KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: TeeMon on September 20, 2012, 10:24:29 PM
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I have been trying to check out a People GT300i but none of the Kymco dealers within 75 miles of me have one. Two dealers have the GT200i on the floor so I went and checked one out.
I liked it very much but I'm concerned about its ability to travel at Interstate speeds and not overwork the little motor. Motorists on local Interstates and Freeways around here drive at 70 MPH plus.
My Burg 400 can easily handle that and what I've read the GT300i can do it as well. But what about the GT200i?
I am having difficulty finding any posts from members that might own one - very little info on the 200i on the forum.
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TeeMon: I think many people (@ least in the US) won't really consider the GT200i because it's price point. It's too close to the GT300i & too be honest, I wouldn't buy one @ retail. I purchased a GT300i (less $200.00 off retail) which from what I gather isn't the best discount in the world (see Old Geezer) If you're going to spend upper $4,000+ Why not just spend the extra $400.00-$500.00 for a much better engine?
I'm 6' 225lbs. & my top speed has been 82MPG (GPS tested) on the GT300i. I'm not a fan of super-speed so you know. I mostly cruise secondary roads @ 30MPH-50MPH (which I love) I'm sure the GT200i is a fine scoot...but Kymco priced it way out IMHO (just like the GT300i as well) If it had a retail @ $4000.00 (or less) I'm sure many people would bite!
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I may be wrong but... My Peoples 200 carbed puts down 11HP and so does the 200i, I top out at about 57 MPH with everything going well, long flat road etc..
If your looking to go on a highway for a short spurt you can, in my area you need to get on a highway to cross some rivers to get out of town. But NJ state law and maybe couontry wide is you need 250CC or better to ride the highway.
If your in the States you'd better check it out before you buy (assuming all above is true.)
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MassScoot, thanks for your comments.
Actually, I went to the dealer to check out a beautiful, new (unsold) 2009 People S 250 at a much reduced price. I was ready to buy it today.
But after I sat on it and looked at it much closer, I wasn't sure that it was the right scooter for me. The seat height was too tall where I had to stand on my tip toes while wearing my thick soled boots and the seat felt too hard and uncomfortable. Also, I learned that it requires frequent oil changes and valve inspections/adjustments; more maintenance. I was very disappointed about all that.
After I looked at and sat on the People GT200i, I was really pleased. It felt just right for me except for my concerns regarding the top speed (or easier higher cruising highway speeds). And you're right - the cost was somewhat shocking. They had a Downtown 300i there but no GT300i's.
I went to and/or called eight different dealers within 75 miles and not a single one had a GT300i ! So even if I wanted one over the 200i, where would I find one or even get to look at one?
I plan on keeping my Burg 400 but I sure wanted to add a smaller, lighter scooter to my stable but now I'm having second thoughts.
BTW, we used to have wonderful country roads in this area until the wind turbine companies started installing hundreds of turbines. The roads are all ruined now from all of their heavy trucks, equipment; and overuse. I have to travel about half an hour to get out of this area to find decent country roads or to get on an interstate or freeway to reach good riding areas.
California requires a motorscooter (or motorcycle) to have at least 150 cc to be operated on a freeway/ Interstate. I had a 2010 Honda SH150i, but I could only get 62 - 65 MPH out of it on level roads with no wind. And it's seat was like a brick. So it's sold now.
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The Kymco GT 200i puts out 21 horse power. Thats about what my S 250 puts out. The GT200i is actually 205 CCs liquid cooled not to be confused with the 163 CC air cooled S 200 and Like. My S250 will run 80 and cruse at 65 to 70. I see no reason why the GT 200i should not either although I have not ridden one.
Being fuel injected it will get better fuel mileage than my 250. But its what the others have said, why not go ahead and get the 300. The 200i and 300i are the same size and weight and if you are going to be a bear you might as well be a grizzly.
By the way my dealer has a silver 200i for $4299.
http://www.castlepowersports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=9226626E-02X9K20K2012J6I51I51JPMQ4059R0&veh=246764&pov=2738850 (http://www.castlepowersports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=9226626E-02X9K20K2012J6I51I51JPMQ4059R0&veh=246764&pov=2738850)
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Old Geezer - thanks for the info. Wow! I wish that your dealer was closer - I might have come home with that scooter today!
The two dealers in my area (San Francisco Bay Area) that have the GT200i have theirs listed at $4889 (base price) and then they add transportation ($355); Assembly ($298); State Tire Fee ($5.50); Processing Fee ($50); and then the state takes it's bite to the tune of about $476 for fees, registration; & sales tax.
