who have 0 experience, but few have some experience.

Fell 3 times on a new honda 250 today and got rear ended by a girl, her fender is smashed, but her bike works, now my bike's 1st gear is screwed, it stalls and grinds too much, I gotta ride in second right after I take off or else I cant ride at all. Her fender got stuck in my wheel and it was grinding my gear when I tried to accelerate...

But...I somehow passed today, tomorrow though I think the guy's gonna fail me just because I'm his least favorite student, everyone is messing up and falling like me, but he seems to laugh when they screw up, and come up to me forcefully and scream at me when I accidentally let the clutch go and the engine dies.

Wish me luck!

Sharon · Post by **Sharon** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:57 am

I feel really bad for you. That sounds like the worse MSF class ever! My class was also all motorcyclist but everyone was very supportive. I think I'd have to drop that class of yours to find a better instructor. Good luck!

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:17 am

I was told by a nice old woman who also taught classes that the MSF created a automatic scooter lesson too, just like the motorcycle lesson, but for scooters, but no one teaches it anywhere in state because of no interest. Gotta get them to teach one!

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:14 pm

so what are the actual differences in performance between the 125 and 150?

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:23 pm

IT IS ALMOST TIME= AND THIS TIME IT IS FOR REAL! THE VAN IS SOLD! not for as much as I would have liked. IT IS GOING TO BE PICKED UP ON TUESDAY AND IM GETTING MY SCOOTER WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY!

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:24 pm

Valgal20 wrote:IT IS ALMOST TIME= AND THIS TIME IT IS FOR REAL! THE VAN IS SOLD! not for as much as I would have liked. IT IS GOING TO BE PICKED UP ON TUESDAY AND IM GETTING MY SCOOTER WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY!

yay! congratulations! I'm leaving town tonight for work and won't be back until Monday after Easter. Hopefully my dealership has the Intl's in by then so that I can get one too!

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:29 am

I passed the MSF class, surprisingly the jerky teacher passed me by 1 point, he said I liked to ride too slow, but I guess it was true, one point during the test I was going 15mph and not 20mph so I got a few points taken off, another time during the figure 8 in a box thing, I put my foot down by accident and that took off like 4 points or so, but I passed!

I am happy atleast they gave us all the same bikes and they were brand new (0 miles on them when I first got on)

Lisa I · Post by **Lisa I** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:38 am

Yay VAL!! Be sure to post photos when you bring your blue scoot home.

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:57 am

IM SO EXCITED! I dont know how long to wait before I pimp my ride- which for me means "GEEK MY SCOOT!" Iv been waiting so long and it never seemed like it was going to happen, AND NOW, ITS ALMOST TIME! IM GOING TO TAKE TONS OF PICTURES, and LOVE IT! Im SCARED! I was hoping I would get it over spring break so I would have some time to practice, but if I get it Thursday, IM DRIVING IT TO SCHOOL/WORK THE NEXT DAY! AHHH! IM GOING TO WET MYSELF! I think Ill need some Depends for that first ride! Maybe Ill ride it home from the scooter place AHHHH!!!!!!

louie · Post by **louie** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 1:45 pm

enjoy valgal and take it slow and easy.

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 1:58 pm

Dang, jfrost2...what a terrible story! But I'm glad you had a happy outcome. My written test at the DMV was horrible. I got sexually harassed by the proctor and racially harassed by the license counter people. By the time I got out of there, I was so stressed out I had developed shingles! WORST EVER.

But my MSF course instructors were terrific. Tough-guy Marines/hunters types, but infinitely patient and full of helpful tips. I look forward to taking the experienced rider course, perhaps this fall. I've heard similarly bad things about the people who run the North Philly courses, but I have nothing but good things to report about the people at the South Philly location.

Valgal20!!! POST PICS OF YOUR NEW SCOOTER ASAP!!! I'm stoked for you.

Tiffan · Post by **Tiffan** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:39 pm

Hmm... My class in Santa Rosa, CA was fine. We had enough people for two sessions, and one of them had two mid-30s women (obviously friends) who were taking it for scooters they wanted to get.

Seriously, If I had an instructor who screamed at me and was comparing me, I'd confront him after *most* (but not all) of the students left after class and said, "listen, Mr. _____, you don't need to treat me like that. I'd like my money back and an address for the customer service department. I could not concentrate on my riding abilities for fear that I'd get screamed at for my choice in a two-wheeled vehicle."

