Buddy vs Stella vs...?

[heyho]

I'm a newbie (hello!)

Seeking advice for my first scooter for commuting to work.
Something super reliable (as I'm not a mechanic).

AND, perhaps MOST importantly, what to avoid!

Any and all info appreciated!


Cheers in Chicago!

[NathanielSalzman]

Hello!

The Buddy is such a perfect commuter, but my question for you is what kind of commute are you looking at? Do you need to go faster than 60 mph?

If you're just sticking to city streets, then the Buddy is perfect and will serve you well. If you don't want to get your hands dirty, avoid the Stella. You really can't beat the Buddy on performance, economy, and available accessories. Get the 125 or the 150 so that you're never in anybody's way.

[AxeYrCat]

The Buddy is totally turn-key, get-on-and-ride.

The Stella will require a little more upkeep.

Both are fantastic, though.

[heyho]

The commute from home to the Metra is roughly 8 mi RT.
Potholed, city streets that is currently Chicago. All to avoid parking hassles, bicycle sweat, and $&*%$ gas. That's the goal, anyway. Anything else is cherry on the sundae.

Dealers have been talking up the Yamaha Vino and Hondas.

Natch, Vespas are not in the budget.

[MikieTaps]

stay away from the $800 new scooters you see at pep boys, or other $hitty poorly made chinese bikes.

[NathanielSalzman]

The commute from home to the Metra is roughly 8 mi RT.
Potholed, city streets that is currently Chicago. All to avoid parking hassles, bicycle sweat, and $&*%$ gas. That's the goal, anyway. Anything else is cherry on the sundae.

Dealers have been talking up the Yamaha Vino and Hondas.

Natch, Vespas are not in the budget.

Honda doesn't make anything in the 125cc/150cc range, which is just perfect for commuting. The Vino is a great bike, but the Buddy is just every little bit better and costs the same - plus has better warranty coverage and roadside assistance. The only reason I would see to chose a Honda or Yamaha over a Genuine is if you don't have a local dealer. You don't have that problem as Chicago is Genuine's world headquarters!

Check out David Harrington's Vino vs. Buddy review:

http://www.justgottascoot.com/buddy.htm#Buddy%20Review

And yes, avoid the $800 chinese scooter trap.

Stick to Genuine, Kymco, SYM, Yamaha, Honda, and Vespa/Piaggio.

[Threegoofs]

I had the same decision to make earlier this spring. My compromise was to get a Bajaj. Classic looks and manual shift like the Stella, but a four stroke and more reliable. Plus it was used and cheaper. They dont make them anymore, but I did see two for sale at Scooter Therapy in Madison a few weeks ago.

I still would love to have a buddy though. Maybe next year!

Buddys are a much better choice for a commuter - but you might want to consider a Kymco because of the larger wheels - I can see a big advantage with those wheels and Chicago potholes.

[Johnny]

You shouldn't even consider a Stella unless you are comfortable with manually shifting. The Buddy is a good commuting bike for the city - and probably much more reliable.

[heyho]

Thanks for all the input--keep it coming!

I really dig the Stella retro styling but I'm thinking I'm not quite the mechanic for it.

Is there a notable difference between the 50 125 150cc?
Sampled a 50 a while ago. Cute, but does more make it better for my needs? Geez--I sound like such a dope!

I actually spoke to a live person at IL DMV--all bikes now require either an L or M license.

What I don't want, is what I call the wanker machine-- you know it when you see it!

[ericalm]

I would count out the Bajaj because it's not made any more, there's no warranty or dealer support, and rthe parts aren't as interchangeable with the Vespa P-series/Stella.

I don't know that the Stella is much more of a mechanical burden, especially since it would be warrantied. But it's not as quick, lithe and easy to ride, that's for sure. Consider it for your second scooter, maybe.

The Buddy is a great choice, but obviously not the only one. There are some other good options out there: Kymco People, Sym Vogue (coming this summer), Vino, Piaggio Fly and a few others. It may be worth checking them out, sitting on them, getting a feel for them vs. the Buddy. But from what your tastes and needs sound like from your posts, the Buddy may very well be the right scoot for you.

[EP_scoot]

heyho,

Don't buy the cheap chinese scoots, even if they look the same as name brands. To the untrained eye, they might look good and shiny. Trust us, they are shiny, but as far as quality, much to be desired.

Don't get something based on looks, even on name brands. Sit on them and check the fit.

