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Post by amandabeck47 on Mar 9, 2012 9:41:16 GMT -5
Hey all, I'm new here and decided to join since I am looking to buy a scooter to get around Chicago on this summer! I am considering 2 options right now... A Honda Metro or a Genuine Buddy (50cc). Just wondering if there are any owners out there that can give me some insight into which option may be better or the main differences between the two. Any info would be helpful. Thanks!
-Amanda Chicago, IL
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Post by skuttadawg on Mar 9, 2012 10:45:12 GMT -5
Get the Honda
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Post by spandi on Mar 9, 2012 10:50:31 GMT -5
I dunno, the last time I checked the Metro was going for something like $2100! (Besides, all the really cool people in Hollywood are riding a Genuine.)
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Post by tortoise on Mar 9, 2012 10:51:45 GMT -5
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Post by redhandmoto on Mar 9, 2012 11:13:41 GMT -5
In stock form... -Honda Met will be reliable, demanding slightly lower maintenance. Performance can be improved by pulling the restrictor plate under the carb and upjetting. Liquid cooled! The guys at www.urbanscootin.com/forum/ tell all about that. Easy, very high quality. -Genuine Buddy, being a two-stroke, will have much greater torque and pull like mad. Somewhat more maintenance. Lots of performance modifications can be done. See www.modernbuddy.com/Both are fun and both are good. It's a can't-go-wrong deal.
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Post by amandabeck47 on Mar 9, 2012 11:26:29 GMT -5
Thanks for all the feedback, fellas. My instinct was to go with the Honda because it's a reliable company (I own a Honda car) w/ a good reputation but I love the styling and color options of the Buddy (hey, I'm a girl, I like cute things...). Plus Genuine started in Chicago so they are the hometown heroes. But your info will be helpful in making my $2,000 decision! Keep it coming if you have any more suggestions or input, love hearing your thoughts...
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Post by spandi on Mar 9, 2012 11:57:34 GMT -5
Thanks for all the feedback, fellas. My instinct was to go with the Honda because it's a reliable company (I own a Honda car) w/ a good reputation but I love the styling and color options of the Buddy (hey, I'm a girl, I like cute things...). Plus Genuine started in Chicago so they are the hometown heroes. But your info will be helpful in making my $2,000 decision! Keep it coming if you have any more suggestions or input, love hearing your thoughts... You're quite welcome! After looking it over (and seeing how the price is so close) I'm thinking the Honda would probably be the better value.
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Post by quest4fire on Mar 9, 2012 12:00:06 GMT -5
If you are a girl get the Honda. You will not have to become a mechanic. My learning curve rose sharply after my last Honda.
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Post by D-cat on Mar 9, 2012 12:35:17 GMT -5
As long as it is an actual Metro and not a heavily restricted Met-II, definitely get the Honda. I don't think it matters that you're a girl, what matters is how comfortable you are with greasy engines and tools. The Honda will be a lot less wrenchin'.
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Post by pneathery on Mar 9, 2012 20:47:36 GMT -5
One other voice to throw out an idea. You might also want to think about something larger engine wise. ALOT of people that buy a 50cc scoot find out later that 40mph isn't fast enough. If you go up to a 150cc scoot you can comfortably cruise almost anywhere you need to go, with the 50cc I find it hard to stay up with traffic at times, and my scoot is lucky I can hit near 50 cruising, and it creeps up at times closer to 60. But most are topping out at 40 mph, so just a thought. That's my .02.
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aja458
New Puppy Dawg
Posts: 3
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Post by aja458 on Mar 10, 2012 14:31:19 GMT -5
I have a honda metro and would recommend it. its very simple to operate and has lots of storage under seat. it also will brake both wheels with just using the rear brake level. which is nice till you get used to braking.models before 2006 had a breather problem which infected the oil if not changed regularly. 2006 they fixed the problem.
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Post by amandabeck47 on Mar 11, 2012 21:16:21 GMT -5
Thank you! I'm thinking of going for the Honda....now to find the perfect one in the perfect color. Thank you for the advice and insight all!