So it's not a cheap deal by the time you're done buying it. Takes a lot of convincing to get the wife to say, "yes dear, go ahead and buy a second scooter for yourself".
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I feel your pain. I have bought two Kymcos from this dealer and did not pay any set up or transportation. But more dealers charge the extras than the ones that don't.
Hey they got a gold 300i for $4799, sorry. :)
http://www.castlepowersports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=9226626E-02X9K20K2012J6I51I51JPMQ4059R0&veh=246765&pov=2738823 (http://www.castlepowersports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=9226626E-02X9K20K2012J6I51I51JPMQ4059R0&veh=246765&pov=2738823)
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Only $4799 for a 300i ! Oh no ! Now I really feel sick.
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The Kymco GT 200i puts out 21 horse power. Thats about what my S 250 puts out. The GT200i is actually 205 CCs liquid cooled not to be confused with the 163 CC air cooled S 200 and Like. My S250 will run 80 and cruse at 65 to 70. I see no reason why the GT 200i should not either although I have not ridden one.
Being fuel injected it will get better fuel mileage than my 250. But its what the others have said, why not go ahead and get the 300. The 200i and 300i are the same size and weight and if you are going to be a bear you might as well be a grizzly.
By the way my dealer has a silver 200i for $4299.
http://www.castlepowersports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=9226626E-02X9K20K2012J6I51I51JPMQ4059R0&veh=246764&pov=2738850 (http://www.castlepowersports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=9226626E-02X9K20K2012J6I51I51JPMQ4059R0&veh=246764&pov=2738850)
My mistake didn't know we were talking about the GT, I did read very recently that the plain 2001 is the same 11 HP, I think it's in my owners book.
By the way, what kind of MPG do you get on the Suzuki 400?
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08087, thanks for the clarification on what model you have.
Sorry, but I can't give you any MPG figures - I don't keep track of it. But I'll try to remember to check it on the next couple of fill ups and give a report.
I do know that it's pretty darn good compared to my car and my wife's car. Last time I checked my Burg's mileage was when it was newish & it was in the 60-62 MPG range. Note that I do almost no stop & go riding with it - I'm usually running between 60 and 70 MPH.
It is very smooth, quiet, comfortable, and has lots of storage. I've ridden it up Hwy 1 along the coast almost to Oregon. And over the Sierra Nevada Mts to Mammoth Lakes Resort. I challenge myself to stay off of the Interstates but sometimes you can't help it. Also, I ride year round as we have moderate weather here - no snow.
It's not as fast as my Silverwing was but it's lighter and easier for my tired, broken body to push around.
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08087, thanks for the clarification on what model you have.
Sorry, but I can't give you any MPG figures - I don't keep track of it. But I'll try to remember to check it on the next couple of fill ups and give a report.
I do know that it's pretty darn good compared to my car and my wife's car. Last time I checked my Burg's mileage was when it was newish & it was in the 60-62 MPG range. Note that I do almost no stop & go riding with it - I'm usually running between 60 and 70 MPH.
It is very smooth, quiet, comfortable, and has lots of storage. I've ridden it up Hwy 1 along the coast almost to Oregon. And over the Sierra Nevada Mts to Mammoth Lakes Resort. I challenge myself to stay off of the Interstates but sometimes you can't help it. Also, I ride year round as we have moderate weather here - no snow.
It's not as fast as my Silverwing was but it's lighter and easier for my tired, broken body to push around.
When I first started looking at scoots I looked into the Burg's but they were too expensive and I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy the scoot as much as I do, so I went small. I also looked into the Honda Big Rukus 250cc but they too are expensive, so Kymco it is.
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I've been riding motorcycles since 1962 or so. My last motorcycle was a beautiful 2005 BMW R1150R. But then my body started complaining loudly to me. A neighbor was kind enough to let me take his Majesty 400 scooter for a long ride to see how it might work for me.
The next day I rode my BMW down to the nearest scooter dealer and traded it in on a Honda Silverwing scooter. I was a happy man! I'm fortunate that I could afford a larger scooter - I was able to keep riding to the distant parts of Northern California that a smaller scooter would not have let me do.
But the Silverwing became too heavy for me (bad back) so I ended up with a Burg 400 which is about 75 to 100 lbs lighter than the SWing. But I sure miss the SWing - it was absolutely great!
Now, after my recent 2nd low back surgery (and advancing years), I'm giving serious thought to yet a lighter scooter like the Kymco People S 250 and now the GT 200i or GT 300i. But I plan to keep my Burg 400 until I can't lift it off the side stand anymore or push it out of it's garage (or my wife puts her foot down about all the damn scooters in the garage).
