I replaced my beloved Buddy 125 of 15,000+ miles with a Hooligan, and the improvement is significant. I'm not that tall, so space was not a problem on the Buddy, but the Hooligan is incredibly comfortable compared to the Buddy. I can ride the Hooligan around downtown without discomfort, while the Buddy would have me in spasms of pain over rough pavement. On long trips, the Buddy was good for, maybe, 135 miles before I had to put it away for the day. I can ride the Hooligan more than 200 miles in a day with no problems whatsoever. The Hooligan's brakes are FANTASTIC compared to the Buddy, as well. The instrumentation on the Hooligan, however, is ridiculous. There's a big, beautiful tachometer, but since there's no shifting to be done, it's a waste of space and circuitry. The speedometer, on the other hand, is a silly, tiny digital display. The two should have been reversed. Also, the fuel gauge is broken into 12 little rectangles, and it's a clear case of form over function...just like the tachometer. Looks nice, but difficult to read. Lastly, as I mention in another comment, below, the Hooligan has the most inaccurate speedometer of any scooter I've ridden: 15% optimistic! That makes for a lot of mental calculations in speed zones.
Actually, it's closer to 15% optimistic (measured several times), which is the worst I've ever seen on any bike, including all the scooters I've owned. This means the actual top speed (GPS) is 61 MPH for a 160 lbs. rider.
Yeah the Zumas are tight, I've ridden/owned "big" tire scoots like the old Kymco Peoples and SYM HD200, they've got plenty of knee room. But for a :small" wheel scoot, the Hooligan is hard to beat.
I used to have an International Buddy 150 years ago. I’m only 6 ft 193lbs but my wife used to say I looked too big on the Buddy. Looks like the Hooligan would be a better fit.
Thanks for this video. A Genuine dealer near me has a Hooligan in stock that I got to sit on. I totally agree the seat is very comfortable. I sat on a Buddy as well and, at 5'6", I actually felt better on the Hooligan. Which means it's probably good for shorter riders too lol! Hopefully I'll be able to trade in my 2022 Roughhouse for it. The Roughhouse is great but now that I have a motorcycle license it's time for more cc's 😁
Biggest problem with the Buddy, is the 10 inch tires. I owned a 10 inch tire scooter, and rough roads are a nightmare, and they wear out really quick. I know firsthand.
@@scrambler69-xk3kv yes 10” tires is to small for anything that can go faster than 35 mph. Most have 12” and a few have 14” and even 16” tires. My Burgman 400 has 13” and does great cruise at 75 mph.
Hey thanks for watching!, I have 4-5 inches of room between my knees and the dash, super comfortable. If you can find one and its a decent price, get it. 👍
@@panthercityoutdoors I'm 6'2 205 lbs, but my boots are size 14. So I'm concerned about what scooters will I actually fit on. I sat on a Piaggio Liberty 150, but I could not even turn the steering wheel without hitting my knees. I sat on a Vespa 150, fits comfortably. I really hope the hooligan fits me, if not I may have to go with a Kymco Xtown 300 or the Vespa 150.
@@malcolmmarshall5864 I think with size 14s you'd fit. I wear a 12 and I have at least 4-5 inches of playroom. Is there a dealer close? If not try to find a used one a try it. the twinn suspension, blows, the the Vespa away with its single front.
Great video. I'm trying to decide between the Buddy170i and the Hooligan 170i. Question: I sat on both at the dealer. I'm 5'5" so which one would be a safer ride for me? Thanx in advance for the advice.
The buddy will have a lower seat height than the Hooligan. I think it night be better. When you sat on them, were they off the center stand? Could you easily touch the ground with your feet? There are loads of used Buddy 170s out there and with winter approaching, you might find a great deal.
@@panthercityoutdoors Thank you for your prompt reply. I can "toe-touch" the same on both bikes, but the Hooligan felt much heavier. Also, the Hooligan has an optional lower seat. I really like both bikes; the low mount oil cooler on the Buddy has me a little concerned. (I'm 68, and it's a very expensive toy, so at my age, I've decided to buy a new one. (Any thoughts on the Buddy oil cooler?). Again, thank you for advice.
the Hooligan is heavier and overall larger. Did you ride both? which one felt better? If youre not concerned with going 50mph, Id look at a Honda Metroploitan or Ruckus. They are 50cc, go around 35mph and your feet will be flat on the ground. Both are super light too. 100mpg and both under $2000 used..@@MrJimmy-ox7fq
Flat floor is a huge plus. I sit a Walmart bag between my feet all the time. just hook the handle on the bag hook and whatever is in the bag sits right there all the way home.