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Post by spandi on Mar 11, 2012 21:22:21 GMT -5
Thank you! I'm thinking of going for the Honda....now to find the perfect one in the perfect color. Thank you for the advice and insight all! You're most welcome!...Please send in some pictures when you get it!
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Post by qwertydude on Mar 14, 2012 22:18:01 GMT -5
I used to have a Metropolitan. I saw this pic on the urbanscootin forum and knew I had to make mine the same. It's the "tuxedo" black and white paint job. I simply masked off the white areas, cleaned the panels with alcohol, and used several coats of Krylon Fusion black plastic paint. It was very easy and came out great. One tip with painting, apply your coats no more than 15 minutes apart. Let it dry too much and you might get solvent cracking of the previous coat. www.urbanscootin.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=55848
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Post by skuttadawg on Mar 14, 2012 22:21:47 GMT -5
Hondas are great my Elite never once broke down or failed to start . The ONLY bad thing is parts cost more for them than the China stuff .
Best enjoyed with a fullface helmet on
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Post by warriorboxerdog on Mar 15, 2012 1:46:46 GMT -5
Well to be honest I would disagree with most one here and say a 2 stroke needs less work to keep it running and there also faster. My reasoning is there are no valves to adjust or oil to change. Engine is very simple on a 2 stroke all you have to do to keep it running is change the spark plug and the reeds when they go bad. I can out run any 50cc 4 stroke even if it has a big bore kit. My 50cc is derestricted and modded but still has the stock cylender. It tops out at 45mph! But it is a very heavy scooter and Im 190lbs. Its a kymco super8 502t and it weights 230lbs dry! I ordered a 70cc big bore kit today from molossi and I should be able to easly cruse at 50mph with it and top out at 65mph but I will let you know after the install.
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Post by prelude2fast on Mar 15, 2012 1:54:24 GMT -5
I have been a honda fan for about 10-12 yrs.. And I really wanted to get a ruckus, but then I started looking at the chinese models, I'm not sure how long they hold up, but parts are super cheap, and super easy to work on, would really love to buy a ruckus, because there is infinite parts for them and its a HONDA.. But the chinese are really decent
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Post by skuttadawg on Mar 18, 2012 2:21:38 GMT -5
Both of my Hondas an Elite and Spree ( was amazing so good and faster than most ) were 2T . I had so much fun on it is why I bought another 2T 50 and was unhappy with my TaoTao 4T . 2Ts go faster , easier to tune and service with less parts to break and no oil changes besides the gearbox . I am very happy with my new Jonway Magnum and will keep it forever unless my son wants it when gets older .
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Post by hardd1 on Mar 19, 2012 19:04:32 GMT -5
genuine Buddy is the best bet.....10 mph quicker....near zero maintainence costs....large enough for carrying a passenger
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Post by inuyasha on Mar 19, 2012 19:50:24 GMT -5
Hi Amanda Welcome aboard Pleased to meet you My vote is for the Buddy Take care and drive safely Yours Hank
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Post by timber on Mar 20, 2012 1:29:23 GMT -5
I used to have a Metropolitan. I saw this pic on the urbanscootin forum and knew I had to make mine the Yeah I like the metropolitan, but it seems they are no longer made or something, you see it on the honda powersports page but it shows only a 2009 model, and of the dealers they had links to on the web site, those that actually seemed to sell Honda scooters had only the Ruckus for $2500 and some other model for like $9,000 Looks to me like they discontinued the metropolitan after the 2009 model or something, unless they are special order, I was unable to find any new ones on a dealer's web site showroom, they all had the Ruckus and one other scooter, and all the rest of their inventory were motorcycles. I only searched a dozen dealers within 200 miles drive away. I don't like the ruckus at all, it looks almost like one of those "stripped down" looking off-road mini-bikes with the pull cord starter on what had to be a lawnmower engine from the 70's that I remember as a kid.
