A Widow's Ride

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Finding the Perfect Scooter for the Cannonball Run: A 200cc Adventure

When I first decided to participate in the Scooter Cannonball Run, I was determined to compete on a scooter reminiscent of the TW200 that I rode all over the United States ten years ago. So, I bought a 2007 SYM 250rv off Facebook Marketplace. Transitioning from a motorcycle with manual gears to an automatic scooter with a floorboard was quite the learning curve. My foot kept tapping away, thinking it had to shift gears, and I kept grabbing the brake, mistaking it for the clutch. Speaking of which, I noticed the brake felt a bit soft when I accidentally grabbed it.

To fully understand the scooter and be prepared to fix anything that might break during the rally, I decided it was time for some maintenance. After trying to bleed the brake and still feeling it was soft, the next step was to replace the caliper. Hunting down parts became a challenge since this model is no longer in production. The only place we could find the caliper was a scooter parts company overseas.

The Scooter Dilemma

Should I take a chance with the scooter I have, or start shopping for a new one to avoid potential breakdowns during the race? If I do, which scooter would be the best fit for me?

Initially, I was drawn to the 300cc scooters because of their perceived power and performance. I envisioned myself roaring down the open road on a powerful 300cc scooter, leaving the competition in my dust. However, after some initial research, I realized that my plan might not be the most strategic.

The Scooter Cannonball Run is a unique event that celebrates the spirit of adventure and camaraderie among scooter enthusiasts. While the exact rules and regulations can vary from year to year, one consistent factor is the focus on scooters in the 125cc to 175cc range. This is for good reason: smaller scooters offer a more challenging and rewarding experience, testing riders’ skills and endurance.

Based on this, I soon realized that opting for a larger engine could put me at a significant disadvantage. Not only would I be competing against riders on smaller, more agile scooters, but I might also face challenges with maintenance and overall handling. The biggest issue with the SYM 250rv was that it felt like a boat for a scooter. I struggled to get it on the center stand to work on it. I knew I needed something smaller and lighter.

A Shift in Strategy

So, I shifted my research focus back to scooters in the 200cc range. I knew these models would still offer a thrilling riding experience but would also be more suitable for the specific demands of the Scooter Cannonball Run.

I noticed that there aren’t many scooters in the 200cc range anymore. They’re either in the high end of 300cc or the low end around 150cc. Additionally, prices between brands could range from $1,600 for no-name brands to over $6,000 for popular models. So, I started researching various brands such as the Honda ADV160, SYM Jet 200i, Vespa Primavera 150, and Yamaha Zuma 125. While digging for the best scooter, I stumbled across the Genuine Scooter Company. This company started over twenty years ago in a warehouse in Chicago, Illinois. Today, they partner with some of the best gas-powered scooter manufacturers in the world, producing models like the Buddy, Roughhouse, Kick, Hooligan, Urbano, Brio, and GT150.

Due to the limited number of scooter dealers in Alabama, I was only able to test ride the Honda ADV160 and a used Vespa 200GT. So far, I’m liking the Vespa 200GT as it is closer to the horsepower I was looking for. It had low mileage and was clean looking. The dealer said it was a 2009 model. This scooter was not on my radar originally, so I wanted to do a bit more research on it before making my decision. When I got home and read up on this scooter, I struggled to find this model and year. According to my research, they stopped making it back in 2007, but the dealer kept confirming it was a 2009, which seemed odd to me. I couldn’t decide whether to proceed with this Vespa or keep looking for another one.

I kept going back to reading more about the Genuine Scooter and was intrigued by the Buddy 170i model, but there are no dealers in Alabama that sell it. The closest one was Twist n’ Scoot in Atlanta, GA, which is about 2 1/2 hours away. Mark suggested we go for a road trip to check it out. I was worried it would be a waste of time, but we had nothing else to do that day since it was rainy.

They had quite a few Genuine scooters, mostly the Buddy Kick, which is 125cc, and a couple of other brands. But lo and behold, there was one lone Buddy 170i hiding in the back row. The dealership owner showed me everything about the scooter, including where to change the belt, oil, and oil filters. The simplicity of the maintenance and the reasonable price added checks to the pro column.

The Decision

After we got home, I began compiling a list of pros and cons between the Vespa 200GT and the Genuine Buddy 170i. One was new, and the other was a used model. One had been around, and the other was still relatively new in the industry. One was no longer being made, and the other was still on the market. One was a bit more expensive due to the brand, and the other was reasonable. One was easier to maintain, and the other required a bit more effort. Ultimately, the one that was easier to maintain and still on the market was the one I decided to go with.

The Drumroll

I ended up purchasing the Genuine Buddy 170i. It may not be a well-known product, but it had the simplicity of being able to do my own maintenance and having access to parts if needed. On top of that, it actually looks like a Vespa but without the price tag of one. 😉

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Stay Tuned!

Now that I’ve got my new ride, the adventure is just beginning! In my next blog post, I’ll be sharing all about the break-in rides and the first maintenance on the Buddy 170i. From the scenic routes I explored to the tips and tricks I learned along the way, you won’t want to miss it. Get ready for some thrilling tales from the road and practical advice for keeping your scooter in top shape. Stay tuned and ride along with me on this exciting journey!