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Yeah, I got my first scooter in 1958. I went on to have many Honda and Harley motor cycles after the scooter, a 1955 Sears Allstate Cruisaire made by Vespa. I have degenerative back disease, some bulging disc and can't swing my leg over a motor cycle any more so I got a step through scooter that will keep me on two wheels a while longer.
Being in Vietnam in 1969 and being sprayed with agent orange didn't help.
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Old Geezer, thank you for your service in Vietnam, Republic of.
My nephew was a door gunner on a Huey (Big Red One) and is now 100 per cent disabled. And a good friend was on PBRs (US Navy) with one of their duties was to deliver 55 gal drums of some stuff marked with chemical markings that was used to spray on enemy areas. But he won't file a claim (he has tumors all over his body and brain now).
And so on. I was never injured while in the Army. I waited until I had been in Law Enforcement for 20 yrs and then got my low back injured badly.
If only I would have known that it would interfere with my motorcycle/scooter riding!
BTW, do you own a People S 250 ? If so, what do you think of it?
The one at the dealer's is absolutely gorgeous - bright red 2009 and zero miles on it. He's asking $3299 for it (plus all the other fees, etc). It's a little tall for me and the seat feels hard (not good for my injured low back). And they told me about the high maintenance that's required on it.
Thanks,
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The People S250 may not be for you. I owned a People S200 & the seat was "rock hard" no question. I had to purchase a seat cushion to help out, but that added 3/4" to the seat height.
The LOVE the look of the People S250 myself. My favorite looking Kymco off all-time! It blows away my GT300i IMHO. Not to say that the GT300i is ugly, just that it's not as sharp as the S250.
What I don't understand is why the dealer is telling you it requires more maintenance. Ok, so it has a carb vs. FI. Yes...it's watercooled as well, but I think it would be about the same as my GT300i. My People S200 (air-cooled) was a bullet-proof scooter (never should have sold it) & it required very little work. Just engine & gear oil. Of course I used the additives to keep my carb clean. Started-up like a champ even sitting in the Winter months (New England) in my shed. One thing the People S250 is fairly nimble if that's what you're looking for. Plus @ $3299.00, it's a great price!
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My S 250 has been great. It has not given me one bit of trouble and I ride it most every day. I try to do all my errands on it and leave my truck parked. Actually the GT 300 is a little bit taller than the S 250. I have a 30 inch inseam and I can flat foot mine. The S250 weighs a little less than the 300. They have the same size wheels. The S 250 has a ton more under seat storage than the 300. I also have a Shad SH40 cargo top case on mine.
The ride is smooth on the 250 and it takes bumps really well. It does not hurt my back to ride it.
The electronic fuel injection on the 300 is good and it will get better fuel mileage...but..if any thing goes wrong you have to take it to the dealer where as I can work on the carb with tools I have in the garage. The maintenance is the same on both of them. The 300 has a lot more power than the 250 but the 250 is no slouch.
Thats a good price on the S 250. I was thinking of getting the 300 but decided to keep my 250.
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What I was told about "maintenance" was that the S250 requires more frequent oil and gear oil changes and its valves have to be "inspected & adjusted" much more frequently. I think the oil every 2,000 miles on the S250 and its valves every 2600 miles - something like that.
While the GT200i (they didn't have a GT300i there) those services are required every 6,000 miles. Big difference to someone like me who can't do their own service - especially the valves!
Also, I sat on both scooters and I had to tip toe with thick soled boots on the S250 while I sat flat footed on the GT200i.
It is puzzling because the specs indicate that the GT has a taller seat height !
The S250 definitely felt lighter to me and the underseat storage was actually usable. And my small Givi topcase on my Burg 400 can easily be shared with the S250.
I'm glad to hear that the ride on the S250 has not caused any discomfort to Old Geezer - that is a huge concern to me. The seat did not feel quite as padded but actually did not feel any worse than my Burg's seat. I like the idea of having a lightweight scooter for short trips/errands and the such and leave my Burg for longer (and overnight rides).
If the maintenance info that I was told is incorrect, please let me know. I was previously given incorrect info regarding my Burg 400 by the same guy there.
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I do all my own maint on scooters, cars and truck. I guess I have been turning wrenches for 54 years so its no big deal for me.
I don't know why the 300 would go that much longer between valve adjusts. The 300 has 4 valves and the 250 has 2 but they are set up the same way. Any way most of the time when you check the valves they don't need adjusting or are only off by a very small amount, so I would say the 250 can go a long way between adjustments. The 200/300 manual says 5000 miles BTW.
