My Scooter Buying Experience

[speedgraphic]

Like many people, I've never even really thought about riding a scooter. Even in San Diego you rarely see them, and they seemed pretty limited as to what they can do. However, my friend recently introduced me to his Buddy 125 and I was very surprised at how fun they can be! A little research has shown me that a scooter is indeed a viable method of transportation: great gas mileage, peppy and maneuverable, and a BLAST to drive in nice climates like the one I'm blessed to live in! I never thought you could buy a vehicle that felt solid while travelling at a decent clip for under $3K. I'd love a Vespa or the like, but I don't feel like paying upwards of $5K for what would be a secondary mode of transportation.

Me being me, I've researched about every model under the sun that I have access to dealer-wise. So far, I've been to the biggest two dealers in the area (Vespa of Oceanside and Motorsport Scooters) to see what I like. Here's my rundown:

Genuine Buddy 125 - My first scooter experience. Very peppy! Inexpensive for what it is, and a universal fan favorite. Cool LED taillight. My only concern is: I weigh 220 pounds, and I'm worried that the 125 won't be able to kick me up a decently steep grade at 45MPH. The hill is about a mile long (101 through Torrey Pines near La Jolla, CA, anyone?) and is bicyclable by decently fit riders... I don't know the exact grade percentage. Anyone have any idea whether the Buddy should be able to propel my fat ass at that speed?

Genuine Buddy 150 (Italia) - I like the extra 25cc, the whitewalls, and the horn. I'm ambivalent about the green color scheme though, and the one I want (Pamplona) isn't available. Would probably be the favorite if it came in a solid color.

Lambretta Uno 150 - Looks better than the Buddy to me and has 25 more cc, but definitely had a few rattles that the other scooters didn't on my test-ride. The "Lambretta" logo on the dash is a sticker that was put on at an odd angle... ugh. Definitely not a bad deal though... $2699 MSRP, essentially the same as the Buddy 125.

Sym HD 200 - Weighing in at ~175cc, not 200, the Sym was definitely the fastest and the smoothest of the bunch (those big wheels really help). I tried this one on a VERY steep hill near the store, and it passed with flying colors. I also value that this thing could get me on the freeway if I needed it. The only downside is that the left brake handle had more travel than the right one, which made it feel a bit weird. I'd be able to get this thing for $3,900 out the door or so.

Aprilia Scarabeo 200 - Didn't get to ride this one, but it had the nicest dash and "cockpit" feel by far. Very attractive bike overall to me... but Vespa of Oceanside wanted MSRP + $750 PDI + tax, regs, etc. making it around $4,600 or so out the door. This seems ridiculous to me, as other Aprilia owners have gotten it for under $4K OTD in other states.

Anyone like to weigh in on my findings? What might be the best for me (or what should I look at that I haven't)?

BTW... Motorsport Scooters offered AMAZING service. They let me ride THREE different scooters, one for almost 3 miles! The salesman was very friendly, and I didn't feel like I was under too-high pressure. Props to MS on 30th St. in San Diego... even if I don't buy my scooter from them I will be bringing it to them for service.

[Drumwoulf]

Like many people, I've never even really thought about riding a scooter. Even in San Diego you rarely see them, and they seemed pretty limited as to what they can do. However, my friend recently introduced me to his Buddy 125 and I was very surprised at how fun they can be! A little research has shown me that a scooter is indeed a viable method of transportation: great gas mileage, peppy and maneuverable, and a BLAST to drive in nice climates like the one I'm blessed to live in! I never thought you could buy a vehicle that felt solid while travelling at a decent clip for under $3K. I'd love a Vespa or the like, but I don't feel like paying upwards of $5K for what would be a secondary mode of transportation.

Me being me, I've researched about every model under the sun that I have access to dealer-wise. So far, I've been to the biggest two dealers in the area (Vespa of Oceanside and Motorsport Scooters) to see what I like. Here's my rundown:

Genuine Buddy 125 - My first scooter experience. Very peppy! Inexpensive for what it is, and a universal fan favorite. Cool LED taillight. My only concern is: I weigh 220 pounds, and I'm worried that the 125 won't be able to kick me up a decently steep grade at 45MPH. The hill is about a mile long (101 through Torrey Pines near La Jolla, CA, anyone?) and is bicyclable by decently fit riders... I don't know the exact grade percentage. Anyone have any idea whether the Buddy should be able to propel my fat ass at that speed?

