The Honda Metropolitan and the Genuine Buddy are gas-powered scooters. The Metropolitan is produced in Japan by Honda's Powersports division, while the Buddy is produced by the American firm Genuine and built in Taiwan. While these two scooters share several features in common, they are also different in many ways.
Honda Metropolitan Information
The Honda Metropolitan is Honda's take on a classic European scooter. The Metropolitan uses a 49-cubic-centimeter gas engine. It is a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine that uses a liquid cooling system and features an automatic choke. It also uses a V belt drive system. The Metropolitan has a 1.32 gallon gas tank. It weighs just 176 lbs, making it light and able to achieve fuel economy near 150 miles per gallon.
Genuine Buddy Information
The Genuine Buddy is available in two distinct models: the Buddy 50 and the Buddy 125. In each case, the name refers to the size of the engine. The Buddy 50 uses a 50cc, two-stroke engine, while the Buddy 125 has a large 125cc, four-stroke engine. Both engines are air cooled. The Genuine Buddy is also available with a number of official accessories, including a windshield, luggage rack, seat covers and a bicycle-style handlebar basket.
Similarities
The Honda Metropolitan and Genuine Buddy are most similar in terms of their appearance. Both scooters are designed to have a retro look with brightly colored body panels, chromed mirrors and trim and a round central headlight. Both also use a traditional step-through scooter frame. The Metropolitan and Buddy also feature storage below the seat and rear side exhaust pipes. They are both marketed to young and urban drivers as a fuel-efficient alternative to a car.
Key Differences
Because it is available with two different engine options, the Genuine Buddy is considered a more versatile model than the Honda Metropolitan. The Buddy 50 is on par with the Metropolitan in terms of power, but the Buddy 125 is faster, with a top speed of around 60 miles per hour (compared with the Buddy 50's 30-mph limit and the Metropolitan's advertised 40-mph speed). Other mechanical differences include the Buddy's front disc brakes, as opposed to drum brakes on the Metropolitan.
Comparison for Buyers
In terms of price, the Honda Metropolitan is on par with the Buddy 50, at around $2,000 each. The Genuine Buddy 125 is priced about $700 more, but is a must for drivers who need added power for highway or long-distance driving. While some users have reported fuel economy in the 150 miles per gallon range on the Metropolitan, the Genuine Buddy 50 is advertised to have a 100 mpg rating, while the Buddy 125 offers approximately 90 mpg. One final consideration is the manufacturer warranty, which covers two years for a Buddy, but only one year for the Metropolitan.
