Buddy 50 showing its age?

[Whimscootie]

Anyway, I hope you are happy with "Flash II" or whatever you will call him!

I also like the black front fender...

[theflash784]

I am glad you got a new scoot and were able to keep the body panels from Flash- especially the front one with your decal. I am sure you will enjoy riding your new one,

[Neurotic-Hapi-Snak]

In Ohio I got my MC learner's permit just by studying for and passing the written exam.

Then I had to ride a year with it and had the following restrictions: 1) could not ride at night; 2) had to wear a helmet (which I'd do anyway)

I lived in the sticks far, far away from any motorcycle safety classes (not required in Ohio), so I rode my 49cc scoot and practiced the maneuvers that would be required on the driving test at my local DMV for 12 months.

Then I went over and took the driving test and passed it. I was one of two people who showed up that day. Me on my Ruckus and another person on a big Harley.

That was it. I'm not saying it's the best thing, but I am "licensed" now for life to ride any size motorcycle that I so choose.

And that's how simple it is in Ohio.

I feel that I am a safe and aware rider and have read and watched the MSF videos, etc. I take no chances and have no notions of immortality!

I would consider doing a local course now that I have moved near a city, but they'd make me ride a motorcycle to do it and so why bother?

49cc in Ohio requires a license plate, insurance, and an M (or learner's) permit on the driver's license.

I stick to the back roads whenever possible. For me, having a 125cc over a 49cc is really not that big of a deal because I like to cruise 35-40mph average anyway.

I could sell my 125cc tomorrow and never miss it. I would, however, sorely miss the fun of my little 49cc.

Just sayin'.......

MN is similar. Written (actually computerized now) test and $20 fee grants you a motorcycle permit good for one year, and renewable. Restrictions include: No riding at night (1/2hr after sunset to 1/2hr before sunrise), No freeways (Limited access uncontrolled highways), No passenger, Must wear helmet (Which should be the law anyways, used to be but it was reversed).

After 30 days, you are allowed to take the road test for the license endorsement. IF you take the MSF Basic Rider course, you get a waiver for the road test and can get the endorsement on your license even before the 30 days.

Under 18 or 21, I can't remember which, you must take the MSF course or approved motorcycle safety course before you can get your permit. Not sure if the MSF BR course still grants you a waver to the road test for the endorsement.

There is no separate MC license in MN, so you must posses a DL. You can get a Moped license to operate mopeds (actually any two wheeled vehicle under 50cc and with a max speed of 30mph) with out a DL. In MN if you have a DL you can operate a moped without a MC permit/endorsement.

Also, it weird that they would restrict you to using a MC for the safety course. I know all the MSF courses around here provide MCs but allow you to use your own bike, as long as it is over 50cc. They recommend using their bikes, though, in case you spill/drop/lay down/crash/tip/etc... I would still take even if you have to use their bikes, they teach skills that are hard to learn from a book or video. Plus learning to operate a different MC is always a good skill to pick up. You never know, maybe you'll like it so much you'll pick up a motorcycle for weekend or long rides.

[TVB]

Also, it weird that they would restrict you to using a MC for the safety course.

The rationale is that the class is for riding a motorcycle, so at the end of it you should know how to operate any given motorcycle, most of which require shifting. Part of the standard class is spent teaching gear-shifting, after all (because most newbies need it), so it makes sense that everyone in the class should have a clutch to use for that part.

Once upon a time, an automobile driver's ed class or the state road test was always done with manual-transmission cars... with same thinking: it was called a "standard" transmission. Of course automatic cars have become the new standard, so now they use automatics (even back in my day). And the motorcycle people are starting to wake up to the same realization: riding a motorbike doesn't have to mean shifting.

[TVB]

One itty-bitty glitch I've encountered with the "new" scoot: the speedometer and odometer stopped working. I was riding it around, keeping an eye on the speedo while I learned the feel of it. After stopping for a red light: it was stuck at 0, and the odometer didn't move. After the next light, it was working again. Then it wasn't, and it hasn't since then. 0 mph and 38.4 miles. I've probably gone another 20 miles like that today, keeping pace with traffic.

I'm sure it's just a loose connection, made while reassembling the bike with the old panels. I looked at what I could see without doing any disassembly, but couldn't see the problem, so I'll just take it in to the shop over lunch sometime in the next few days. After all, I have a warranty again.

[Neurotic-Hapi-Snak]

Also, it weird that they would restrict you to using a MC for the safety course.

The rationale is that the class is for riding a motorcycle, so at the end of it you should know how to operate any given motorcycle, most of which require shifting. Part of the standard class is spent teaching gear-shifting, after all (because most newbies need it), so it makes sense that everyone in the class should have a clutch to use for that part.