(And.. if you're feeling spunky - "Aren't there discrimination laws that can be applied to free choice in transportation? I'm looking for economics here, Mr. ______, not machismo. You need to reassess whether or not you're still qualified to teach this course and interact with individuals of all walks of life. Where's that customer service form?")

But that's just me. javascript:emoticon('8)')

Hey what do you guys do when it rains? I'm two weeks in with the St. Tropez and I just drove the truck when it rains. Do you folks switch transportation methods or keep on the Buddy?

chuckt2 · Post by **chuckt2** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:42 pm

Just found this on another discussion group. Pretty Cool!

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:20 am

Tiffan wrote:Hey what do you guys do when it rains? I'm two weeks in with the St. Tropez and I just drove the truck when it rains. Do you folks switch transportation methods or keep on the Buddy?

I take my mom's car when it rains cuz I'm AFRAID!!! Taunt me all you like.
~Cheryl

P.S. Where are all these awesome dealers that let you test drive any scooter/motorcycle?! I ask what it will take for me to get a test drive, and they always say "buy it" ... LAME ... they won't even let you start it up!

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:08 am

Same with me, Im oly allowed to sit on it, and make vroom vroom noises. So, for the first time two wheeler like me, it will be all new, a virgin ride on a death trap of fun!

toddrw2251 · Post by **toddrw2251** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:04 pm

Same here. Insurance reasons I believe.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:58 pm

I'm sure dealers have insurance for the bikes in case they got stolen or lost or something, but just dont want to risk using the policy and making their own payments jack up higher each month. Some dealers trust customers and let them ride 5-10mph in the parking lot, others will demo for you, and some will just say no.

toddrw2251 · Post by **toddrw2251** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:41 pm

I think it is more liability reasons. Since a lot of buddy buyers are not experienced scooterists the dealer could be sued by the test rider if an accident were to happen. Ever if the riders were experienced there is still a lot of risk. Anyone involved in an accident would go after the deepest pockets which would include the scooter store.

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:01 pm

I WAS SO CLOSE! They guy who said he was going to buy my van took it to the mechanic and the machanic said it had several worn parts- OF COURSE IT HAS WORN PARTS, ITS 10 YEARS OLD!So he wouldnt buy it, even though I was offering it for $1,000 less than its worth! I had the van checked by my own mechanic and he said it still has 10,000 miles before anything needs to be replaced! FREKIN STUPID PEOPLE< want to buy a 10 year old van foR nothing, and exprect it to look like new!

WASTE OF MY TIME!

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:05 pm

Sorry to hear about the bad news man

Was getting excited to see a new scooter on the boards, but there are always other buyers in this world for your van

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:25 pm

valgal, that is a major bummer !

One idea you might want to try is to place an ad on places linked to any kind of racing, cars, karts, motorcycles, lawnmowers, you get the idea.

Most time those guys/gals do it for the fun of it an use vans/trailers to haul their stuff. Lots of times, CHEAP vans or trucks. A cheap Astro van would be the perfect ticket to them and since many only use that vehicke for the weeked races, 10K miles would go a long way for them and they usually know how to fix the little problems (or major) on their own.

Just do a Google search for PHOENIX (XXXX) RACING where the XXXX is karts, cars, trucks, etc and you are bound to come up with many places. A little digging will get you many local websites that probably have forums with FOR SALE sections. Once a person calls you, your charming personality will sell the van !

I can tell you a lot of those people get their vehicles within their circle of activities from a friend that heard from a cousin that heard from a . . .

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:44 am

TOMORROW, TOMORROW I LOVE YA' TOMORROW, YOU'RE ONLY A DAY AWAY!

IT HAS HAPPENED, AFTER MONTHS OF STALKING SCOOTER INVASION, AFTER MONTHS OF STALKING HERE, AND AFTER ONLY 2 WEEKS ON THE MARKET, MY VAN IS SOLD AND MY SCOOTER IS BOUGHT! ALL IN ONE DAY!

IM PICKING UP MY SCOOTER TOMORROW AROUND NOON! AND AS MR P.C.B. SAID, THE BEST WAY TO LEARN HOW TO RIDE, IS TO RIDE! IM RIDING IT HOME- DEAR LORD IM SCREWED, IM SO EXCITED AND NERVOUS.

BUT NOW I AM OFFICIALLY A SCOOTER OWNER, AND SOON TO BE AVID SCOOTERIST!

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:56 am

AWESOME!!! ROCK ON!!!

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:59 am

Im going to take TONS of pictures! And post them here!

armacham · Post by **armacham** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 3:01 am

My dealer says that she's getting the Italias in July or August. Right now they only have the St Tropez. I can't wait! They have the them going for about 3600 OTD which sounds about right after TTL.

