New buddy haver

budley · Post by **budley** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:53 pm

Hi. I recently picked up a buddy 50. Iâ€™m no mechanic so I decided to spring for a new one so I could get the 2 year warranty in case disaster strikes. Anyway, I was wondering what accessories, upgrades, etc I should be looking to acquire first. Keep in mind I want to make sure I donâ€™t void the warranty. Also, for the chrome vs black front/rear racks and cowl protectors, does one finish tend to age more poorly than the other? Iâ€™ve seen some used scooters with the trim looking a bit rough. Not sure if it was a low quality faux chrome finish or what, so I thought Iâ€™d ask you seasoned veterans for your input.
Thanks!

sc00ter · Post by **sc00ter** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 2:09 pm

Welcome! I like the Buddy 50's! Had one for awhile and enjoyed every mile. Accessories are a personal thing but others will chime in with the best ones. I always had a windscreen by Cuppin and the rear rack with a 33 liter SHAD trunk.I ran YamaLube 2 stroke oil in my Buddy. I also found a U-lock that fit thru the front wheel but can't remember what brand. Get a good lock and use it! Enjoy your new scooter.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 5:18 pm

I'm not sure a Buddy 50 really needs much in the way of accessories. The one thing I would recommend (for any scooter) is a rear rack, with or without topcase (your call).

JettaKnight · Post by **JettaKnight** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 6:13 pm

My rear chrome lasted for maybe eight years before getting rusty. A lot of those years were with a soft top case.

I don't have a top case any more - wears out my rear tire too fast.

tenders · Post by **tenders** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 8:43 pm

In addition to the top case (for cargo) and windscreen (for looks), you might also consider:

* LED headlight, $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KTXL7FW/

* Wire in deadlights with kit and replace with LEDs, $16
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0721FNCWP/

* Mini garage door remote, $10 (check for compatibility with opener)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NRHS9JS/

* Carrier bucket knob-style bolts, $6
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NQBQ4IM

* Brake master cylinder cover bolts, M4-0.7-12mm (Q:4), change to Allen head stainless (+hex wrench)

* Carb bolts, M4-0.7-14mm (Q:2), change to Allen head stainless (+hex wrench)

* T wrench with sockets, $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GZJF1Y/

*Grip lock, $50
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0152TV2VY/

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:10 pm

You can (cough) derestrict it as long as it's legal

I agree a rear rack is a must.

If sored inside cleaned and waxed the metal chrome will last awhile.

Along with a rear rack comes the first rule of scootering.

No one never lends a bungee. When someone asks if you have one to "borrow" find your worn one, thank it for the fun, and say goodbye. It's never coming back.

Yes...you will find yourself somewhere sometime asking "does anyone have a bungee?" for that rear rack...it's how we roll.

scootERIK · Post by **scootERIK** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:50 pm

tenders wrote:* Carrier bucket knob-style bolts, $6
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NQBQ4IM

That's a good idea, I might get a set for my scooter.

budley · Post by **budley** » Wed Aug 19, 2020 4:31 am

Thanks for the replies. I got the rear rack, just have to put it on. My led headlight just arrived. I ordered from a link I found on another post before the link was provided here. Saved a couple bucks but it took a while to arrive from china. Also, I picked up one of those bungee variety bundles, so I should be set there, lol. The dealer derestricted it for me already, so Iâ€™ve got that sorted. Iâ€™m going to order the leds for the dead lights and just get those all taken care of at once, thanks for the link.
I see someone seconded the carrier bucket knob-style bolts. What are those replacing?

tenders · Post by **tenders** » Wed Aug 19, 2020 12:39 pm

The knob bolts replace the Phillips screws you have to remove to pull out the plastic bin to get full access to the carburetor and other engine/electrical components. There's a little access hatch in the bottom of the storage compartment that will supposedly allow access to the idle speed screw on the carb, but it's really not that useful.

I was surprised when I saw these screws on the Buddy, because my Vespa underseat storage pulls out by hand - no tools or fasteners are involved. Then I saw how the Scarabeo works - like the Vespa, it is also made by Piaggio. The Beo requires two sets of screwdrivers, a map, six special curse words, a free afternoon, and an engraved invitation from Mario the Plumber to get to the bits around the engine. Yikes.

budley · Post by **budley** » Wed Aug 19, 2020 5:36 pm

Ahh, so itâ€™s to speed up the removal of that storage bin. Got it. Not bad for $6. Iâ€™ll have to grab some.