Losing my Chetak, what should I get?

So my wife and I are divorcing Sad

She is taking the Chetak. I'm trying to decide what scooter I should get next. I did love my Chetak, but a new scooter is awfully tempting. Before I bought the Chetak, I was THIS CLOSE to getting a Genuine Buddy International. I still really like that scoot. I think it looks great in the "Italia" and "Pamplona" versions. They also have the new Blackjack version. The looks I am less impressed with (do you think those decals are removable?). Here's the review at Just Gotta Scoot:

http://www.justgottascoot.com/blackjack.htm

Of course, the problem is that those are all automatics and, as we all know, there is a certain pride one takes in being able to master the manual transmission.

Another option I am considering is waiting for the Stella 4t. However, I realize that could be a long wait and I want to scoot right now!

The Symba is kind of neat too, and "semi-manual" but I worry that 101cc simply is not enough power.

Finally, there is the MP3. I really dig the MP3 but $8-9K is pretty far outside my price range.

So what do you think? The only real restriction is that it must be 4 stroke.

my big question is Why is she getting the scooter? unless she likes it (but then why didn't she already have one?)

is there something you can bargain with, or maybe just buy that one back and make her make the choice of which scooter?

The only other Scooter that I would like right now is a used Aprilia Scarabeo 150 (1999-2005/6) This is the one with the Rotax engine that is faster than any other 150 I have ever been on; and with the 16" wheels it handles rough pavement with ease.

	Dover wrote:
	my big question is Why is she getting the scooter? unless she likes it (but then why didn't she already have one?) is there something you can bargain with, or maybe just buy that one back and make her make the choice of which scooter?

Well, she doesn't have a car and might need to get somewhere faster than her bike or the bus will take her. Also, we are getting a divorce, so she is not feeling terrible generous towards me.

As to the Apirila, I don't know that I want 16" wheels. I think I prefer the sportiness and handling of smaller wheels. However, I have never ridden anything other than 10" wheels and a modern Vespa with 12 inchers, I believe.

The Buddy is a workhorse and has earned a good reputation. It's a really good bike. I think it's ugly personally, but that's just my opinion.

The Aprilia Scarabeo is also a good bike, but not one that is particularly easy to work on and if you don't live by a dealership, you have to worry about ordering parts.

The Yamaha Vino 125 is a good bike, lacks a bit on the power and speed side of things. But it's a solid performer, is relatively inexpensive and has an awesome dealer support network.

Sym is a brand that folks have been doting on for a while. Might be worth checking out.

Don't get a modern Vespa. Too much money, not enough value.

Why not just get another Chetak? Very Happy

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The "X" stands for ex-Chetak owner.

I can't say I hate to see you loose the Chetak, but I do like the idea that she at least trusts you enough to take it and that you agree. I hope that sounds like a compliment to both of you.

I love the whole scooter thing, but if I were you I'd look at your problem with fresh eyes. You gotta get good mileage from an easy to maintain vehicle. Cheap might also be in order. I'd immediately go for an older <=350cc Honda. Ride the crap out of it while you look for just the right scoot.

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