By the sound of the engine, it seems like that CVT puts a lot of excess demand on the engine at lower speeds. Do you feel the engine revs a lot at low speed?
not really, the tach idles and revs similar to other scoots I've owned. however, the muffler is a more of a "sport" type, that is louder with a deeper grumble.. It's like they put an aftermarket one on.
the buddy is a smaller scoot. My size 12 feet don't fit the floorboard and my knees hit the dash. It also has better brakes, shocks and I believe the wheels are larger too. Maybe I should do a comparison video. Thanks for watching.
Large floor board area is go to know. I am 5’ 10” but have size 14 shoe size. I have a Suzuki Burgman 400 and it is a great scooter and powerful. But at age 66 the weight bus get to much for me. Looking for a smaller scooter that can run at least 60 on the highway back roads.
this could brobably go 60 for a bit, but I wouldn't commute far at that speed, it''s just designed for it. In the 50s no problem. I had a Yamaha Majesty 400 for years so I know where yer coming from. thank you for watching.
Lost all of the air in the rear tire going 40mph at 70 years old. It has been hard to get over the fear of this happening again. Was a truly terrifying moment for me.
First, thanks for watching. Yes I think the seat height will be too high. A Genuine Scooter Buddy might work in boots. Those are 50cc-170cc. I know you would fit on a Honda Metroplotan or Ruckus, but both are only 50cc. Thats too slow for a lot of roads, but depends on what you need. I put 8000 miles on a Metro, it was just small for me, but fun. If there's not a close dealer, look on Marketplace and go sit on a few. Thats the best way. Let me know how it goes.
@@panthercityoutdoorsAw man. That stinks. I sat on one today and it did feel kind of bulky, but I liked it. The off road option is cool. The Buddy was my first choice, but the salesman told me that it didn’t handle well on rougher terrain. I just need something to get to and from work in the city. I live in rural Alabama, so some of our roads are gravel and kind of rough.
I would love to buy one, but their dealer network is so small and even if you have a dealer, you never know for how long. I have seen so many people try to run a scooter dealership in my area and they never make it. It is not like buying a major name brand were if it goes out of business there is another one to take it's place. But the prices for name brand scooters have gotten out of hand.
yeah, its the front end of one PGO model and the backend of anther PGO. N America doesn't sell the PGO brand, but a Chicago company rebranded the buddy decades ago. thanks for watching.
I replaced my beloved Buddy 125 of 15,000+ miles with a Hooligan, and the improvement is significant. I'm not that tall, so space was not a problem on the Buddy, but the Hooligan is incredibly comfortable compared to the Buddy. I can ride the Hooligan around downtown without discomfort, while the Buddy would have me in spasms of pain over rough pavement. On long trips, the Buddy was good for, maybe, 135 miles before I had to put it away for the day. I can ride the Hooligan more than 200 miles in a day with no problems whatsoever. The Hooligan's brakes are FANTASTIC compared to the Buddy, as well. The instrumentation on the Hooligan, however, is ridiculous. There's a big, beautiful tachometer, but since there's no shifting to be done, it's a waste of space and circuitry. The speedometer, on the other hand, is a silly, tiny digital display. The two should have been reversed. Also, the fuel gauge is broken into 12 little rectangles, and it's a clear case of form over function...just like the tachometer. Looks nice, but difficult to read. Lastly, as I mention in another comment, below, the Hooligan has the most inaccurate speedometer of any scooter I've ridden: 15% optimistic! That makes for a lot of mental calculations in speed zones.
I agree 100% on the dashboard guages. I wsitched out the 35w bulb for a 45w, major difference.
This is a very good review thank you for explaining things throughout
Thanks, I love this little scoot, just took at 30 mile ride that other day.
As a big guy, I really appreciate this review
Thank you for watching!🙂
That looks like fun! Glad you took us out for a ride! Have a great weekend!
thanks for watching, hoping to bring it down with me to Rockport next time!
I have the same 170 hooligan in black enjoy your scooter. I have 2300 miles on mine.
how many mpg are you getting?
THAT is how you do a scooter review. Thanks so much!
Wow, thank you, glad you liked it!
I did forget to mention, that speedometer is around 10% optimistic like most scoots.
