wish list for a 2008 buddy model...

mlee10018 · Post by **mlee10018** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:25 am

I would replace my 2006 buddy for a 2008 model if it came with...

-150cc - 200cc
-dual disc brakes
-proportional headlight size with halogen bulb
-larger front shield like the vintage vespas for looks and to block wind
-bottom glove box with existing open top tray
-LED running lights matching headlight color
-rear and side LED running lights / turn signals
-matching rear givi quality box with extra brake light
-larger wheels -12"
-better passenger capacity and foot rest
-grip heaters with removeable hand/wind guards
-better mirrors
-air horn
-alarm / immobilizer

am I missing anything...
of course this may take all the fun out of working on your ride.

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:36 am

Umm. I must be in the minority. I think my '06 is just right as it is... Of course, if the 177cc kit ever comes out....

--Keys

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:58 am

mlee10018 wrote:am I missing anything...
of course this may take all the fun out of working on your ride.

That's quite a list...
In some ways, I think that there's only so much you can do to a Buddy before it becomes a different scoot, especially when you get into enlarging the legshield, putting larger wheels on, passenger capacity and putting a bigger engine in. From what I've seen from looking at BuBu pics online PGO hasn't really made many big changes to the model. That said, I didn't expect all the great improvements they made in the '07s and we do know Genuine's listening...

.

(Wonder if the changes in the '07 Buds are also on all the Euro/Asian versions? Hmm...)

SO my wish list (considering I'm not planning on buying an '08):
More performance accessories, esp. cylinder kit, and variator
Top cases! Please...?
Another new special edition, just for fun. Maybe something a little more extreme, like a modded/vintaged out scoot... think Vespa 60th Anniversary models.
New footrest design.
And ship the scoot with the legshield lights hooked up.

What I really want from Genuine in '08: a new Stella!

PasadenaSue · Post by **PasadenaSue** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:25 am

Great wishlists! I'm with Eric on the new Stella (for us Californians). I like Megen's list of improvements, though I can see the new price tag to go along with the changes. javascript:emoticon(':(')

I would like to try and implement some of her changes like a lockable glove box, running lights, and an improved horn. These changes shouldn't cost a lot and would help out.

mcwbyu82 · Post by **mcwbyu82** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:37 am

My wish list for 08' is no changes at all so I dont have any regrets about my 07'! Haha Im just kidding, i hope you 06'ers get a nice upgrade opportunity.

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:49 am

I'm STILL holding out for the Warp Core Generator...

--Keys

pocphil · Post by **pocphil** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:57 am

You guys are aware that you can mount just about any Givi monolock case on the Chrome Buddy rear luggage rack....right?

We just delivered a series Italia today with this case:

http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bau ... O_ID=17031

Looks great, mounts up easy, quickly detaches with the key, has an optional brake light kit and backrest. Has fantastic Givi quality and a one year warranty.

Oh, and all the other changes mentioned would turn the Buddy 125 into a Vespa Gt200. Let's stay in our budget here folks.

jgalar · Post by **jgalar** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:28 pm

Has the weld integrity problem been taken care of on the rear racks? I wouldn't put a heavy GIVI on racks that have a problem with breakage.

The changes suggested by mlee10018 could go to a new larger model
The "Big Buddy" everyone needs a big buddy from time to time.

sunshinen · Post by **sunshinen** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:10 pm

I'm pretty happy with the Buddy as is, not just for price, but for mpg.

of course this may take all the fun out of working on your ride.

Exactly.

I would like half the glove box to be lockable and to see the awaited mirror upgrade option.

dru_ · Post by **dru_** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:34 pm

pocphil wrote:You guys are aware that you can mount just about any Givi monolock case on the Chrome Buddy rear luggage rack....right?

We just delivered a series Italia today with this case:

http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bau ... O_ID=17031

Looks great, mounts up easy, quickly detaches with the key, has an optional brake light kit and backrest. Has fantastic Givi quality and a one year warranty.

Oh, and all the other changes mentioned would turn the Buddy 125 into a Vespa Gt200. Let's stay in our budget here folks.

Yeah, but I'm guessing that she's a very expensive optional accessory!?!?

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:02 pm

jgalar wrote:Has the weld integrity problem been taken care of on the rear racks? I wouldn't put a heavy GIVI on racks that have a problem with breakage.

The changes suggested by mlee10018 could go to a new larger model
The "Big Buddy" everyone needs a big buddy from time to time.

(Trying to resist the urge to make a "front rack" comment re: the above image...

)

I think the weld problem may be fixed... Genuine hasn't commented but reports of broken welds have dies down since the last batch of racks went to dealers a couple months ago. I'm a little disappointed with the racks anyway and think the poorly-fitting hardware may have contributed to the welds going out.

