Genuine Scooters Buddy 170 Walkthrough

The Genuine Buddy 170 is a very capable scooter and a great option for riders looking to upgrade from a Buddy 50cc scooter.

[@pascalolesen5187]

I bought this EXACT model Buddy 170i and I must say it is very powerful for what it is size wise. With 2 people on it, we still hit 65mph very easily. The throttle response is great. All facts posted here. Worth every penny.

[@VespaPortland]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Enjoy that scoot!

[@pascalolesen5187]

@@VespaPortland Thank you so much, yeah we love using it here in sunny Florida. Thank you for your good review.

[@bobbolibobboli]

Very thorough video! Thank you very much. My Buddy 170i now has 11,000 miles and going strong. I live in the Sierras, and the 170cc has enough grunt to go 45-55 up mountain roads, and it is really nice handling on narrow twisty roads. All routine and major maintenance work has been done on schedule, which is important. I enjoy its light weight and peppy responsiveness. I also have the front carrier rack and Prima top-case in the back for shopping errands. For someone used to 650cc sport bikes, my Buddy keeps me well entertained! Worth every penny!

[@VespaPortland]

Sounds like a great time out there in the Sierras! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.

[@wheelie642]

Great video, highly understood. Packed with information and how to’s.

[@VespaPortland]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@mig50cc]

Great video! I've had a '22 Roughhouse base model since June and recently completed the MSF course so I'm definitely upgrading from 50cc. I already put down a deposit on a Honda Rebel but still looking at scooters. The Vespa 300GTS has really caught my eye. But where the Vespa seems like a dream scooter for the 300cc and under class, you helped me to see how the Buddy 170 is all I'll likely need plus even a bit more. Thanks!

[@VespaPortland]

Glad we were able to help! Enjoy that Buddy 170! It’s a great scooter and you’ll have a wonderful time cruising around on it. Thanks for watching.

[@mig50cc]

@@VespaPortlandWell it took me a while but I finally did it😁 The guy who runs the Genuine dealer where I got the Roughhouse sold me his 2016 Buddy 170i last week. He only put 3,500 miles on it! The bike is what I thought it would be and it's perfect for living in Vegas. I always look forward to riding it....guess I'm officially an addict now😉

[@VespaPortland]

@@mig50cc Congratulations!

[@dougjwhalen]

Love it Andrew! So glad to see you doing well!

[@VespaPortland]

Thanks dude.

[@higgybabyproductions]

Nice run-through for the 170i. I switched to the low-profile seat and would only note that I can no longer store my helmet under the seat. I hang it from the inside post under the seat instead, as you pointed out. *This is only a factor for riders under 5'0" and needing the lower seat.

[@VespaPortland]

Had you in mind the whole time! Thanks for watching!

[@k12media80]

Love this video! I’m going to go buy one of these

[@VespaPortland]

You should! Hope you enjoy it.

[@Cognitiveleaper]

Excellent video.

[@VespaPortland]

Thanks for watching!

[@charkswitlazers]

Thanks for showing how well a hemet fits under the seat! I’m gonna pretend you did that because I asked you a couple weeks ago ;) 😍

[@VespaPortland]

That is exactly why I did it! Thanks for the tip. Will try to remember in upcoming videos.

[@wonderwoman4875]

Are you still selling the Buddy Kick?

[@VespaPortland]

Absolutely! We just sold the last one but have some more on the way. I believe turquoise and orange but maybe one other color too… French vanilla possibly. Email Natasha at [e-mail] if you’d like to have one held for you. And feel free to come sit on one soon. The last sold one is still here for now.

[@VespaPortland]

Also just realized I should have said the Buddy Kick 125 is fuel injected. The standard Buddy 125 is not.

[@julianmassari5016]

What what a thorough videoo!

[@VespaPortland]

Hope you found it useful! Thanks for watching.

[@caffeineman72]

I am 220lbs and get my 170 up to 64 GPS indicated, speedometer was over 70mph

[@VespaPortland]

Love to see it! Thanks for watching and writing.

[@buffering7612]

Be safe those drum brakes are a joke and I’m 160lbs

[@robertgulfshores4463]

Thank you for the review, I love the color. Is it possible to buy a TALL windshield for this scooter? (The wind noise is something I really can't put up with). Also, how does this scooter compare with the Piaggio Liberty 150?

[@VespaPortland]

The Liberty will be a bit faster and will do better at longer stretches where you are riding wide open throttle. The Buddy 170i doesn’t like that type of riding as much. There is only one size windscreen that we know of for this scooter. It is made by Prima and I’d guess (without being near it to measure at the moment) that it’s about 1.5ft tall.

[@SuperQueenV.]

love that color! it only comes in the 170i right? 😅

[@VespaPortland]

British racing green? Yes 170 only.

[@twinfin8571]

I’ve never ridden a scooter and this is the one I’m leaning towards to ride back roads of Oklahoma. I just started looking and I don’t know what I’m doing really. Plus. There are no safety classes available. So I haven’t bought anything. I watch so many videos about scooters but I feel stuck.

