The 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy marked the second model year of the scooter from Chicago-based Genuine Scooter Company. The 2008 Buddy was available in three models: the Buddy 50, Buddy 125, and the Buddy Black Jack. Genuine Scooter Company set the manufacturer's suggested retail price at $1,999 for the Buddy 50, $2,699 for the Buddy 125, and $3,499 for the Buddy Black Jack.
The lower-level models of the 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy are named after their respective engine displacements: 50 cubic centimeters (cc) on the Buddy 50, 125 cc on the Buddy 125, 150 cc on the Buddy Black Jack. Each engine on the 2009 Buddy is an air-cooled single-cylinder (two-stroke on the Buddy 50 and four-stroke on the other two models). While the Buddy 50 engine uses a reed intake valve configuration, the engine on the other models stick with the single overhead camshaft train, with two intake valves on the cylinder.
The engine on each 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy is fueled by a carburetor and is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission. The gearbox enables the engine to work more efficiently due to the availability of more gear ratios to choose from. This results in an enhanced fuel economy: 100 miles per gallon (mpg) on the Buddy 50, and 90 mpg on the Buddy 125 and Buddy Black Jack.
For braking, each 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy uses a hydraulic disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. This set-up provides greater stopping power than an all-wheel drum brake layout. The suspension on the scooter is composed of a telescopic fork at the front and a single-sided swing arm with a shock absorber at the back: implemented to ensure a smoother ride. Although each 2009 Buddy has 10-inch wheels and tubeless tires, the ones on the Buddy 50 and Buddy 125 are made of steel while that of the Buddy Black Jack are aluminum.
Each 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy uses a steel frame for sturdiness, with front and rear fenders and a center stand for parking it. Two people can sit on the Buddy 50 and Buddy 125; seating is only provided for the driver on the more powerful Buddy Black Jack. For digital instrumentation, the 2009 Buddy provides a trip odometer, speedometer and fuel level warning gauge. Storage consists of an under-seat compartment, lockable area, glove box and a place to keep a helmet. Also included on the scooter are a power outlet to charge a mobile phone, and halogen headlight and pair of rearview mirrors for increasing visual perception during certain driving conditions or situations.