S 250 valve adjust..
http://modvespa.com/how-to-adjust-your-valve-on-kymco-people-250-scooter/ (http://modvespa.com/how-to-adjust-your-valve-on-kymco-people-250-scooter/)
owners manual for the GT 200
http://www.kymcousa.com/owners/onroad/People-GT200i-300i-Owners%20Manual.pdf (http://www.kymcousa.com/owners/onroad/People-GT200i-300i-Owners%20Manual.pdf)
owners manual for the S 250
http://www.kymcousa.com/owners/onroad/PeopleS250.pdf (http://www.kymcousa.com/owners/onroad/PeopleS250.pdf)
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What I was told about "maintenance" was that the S250 requires more frequent oil and gear oil changes and its valves have to be "inspected & adjusted" much more frequently. I think the oil every 2,000 miles on the S250 and its valves every 2600 miles - something like that.
My P250s has 22.000 kms and still has to see its first valve adjustment.
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Old Geezer - many thanks for the links to the owners booklets for both scooters! I had tried to find them online with no success.
So it shows that the GT200i needs oil & trans fluid replacements every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) and valve adjustments at 10,000 miles.
While the S250 requires oil changes at 1,250 miles (2,000 km) and gear oil replacements every 3,450 miles (4,000 km); and valve adjustments at 3,450 miles intervals - which means more than twice as often as the GT200i.
Unfortunately, I cannot do my own maintenance - besides having a very bad back and can't remain in one position for long or bend/squat for even less time, I also do not have any mechanical ability whatsoever; have no tools (& wouldn't know how to use them if I did); and after three surgeries on my right hand (was my strong hand) it now has very little flexibility or gripping strength.
So the dealer gets alot of money from me for service work and modifications. Luckily, on both my Silverwing (now gone) and my Burg 400, no repairs have been needed. The service intervals on my Burg are longer than on either of the Kymco's.
I'm waiting for a call back from the dealer as to how much they charge for service on the two Kymco's. Should be interesting and might cause me to re-think this purchase.
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My P250s has 22.000 kms and still has to see its first valve adjustment.
I was just about to ask what would happen if you didn't do any valve adjustments? Why do they recomend them so frequently?
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It can effect performance. If they get too loose they can get noisy but they usually tighten up. If they get too tight it can hold the valve off of the seat. This will effect performance and can cause the valve to burn if not corrected.
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Regarding the GT 200i top speed, here is a review:
http://www.justgottascoot.com/peoplegti300.htm (http://www.justgottascoot.com/peoplegti300.htm)
"I just took a short spin on a new Kymco People GTi200 courtesy of Scooterville. It's pretty much the same chassis as the People GTi300 with a smaller engine. In this case it's a 204cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected unit. Yes, that's right, 204cc. While just about every other "200" scooter out there (including other Kymco models) is less than 200cc, this one is a touch MORE. It was a short ride, but I did get out on a highway and up to 70 MPH without any trouble. The incredible ooomph of the 300 isn't there, but the 200 was still a fun machine. According to motorcycle.com, the GTi200 puts out 21 horses which is comparable to the Piaggio BV300 and Aprilia SportCity 300. I'd expect the fuel economy to be better than the 300 and the around town handling to be even sharper. At $4,899, the MSRP may be seen as high for the current US scooter market, but it falls in line when compared with competing machines."
My guess is that the GT200i will do a 75PMH but not much more will the GT300i can cruise at that speed easily.
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Love reading these threads!
Thanks everyone!
Ken
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In my comments (see Reply#19), I made a couple of errors on service intervals (thanks, old age).
The GT200i does require oil & transmission fluid changes very 3,000 miles. But the valve adjustments are at 6,000 miles (not 10,000). It also requires a new air cleaner and oil filter at 3,000 miles.
The People S 250 requires oil changes every 1,250 miles but gear oil replacements at 2,450 miles & 2,700 miles. The valve adjustments intervals are the same as the gear oil change intervals (2,450 & 2,700).
I called two Kymco dealers about costs for "routine/minor service" rates: One dealer told me that it would be about the same as my Burg 400 (for either the S250 or the GT200i) - $325 to $400 (not including valve adjustments).
The other dealer said that they charge about $127.50 plus parts for a minor service. Too bad this dealer is over an hour away!
I read ludo's post regarding the review and the rider got the 200i up to 70 MPH without any trouble. I was hoping that it would do a little better than that. I read one review where the rider got the S250 up to 84.5 MPH ! Now that is what I'm talking about!