Actually, it's closer to 15% optimistic (measured several times), which is the worst I've ever seen on any bike, including all the scooters I've owned. This means the actual top speed (GPS) is 61 MPH for a 160 lbs. rider.
yeah, I've heard some are pretty bad, mines not that bad, but I rarely look at it while riding😁 @@johnlieberman3602
I recently sat on a Yamaha Zuma. Was bummed my knees were in the way of the handlebars. So, I’m gonna be looking at the Hooligan. I’m 6’ 1/2”.
Yeah the Zumas are tight, I've ridden/owned "big" tire scoots like the old Kymco Peoples and SYM HD200, they've got plenty of knee room. But for a :small" wheel scoot, the Hooligan is hard to beat.
Looking forward to this one. I've been wanting something similar for my out in town commutes.
Hey, ,thanks for watching! They're great, but keep yer head on a swivel. 👍
I have one in Black. love this thing.
Thanks for watching! I'm really digging mine, I wanted a Hooligan for a couple of years, glad I got it.
I used to have an International Buddy 150 years ago. I’m only 6 ft 193lbs but my wife used to say I looked too big on the Buddy. Looks like the Hooligan would be a better fit.
yeah, with the Buddy, my legs splay out to the sides when I ride. Used prices in these can be pretty good.
Looks comfy
the seat is one of the better ones. thanks!
Nice looking scooter! I’ve been looking at these for around town for gas savings.
If you can find one on the used market, I'd get it. Thanks for watching!
I'm getting one soon , i have to order the t. Im leaning on white, i had a black roughhouse.
I hope you enjoy yours, I love mine. Thank you for watching!
@@panthercityoutdoors I'm leaning white Big time.
@@sharkclub1 I think it may be more visable to others, so maybe a bit safer
I’m looking at a Hooligan. I noticed you were getting one some time ago. Just wondering what your opinion is after having it for a bit.
What are those gloves you're wearing in the ride review at 4:20?
firstly thank for watching. They are a Canadian brand. heres a link to some amzn.to/3vpIdex
Thanks for this video. A Genuine dealer near me has a Hooligan in stock that I got to sit on. I totally agree the seat is very comfortable. I sat on a Buddy as well and, at 5'6", I actually felt better on the Hooligan. Which means it's probably good for shorter riders too lol! Hopefully I'll be able to trade in my 2022 Roughhouse for it. The Roughhouse is great but now that I have a motorcycle license it's time for more cc's 😁
good luck, the 170cc and bigger wheels really help. thanks for watching!
Biggest problem with the Buddy, is the 10 inch tires. I owned a 10 inch tire scooter, and rough roads are a nightmare, and they wear out really quick. I know firsthand.
@@scrambler69-xk3kv yes 10” tires is to small for anything that can go faster than 35 mph. Most have 12” and a few have 14” and even 16” tires. My Burgman 400 has 13” and does great cruise at 75 mph.
@rickiejacobs5910 WHEEL height matterz ...not just RIM DIAMETER
Thanks for the video, I’m looking to buy one in the next month or so. And being 6’2 havin something I’ll fit in is something I’m looking for.
Hey thanks for watching!, I have 4-5 inches of room between my knees and the dash, super comfortable. If you can find one and its a decent price, get it. 👍
@@panthercityoutdoors I'm 6'2 205 lbs, but my boots are size 14. So I'm concerned about what scooters will I actually fit on. I sat on a Piaggio Liberty 150, but I could not even turn the steering wheel without hitting my knees. I sat on a Vespa 150, fits comfortably. I really hope the hooligan fits me, if not I may have to go with a Kymco Xtown 300 or the Vespa 150.
@@malcolmmarshall5864 I think with size 14s you'd fit. I wear a 12 and I have at least 4-5 inches of playroom. Is there a dealer close? If not try to find a used one a try it. the twinn suspension, blows, the the Vespa away with its single front.
Great video. I'm trying to decide between the Buddy170i and the Hooligan 170i. Question: I sat on both at the dealer. I'm 5'5" so which one would be a safer ride for me? Thanx in advance for the advice.
The buddy will have a lower seat height than the Hooligan. I think it night be better. When you sat on them, were they off the center stand? Could you easily touch the ground with your feet? There are loads of used Buddy 170s out there and with winter approaching, you might find a great deal.