Bonus picture of my ladyfriend test driving a buddy 50

She's thinking of getting a 125 in light blue so we can start our own scooter gang

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 3:15 am

Hey Hey I just spent the day unloading all the new 2008 Buddys off a truck at Scoot Around Town (yeah I'm incredibly sore but beyond HAPPY) They also still have a few Stellas available! So if you're in Michigan and have been wanting one definitely get down there this week. Besides I'll be there helping out a bit and it's my last week here in MI (so take it easy on me when you come by...lol)

I have to say the St. Tropez is incredible looking in person! I think it's become my favorite of the 08s. I'm definitely going to be comparing the 150 vs 125 this week

(this rain needs to hurry up and go away)

PS
I just saw the MP3 500...

...

CRAZY!

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:58 pm

OMG! I SURVIVED! IT WAS AWESOME! IT WAS EASY, IT WAS GREAT! I got my scooter today and rode it home. Though I had two tiny Mishaps. On the way home a small bee flew down my shirt and was biting me for a mile, my poor boobs got nibbled on. AND I already had a "wreck" I was showing my parents how nice my scooter is and giving them a demo and accidentally turned the gas while grabbing the break, I ran over one of the Bogenvilla bushes in our front yard. Opps

, "Pony" got a tiny scratch on the front, and the bogenvilla got its spring trim. But we survived! Im going to take tons of pictures later this week, but I have to get ready for work now. I dont know how well Kackie pants do on scooters, just hope I dont find any puddles

. Now I KNow What YOu Guys Are talking about, IT IS SO FUN! (I was safe too and wore my leather jacket, boots, jeans, and helmet)

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:52 pm

Valgal20 wrote:OMG! I SURVIVED! IT WAS AWESOME! IT WAS EASY, IT WAS GREAT! I got my scooter today and rode it home. Though I had two tiny Mishaps. On the way home a small bee flew down my shirt and was biting me for a mile, my poor boobs got nibbled on. AND I already had a "wreck" I was showing my parents how nice my scooter is and giving them a demo and accidentally turned the gas while grabbing the break, I ran over one of the Bogenvilla bushes in our front yard. Opps , "Pony" got a tiny scratch on the front, and the bogenvilla got its spring trim. But we survived! Im going to take tons of pictures later this week, but I have to get ready for work now. I dont know how well Kackie pants do on scooters, just hope I dont find any puddles . Now I KNow What YOu Guys Are talking about, IT IS SO FUN! (I was safe too and wore my leather jacket, boots, jeans, and helmet)

OMG! Great post. As a long-time rider, I have to confess that I live for these "first ride" posts. They make it all worthwhile for me. Thanks for that, Valgal20.

Ride safe and keep those posts and pix coming!

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:10 pm

OMG! OMG Like, so cool, Like , you know, like AWSOME, crap, geez, just so OMG!

Sorry Val, your enthusiasm is contagious !!

You go girl ! CONGRATS !

maribell · Post by **maribell** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:15 pm

Yay!!!!

your khakis will survive...just stay out of puddles.

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:02 am

SOOOO MANY CONGRATS! I'm soo glad things finally worked out for you Valgal

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:41 pm

Forgot to add:

I don't know if you know every word of Dumb&Dumber as I do, or have even seen it, but now when someone asks you where you got your scooter you can say:

"Some kid back in town. Traded it for the van straight-up.... I can get 90 miles to the gallon on this hog."

Got room for one more if you wanna go to Aspen!!!

YESSSSsss!!! Well maybe not the Aspen part, but pretty awesome. I wish I could say that.

Valgal20 · Post by **Valgal20** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 11:17 pm

I would like to thank everyone here at Modern Buddy for keeping my spirits up while I waited for my scooter! I couldnt have done it without you guys and gals!

GaryEPSP · Post by **GaryEPSP** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:45 am

A thousand congratulations, I remember that exhuberance when I first got my Met. Keep the shiny side up!

lojical1 · Post by **lojical1** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:49 am

KRUSTYburger wrote:Forgot to add:

I don't know if you know every word of Dumb&Dumber as I do, or have even seen it, but now when someone asks you where you got your scooter you can say:

"Some kid back in town. Traded it for the van straight-up.... I can get 90 miles to the gallon on this hog."

Got room for one more if you wanna go to Aspen!!!

YESSSSsss!!! Well maybe not the Aspen part, but pretty awesome. I wish I could say that.

*dies laughing*