Weighing my options....need some advice

[smp1661]

So, in the next month or so I'm most likely going to be buying a 2008 Buddy 125. Never having had a scooter previously I have a few questions.

Picking it up: The nearest dealer is 150 miles away, can 2 fit easily in the back end of a pickup (I've convinced a friend that she needs one as well)? Any suggestions for transport will be greatly appreciated.

Insurance: Since I'm in MN, I will only be able to use my Buddy for half the year at most. Does anyone change their insurance based on time of year or does it make no sense to do that?

Mileage: What can I really expect for gas mileage?

Any other insight provided would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Orange Guy]

My nearest dealer is about an hour away, so I can at least field the "hauling" question.

I have an F-150 supercrew with the short bed and the 08 Buddy 125 fit with the tailgate down. That was a nervous ride home. I think you would be hard pressed to cram two of them into the back of a pickup truck. Not saying it can't be done, I just wouldn't feel comfortable with doing it or even attempting to do it. Scratching up brand new Buddy would kill me.

Another thing to consider is that your first oil change/service has to be with a Genuine dealer for your 2-year warranty to remain valid. Keep that in mind as you'll be making that 150-mile trek again very soon.

[jfrost2]

A buddy easily fits in the back of a pick up truck, just make sure you have heavy strapping and tie it down good.

And for gas mileage, I usually get 80-90mpg.

Dont forget to push the front suspension down real hard before tying it down, it helps keep it straight and safe.

[voodoosix]

2 should fit in the bed of a full sized truck easily, i drove from Il to Oh witha Harley and a Buell in the back of an F150.

then drove from Il to Va with my scoot in the back of a Subaru Outback!

[kilted texan]

When we got our Buddy we used 4 ratchet straps, 2 on the front & 2 on the back. Be sure to strap the left handle to the right front bed tie down & vise-versa for the right handle to the left front bed tie down. The back we tied the right to right rear bed tie & left to left.

I am sure you can get both into the bed. If not you could always get a small trailer to be used to take the Buddys on a road trip that you can not ride to.

Good Luck

[addictionriot]

Might not help but... My dealer actually was very nice about bringing my scooter to me for FREE. My boyfriend's step dad does have a truck but he said that if I couldnt get everyone in the same place at one time they would bring it to me

[Keys]

I just put the top down on my Chrysler Sebring convertible and put my Buddy in the back seat for the ride home.

--Keys

[addictionriot]

Ha I knew I read that on here before.. I actually asked my dealer if my buddy would fit in the back of my grand prix.. he didnt seem to think that was a good idea

[mandyscoots]

When I brought my buddy home, I just rented a motorcycle trailer for about 35 bucks.
In my opinon it was much easier to transport it home, I was able to just ride it up the ramp into the trailer very easily.
Otherwise if you can safely get them up into a truck I'm sure 2 buddies would fit.

[brimstone]

might have an easier time if you stagger them in your bed. one facing front and the other facing the rear.

[skiwebster]

two buddies should easily fit in the bed of a pickup. used to carry a harley and a buell in the back of an f-250 all the time. Good to see I'm not the only one who had that configuration, voodoosix!

[BGK]

As people said, fit should be no problem. I am usually successful with just 2 tie downs per scoot and a block of wood (4x4) in front of the front wheels so the fender doesn't hit the rear of the bed. But more is probably better if you are going to drive fast on bad roads. Buy at least 2 pairs of good tie downs for the front. If it's a choice between and 10.00 pack and a 30.00 pack, splurge and get the nicer ones. It's usually worth it.

As for insurance. Most companies usually require some sort of coverage for the entire year. It's kind of worked into the cost. You'll want damage protection in storage as well so it's not really cheaper to take off liability for the winter.

It may be a bit worse up in Alex but I ride about 7.5 to 8 months of the year down here. As long as the roads don't have ice and snow, the cold isn't so bad until it gets below 30 degrees or so. You just have to dress for it.

[illnoise]

Most companies usually require some sort of coverage for the entire year. It's kind of worked into the cost. You'll want damage protection in storage as well so it's not really cheaper to take off liability for the winter.

Progressive, and I think most other co's, give you a discount if you don't ride in the winter. Definitely keep your coverage year-round, but ask about a winter layoff. Progressive has told me it's just fine to ride occasionally during the layoff (I asked specifically about the Toys for Tots parade) for special events or unseasonably nice days, they're just reducing your premium based on your promise not to ride regularly over the winter, when damage and accidents are more likely because of the bad weather. I imagine if you were in an accident while commuting to work in a foot of snow, you'd have some explaining to do...

Bb.