Once upon a time, an automobile driver's ed class or the state road test was always done with manual-transmission cars... with same thinking: it was called a "standard" transmission. Of course automatic cars have become the new standard, so now they use automatics (even back in my day). And the motorcycle people are starting to wake up to the same realization: riding a motorbike doesn't have to mean shifting.

I didn't even think that it was because of shifting, I thought they just didn't like scooters.

[mquez86]

I have a 50cc 2008 roketa,and I recently got my engine rebuilt new carberator, spark plug and battery. The scooter was running fine until all of a sudden I heard a loud ratteling sound coming from underneath an then it stopped. But I pulled over anyway to check it out, I saw my mudflap was stuck in between my tire so I pulled it off but when I tried to rev up my engine it wouldn't move forward and I my tire wasn't even spinning. I turned off the scoot and tried to turn it back on and it wouldn't start anymore, what could it be now?

[TVB]

I'm getting close to making the transition complete, including the legal stuff. Since I don't have time to wait for an opening to take the MSF Basic Rider course, I'm getting "endorsed" the old-fashioned way: by taking the tests.

The written test was pretty simple: a combination of common sense safety tips and trivia questions about state traffic laws. Reviewing the state's booklet ahead of time helped, mostly by making sure I knew what kind of answers they were looking for.

I missed 2 out of 20 questions (minimum score of 16 to pass): I misread one, asking what a passenger is supposed to do with their feet at a stop; I thought it was asking what the operator should do (since I wasn't taking the test to be a passenger). And the other was about what speed the state requires you to wear a shatterproof visor/goggles; I had no idea, so I selected the slowest speed, because it seems like a dumb idea to wait until you're going faster to protect your face.

Whatever: I passed, which authorized me to ride for 6 months with supervision before taking the road test. Um... no. I need a full license now, please.

Fortunately my mail carrier Dan is a Buddy owner and a swell guy, and offered to "supervise" me riding to the road test, which the state outsources to various private driving schools. The test course was in the parking lot of one of the lower-rent malls in the suburbs, and it was even easier than the written test. At least it was for me.

The riding test is mostly about tight maneuvering skills and knowing how to stop without wiping out. Points are knocked off for letting the engine stall or putting a foot down, neither of which was likely to happen to me. After all, the Buddy is possibly the most maneuverable "motorcycle" on the streets, and I've been riding one for over 5 years. The cone weave was easier than dodging potholes, and I've done tighter U-turns in the parking lot behind Smitty's Specialty Beverage.

Still left to do:

1) Visit the Secretary of State's office to get my test certificate converted into an endorsed license.
2) Order a personalized license plate that reads "FLA5H" ("FLASH" is taken).
3) Get the black fender replaced with a red one (still on order).

Then I'll be off to the UP!

[az_slynch]

I have a 50cc 2008 roketa,and I recently got my engine rebuilt new carberator, spark plug and battery. The scooter was running fine until all of a sudden I heard a loud ratteling sound coming from underneath an then it stopped. But I pulled over anyway to check it out, I saw my mudflap was stuck in between my tire so I pulled it off but when I tried to rev up my engine it wouldn't move forward and I my tire wasn't even spinning. I turned off the scoot and tried to turn it back on and it wouldn't start anymore, what could it be now?

Welcome to MB. For future reference, please note that it's impolite to threadjack.

You might want to check your variator and drive belt.

[az_slynch]

I'm getting close to making the transition complete, including the legal stuff. Since I don't have time to wait for an opening to take the MSF Basic Rider course, I'm getting "endorsed" the old-fashioned way: by taking the tests.

The written test was pretty simple: a combination of common sense safety tips and trivia questions about state traffic laws. Reviewing the state's booklet ahead of time helped, mostly by making sure I knew what kind of answers they were looking for.

I missed 2 out of 20 questions (minimum score of 16 to pass): I misread one, asking what a passenger is supposed to do with their feet at a stop; I thought it was asking what the operator should do (since I wasn't taking the test to be a passenger). And the other was about what speed the state requires you to wear a shatterproof visor/goggles; I had no idea, so I selected the slowest speed, because it seems like a dumb idea to wait until you're going faster to protect your face.

Whatever: I passed, which authorized me to ride for 6 months with supervision before taking the road test. Um... no. I need a full license now, please.

Fortunately my mail carrier Dan is a Buddy owner and a swell guy, and offered to "supervise" me riding to the road test, which the state outsources to various private driving schools. The test course was in the parking lot of one of the lower-rent malls in the suburbs, and it was even easier than the written test. At least it was for me.