[@VespaPortland]

Totally normal to feel stuck when viewing so many options. The first thing is determining how you’re going to use the scooter. Under what conditions do you see yourself riding? Commuting? Fun on a weekend? Errands in a small area? That will lead you to thinking about how fast the scooter needs to go to accomplish each task safely in your area. Then when you have your engine size figured out you can move on to aesthetics. What scooter style stands out to you? Do you prefer sporty angular lines or more rounded lines? At that point it should be a bit clearer. Good luck!

[@twinfin8571]

@@VespaPortland . I think the Buddy 170i would be right for everything. I’m retired so it will be an option for most days with good weather. I just don’t have anyone who can teach me how to ride it. The MSC around here are still shut down. One location an hour and a half away has an opening in January. That means 4 hours on the road to get to and from the class and the class is 9 hours with one hour lunch. X two days. Those closer “may?” open in March or April. Quite disappointing, to say the least. Thanks for your reply and suggestions.

[@Brianfox52]

Hi first-time viewer. I just bought a 09 buddy 150 International saint trophies style. Spell, check Screwed up. From Cleveland moto. The only dealer in northeast Ohio. Mine has 1900 original miles. Should I consider a new belt and rollers?

[@VespaPortland]

Cleveland Moto is great. Say hello to Phil for us. By milage your not at a belt change but by age it sounds like a good idea to go ahead and get it done. The rubber hardens and can snap leaving you stranded. This means your “major service” interval will be on the standard “routine service” interval but it’s all good. Have fun on that new bike and thanks for watching!

[@bwilson859]

What is the six pin port underneath the seat in the 170i model for? (in the position where you at oil in the 50 cc model?

[@VespaPortland]

It's a port for a diagnostic tool. I think that tool is only available to Genuine Scooter dealers.

[@rhumba2004]

How do you remove the starting motor; having a difficult time trying to remove it.

[@VespaPortland]

Look up the service manual for the Genuine Buddy 170. Surely it’s online somewhere or someone made a video about it. We don’t generally get into technical repairs with our vids. Good luck!

[@micheleelin1615]

You mentioned unplugging the battery to winterize. Is there anything else you need to do?

[@VespaPortland]

Use a battery tender, not just “unplugging.” Some people also like to fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer.

[@gilnorton1]

What is the little electric connection under the seat? Looks like some type of 6 prong connection?

[@VespaPortland]

Likely for a diagnostic tool of some sort that is not used in the US market. We never touch it/use it.

[@gilnorton1]

@@VespaPortland thanks for responding. Peace

[@zdravkonakov4941]

what kind of engine oil do you need for this one?

[@VespaPortland]

Owner’s manual says 15w40.

[@BBond88]

Any thoughts on the 200i?

[@VespaPortland]

Personally prefer the Taiwan made Buddy lineup but different strokes for different folks.

[@jason17179]

I’m not sure if you would be able to help me but on my buddy 170i it starts to lose power at like 70% throttle and I’m not sure why I cleaned the air filter and changed the gas and it’s still happening

[@VespaPortland]

Unfortunately can't diagnose over the internet. Your local shop can help for sure!

[@lgwappo]

This might be worth a try, the ECU reset: Turn the key all the way to the left so engine/ignition is off Pull the throttle back as far as it will go and hold it there Turn the key back to the right but don't start the engine Wait ten whole seconds Release the throttle Turn key to the left again Start bike up This fixed my 170i when it started bogging down past half throttle.

[@jamesvandemark2086]

YOUR weather? Hello from Minnesota!

[@VespaPortland]

Pass!

[@woody95124]

Do you need a cycle license on a 170?

[@VespaPortland]

In the US, yes. It’s considered a motorcycle.

[@barnabusthomas1010]

does the buddy 170 have a kick start in case the battery goes dead??

[@VespaPortland]

It does not. But most fuel injected/higher cc scooters don’t because the compression is too high and it would be much harder to kickstart.

[@barnabusthomas1010]

@@VespaPortland ok thank you

[@danielroyse6640]

Can you tell me where I can find a Genuine dealer in or around Wichita, Kansas?

[@VespaPortland]

www.genuinescooters.com/authorized-dealer/locator/

[@danielroyse6640]

Thanks guys I appreciate it!

[@gilnorton1]

We live in Topeka and bought our 170i from Scooter World in Overland Park, KS. Recommend them as they have been around for 20 plus years. Prices are not discounted at all, but they are legit. Peace

[@johnq4794]

Can you review a genuine urbano 200i?

[@VespaPortland]

If we get one in someday, sure! Most riders in our market prefer the Buddy or NIU lineups.

[@oldschool823]

As a beginner scooter rider, scooter it's fine. As a professional scooter rider. wheels are small. price is too high for non-water cooled. A little long at 6' ? wish it had a kick start. Everything else looks good.

[@VespaPortland]

Thanks for watching.

[@MrMoneyHelper]

Every motorcycle should have a kick starter.

[@Rhoadie1]

OH MY GOD WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THAT???

[@VespaPortland]

Why not?