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Post by spandi on Mar 20, 2012 4:59:09 GMT -5
I just saw a new Genuine Buddy in 125cc parked in front of the post office, WOW! I've never seen such a beautiful scoot in all my life. The fit and finish were outstanding! (in "pumpkin" orange) I got to talk with the owner and he just loves it! The only draw back that I can see was the price, something like $3000 but I don't know if he was including the taxes with that. Still, drop dead gorgeous. BTW, he wanted to get a 50cc but his friends who already had scooters advised him to go with the 125 instead.
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Post by mymomwantsatrike on Mar 20, 2012 9:09:54 GMT -5
this thread makes me think some people don't like riding scooters "get the 'met." "its a honda." "reliable" no, i hope you got the buddy 1. its way more fun to ride then the 'met 2. it has much more pep and pop then the 'met 3. as the above poster noted, very good looking scooters 4. the company which owns genuine (scooterworks) is selling you the scooter 5. it has a longer warranty and cost less. you will ride for two years / unlimited miles with full warranty coverage 6. great community of riders at modernbuddy.com check two hard riding guys in this thread. one with 13,000m on the odo of his Buddy 50, another with 14,000m. no probs, no issues. and for one guy almost no maintenance www.modernbuddy.com/forum/topic3406.htmlas said, no valve adjustments, no oil changes. two strokes are cruder but awesome workhorse engines when quality. these are quality. a two year unlimited mile warranty backs that up. lots of cool modifications and upgrades for these. and remember you get a choice of accessories from the Buddy 50 to the Buddy 170. they all fit from seats to racks to bling. you can change all the panels for around $300 if you get bored and have a whole new looking scoot! its a blast to ride. i know, i have spent 1200 miles on one and 800 on a Buddy 150 but thats another story Genuine Buddy on Flickr www.flickr.com/groups/modernbuddy/pool/look at how cool and fun those scoots are. have more fun, ride a Buddy! "honda last forever." lol who cares its a 50cc scooter you won't want or have it forever. but for the time you do, you will love a Buddy
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Post by spandi on Mar 20, 2012 13:37:12 GMT -5
this thread makes me think some people don't like riding scooters "get the 'met." "its a honda." "reliable" no, i hope you got the buddy 1. its way more fun to ride then the 'met 2. it has much more pep and pop then the 'met 3. as the above poster noted, very good looking scooters 4. the company which owns genuine (scooterworks) is selling you the scooter 5. it has a longer warranty and cost less. you will ride for two years / unlimited miles with full warranty coverage 6. great community of riders at modernbuddy.com check two hard riding guys in this thread. one with 13,000m on the odo of his Buddy 50, another with 14,000m. no probs, no issues. and for one guy almost no maintenance www.modernbuddy.com/forum/topic3406.htmlas said, no valve adjustments, no oil changes. two strokes are cruder but awesome workhorse engines when quality. these are quality. a two year unlimited mile warranty backs that up. lots of cool modifications and upgrades for these. and remember you get a choice of accessories from the Buddy 50 to the Buddy 170. they all fit from seats to racks to bling. you can change all the panels for around $300 if you get bored and have a whole new looking scoot! its a blast to ride. i know, i have spent 1200 miles on one and 800 on a Buddy 150 but thats another story Genuine Buddy on Flickr www.flickr.com/groups/modernbuddy/pool/look at how cool and fun those scoots are. have more fun, ride a Buddy! "honda last forever." lol who cares its a 50cc scooter you won't want or have it forever. but for the time you do, you will love a Buddy There are people here locally who have the Metropolitan and I've checked them out, and to be honest they're nice bikes and Honda has a great reputation. That said, after seeing what I saw I don't feel there is really any contest between the two, it's the Buddy hands down. It's as if the quality and workmanship seem to glow from it like an energy. (If it was me I know which one I'd get!)