@@panthercityoutdoors Thank you for your prompt reply. I can "toe-touch" the same on both bikes, but the Hooligan felt much heavier. Also, the Hooligan has an optional lower seat. I really like both bikes; the low mount oil cooler on the Buddy has me a little concerned. (I'm 68, and it's a very expensive toy, so at my age, I've decided to buy a new one. (Any thoughts on the Buddy oil cooler?). Again, thank you for advice.
the Hooligan is heavier and overall larger. Did you ride both? which one felt better? If youre not concerned with going 50mph, Id look at a Honda Metroploitan or Ruckus. They are 50cc, go around 35mph and your feet will be flat on the ground. Both are super light too. 100mpg and both under $2000 used..@@MrJimmy-ox7fq
@@panthercityoutdoors Thank you so much for your valued advice. You've been a great help to me! Take care and stay safe.
Flat floor is a huge plus. I sit a Walmart bag between my feet all the time. just hook the handle on the bag hook and whatever is in the bag sits right there all the way home.
I also put my laundry bag in that spot
By the sound of the engine, it seems like that CVT puts a lot of excess demand on the engine at lower speeds. Do you feel the engine revs a lot at low speed?
not really, the tach idles and revs similar to other scoots I've owned.
however, the muffler is a more of a "sport" type, that is louder with a deeper grumble.. It's like they put an aftermarket one on.
I also just got this baby!!!!
I really like mine, I ride it every day! I did replace the original 35W bulb with a 45W one. It helped a lot. the original one is weak.
What’s the difference between the buddy 170i vs Hooligan?
the buddy is a smaller scoot. My size 12 feet don't fit the floorboard and my knees hit the dash. It also has better brakes, shocks and I believe the wheels are larger too. Maybe I should do a comparison video. Thanks for watching.
Large floor board area is go to know. I am 5’ 10” but have size 14 shoe size. I have a Suzuki Burgman 400 and it is a great scooter and powerful. But at age 66 the weight bus get to much for me. Looking for a smaller scooter that can run at least 60 on the highway back roads.
this could brobably go 60 for a bit, but I wouldn't commute far at that speed, it''s just designed for it. In the 50s no problem. I had a Yamaha Majesty 400 for years so I know where yer coming from. thank you for watching.
Lost all of the air in the rear tire going 40mph at 70 years old. It has been hard to get over the fear of this happening again. Was a truly terrifying moment for me.
10 inch tires are just too small for me too. And I'm getting more caitious as I age as well.Last spill was something I don't need again.
ini sangat menyenangkan,,,, terimakasih sudah berbagi
🙂👍
I’m 5’2”. I’m looking to buy one soon. Will this be too big for me?
First, thanks for watching. Yes I think the seat height will be too high. A Genuine Scooter Buddy might work in boots. Those are 50cc-170cc. I know you would fit on a Honda Metroplotan or Ruckus, but both are only 50cc. Thats too slow for a lot of roads, but depends on what you need. I put 8000 miles on a Metro, it was just small for me, but fun. If there's not a close dealer, look on Marketplace and go sit on a few. Thats the best way. Let me know how it goes.
@@panthercityoutdoorsAw man. That stinks. I sat on one today and it did feel kind of bulky, but I liked it. The off road option is cool. The Buddy was my first choice, but the salesman told me that it didn’t handle well on rougher terrain. I just need something to get to and from work in the city. I live in rural Alabama, so some of our roads are gravel and kind of rough.
@@TheTurtleRage Maybe check out the new Honda ADV160, those look really sweet, go 60+mph, n get insame mpg.
@@panthercityoutdoors I’ll check it out! Thanks!
I would love to buy one, but their dealer network is so small and even if you have a dealer, you never know for how long. I have seen so many people try to run a scooter dealership in my area and they never make it. It is not like buying a major name brand were if it goes out of business there is another one to take it's place. But the prices for name brand scooters have gotten out of hand.
yeah, it helps to have a local dealer. Mine is 30 miles away and another is 60.
No dealership needed.
If you know how to service it that is fine but not everyone is able to do their own service.
Oo, a scooter that could fit my size 14 boots..
...and you might have a bit of room left over. thanks for watching.
It is a ordinary PGO Libra with another name…….
yeah, its the front end of one PGO model and the backend of anther PGO. N America doesn't sell the PGO brand, but a Chicago company rebranded the buddy decades ago. thanks for watching.
One day I hope to have a 🛵
they are perefect for running errands for sure. Thanks for watching!