I bought a used 10-yo Buddy 170i. I live at high altitude and there are steep grades on occasion. And plenty of twisties. I had a new 125CC Yamaha scooter, which couldn't get up these roads faster than 15-20 mph. Too many furious motorists when the speed limit was 45-50. Had to say goodbye to it. Now, my 170i kicks it up the same grades, so I feel safer being able to flow with what traffic there is -- usually impatient Bubbas in huge trucks. I can stay ahead of them and then dust them when we get to serious curves. I had an SV650S before, so I love curves and railing it.. The Buddy 170i is great on twisty, upcountry roads. I call it my Baby Busa. Plus, unlike the SV650S, should I beef it, I can pick the Buddy up myself. Oh, and I only go to gas stations that pump 91 octane without ethanol. I can't chance sub-grade fuel up here. And I carry a portable gas canister., I mean the mileage is amazing, but up here in the Sierras you never know where gas is. And with the Buddy's 1.9L tank... I take precautions.
buddy scooters aka the only scooter that a short person can flat foot on both feet. but u have to deal with tiny 10” tires. the narrower floorboard helps too.
I owned & loved a 170i & am deciding if I want to replace it or get a Kick. I'm 6'1" & about 225 lbs so I like that the Kick has dual rear shocks & a flatter, wider seat. I never had a problem w/my 170 but I did upgrade the shock & forks just because of my size. I like a rear disc but don't mind the drum brake. The reason I watched this video was to see if the kick had linked brakes (I don't like them). This was really informative. I didn't think about how a softer seat would feel. Thank you.
Similar situation as you, and the Genuine Hooligan ended up fitting my needs perfectly. Bigger than the Buddy in pretty much every way without being too big and cumbersome in the city. Check it out!
All these Buddys and Buddy Kicks are made by PGO, a Taiwanese scooter company of low profile. PGO used to have OEM collaboration with Piaggio about 40 years ago and gained expertise in engine design. "Buddy" is the older style of scooter models while "Buddy Kick" is the newer model. "Buddy" is called "BuBu" in Taiwan with lighter weight for fast dash out upon green light, and was regarded as "Bazooka" by local teenagers. PGO makes scooters of very strong and reliable engines.
Can you make a video on how to disconnect seat cable that controls the open/close, to refuel Buddy? Mine is a giant pain in the ass. Stuck 3/4 of the time, now low on gas again and cannot open the seat to access gas cap. Thank you.
Thank you, I have not ridden the Buddy, (first was a 125 Sanyang motorcycle in Taipei, and second was a 150cc China twist and go (Bali 150, touring body). These look good.
I am interested in buying a used 2012 Genuine Psycho driven 700 miles for $1,600. I cannot get much information on this particular scooter. I had a 125cc "Lil Buddy" and had no problems. I drove it 3,000 miles in 2 years. Any pros or cons with the Psyco, or should I avoid owning it?
Would you be a doll and do an overview/review for the Kick? I'm very small and I've done some research on what would work best for me and the one thing holding me back is my height and weight. Also, would you know if the low profile seat replacement for the other Buddy's will fit on the Kick?
Yeah, I’m 4’11” 90lbs.. I ended up going with a Grom competitor. I was hoping for a reply with an overview so I could get something that was bottom heavy where I could hold it up with one foot on the ground. Oh well.
Question I just bought a 170i , my Friend I got her 150 ? Why does my scooter Transmission feel like it automatically downshifts when coming off the throttle? Don’t get me wrong I like it ! Saves brakes ! Is there a big difference in motor ? Feels like my 170i off the line is unbeatable of any scooter ? Also my Body on 170i looks more Stealth, aerodynamic?? I really enjoyed video! Thanks
Great videos I just bought a yamaha vino 50cc.. I live in Columbus, OH. Got a question since you are in Cleveland. Since a vino is technically 49cc in Ohio do i have to take a test or have a endorsment?
Thank you for an excellent production. My takeaway from this is that if one fuels a carbureted Buddy (no matter how many cc's), with only ethanol-free gas (plus perhaps even some "Sta-Bil" gas treatment), there shouldn't be any gas related problems, even if the bike doesn't ride often. Would that be correct? One more question: Can a scratch on the plastic fairing be compounded and buffed out, as one would do with an automobile? Thanks again!
The buddy 150 is no longer available. The blackjack also had an aftermarket exhaust. Mph indicated will be different than actual. There are also a ton of variables that effect the performance.
Do you recommend this Buddy scooter. The seller says it needs a carburetor, my mechanic says it's fishy, it only has 90 miles mileage. Asking $800. What do you think?
A carb is pretty easy to replace on one of these. If the bike has been sitting it may just need a good cleaning which is (obviously) cheaper & can be done by a novice if you pay attention to what you're doing.
I had a 125, great scooter but the wheels are too small. The kick is kind of ugly - IMHO. I currently ride a SYM HD200, a great scooter ( 70mph, 75mpg ) - sadly, they are no longer available.