Genuine Buddy 150 (Italia) - I like the extra 25cc, the whitewalls, and the horn. I'm ambivalent about the green color scheme though, and the one I want (Pamplona) isn't available. Would probably be the favorite if it came in a solid color.

Lambretta Uno 150 - Looks better than the Buddy to me and has 25 more cc, but definitely had a few rattles that the other scooters didn't on my test-ride. The "Lambretta" logo on the dash is a sticker that was put on at an odd angle... ugh. Definitely not a bad deal though... $2699 MSRP, essentially the same as the Buddy 125.

Sym HD 200 - Weighing in at ~175cc, not 200, the Sym was definitely the fastest and the smoothest of the bunch (those big wheels really help). I tried this one on a VERY steep hill near the store, and it passed with flying colors. I also value that this thing could get me on the freeway if I needed it. The only downside is that the left brake handle had more travel than the right one, which made it feel a bit weird. I'd be able to get this thing for $3,900 out the door or so.

Aprilia Scarabeo 200 - Didn't get to ride this one, but it had the nicest dash and "cockpit" feel by far. Very attractive bike overall to me... but Vespa of Oceanside wanted MSRP + $750 PDI + tax, regs, etc. making it around $4,600 or so out the door. This seems ridiculous to me, as other Aprilia owners have gotten it for under $4K OTD in other states.

Anyone like to weigh in on my findings? What might be the best for me (or what should I look at that I haven't)?

BTW... Motorsport Scooters offered AMAZING service. They let me ride THREE different scooters, one for almost 3 miles! The salesman was very friendly, and I didn't feel like I was under too-high pressure. Props to MS on 30th St. in San Diego... even if I don't buy my scooter from them I will be bringing it to them for service.

It reads here like you're doing pretty good in researching and making up your own mind. (It's just about what we all had to do when we first got into scootering...) The only thing I can tell you is that I weigh exactly the same as you and my Buddy 125 propells me around at 60+ MPH without difficulty..! But my Vespa GT does it more comfortably, because of it's heavier weight and smoother suspension.. And both scoots are enormous fun in different ways.. Try as many of them as you can, and then make your choice. You will enjoy whatever you get, and if after a few years it ain't quite perfect, well......

[Syd]

I don't have any first-hand Buddy knowledge, but you've definitely found the right place. I did just pass 5400 miles in about a year on my '06 HD200. That's small potatoes compared to many Buddys here, but so far it has been - like most Buddys - completely trouble-free.

I can't imagine power being a problem for you on the SYM. My weight compares to yours and my HD has carried me up some pretty impressive hills here in AZ, one ranging from about 4000 to 8000 feet elevation. For Buddy power tales, search for posts by Keys or visit http://skutergruven.blogspot.com, he rode the Red Baron on that same road and many more.

The rear brake lever travel on the HD sounds like it just needs adjusting, and it couldn't be easier to do. Lastly, I have developed one dislike of the SYM. The two level seat should be either much more two level, or flat, at least for my (spreading) mass. I'm about 6'3", and the change in height hits right at the bottom of my spine, so it gets uncomfortable after a while. But, I would buy another one.

[speedgraphic]

Thanks for the speedy replies, guys! Syd: Do you think I could take the HD200 on the freeway for 15-20 minutes or so at 65-70MPH safely?

Drumwoulf: That's comforting to know... so you think I'd be safe on a 125 on a 50MPH road? Would it accelerate to 50 fast enough from a stop light not to be a traffic hazard?

Is the Buddy 150cc really noticeably faster than the 125cc? I didn't ride them on the same day, so maybe it was just the placebo effect speaking when I said it felt like the 150 was faster.

[Syd]

Thanks for the speedy replies, guys! Syd: Do you think I could take the HD200 on the freeway for 15-20 minutes or so at 65-70MPH safely? ...

I got mine up to 75 on an Interstate-esque highway once for about 4 miles, but the last 5mph took a while, left me at WOT, and traveling barely faster than the slowest cars on that stretch of road. But I was not comfortable doing it, I just wanted to see what I could get out of it on a flat stretch of road. Your stretch of highway may average slower speeds, but in the Phoenix metro area, if it's not rush the hours, the average speed is about 80. But bear in mind that I don't have too many hours on two wheels.

