Just got my first Buddy.
Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 1:30 am
Well, it's final. After many weeks of reading and studying up on various scooters, old and new, I made the plunge and got myself a brand new Buddy 50.
My journey started with used scooters. As you may know from reading my other thread, I originally wanted to get my teenage scooter back (90's Yamaha Jog) but after struggling to find one in good condition and within even five hours radius of where I live, and many disappointments, I finally gave up and said the heck with it.
I first had a look at the Zuma line, being that it was a Yamaha scooter. I've always ridden that make. Even when I use to ride dirt bikes, I always rode Yamaha. But when I found out that they no longer made 2-stroke engines and learning about the power drop and maintenance, I decided to pass. Plus, I didn't like what they did with the floor board space. There's just something so restrictive about having a huge lump on the floor imo. It just looked like something I wouldn't want to put up with.
Next, I read up on Honda's... same thing. Another 4-stroke fest. I didn't want that. They may be for some people, but it's not for me.
After that, I started to search for old 2-stroke Zuma's etc. but once I found a few I realized that I don't know the first thing about motors and taking them into the dealership... I couldn't even get a QUOTE unless I took it in and how can I take a used scooter in that isn't even mine?
Just when I was giving up, I stumbled upon Genuine's website and clicked on the Buddy 50. I liked the look of the Titanium model because something about the body, it was very Jog inspired. The price was cheaper than the Zuma line as well which was nice. Then I scrolled down and saw that they were 2-stroke engines and instantly knew that I may have a winner on my hands. I did my home work, checking out Genuine's reputation and seeing what the scooter community thought about them and when I saw that they had a great warranty and a good reputation for being long lasting scooters, I called the dealership and asked about de-striction. As you guys know, I don't see the use in buying a 49cc that can barely hit 30mph on a good day. When the dealer said that they de-restrict them before they even go out on the floor... that was it.
I called him back and told him I could do MSRP cash-in-hand... thinking that I might be able to have those fees waved. Unfortunately, that was no-dice so I conceded and drove to the dealership with a trailer and walked out the owner of a new Buddy 50.
I decided to get the Titanium because I didn't really care for the chrome on the black and white (the only other two colors I like on the Buddy). I like how on the Titanium, the black blends into the scooter. It's really sharp looking.
I took it out today (couldn't help myself) when I got home and had a blast riding it around town even though it was barely 45 degrees. I was bundled up like a dang eskimo and still nearly froze to death. I forgot how cold riding can be on days like that.
I weigh about 149 pounds and dealer de-restricted, the needle hit 45mph on flat ground. I didn't keep the throttle open for any longer than that because I know it's not good to keep it open for long periods of time when it's a new scooter but I was surprised at just how zippy it was. It really reminds me of the Jog and I'm quite happy with my purchase.
Well, that's about all I have to say. It feels good to be a scooter owner again and I can't wait for warmer weather. Hopefully that's sooner rather than later. Spring takes a long time here in Chicago lol.
My journey started with used scooters. As you may know from reading my other thread, I originally wanted to get my teenage scooter back (90's Yamaha Jog) but after struggling to find one in good condition and within even five hours radius of where I live, and many disappointments, I finally gave up and said the heck with it.
I first had a look at the Zuma line, being that it was a Yamaha scooter. I've always ridden that make. Even when I use to ride dirt bikes, I always rode Yamaha. But when I found out that they no longer made 2-stroke engines and learning about the power drop and maintenance, I decided to pass. Plus, I didn't like what they did with the floor board space. There's just something so restrictive about having a huge lump on the floor imo. It just looked like something I wouldn't want to put up with.
Next, I read up on Honda's... same thing. Another 4-stroke fest. I didn't want that. They may be for some people, but it's not for me.
After that, I started to search for old 2-stroke Zuma's etc. but once I found a few I realized that I don't know the first thing about motors and taking them into the dealership... I couldn't even get a QUOTE unless I took it in and how can I take a used scooter in that isn't even mine?
Just when I was giving up, I stumbled upon Genuine's website and clicked on the Buddy 50. I liked the look of the Titanium model because something about the body, it was very Jog inspired. The price was cheaper than the Zuma line as well which was nice. Then I scrolled down and saw that they were 2-stroke engines and instantly knew that I may have a winner on my hands. I did my home work, checking out Genuine's reputation and seeing what the scooter community thought about them and when I saw that they had a great warranty and a good reputation for being long lasting scooters, I called the dealership and asked about de-striction. As you guys know, I don't see the use in buying a 49cc that can barely hit 30mph on a good day. When the dealer said that they de-restrict them before they even go out on the floor... that was it.
I called him back and told him I could do MSRP cash-in-hand... thinking that I might be able to have those fees waved. Unfortunately, that was no-dice so I conceded and drove to the dealership with a trailer and walked out the owner of a new Buddy 50.
I decided to get the Titanium because I didn't really care for the chrome on the black and white (the only other two colors I like on the Buddy). I like how on the Titanium, the black blends into the scooter. It's really sharp looking.
I took it out today (couldn't help myself) when I got home and had a blast riding it around town even though it was barely 45 degrees. I was bundled up like a dang eskimo and still nearly froze to death. I forgot how cold riding can be on days like that.
I weigh about 149 pounds and dealer de-restricted, the needle hit 45mph on flat ground. I didn't keep the throttle open for any longer than that because I know it's not good to keep it open for long periods of time when it's a new scooter but I was surprised at just how zippy it was. It really reminds me of the Jog and I'm quite happy with my purchase.
Well, that's about all I have to say. It feels good to be a scooter owner again and I can't wait for warmer weather. Hopefully that's sooner rather than later. Spring takes a long time here in Chicago lol.
