Modern Buddy

I have a 2009 Buddy 50 and I'm wondering if there is a larger motor that will fit in the frame. I'm not a welder, so I'd like to have as few modifications as possible. I'd like anything from 100cc and up, ideally being 150cc. If anyone knows of a step-by-step resource for this conversion, I'd be very interested!

Thanks!

vincemarino001 wrote:I have a 2009 Buddy 50 and I'm wondering if there is a larger motor that will fit in the frame. I'm not a welder, so I'd like to have as few modifications as possible. I'd like anything from 100cc and up, ideally being 150cc. If anyone knows of a step-by-step resource for this conversion, I'd be very interested!

Thanks!

If you're not at least handy with a grinder you can't. The motor from the 125 and 150 will fit the Buddy 50 frame, but you'll have to grind off the 50's mounts(the 125/150 mounts are already there) Also, your front wheel and brake will be kinda small for the larger motor. So you'll want the front wheel and brake from a 125/150.

Yeah, a grinder I can handle. I'm just getting into welding. I guess I just don't wanna be riding down the road at 50mph guessing my novice welds will hold. But if the 125/150 mounts are already there, I can swing it! I guess, simply for ease, I'll be looking for a junked 125/150 buddy then, huh...?

Anyone in the Boston area got a wicked cheap 125/150 Buddy?

Kaos wrote: Also, your front wheel and brake will be kinda small for the larger motor. So you'll want the front wheel and brake from a 125/150.

To do this you'll need the front fork from a 125 as well.

Dave wrote:

Kaos wrote: Also, your front wheel and brake will be kinda small for the larger motor. So you'll want the front wheel and brake from a 125/150.

To do this you'll need the front fork from a 125 as well.

Ohh, right. Forgot that part.

Forgive the question if it is dumb, but why not just sell the 50 and get a used (since you are looking at a used engine anyway) 125 or 150 and be done with it?

-v

he's got the modding itch

gearhead wrote:he's got the modding itch

That, or he is trying to get around some laws requiring licensure for a 125 or 150cc scooter that may not be required (I don't know about MA) for a 50cc scooter.

Maybe I am way off base here, but I have seen new folks come onto forums in the past asking this kind of question for just this purpose.

-v

who doesnt like a bigger displacement registered as a 50cc
i know of a guy shoving a bergman engine in a zuma frame

It's not just the forks, the 1xx triple clamp is different too. the rear shock mount on the 50 is a little longer, so you might have to mod that too. no welding required.

I've got the same project in the works... probably not worth it unless you've got access to lots of free and/or cheap parts.

Vic wrote:

gearhead wrote:he's got the modding itch

That, or he is trying to get around some laws requiring licensure for a 125 or 150cc scooter that may not be required (I don't know about MA) for a 50cc scooter.

Maybe I am way off base here, but I have seen new folks come onto forums in the past asking this kind of question for just this purpose.

-v

Those laws have speed limits as well so he'd be screwed anyway

jmkjr72 wrote:who doesnt like a bigger displacement registered as a 50cc

Well, probably anyone who has had an accident and then it comes to light that your scoot is incorrectly registered or illegally unregistered, your drivers license may not have the required endorsement, and any insurance coverage you had is voided because you provided fraudulent information.

Dooglas wrote:

jmkjr72 wrote:who doesnt like a bigger displacement registered as a 50cc

Well, probably anyone who has had an accident and then it comes to light that your scoot is incorrectly registered or illegally unregistered, your drivers license may not have the required endorsement, and any insurance coverage you had is voided because you provided fraudulent information.

That's the thing in MA. If you are 50cc and under you don't need, insurance, don't need a plate, and don't have to get it inspected. Just get a 40 registration sticker that's good for 2 years. Plus it helps not to have a plate because you can park it anywhere(sidewalk) and are less like to get any type of ticket because police can't look up the sticker like they can look up a plate. I've been pulled over 4 times in the last 2 months. It sucks but I've yet to get a ticket. MA scooter laws are F-ed.

And yes if you get in an accident, well that another story, but no ones going to know the Buddy 50 actually has a 150cc in it.

Does anyone knows if the 170cc could fit in the 50cc buddy?

vincemarino001 wrote:I have a 2009 Buddy 50 and I'm wondering if there is a larger motor that will fit in the frame. I'm not a welder, so I'd like to have as few modifications as possible. I'd like anything from 100cc and up, ideally being 150cc. If anyone knows of a step-by-step resource for this conversion, I'd be very interested!

Thanks!

I suggest you sit down and do the math, i.e. the cost of conversion vs. the cost of selling your Buddy 50 and buying a Buddy 125 or 150. I'm betting that you'll come out way ahead (and be safer) if you do the latter.

Bill in Seattle
'09 150 Blackjack
'12 170i Italia

All good advice - you are way upside down ($$$) because besides the engine, pretty much the entire front end will need swapped out and you should consider the wheels/tires too. Sell the 50 to someone just starting out or for their kid learning to ride or a college scooter then buy a used 150 (old international).

If this is to 'get around' the 50 vs 150, once you change the engine it is NOT a 50 anymore yet you could always just change the badge - to make it look like a 50. Maybe to look less appealing to thieves? Just until you take off on it then everyone will know that is not a 50 anymore.

When we did our last full body panel swap we never installed the badges - just left them on the original panels. Funny how so many people just assume it is anything but a 150. We have heard 50, 70, 100, 125… until she starts it and takes off then everyone is pretty impressed as she can run 75 BMPH any day.

What is your angle? Keep us posted how it goes.