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TeeMon
Been reading your comments about service with interest. I have a 2009 XC250RI. The manual states oil changes every 1200 miles and valve check and adjustment every 2400 miles. The valve adjustment requires that several body panels be removed. By the way, it is essentially the same engine as in the P250S, except for being fuel injected.
When I bought my XC, I also tested a P250S. The P250S was $600 dollars cheaper ($3400 vs $4000), but I bought the XC, because I had trouble finding enough room for my feet on the floorboard. The riding position for me was much more comfortable on the XC, with the ability to vary foot position - something you should consider since you have been riding Silverwings and Burgs. My feet are a size 10 for reference. Of course the XC is 40lbs (if I remember correctly) heavier.
Good luck convincing your wife about a second scooter...I am fighting the same battle.
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Bleys,
Thanks for your comments. I've never seen the model you have but I just looked at photos of it online. Nice looking scooter and it sort of looks like a Downtown 300i that I've sat on at two different dealers. Your model is scarce or non-existent in these parts. Sort of like the GT300i.
I'm surprised & disappointed about the "shortish" intervals for oil changes and other maintenance items with the Kymco's. For me, that means quite a bit more expense in maintaining another scooter.
That is, compared to the Silverwing and my Burg 400. My Burg goes 3,500 miles between oil changes; 11,000 miles for oil filter change; 11,000 miles for the air cleaner; 14,500 miles before needing the valve adjust inspected; and 7,500 miles for the gear oil.
And it's fuel injected as well.
I've sat on the People S 250; the GT200i; Like 200i; and the Downtown 300i. None gave me a problem with my feet position although the "hump" on the Downtown is wider than the Burg's. Also, the DT's feet forward position is really weird - way too high and I can't imagine riding in that position for any length of time.
At this time I'm looking for a lighter, smaller engined scooter than my Burg 400. I plan on keeping my Burg for as long as I can but my low back injury might shorten that time.
If I can find that smaller, lighter scooter it will need to do better than 70-75 MPH. I need to be able to get on two different State Highways to leave this town. A 65+ MPH scooter will work on those two roads but after that I need to get on the interstate (I-80; I-5; or various Bay Area freeways) to get to where I want to go. Those roads require that your scooter can easily cruise at 70 MPH and occasionally get up to 75 - 80 MPH to pass a line of big rigs.
My Burg has great suspension (single shock) and a decent seat with a sheepskin cover. And I can sit flat footed on it. So the smaller scooter would also need to have a decent seat due to my screwed up low back. Hopefully, the seat height wouldn't be too tall either.
Maybe I'm looking for something that doesn't exist. But I haven't given up yet.
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I may be wrong but... My Peoples 200 carbed puts down 11HP and so does the 200i, I top out at about 57 MPH with everything going well, long flat road etc..
If your looking to go on a highway for a short spurt you can, in my area you need to get on a highway to cross some rivers to get out of town. But NJ state law and maybe couontry wide is you need 250CC or better to ride the highway.
If your in the States you'd better check it out before you buy (assuming all above is true.)
08087 are you sure about the Jersey highway law, I have always thought the limit was 50ccs.
Richard L. (08031)
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08087 are you sure about the Jersey highway law, I have always thought the limit was 50ccs.
Richard L. (08031)
Of course when your looking for it you can't find it, but here is a link stating in a forum thread you can't take a scoot less then 250cc on the PArkway or Turnpyke.http://scootdawg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=talk&action=display&thread=18678 (http://scootdawg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=talk&action=display&thread=18678)
Picture yourself on my scoot that tops out at 57 MPH (peoples 200) trying to ride in traffic and change lans when all I can do is reach 57 at best. It's not safe for me or those arouond me.
Don't misunderstand me, let there be another 9/11 type inncedent and I'll be riding the shoulder all the way to the shore while everyone is stuck in their cars/traffic.
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In our country, only 400cc up are allowed on super highways. What people do is place a 400cc or 500cc badge on their 350's or 250's and they can enter the highways. Lots of cops are very ignorant about these motorcycle stuff anyway...
Here's a Motorstar (China) Explorer 200cc modified to look like a Honda CBR 600RR......
(http://125.5.107.201/images/39/3965369296.jpg)
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To 08087 - you asked me a while back what kind of gas mileage I get on my 08 Burg 400.
I had not ridden in for over a week since buying my S 250, but I finally rode the Burg and kept track of my MPG on a 313 mile trip that included State Highways; County Roads; and some stop & go (smaller towns).
Result: 62.48 MPG