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S150- no immobilizer, fuel injected, square headlight. LX150ie-has immobilizer, round light. LXV150- old school looks. Primavera 150ie- newest model just out, 3 Valve engine, 11inch rear tire, better mileage. Sprint-coming soon, 3 valve with ABS
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![]() The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
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Thank you. I am torn between a new Genuine Buddy 125 or 170 or a new 2013 S150 or LX150 that are discounted by $750 - still $1000 more but is it worth it? How about longevity between the two brands?
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Customized 2006 LX150 Thunderbolt the Wondercolt
Joined: UTC
Posts: 937 Location: Santa Monica, CA |
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![]() Customized 2006 LX150 Thunderbolt the Wondercolt
Joined: UTC
Posts: 937 Location: Santa Monica, CA |
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GO WITH THE VESPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I see Buddys once in a while and I find them ugly. Vespa is like band-aid, kleenex, xerox or coleman stove. It's a brand that has come to stand for the entire product. To me, that says a lot.
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![]() Genuine Buddy 125 (sold), LX 150ie, Primavera
Joined: UTC
Posts: 33 Location: San Francisco, CA |
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I have both an LX 150ie and a Buddy 125 - I'm equally fond of both machines. Here are some thoughts:
1. Off the line - The Buddy takes off like a rocket from a dead stop. It doesn't hesitate. Oddly, the LX, despite its FI, isn't quite as fast. It takes a few seconds longer to build up the speed, and on an uphill it's even worse. I've read on MV however, that once the LX catches up, it will surpass the speed of the Buddy. I haven't tested this theory myself but I will someday. 2. Ride Stability - Hands down, that smooth ride the Vespa brand is famous for wins. On the Buddy, I felt every bump and pothole on the road, sometimes to the point where I felt like I was hanging on for dear life. I'm a small person and would sometimes literally catch air when hitting an unexpected bump. In the end, this bumpiness is why I bought the LX. 3. Inseam Length and scooter weight - The Buddy's great for shorter people like me. I even bought the low-profile seat so I could REALLY flat foot the bike as I learned to ride it. And it's super light so it's easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The LX is taller, heavier, has a longer wheel-base - all the things that give it its distinctively comfortable ride. For someone who is taller, stronger and more experienced than I am, all these things I mentioned might be a non-issue. But if you're short, the Buddy will be easier to handle. To sum up, the Buddy was great scooter to learn on for someone like me who is small and not very strong. I had to build up to the Vespa. But now that I have the Vespa, I'm THRILLED with it (I can't seem to stop talking about it, actually) even if I have to be on my tippy-toes at stops and have to really consider the pros and cons of parking spots that are on a grade Admittedly, I wish the LX had the off-the-line speed and maneuverability of the Buddy, but the smoother ride makes up for it - at least for me. Good luck with your decision! I hope you come back and tell us how it all worked out. [/img]
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sjs1967 wrote: thanks! are the lx's fuel injected? |
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I have 27,000 miles on my '07 LX 150. Still going strong. Never had a buddy but the LX series is very hardy. Will have it's problems and drive you nuts sometimes but well worth it. Recently had an accident. Started right up and rode it home. Good luck. Sit on them all and see which one you like. Oh and a warm aloha and welcome to the forum. Have fun looking.
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sjs1967 wrote: Thank you. I am torn between a new Genuine Buddy 125 or 170 or a new 2013 S150 or LX150 that are discounted by $750 - still $1000 more but is it worth it? How about longevity between the two brands? |
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Just to add to the fit and finish comment.
I looked at a 2013 Genuine Stella with 3000 kms. It looked 5 years old. The main thing I noticed was that all the printing on the steering wheel controls was nearly worn off. I wondered if the odometer was tampered with but the seller seemed like a decent guy so I highly doubt it. |
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Not fair to compare the fit and finish of a Stella to the Buddy's. PDI's on Stella"s include rust removal, Buddys come ready to ride, unless the shipper nicked them up
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
![]() GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13508 Location: Oregon City, OR |
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I also own both an LX150ie and a Buddy 125. The Buddy is a lot of scooter for the money. It is quick and ours has proven to be quite durable (we have owned it for 7 years). It is small and suits a smaller rider well. It has the external plastic panels of most Asian scooters. The LX is a smooth runner with a better suspension. The fit and finish of the metal body and paint is excellent. The LX has a tall seat that is difficult for some shorter riders. Reliability has also been excellent (this is my 2nd LX). My partner is 5'3" and she is the primary rider of the Buddy. We frequently ride the two scooters together. The Buddy keeps up with the LX just fine.