A lot of people prefer the vintage styling and the lower seat height. We were only comparing these bikes to each other. A better comparison would be to the Piaggio LIberty
I got a buddy 150cc ( calif ) it was a theft recovery who ever had it tuned it so much that this little monkey has no problem doing 6o.mph .. scary 😮 for a little scooter scared me !! So I try to ease on the throttle and It has a tut tut tut sound when it idles sound like a big bike since the gas tank hold what. 1.5 gallons that gets sucked up real quick in 2 days . Oh could I put 4.00-10 instead of the small 3.50-10 tire they are so small u feel every crack - rock u run over oh and the horn don’t work 😕
@@meganm7965I suppose it also depends on your leg length. Camille could have average proportions and you could have a longer torso. I have long quads for my height not necessarily long legs because my calves are short, lol. Did you purchase one?
Actually Kicks are designed with Asian female in mind. So, why don't you just give a test ride? To ride on for 10-15 minutes is the best experience to know if it fits you.
I bought a used 10-yo Buddy 170i. I live at high altitude and there are steep grades on occasion. And plenty of twisties. I had a new 125CC Yamaha scooter, which couldn't get up these roads faster than 15-20 mph. Too many furious motorists when the speed limit was 45-50. Had to say goodbye to it. Now, my 170i kicks it up the same grades, so I feel safer being able to flow with what traffic there is -- usually impatient Bubbas in huge trucks. I can stay ahead of them and then dust them when we get to serious curves. I had an SV650S before, so I love curves and railing it.. The Buddy 170i is great on twisty, upcountry roads. I call it my Baby Busa. Plus, unlike the SV650S, should I beef it, I can pick the Buddy up myself. Oh, and I only go to gas stations that pump 91 octane without ethanol. I can't chance sub-grade fuel up here. And I carry a portable gas canister., I mean the mileage is amazing, but up here in the Sierras you never know where gas is. And with the Buddy's 1.9L tank... I take precautions.
Great Review! Listen to the podcast religiously as well. Really appreciate all the great information and the laughs.
Thanks for taking the time to be Very thorough . . And candid .
I like that the Buddy Kick has a 4valve head and is a very smooth ride
Both Buddys and Buddy Kick have strong and reliable engines made by PGO, a Taiwanese scooter manufacturer.
Agreed. The 4 valve head gives the kick almost the same power as the bank Buddy 170i
buddy scooters aka the only scooter that a short person can flat foot on both feet. but u have to deal with tiny 10” tires. the narrower floorboard helps too.
Thanks, this was really helpful. No need I need to go 60mph in suburbs. Crossing my fingers for a Buddy International Pamplona.
I owned & loved a 170i & am deciding if I want to replace it or get a Kick. I'm 6'1" & about 225 lbs so I like that the Kick has dual rear shocks & a flatter, wider seat. I never had a problem w/my 170 but I did upgrade the shock & forks just because of my size. I like a rear disc but don't mind the drum brake. The reason I watched this video was to see if the kick had linked brakes (I don't like them). This was really informative. I didn't think about how a softer seat would feel. Thank you.
Similar situation as you, and the Genuine Hooligan ended up fitting my needs perfectly. Bigger than the Buddy in pretty much every way without being too big and cumbersome in the city. Check it out!
All these Buddys and Buddy Kicks are made by PGO, a Taiwanese scooter company of low profile. PGO used to have OEM collaboration with Piaggio about 40 years ago and gained expertise in engine design. "Buddy" is the older style of scooter models while "Buddy Kick" is the newer model. "Buddy" is called "BuBu" in Taiwan with lighter weight for fast dash out upon green light, and was regarded as "Bazooka" by local teenagers. PGO makes scooters of very strong and reliable engines.
Can you make a video on how to disconnect seat cable that controls the open/close, to refuel Buddy? Mine is a giant pain in the ass. Stuck 3/4 of the time, now low on gas again and cannot open the seat to access gas cap. Thank you.
Thank you, I have not ridden the Buddy, (first was a 125 Sanyang motorcycle in Taipei, and second was a 150cc China twist and go (Bali 150, touring body). These look good.
The Buddy scooters are dead-reliable and universally respected as a good scooter. Not quite a Vespa, but definitely a great option.
Good review. What is the seat height of each one?
I like the buddy kick. The panels remind me of a Cushman. I would like to see it with more vintage hubs/rims.
They remind me a little of Lambrettas but seem less cramped & have more storage than a Royal Alloy.
I am interested in buying a used 2012 Genuine Psycho driven 700 miles for $1,600. I cannot get much information on this particular scooter. I had a 125cc "Lil Buddy" and had no problems. I drove it 3,000 miles in 2 years. Any pros or cons with the Psyco, or should I avoid owning it?
Would you be a doll and do an overview/review for the Kick? I'm very small and I've done some research on what would work best for me and the one thing holding me back is my height and weight. Also, would you know if the low profile seat replacement for the other Buddy's will fit on the Kick?
