The Genuine Scooter Co Buddy International – the spruced-up version of the Genuine Scooter Co Buddy – had its second model year in 2009. Its manufacturer, Chicago-based Genuine Scooter Company, split the 2009 Buddy International into six models: the Little Italia 50, Italia 150, Little Pamplona 50, Pamplona 150, Little Saint Tropez 50 and Saint Tropez 150. The ""Little"" models had a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,199, while the other models – hereafter referred to as the ""Bigger"" models – had an MSRP of $3,199.
Each 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy International is powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder engine. The one on the ""Little"" models, however, is a two-stroke unit with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters (cc), while the one on the ""Bigger"" models is a four-stroke unit that displaces at 150 cc. Also, while the engine on the ""Little"" variants use a reed valve train, the one on the ""Bigger"" models has two intake valves on its cylinder.
The engine on each 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy International uses a carburetor for fueling and is mated a Continuously Variable Transmission. Also known as the CVT, this type of automatic gearbox can shift through an infinite number of gear ratios to facilitate the increased efficiency of the engine, which in turn creates better fuel economy. The ""Little"" models are the greater beneficiaries, with a combined fuel economy of 100 miles per gallon (mpg). The combined fuel economy of the ""Bigger"" models is measured at 90 mpg.
The 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy International has a front hydraulic disc brake and rear drum brake. This layout provides greater braking power than if it had drum brakes on its wheels. The suspension on the 2009 Buddy International consists of a front telescopic fork and a single-sided swing arm with a shock absorber at the rear for ensuring a smoother, less bumpy ride. Each 2009 Buddy International has 10-inch steel wheels, with Tubed Shinko tires on the ""Little"" models and tubeless Maxxis® ones on the ""Bigger"" models.
Built with a steel frame, the 2009 Genuine Scooter Co Buddy International provides seating for the driver and a passenger. Its standard digital instrumentation consists of a trip odometer, speedometer and fuel level warning gauge. Storage on the scooter consists of a glove box, under-seat compartment, lockable area and a place to keep the driver's helmet. A power outlet for charging mobile devices, and halogen headlight and a pair of side mirrors for increased visual perception are included on the 2009 Buddy International.