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Ossessionato
2010 Orange S150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3504 Location: Olympia, WA, USA |
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Dooglas wrote: I also own both an LX150ie and a Buddy 125. The Buddy is a lot of scooter for the money. It is quick and ours has proven to be quite durable (we have owned it for 7 years). It is small and suits a smaller rider well. It has the external plastic panels of most Asian scooters. The LX is a smooth runner with a better suspension. The fit and finish of the metal body and paint is excellent. The LX has a tall seat that is difficult for some shorter riders. Reliability has also been excellent (this is my 2nd LX). My partner is 5'3" and she is the primary rider of the Buddy. We frequently ride the two scooters together. The Buddy keeps up with the LX just fine. |
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judy wrote: I have 27,000 miles on my '07 LX 150. Still going strong. |
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SCOTTY i know. He's kept in a shed and i'm fairly anal about keeping him clean. Until my off he was almost pristine but now almost back to his normal self. People think he's new. :mrgreen:Would love to get a 50,000 patch. 8)
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SJS, I have a 09 S150 and a 09 Genuine Buddy Blackjack 150 and what the people who own both(although seems to be a 125)are saying is true. The Vespa is much, much sturdier on the road. Feels like a rock. Real solid. However, it is a pig off the line and top of its speedometer is 65-67. The Buddy, however, is dead quick off the line and its top of speedometer is 75-77. Much quicker than the Vespa. BUT!!! It feels real squirrely compared to the Vespa. Trade off I know. I currently have the Blackjack for sale(as I want a Vespa 300) but I the Blackjack for a spin yesterday and still want to keep it!! I think you can't lose anyway. Not much help is it?? Sorry:)
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Thanks everyone! Great advice from all. I look forward to reading/writing more often as I get my license and my ride. I'm leaning towards the Vespa after reading your comments and I think my wife won't mind me spending the extra as she knows the name brand. (If you're a dealer in my area, ignore that last sentence ).
SF Chorus, may I ask your size? I'm 5'6", 140 myself so that's the only thing I'm still considering. |
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2010 Orange S150
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Posts: 3504 Location: Olympia, WA, USA |
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It is not height but inseam you should consider. I have a 26" inseam. I can flat foot it quite easily on my friend's Buddy. On my Vespa S I have to one foot it at stops or slide to the very front of my seat and get both toes down with my heels not contacting the pavement. Also consider the weight of the Buddy vs the Vespa. Each is doable for me but the Buddy is a much better fit...yet I have a Vespa
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Ossessionato
2010 Orange S150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3504 Location: Olympia, WA, USA |
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![]() GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13508 Location: Oregon City, OR |
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The Mocker wrote: One thing that hasn't been addressed here is maintenance costs of Vespa VS Buddy. What say you who owns both? The Mocker wrote: I can flat foot it quite easily on my friend's Buddy. On my Vespa S I have to one foot it at stops or slide to the very front of my seat and get both toes down with my heels not contacting the pavement. Also consider the weight of the Buddy vs the Vespa. Each is doable for me but the Buddy is a much better fit...yet I have a Vespa ⚠️ Last edited by Dooglas on UTC; edited 1 time
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![]() ET4 SOLD/74 Primavera 125 SOLD/ 2005 GT 200 SOLD 2013 PCX 150 2005 ET2 Sold 2013 Genuine Blur, 2013 Genuine Stella 2011 Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 121 Location: Moorpark , Ca. |
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Are you planning technical twisty roads??? Buddy 170i more flickable. Really can take the turns tight. If not Vespa all the way. Buddy lighter but at real high speeds I find the heavier scoot more comfortable. My 2 cents. Good luck.
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Finally passed all my tests this week for my motorcycle license and saw an ad in Craigslist for a new 2013 S150 SE from a local dealer. The price was right with no dealer prep or destination fee so I bought it. It will be delivered to me this week. Can't wait! I'll post a pic when I get it. Matte black looks great!
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Congrats. Your going to love it. Will be waiting for the pics. We have a Matte 300 in our gang and it's beautiful. 8)
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Here is a picture of my new S150! I've ridden just about every day. I'm so glad I got a Vespa instead of a Buddy. The stability helps so much on my commute.
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Ossessionato
Vintage Red 2007 GTS, 2022 Mazda Miata soft-top (4-wheel MC)!
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2162 Location: Palo Alto, CA |
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![]() Vintage Red 2007 GTS, 2022 Mazda Miata soft-top (4-wheel MC)!
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2162 Location: Palo Alto, CA |
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Congrats on the new scoot. Looks beautiful, good choice! Ride safe, and make sure you get and use all the safety gear (helmet, jacket, etc)!
-Dan |
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Hooked
2012 LXV 150, 2007 GTS 250, 2001 ET2 w/kit
Joined: UTC
Posts: 270 Location: Denver, CO |
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Hooked
![]() 2012 LXV 150, 2007 GTS 250, 2001 ET2 w/kit
Joined: UTC
Posts: 270 Location: Denver, CO |
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It's funny how we work so hard to make the right decision when our heart knows what that decision is all along. Congrats! You'll love it and probably keep it a lot longer than any other scooter you may ever own.
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![]() 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom; 2013 Vespa S 150 (Sold)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 96 Location: Staten Island, NY |
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Enthusiast
2x 2018 Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 64 Location: Lafayette, IN |
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sjs1967 wrote: Thank you. I am torn between a new Genuine Buddy 125 or 170 or a new 2013 S150 or LX150 that are discounted by $750 - still $1000 more but is it worth it? How about longevity between the two brands? Get the Vespa. 4 weeks ago I bought a new-old-stock 2012 Buddy 170i. 2 weeks ago I traded it for a 2007 Vespa LXV 150 with 5,200 miles on it. The Vespa just feels a ton more solid, substantial, and so on. Plus it's a Vespa. |
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sjs1967 wrote: Here is a picture of my new S150! I've ridden just about every day. I'm so glad I got a Vespa instead of a Buddy. The stability helps so much on my commute. |
Veni, Vidi, Posti
![]() GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13508 Location: Oregon City, OR |
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bennythedroid wrote: Is that a matte black repaint? I like it. http://www.vespausa.com/scooters/s-50150-sport-se/overview.html |
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