Yeah, I’m 4’11” 90lbs.. I ended up going with a Grom competitor. I was hoping for a reply with an overview so I could get something that was bottom heavy where I could hold it up with one foot on the ground. Oh well.
Thanks for the informative video. Any Genuine Dealerships in my north Jersey area,?
Question I just bought a 170i , my Friend I got her 150 ? Why does my scooter Transmission feel like it automatically downshifts when coming off the throttle? Don’t get me wrong I like it ! Saves brakes ! Is there a big difference in motor ? Feels like my 170i off the line is unbeatable of any scooter ? Also my Body on 170i looks more Stealth, aerodynamic??
I really enjoyed video! Thanks
What is the price for one of those bike
Great videos I just bought a yamaha vino 50cc.. I live in Columbus, OH. Got a question since you are in Cleveland. Since a vino is technically 49cc in Ohio do i have to take a test or have a endorsment?
I'm sure you have found out by now... Yes
Thank you for an excellent production. My takeaway from this is that if one fuels a carbureted Buddy (no matter how many cc's), with only ethanol-free gas (plus perhaps even some "Sta-Bil" gas treatment), there shouldn't be any gas related problems, even if the bike doesn't ride often. Would that be correct?
One more question: Can a scratch on the plastic fairing be compounded and buffed out, as one would do with an automobile?
Thanks again!
No
excellent.
also what type of oil for buddy 125 can u sent me the link so i can buy the right one =D please
I ride buddy 50 for 7 years. Want to upgrade. Would definitely buy another pgo product but 10 inch wheels suck...
I have a 2007 buddy 125cc it's white I go everywhere with it
we absolutely love the little dudes!
Great brake down of these scooters, shame you didn't say what the horse power on each is?
My bad, 11, 9.5 and 10.2 From Left to Right.
My friend has a blackjack buddy. And he goes 73 mph on a tight fit riding style. Engine size 150cc
The buddy 150 is no longer available. The blackjack also had an aftermarket exhaust. Mph indicated will be different than actual. There are also a ton of variables that effect the performance.
The gallon are imperial or US?
Why don't you put in liters?
.....it is very little confusing like that.
Ask Siri, ask Alexa, ask your momma, ask Google, and stop being lazy.
Do you recommend this Buddy scooter. The seller says it needs a carburetor, my mechanic says it's fishy, it only has 90 miles mileage. Asking $800. What do you think?
A carb is pretty easy to replace on one of these. If the bike has been sitting it may just need a good cleaning which is (obviously) cheaper & can be done by a novice if you pay attention to what you're doing.
Just one question..are the body's metal or plastic?
The frame is tubular steel, the body work is composite.
hello sir is the buddy 125 has oil filter ?
i m talking about the 125 grey one not the white one =)
I had a 125, great scooter but the wheels are too small. The kick is kind of ugly - IMHO.
I currently ride a SYM HD200, a great scooter ( 70mph, 75mpg ) - sadly, they are no longer available.
For a couple hundred more you could get a Honda PCX for the case of 170 and the kick. Why get either of those over a PCX?
A lot of people prefer the vintage styling and the lower seat height. We were only comparing these bikes to each other. A better comparison would be to the Piaggio LIberty
@@ClevelandMoto Fair. I like the retro styled vehicles as well although for me style is one of my last priorities when getting vehicles.
@@ClevelandMoto The Piaggio Liberty isn't sold in the US ?
ryecreeks The Piaggio liberty is available in United States, we have them in our show room.
@@ryecreeks I know it is sold in the United States. I just saw one in Cincinnati today... on a showroom floor
I got a buddy 150cc ( calif ) it was a theft recovery who ever had it tuned it so much that this little monkey has no problem doing 6o.mph .. scary 😮 for a little scooter scared me !! So I try to ease on the throttle and It has a tut tut tut sound when it idles sound like a big bike since the gas tank hold what. 1.5 gallons that gets sucked up real quick in 2 days . Oh could I put 4.00-10 instead of the small 3.50-10 tire they are so small u feel every crack - rock u run over oh and the horn don’t work 😕
I just purchased 2 new Buddies 1 red one & 1 green one 'cause, they didn't have one red & green one.
👍🏾
The Buddy is pretty small already and the Kick is even smaller...that is 50cc size.
I’m 5’1 I was told the kick will be too high as opposed to the others two. Any thoughts?
I'm 5'7" and found the Kick to be more comfortable for my reach (I had to tiptoe on the Buddy 125).
@@meganm7965I suppose it also depends on your leg length. Camille could have average proportions and you could have a longer torso. I have long quads for my height not necessarily long legs because my calves are short, lol. Did you purchase one?
Actually Kicks are designed with Asian female in mind. So, why don't you just give a test ride? To ride on for 10-15 minutes is the best experience to know if it fits you.
For Buddy 125 you can get a low profile seat that's even lower
I love my buddy but I don’t recommend buying one new drum brakes are garbage.
It continually amazes me how Americans think they are living in a free country.
The United States citizens are the most regulated people in the world.
Too much bla bla bla