Buddy or 4T Stella?

vwgrl1999 · Post by **vwgrl1999** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 5:43 pm

Hey everybody,
As the title suggests, I'm debating between a Buddy or a 4t Stella. I am really torn right now over which scooter I want to replace my Honda Metro. Guess I would like to hear some feedback from any of you who have had experience w/both scoots re: dependability, general ride comfort, ease of doing maintenance, real world top speed, real world gas mileage, etc.

Right now I ride my scooter to/from work (35 miles one way) and around town on errands and on my days off just for fun I take it on longer rides. I need a bigger displacement scoot, but don't need something that can go on the interstates...I'm happier on the back roads. I have always done general maintenance on the Honda myself i.e. oil changes, gear oil changes, air filter, spark plug. It goes to the shop for anything else. The Honda has been an incredibly reliable form of transportation over the four years and 9000 miles that I've owned it. But, it's time to move up to something bigger, 40mph just isn't cutting it anymore!

Here's why I'm torn: I LOVE the looks of the Stella and have had my heart set on one for years, but I've read that the shifting is cumbersome/awkward. Shifting itself doesn't scare me, both of my cars are sticks, so I understand the logistics. But, is it a pain in the arse to shift on a scooter? I am so used to my auto scooter, it's nice to have one vehicle that doesn't require shifting. I've also read that the Stella's have a few more mechanical quirks. I don't want something that is going to have to be down for repairs during peak riding season. The Buddy gets points for being automatic and (from what I've read) being more reliable, but loses points in my book for the more modern look.

So, there's my cunundrum. It would be great to have some opinions from some of you w/experience w/these two different scoots. Thanks in advance.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:34 pm

I can't say which I even like better because I have never been on a buddy- or any auto scoot really. I get the appeal of both, would love to have a buddy one day (or maybe a vespa 150S).

I can answer (subjectively) about the shifter though. I have never had a problem with it or found it cumbersome. I also drive cars with manual transmissions, and found the transition to be super easy.

Also subjectively, I would probably be more bothered by NOT being able to shift manually. If you like it better in your car, you will likely prefer it on a scoot as well. On the other hand if preference (of the driving experience) isn't actually your reason to drive manual trans cars, then maybe it won't be an issue for you to drive an auto scoot.

There are other threads here about this very topic. I'll bet you'll find lots of good info on the positives/ negatives of both there. But at the end of the day, it is just what you like.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:40 pm

Obviously both are great scooters albeit vastly different. But with a 70 mile daily commute I'd go with the bigger engine and lager storage capacity of the Buddy 170i.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:49 pm

Skootz Kabootz wrote:Obviously both are great scooters albeit vastly different. But with a 70 mile daily commute I'd go with the bigger engine and lager storage capacity of the Buddy 170i.

Agreed. I missed that 70 miles a day portion. You may even want to look at a Vespa or Piaggio in the larger displacement range- if it's not cost prohibitive.

I love my Stella, but if I had to drive that much on it daily, realistically I'd probably start falling back to my cage.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:58 pm

Well you really can't go wrong with either choice. They are both pretty reliable. I guess it depends on what you like better, what fits, and if you want a shifty. I have the 170I and I have had no problems with it at all. It's a bit lighter than the Stella and is fuel injected. The Stella is a bit slower (not by much), but looks good and it's not as nimble as a Buddy but still a good scoot. If you get the Stella it would be a good idea to have/learn a little mechanical skills for the "just in case" cos you might have to change a cluch cable but you don't have to be an "ace" mechanic or anything. I'd say the best thing you can do is sit on each of them and see what works. I was originally going to get Stella when I was shopping for a new scoot but ended up getting the Buddy. Now I'm hooked and want both so I'm going to get a Stella in a month or two.

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 9:34 pm

I can say, since our household has one of each.
I LOVE my Stella, but riding my wife's Buddy (150 international) after riding the Stella is like riding a la-z-boy chair.
I like them both for very different reasons.
Don't get nervous about the shifting on the Stella. I picked it up on a day, and I had NEVER ridden anything 2 wheeled that shifts. I also have no problem switching between the Buddy and the Stella,
As for shifting and learning- I took the local MSF class, and learned the shifting there before picking up the Stella. I highly recommend anybody considering a bigger (or shifter) bike to take the class first!
-tom

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 9:49 pm

I've not been on the Stella, so...

I do normally drive a standard trans car, and except in rush hour now prefer it. however I know that because of the times I travel and the traffic, it would drive me bonkers on my scoot. Twistngo is fun!

With a nice long shot though, you might not mind as much.

Are you comfortable with the general performance of your met for that distance? if so, the Buddy will only please you. I started with a yamaha Zuma, which is still a great scoot, and like the Buddy for the same reasons, though Genuine seems to be a better built product IMHO.

The 170i is everything I like about the Buddy only more so. Not really much more performance, but that EFI sure is smooth..

Hopefully you can test each one a tad and then decide for yourself!

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:20 pm

I've owned both!

Here's my review of the Stella:
topic17786.html

One thing I've learned is that while shifting in and of itself isn't difficult to learn, riding a shifter like the Stella requires more attention and better riding habits than riding an automatic. I can get away with being pretty dang sloppy on an automatic. I can't get away with such bad habits on the Stella.

I don't know what kind of traffic you're dealing with in your 35 miles each way, but shifting in heavy traffic can be tiring, as can shifting in very hilly and curvy areas. I ride my Stella in heavy traffic most days, but only have 12 miles each way.

vwgrl1999 · Post by **vwgrl1999** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 4:26 am

ericalm wrote:I've owned both!

Here's my review of the Stella:
topic17786.html

One thing I've learned is that while shifting in and of itself isn't difficult to learn, riding a shifter like the Stella requires more attention and better riding habits than riding an automatic. I can get away with being pretty dang sloppy on an automatic. I can't get away with such bad habits on the Stella.

I don't know what kind of traffic you're dealing with in your 35 miles each way, but shifting in heavy traffic can be tiring, as can shifting in very hilly and curvy areas. I ride my Stella in heavy traffic most days, but only have 12 miles each way.

Now there's a good point, and something I hadn't taken into consideration.....'shifting in hilly and curvy areas.' My ride to/from work is pretty much a straight shot, not much traffic or many traffic lights, but there are alot of curves and hills! That right there may have just sold me on the Buddy.
I love the twisty back roads and will go completely out of my way on the scooter to do a little leaning!
Soon, my commute won't be as long - moving closer to work - but it will entail more stop and go traffic than it does now. And while I prefer to drive a stick I think, for some reason, riding a shifty might get annoying to me.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 5:03 am

Well… I don't shy away from riding the twisties on the Stella!

This…

…is right past this:

I have yet to go over the guardrail!