A "big Buddy" with a 200cc or bigger engine might be interesting... But once they start going into that price range, I'd want to see a little more polished fit & finish—closer to the comparable Kymcos.

rajron · Post by **rajron** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:02 am

Smaller headlight

Scootz · Post by **Scootz** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 1:11 pm

Quite a wishlist - but it would be awesome!!!
I'm still trying to find out what colors the 2008 ones will be.
Anyone know?????

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 1:32 pm

For the 08:

> Better suspension... definitely
> Better mirrors (well they've kinda already taken care of that with the longer mirrors you can now purchase)
> As peppy as the Buddy is (faster than the LX150) I'd LOVE some more acceleration and top end! I know most say they wouldn't go faster than 60 but I'd love an actual cruising speed of 60-65 and top end of around 70-75
> A non optimized speedo
> I agree with the light shields being hooked up

(too many more changes and it's just not a Buddy at all...lol)

Actually Genuine seems to be doing a great job of listening to what customers want, just look at the differences between the 06-07. And they seem to add new colors each year. 08 blue

I do think they need to ship out parts a bit faster though.

Kevin K · Post by **Kevin K** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:23 pm

My comments on the above mentioned comments:

DUAL disc brakes? I think the front disc is already pretty damn strong. And this is coming from a guy who owns a BMW with triple discs and ABS. I also think that it would be hard to find a 10" tire that would hold up to that much braking, short of race rubber.

As far as Special Edition Buddys, you do know that the SI is the first of many Special Editions, right?

While much of the other stuff would be nice, it would certainly raise the price quite a bit. And you can always buy heated grips from Aerostich.

My 2 cents.
-K

Shellee · Post by **Shellee** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:28 pm

I still maintain that a 200 or 250cc Buddy would be just about perfect. And it wouldn't have to look like a Vespa. I don't want a Vespa (I could have one if I wanted it). I love the Buddy style. Hey, they made a Big Ruckus with the same basic styling as the 50cc Ruckus! I'd like 12-inch tires and adjustable suspension to go along with the extra cc's.

I've had a 2006 and a 2007 Buddy... have had the Givi topbox on both and never had a problem with the rack welds on either scooter.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:42 pm

Seems like a new 200cc "Big Buddy" would need a different frame, different engine, different wheels, different suspension - i.e. a different bike at a different price. I've got nothing against new models but lets keep the Buddy 125. It is a great scoot!

The hot rumors continue concerning additional "special editions" in '08. Supposedly there will be two - a blue and silver "French edition" and a burgundy and cream "Monaco edition".

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:56 pm

my request is a simple one: an odometer.

Shellee · Post by **Shellee** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 4:11 pm

Dooglas wrote: I've got nothing against new models but lets keep the Buddy 125. It is a great scoot!

Absolutely! Keep the 125... we love it!

We're just hypothetically adding to the lineup. Nothing wrong with wishing!

And while we're at it... a clock would be awfully nice too!

voodoosix · Post by **voodoosix** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 4:22 pm

i wouldnt change much-

rear disc brake would be nice.
a clock in the dash.
blue paint
chrome rim option
legsheild crash bar accessory
more vino'ish mirrors

JNV · Post by **JNV** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 5:16 pm

I love the Buddy the way it is. It reminds me of the older smallframe Vespas. My only complaint is the suspension, but either I am getting used to it or it is starting to get softer as it breaks in. As far as a lockable glove box is concerned, I am thinking about having one custom made by a guy who does custom stainless steel work for meat market equipment. He is also a scooterist and has offered to do custom work for my scoots if I need it. If I decide on it I will post pics later.

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 5:23 pm

Shellee wrote:I still maintain that a 200 or 250cc Buddy would be just about perfect. And it wouldn't have to look like a Vespa. I don't want a Vespa (I could have one if I wanted it). I love the Buddy style. Hey, they made a Big Ruckus with the same basic styling as the 50cc Ruckus! I'd like 12-inch tires and adjustable suspension to go along with the extra cc's.

I've had a 2006 and a 2007 Buddy... have had the Givi topbox on both and never had a problem with the rack welds on either scooter.

I'm still convinced that a Buddy 200/250 wouldn't be a Buddy at all. It would require far too many changes and would be heavy enough to dramatically alter the handling.

But one of the rumors milling around is that Genuine may be bringing over some kind of bigger engine scoot. Given what I've seen and heard about the SYM 200cc, that mat be a good idea. That scoot is priced low enough to lure buyers who like the Buddy but want a little more power.

merlin · Post by **merlin** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:14 pm

more performance parts!!!! more aftermarket parts.

as many people i see joining this board everyday,i bet that the market for said parts is getting larger and larger by the day.

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:40 pm

scullyfu wrote:my request is a simple one: an odometer.

It's already got one. Perhaps you mean a trip meter?

Regarding my '06, I have no complaints (other than the name).

JeremyZ · Post by **JeremyZ** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 1:36 am

pocphil wrote:You guys are aware that you can mount just about any Givi monolock case on the Chrome Buddy rear luggage rack....right?