The riding test is mostly about tight maneuvering skills and knowing how to stop without wiping out. Points are knocked off for letting the engine stall or putting a foot down, neither of which was likely to happen to me. After all, the Buddy is possibly the most maneuverable "motorcycle" on the streets, and I've been riding one for over 5 years. The cone weave was easier than dodging potholes, and I've done tighter U-turns in the parking lot behind Smitty's Specialty Beverage.

Still left to do:

1) Visit the Secretary of State's office to get my test certificate converted into an endorsed license.
2) Order a personalized license plate that reads "FLA5H" ("FLASH" is taken).
3) Get the black fender replaced with a red one (still on order).

Then I'll be off to the UP!

Hopefully, the remaining items will go as smoothly as the prior ones. I approve of the vanity tag!

Might want to pop the headlight out of the housing and see if the cable's fully screwed into the speedometer. While it might be connected at the top end, the cable might have pulled up some when they removed the headset. You might need to raise the front wheel and turn it until the inner cable drops back into the speedometer drive.

[TVB]

I got the "FLA5H" plate the other day, and today the "CY" license arrived in the mail. So I guess this means I've completed my legal transition to a "motorcyclist". And none too soon: I leave on my big road trip in about 60 hours.

[skully93]

I got the "FLA5H" plate the other day, and today the "CY" license arrived in the mail. So I guess this means I've completed my legal transition to a "motorcyclist". And none too soon: I leave on my big road trip in about 60 hours.

Not according to most Harley riders . Of course, they smirk at my honda until I shoot off ahead of them, quietly!

Have fun on your trip, I'll be watching for the pictures thread.

[TVB]

Have fun on your trip, I'll be watching for the pictures thread.

Thanks! Pictures will be on the web site: http://toddverbeek.com/miway/

[Whimscootie]

Todd-
I am looking forward to vicariously scooting with you through the UP!

Love your vanity plate idea too!

Safe rides-

Deb

[TVB]

Epilogue:

Today I brought the new Buddy 125 in for a routine oil change, and while I was waiting I looked around the showroom floor. I didn't see my old Buddy 50 (which would now be baby blue, after the panel-swap). The mechanic explained that they'd already sold him!

My 125 had sat on their showroom floor for four years, never being adopted because – let's be honest here – that blue is not very many people's first choice. So it kept getting passed over in favor of the other 125s they had in stock. (Except the seafoam green; no one wants that one either.) By buying it I was kinda doing them a favor... except that by doing the panel swap, I was sticking them with the ugly blue panels, to put on my old scoot and then put back on the showroom floor. The mechanic confided that he didn't have high hopes for it selling. I suggested that maybe the color would be a better fit for 50cc rider.

Well, some weeks later, a guy came in looking for cheap transportation to get to work, hoping to buy something in the price range of a chinascoot. The salesman explained that they don't sell those kinds of bikes... but they did have a used Buddy 50 that they could sell for about the same amount of money, and even though it had quite a few miles on it, it'd probably last longer than something drop-shipped from the PRC. Apparently the guy liked – or didn't mind – the color, because he bought it.

I don't think the dealership made any profit on that sale (compared to what they gave me for it in trade-in), but looking at the whole set of transactions: they got an unsellable baby-blue 125 out of their inventory, set up one customer with a nice fresh set of wheels, initiated a new customer into scooterdom, and made the equivalent profit of one complete sale. So I think we all won.

Now I'm going to be keeping my eyes open for a baby-blue Buddy 50 on the streets.

[TVB]

I went to a matineé this afternoon, and parked my scoot in the usual place at the cineplex. It's a spot by the bicycle rack, not in anyone's way, but close to the door... kind of my "reserved" scooter-parking spot. Once in a while I'll see another scoot parked there, and today as I came out of the theater I saw one parked next to mine. Another Buddy, in fact! A baby blue 50cc....

Waitaminute. The blue panels look new, but the black panels are scuffed up and faded. The engine's got a weathered patina to it. And the odometer has *gasp* over 25,400 miles.

It's my old scooter.

1500 miles (and it looks like one minor spill) later.

And like a horse finding its way to a familiar pasture, he's returned to the same spot where I'd parked him so many times before.

I didn't have anything with me to leave a note, and I might've had to wait a couple hours for the owner to come out, so, I just took a couple snapshots and went on my way .....

[PeteH]

(Sniff) All grown up, moved out, and on his own....

[charlie55]

[skully93]

Nice!

I work 2 blocks from where the owner of my first scooter, a 50cc Zuma, lives. I see 'him' all the time. He lives outside in a major metro area, so he's a bit beat up, but 2000 miles later, still going strong.