Modern Buddy

Thinking of a Super 8 150. And also considering a Like 200. I'm 6' tall and barely 200lbs. I'd use it around town, and also on an occasional short trip (probably 3 miles) excursion on a 50MPH speed limit connector road and also on 45MPH county country roads.

I've heard the S8 150 can hit 60MPH. My question is, should I consider it given my above mentioned use, or should I get something in the 200-250 engine size instead to have more power, more reserve power, and quicker response?

(The Buddy 125 in my signature is my wife's and I've never really ridden it. I own a couple of motorcycles)

Thanks

I would suggest riding your wife's 125 first. Why buy a brand new unknown scooter when you've never even ridden one yet? Especially since you have one sitting in front of you waiting for you to try it. There's no way to tell what your preferences are if you've never ridden one.

Yes, I could do that for a somewhat general idea, but I wouldn't know just how much a Buddy 125 and a Kymco 150 match up in size and power and performance.

If I was considering a Chevrolet Malibu, would I test drive a Ford Fusion and make my decision to buy the Chevy from that? I'm looking for advice from a Super 8 150 owner.

george54 wrote:If I was considering a Chevrolet Malibu, would I test drive a Ford Fusion and make my decision to buy the Chevy from that? I'm looking for advice from a Super 8 150 owner.

If a Buddy 125 can do what you need a Super 8 150 would be able to do it too. It is a completely valid suggestion to test the Buddy out and see if it can cover your needs. If all you need to do is around town and a short distances at 50 mph pretty much any scooter 125cc or bigger will be big enough. Over 60,000 miles scooted and I have never had an accident because of a lack of power and the largest scooter I have owned is a Buddy 125.


http://www.kymcoforum.com/

I own both a Kymco Like 200 and a Buddy 125. It's important to note that the Like 200 is only 163cc's, not 200cc. If I had to choose between the two scoots, I'd go with the Buddy 125. It's definitely smoother at higher speeds. The Like 200 tends to vibrate a lot more with speeds over 50 mph.

I've ridden both the Buddy-125 and the S8-150. The S8 is substantially bigger (14" wheels) than the Buddy and it's substantially less "twitchy" at higher speeds [some people see this as less responsive]. Note that the current (2015+) S8 have smaller wheels.

Power-wise, the Buddy and the S8 feel similar. The S8 will get up to an indicated 65 with my 230-lb butt aboard, which translates to an actual 58 or so (the speedo reads about 10% high).

The S8 should be more than adequate for what you describe. The biggest downside is that it has a fairly stiff ride (and thin seat padding!).

My suggestion would be to borrow the Buddy and take it on your "typical" rides a couple of times. If you feel comfortable with the acceleration and speed, then you'll be OK with the S8.

The S8 in our family is my wife's (as was the Buddy previously). I had a matching S8 (both 2009s), but found that I was almost always riding the Honda Nighthawk 250 instead of the S8.

Mechanically, the S8 has been quite reliable (a bit over 10,000 miles at this point). The weak point is the electrical system: the alternator is a bit on the anemic side so we keep the bike on a float charger between rides).

I owned a like 200i and replaced it with a Buddy 125. IMO the Buddy is 3x the scooter a Kymco Like is.

Thank you tjupille.

I also think you should do a couple of test rides on the Buddy 125. I don't think there is much doubt the S8 or most other 125/150/175 scooters could do what you describe. The real question is which would you find most satisfying to ride. Many prefer a bit more power and acceleration. Others find the Buddy 125 or similar to be completely adequate for an "around town" scooter.

I've a Honda Elite 150. If you're asking if 150cc's has enough get up and go... Yes. I've also ridden the Lance Cabo 150 for three days and was very satisfied. You won't be doing highway jaunts in a metropolitan city but the power is sufficient for this 6 foot 230 lbs fella.

Thank you Todd and Dooglas.

Guys, I of course know I can ride the Buddy to get _some idea_ but it won't be a side by side comparison, and I wouldn't know about power, seat height, etc. I also believe that some years have different diameter wheels, which affect ride, handling, height, etc.. Maybe I'm expecting there to be too much of a difference in my 125 and the S8 150. I'm looking for other's experience with the Super 8. Thanks again to all.

If you're not sure, get an SYM HD200. Only 171ccs but water-cooled. Runs like a rabbit.

Syd wrote:If you're not sure, get an SYM HD200. Only 171ccs but water-cooled. Runs like a rabbit.

I just looked them up Syd. Very interesting, a bit expensive and none on the used market it seems.

The reliability of the older Super 8's are iffy.. they had wiring harness issues. I have two in the junkyard with fried harnesses. Something to think about.