<snip>

Oh, and all the other changes mentioned would turn the Buddy 125 into a Vespa Gt200. Let's stay in our budget here folks.

+1

If the Buddy had all these things, it would be in a higher price point, and wouldn't be such a great value.

I'm quite happy with 60-65 mph and 100 mpg. More speed & pickup mean less mpg.

Wider leg shield design = more frontal area = less aerodyamic = less efficient at cutting through the wind = lower fuel economy. If you ride with your legs splayed open, that's one thing, but when you want to be more slick, tuck them in. This doesn't matter on Vespas

Actually, now that I think of it, it would be a Blur.

Eddy Merckx · Post by **Eddy Merckx** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:17 am

Realy only one thing, some sort of winter clip on leg windscreen , maybe someone out in scooter world knows of such a device, and if you do please tell us northeasteners where we can purchase such a thing.

voodoosix · Post by **voodoosix** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:19 am

Eddy Merckx wrote:Realy only one thing, some sort of winter clip on leg windscreen , maybe someone out in scooter world knows of such a device, and if you do please tell us northeasteners where we can purchase such a thing.

ive never seen one (except for old japanese motorcycles), in the winter i just wear snowmobile coveralls.

Buddy_wannabe · Post by **Buddy_wannabe** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 3:56 am

I would like it if the speedometer/odometer was right ..... little more foot room for my size 13/wide feet ..... bigger tires

llthiel · Post by **llthiel** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 1:49 pm

Does anyone know when official information will be released about the 2008 Buddy? I am trying to decide between purchasing a 2007 or waiting until the 2008 is released. Thanks

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:22 pm

I'm pretty sure a blue for 08 was mentioned. Also heard that the price may be going up another $100 or so. (Disclaimer: This is hear say and rumor)

A lot of these changes do sound like some want a GTS/People 250 ...lol (I'd still like an additional 10mph and better suspension

)

Ultimately, the Buddy is a great scooter and I highly and honestly recommend it to people often. I have seen quite a few people experiencing problems with their seat latch (but then again that seems to plague many brands of scooters)

Oh, speaking of racks, the new rear racks are much better than the original ones (different design). Has anyone seen the extended mirrors at their dealers yet?

mlee10018 · Post by **mlee10018** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 2:16 am

ericalm wrote:What I really want from Genuine in '08: a new Stella!

I second that, a clean 4 stroke fast stella...

jetboy · Post by **jetboy** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:47 pm

Corsair wrote: Has anyone seen the extended mirrors at their dealers yet?

I've seen 'em at Sportique. They're nice! I don't have an issue with the stock ones, but the new ones look like they will do the trick for those who are not currently satisfied. They look just like the standard issue ones - just a little longer (2 inches maybe?).

-jetboy

awfulshot · Post by **awfulshot** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:16 pm

is the scooter industry like the car one and 2008 models get released in the middle of 2007? when do you think we will get info on the 2008 models?..

jetboy · Post by **jetboy** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:12 pm

awfulshot wrote:is the scooter industry like the car one and 2008 models get released in the middle of 2007? when do you think we will get info on the 2008 models?..

As I recall, we got official announcements in about February regarding the 2007 Buddy models - colors, features, etc.

Anyone recall differently?

-jetboy

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:20 pm

dru_ wrote:
pocphil wrote:You guys are aware that you can mount just about any Givi monolock case on the Chrome Buddy rear luggage rack....right?

We just delivered a series Italia today with this case:

http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bau ... O_ID=17031

Looks great, mounts up easy, quickly detaches with the key, has an optional brake light kit and backrest. Has fantastic Givi quality and a one year warranty.

Oh, and all the other changes mentioned would turn the Buddy 125 into a Vespa Gt200. Let's stay in our budget here folks.
Yeah, but I'm guessing that she's a very expensive optional accessory!?!?

No, it's not. Not if you already have the Buddy rack installed anyway. Look uo Givi E30n on the web; you'll prolly find one for around $119, and that includes a good heavy plastic convertor rack that installs right over the Buddy's. .....

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 11:10 pm

pocphil wrote:

Throw some whitewalls on that bitch

vitaminC · Post by **vitaminC** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 2:56 am

awfulshot wrote:is the scooter industry like the car one and 2008 models get released in the middle of 2007? when do you think we will get info on the 2008 models?..

Don't know about Genuine, but most motorcycle companies are releasing the '08 model info now. I don't think the 2008's will show up until around early 2008, or maybe late 2007...

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:19 am

Tbone wrote:
pocphil wrote:
Throw some whitewalls on that bitch

And be forced to switch from tubeless tires to tube types?
Not me..!

Modern Buddy

wish list for a 2008 buddy model...

wish list for a 2008 buddy model...

Re: wish list for a 2008 buddy model...

Buddy wishlist

2008 Buddy

Re: wish list for a 2008 buddy model...