I feel like 60+/- is a real comfortable cruising speed on my HD. There's throttle left there and it's still nice and stable. But your comfort level could be much different than mine, and your 15 - 20 minute stretch of road may travel a lot slower than my stretch.

I hope that makes sense.

[speedgraphic]

If anything, CA drivers show AZ drivers how it's done speed-wise, but the right-hand lane usually has vehicles travelling 65 or so.

That certainly throws a wrench into the works. If I can't comfortably go 65 on the freeway for a half hour or so, there's really no point in stepping up to the higher powered bike, it seems! Since a Buddy 125 will do 45-50 with no problem, maybe I should just stick with that?

[ericalm]

I've bought many parts from Motorsport over the past few years and their service and knowledge is unmatched.

What kind of riding do you think you'll be doing? I'd advise against any of the 150s if you're planning on doing much on the SD freeways.

I don't know much about the Lambretta Uno (other than the fact that it's a re-badged Adly). Unlike the Buddy (a re-badged PGO), there are few accessories available for it. I'd like to think if Motorsport is carrying it, then the quality is probably okay... but they may have some advice about how the two compare and if the Uno has any mechanical issues. You may also want to ask about parts availability for this scoot.

Comparing the 125/150 to the 200s is a bit of an apples to oranges thing. The larger scoots are much larger and heavier and will offer a very different sort of riding experience. I like the Scarabeo (and really like the new 250s), but haven't yet ridden the Sym. From what I hear, the Sym HD will outperform a Kymco 250, which is saying a lot.

The only other scoot I'd suggest you look at is the Kymco People 150. Motorsport has a couple on sale for $200 off. This is a very good-quality scooter that performs very well, though it's a little pricey compared to the Buddy.

[charltons]

Try looking at the Kymco Agility 125. It is right under $2000. Kymco is a reputable brand. The agility 125 is made at a Kymco factory in China, but from what I understand the quality control is there. Comes with a two year warranty.I like mine a lot so far.

[jfrost2]

The buddy 125 is a great starter bike, but if you like a tiny bit more power, and have 400 dollars extra, get a international. I think the bike is light, cheap to repair and service. It's a great bike to start out on. But you gotta go sit on a few, see if it has space for your legs and shoes, and if not, maybe a sym or kymco could be your bike.

[Drumwoulf]

Thanks for the speedy replies, guys! Syd: Do you think I could take the HD200 on the freeway for 15-20 minutes or so at 65-70MPH safely?

Drumwoulf: That's comforting to know... so you think I'd be safe on a 125 on a 50MPH road? Would it accelerate to 50 fast enough from a stop light not to be a traffic hazard?

Is the Buddy 150cc really noticeably faster than the 125cc? I didn't ride them on the same day, so maybe it was just the placebo effect speaking when I said it felt like the 150 was faster.

On a 50 MPH road, where everyone pretty much does 50, yes, IMO you'd be fine. I ride a 14 mile long road like that with my 125 Buddy; it's narrow and curvy and most people keep it at about the speed limit. So no problem! However if you're talking about a 4-lane 50 MPH road where everyone does 65 (or more!), you might be better off with a higher powered heavier scoot IMO...

[nissanman]

If you're in CA you may want to get a 150+ just so you're not restricted to the roads you can use. I hate restrictions

[ericalm]

If you're in CA you may want to get a 150+ just so you're not restricted to the roads you can use. I hate restrictions

The only restriction in CA is that it much be 150+ to go on the freeway. This is true for many (if not most) states, though.

[jrsjr]

The rear brake lever travel on the HD sounds like it just needs adjusting, and it couldn't be easier to do.

Agreed, that should take about two minutes, at most.

Lastly, I have developed one dislike of the SYM. The two level seat should be either much more two level, or flat, at least for my (spreading) mass. I'm about 6'3", and the change in height hits right at the bottom of my spine, so it gets uncomfortable after a while.

...and that's another reason why I'm waiting for the SYM Citycom 300 (really a 262) to come to the USA this Summer. There is a review (In Italian, of course. I ran it through Babelfish) on the Cyberscooter.it site that says it suits taller riders. I'm saving my pennies...