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Post by wingnut2000 on Mar 20, 2012 14:51:31 GMT -5
my wife has the honda metro and loves it and it is one year older than my chinese scooter and runs a heck of a lot better and faster and she loves it. It runs smooth and havent had any problems what so ever with it yet. My chinese 2stroke scooter runs good now after hours of working on it
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Post by mymomwantsatrike on Mar 20, 2012 15:49:37 GMT -5
this thread makes me think some people don't like riding scooters "get the 'met." "its a honda." "reliable" no, i hope you got the buddy 1. its way more fun to ride then the 'met 2. it has much more pep and pop then the 'met 3. as the above poster noted, very good looking scooters 4. the company which owns genuine (scooterworks) is selling you the scooter 5. it has a longer warranty and cost less. you will ride for two years / unlimited miles with full warranty coverage 6. great community of riders at modernbuddy.com check two hard riding guys in this thread. one with 13,000m on the odo of his Buddy 50, another with 14,000m. no probs, no issues. and for one guy almost no maintenance www.modernbuddy.com/forum/topic3406.htmlas said, no valve adjustments, no oil changes. two strokes are cruder but awesome workhorse engines when quality. these are quality. a two year unlimited mile warranty backs that up. lots of cool modifications and upgrades for these. and remember you get a choice of accessories from the Buddy 50 to the Buddy 170. they all fit from seats to racks to bling. you can change all the panels for around $300 if you get bored and have a whole new looking scoot! its a blast to ride. i know, i have spent 1200 miles on one and 800 on a Buddy 150 but thats another story Genuine Buddy on Flickr www.flickr.com/groups/modernbuddy/pool/look at how cool and fun those scoots are. have more fun, ride a Buddy! "honda last forever." lol who cares its a 50cc scooter you won't want or have it forever. but for the time you do, you will love a Buddy There are people here locally who have the Metropolitan and I've checked them out, and to be honest they're nice bikes and Honda has a great reputation. That said, after seeing what I saw I don't feel there is really any contest between the two, it's the Buddy hands down. It's as if the quality and workmanship seem to glow from it like an energy. (If it was me I know which one I'd get!) yes spandi. and of course i am not deriding the 'met. if that is the choice, great. cannot do wrong by going Honda. but...in this case the Buddy is a better deal on what is imo a better scooter to ride. on a daily basis. other things come into play, of course. the Buddy seat height is higher and what not. so the scooter has to "fit" a person still. but all other things being equal the Buddy 50 is tops here. imho. so i just wanted to point out some of its advantages disadvantages? well its a two stroke which means it smells just a bit of burning oil, as it burns some as fuel. also, its noisier. but it also requires no oil changes or valve adjustments. 2 stroke also means more power once derestricted. which the dealer will do for free during set up for delivery. its a simple removal of an exhaust gasket and a trans washer / spacer. takes 10 mins and the scoot will reach 45mph pretty quickly lots of other good choices, and of course a good low mileage Buddy 125 or 150 can be had for around or less money then a new 50. so thats another advantage. 50 too weak? well they have other Buddy's with more motor! that said, if a 'met is chosen and its what you truly want, you'll like it a lot. just don't get it because its "a Honda" now if you are wondering about all this "2 stroke" stuff here is a vid of a guy showing his Genuine Roughhouse 50. exact same engine as a Buddy 50. he starts it at the end and you can hear its....throaty rasp. they are louder then 4 strokes. watch him ride at the very end and you'll see they are also peppier. much more in some cases
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Post by mymomwantsatrike on Mar 20, 2012 16:10:17 GMT -5
oh, and don't forget the 50cc Buddy 'lil International's. $200 more and some say worth it for the looks!
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Post by beachbum on Mar 20, 2012 16:43:50 GMT -5
oh, and don't forget the 50cc Buddy 'lil International's. $200 more and some say worth it for the looks! Those are some good looking scooters.
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Post by spandi on Mar 20, 2012 19:09:00 GMT -5
Be it the Met or the Buddy you really can't go wrong either way, but for me it's the Buddy that just "Jumps off the page"
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Post by skuttadawg on Mar 20, 2012 19:12:26 GMT -5
Wow I like that vintage style of the lil Internationals . I have never owned or ridden a Genuine scooter but I will say a 2T is far more a better choice than a 4T , along with being faster and more fun too
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