Read up a lot on those that you are interested on.

If you are thinking on different cc bikes, get the larger one. You don't have to go as fast as the bike can when you are learning, but as your skill improves you won't find yourself wanting to upgrade 6 months from now.

Think about dealer support if you are not mechanically inclined. Get a bike that has a dealer that is convenient to you so if somethig goes wrong, it is not a hassle to get to the dealer. Other ways, after a few problems, it will proably sit in the garage.

Consider the price of the gear in your total purchase budget. At a minimum helmet, gloves, jacket and boots. Also think about the weather you will be riding on. If you plan in riding year around, you might need different sets of gear for hot/cold weather.

Think if you will be riding with a passenger (GF?) at times. The Buddy is tight 2-up.

I would also steer you towards the brands already mentioned and stay away from teh Stella if you are not wanting to get mechanically involved.

Take the MSF and read up MC riding skills books.

Welcome and good luck !

[NathanielSalzman]

Thanks for all the input--keep it coming!

I really dig the Stella retro styling but I'm thinking I'm not quite the mechanic for it.

Is there a notable difference between the 50 125 150cc?

I had a 1979 Vespa P200E (90% identical to the Stella) before my wife got her Buddy 125 and I got my Blur. I loved the way it looked but really didn't care for the way it rode. A Stella is a better bike than the old Vespa, and would make a fantastic secondary scooter, but if you're only going to have one scooter in the garage and you're primarily going to use it to get around, then the Buddy is the way to go.

As for engine size. The difference is much less if you de-restrict the 50cc, but it still won't be as quick or as fast as a 125/150. The [reported] difference between the 125/150 isn't much, but those International Edition Buddies are worth the extra money for the two-tone paint and the upgraded horn alone. Unless you wouldn't be able to legally park the 125cc scooter where you live/work, then I wouldn't go the 50cc route. Stock, your top speed on a 50cc is around 30 mph - so except for the smallest of city streets, you're going to be in the way - which is less than safe. The Buddy 125 will do 65 mph any day of the week - even with my big ass on it - and still get 90 mpg. It's really really easy to ride and will be reliable as gravity for years and years.

[nissanman]

Buddy, Rattler, Zuma(125), Vino... there's a bunch of good choices out there for you. Something newer and Tn'G (twist and go) automatic would make a nice commuter bike. For me I picked the Rattler cause I wanted a large 2 stroke. Pick what you're comfortable with and have fun.

[polianarchy]

My advice is to take this question to your friendly local scooter shop and see what they have in stock. You'll want to buy a scooter from them, as you will be relying on them for service and maintenance. I have, of course, drank the Kool-Aid, so I think a Buddy is ideal for your needs, but in reality YMMV.

[gymnation]

Has anyone looked at the Aprilia Mojito custom 150?
This is one sweet looking scoot. And the price tag isn't bad. I love my buddy, but if I could, I might consider a Mojito.

[ericalm]

Has anyone looked at the Aprilia Mojito custom 150?
This is one sweet looking scoot. And the price tag isn't bad. I love my buddy, but if I could, I might consider a Mojito.

It's a great scoot—nice looking, good quality. Same Piaggio LEADER engine as a Vespa LX or Piaggio Fly. Rides quite a bit lower than the Vespa or a Buddy. Lots of mods available.

But, I'm a big fan of the Aprilia scooters. Much more so than their less stylish Piaggio cousins.

I keep hearing that there are a lot of problems getting parts for the Aprilia scoots, though. I don't know if this is any worse than every other scooter out there. (People say parts are easy to get for Yamahas & Hondas but that may not be as true as has been rumored.)

[heyho]

Actually been to 5 different shops and the pickings are slim if one doesn't go Chinese. Fine for food, but otherwise I try my best to avoid.

The quest will soon be over--I'm buying the Buddy Sunset on the 'for sale' thread. Just need to get to the bank.

Now I need the helmut, license, plates....



woo-hoo!

[jmazza]

Has anyone looked at the Aprilia Mojito custom 150?
This is one sweet looking scoot. And the price tag isn't bad. I love my buddy, but if I could, I might consider a Mojito.

Yeah I almost bought one before getting my Buddy but it was $1000-1500 more than the Buddy (the dealer was not discounting one bit even though they are currently discontinued).

I still like them quite a bit and would definitely consider one as a second scoot. They've got something about them in the looks department. I have no idea about performance though.