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Messages - daybeau

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1
Grandvista 250 / Re: Help with mirrors. Need part supplier
« on: May 25, 2021, 07:29:07 PM »
Just a confirmation that in May 2021 eBay provided the only contact to a vendor that claimed to have a left mirror base ( the part that seems to break most often on the mirror assembly). With shipping and sales tax (for New Jersey), I was charged GBP 31.04, which translated to about $42 I think. Much less than prices listed by other parts sellers for the entire mirror assembly, which was not in stock anyway.

2
Grandvista 250 / Re: Oil change - order of filter, etc.?
« on: September 08, 2015, 02:52:50 AM »
Am I reading this thread correctly? The screen/filter is something that needs to be fished out? I just tried changing the oil in my 2009 GV 250. The bottom bolt and spring came off and out just fine, but I did not see any screen fall out with the spring. From Aaron's account, it sounds as though a little more effort was required to extract the screen. Could someone confirm that. I'd like to get it right next time.

3
General Discussion / Re: Motorcycle riding gear just doesn't cut it anymore
« on: August 09, 2015, 03:33:13 AM »
On my 30 mile (each way) commute the posted (but apparently understood as suggested) speed limit is 50 mph for most of the trip. Often, I have to hop on a limited access highway that has a 65 mph speed limit, but heaven help anyone who reins in his or her ride to keep her that slow. Throw in the fact that the first time I ever tried to ride a two-wheeled motor vehicle (October 2014) I ended my ride with a broken rib... You know, I have no problem looking like a PowerRanger, even on days that hit 92 F. (At 94 F, I did opt for something with a working a/c.) Modular helmet with integrated sun visor, TourMaster AirIntake III jacket, Scorpion gloves (or deer hide on alternate days if the sweat hasn't dried), Evo knee/shin guards, and Vulcan mid-calf boots. (Actually, the knee/shin guards go on only when hitting 65 mph is part of the plan.)



(Couldn't resist tossing in these photos knowing how much Stig admires the lines of a Grandvista 250.)

4
General Discussion / Re: New guy needs help w/ Grandvista
« on: August 08, 2015, 09:33:10 PM »
Hi, pittguy:

I believe I saw a request similar to yours on one of the Grandvista threads http://www.kymcoforum.com/index.php?board=5.0 of this forum. Even if I am misremembering, you may find more helpful responses by posting your question there.

5
Eye Candy | Videos and Pics / Re: Scooter-Man for safe scooting
« on: August 07, 2015, 07:15:42 PM »
Stig, the plan is a combination '"Scared Straight" scootering video and Spider-Man spoof. Hope to work in one of those massive east Asian scooter pile ups that are all over YouTube. Funny you should mention the early Honda and Yamaha midi/maxi scooters. When I was shopping for a scooter about this time last year, I sat on a Helix and a Morphous to try out their fit. (Since I had never been on a motorized two-wheeler, I shied away from taking anything out for a test ride--but that didn't stop the guy selling the Helix from insisting that I try her out.) Anyway, compared to those two 250's, the Grandvista was Monday's child, and it fit my awkward frame and budget the best, to boot.

6
Eye Candy | Videos and Pics / Scooter-Man for safe scooting
« on: August 07, 2015, 04:35:28 AM »
Here are links to some stills from a proposed short video promoting safe scooting. The attached PDF file contains lyrics that more-or-less go with the instrumentals from the 1960's Spider-Man cartoon theme song.

http://1drv.ms/1ggECTe
http://1drv.ms/1MRbEHy
http://1drv.ms/1MRclAE

7
Grandvista 250 / Re: Question regarding bolts for securing top case rack
« on: August 07, 2015, 03:22:12 AM »
Many thanks to both of you.
Now, I know just what to do.
To Lowe's I'll go for something new,
A shiny tube of Loctite Blue.

8
Grandvista 250 / Question regarding bolts for securing top case rack
« on: August 06, 2015, 03:35:06 PM »
Does anyone have experience securing a Shad top case rack to the luggage shelf on the back of a GV250? I should have realized something may have been up when the seller sold me the scooter last fall with the top case and rack unmounted. Anyway, after a bit of a struggle, I was able to mount the thing. Now, it seems that at some point during my commute (@ ~50mph for 30 miles each way) the two rear bolts (that also hold the passenger seat back to the frame) loosen up and jump ship. (The first time they disappeared, I thought the shop where I had some work done neglected to put them back because they are such a pain to get lined up right. Now, I owe them an apology.)

So, does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep replacement bolts (that I have just ordered from www.kymcopartsmonster.com) in place? I'm thinking of trying to lather 'em up with some clear silicon caulk--something that should help keep the bolts in place while being easy to peel off when necessary.

Thanks!


9
Grandvista 250 / Re: Considering a Grand Vista
« on: July 07, 2015, 10:47:44 PM »
Yes, I bought my 2009 GV used with 1483 miles. The bolts and screw that were missing after taking her in for service were previously in place. If the People GT 300i had come with a wind screen and more under seat storage, I might have gone that way--especially given the two-year warranty. But, those drawbacks and around $2500 extra dollars tilted my choice. (The storage issue became highlighted this past weekend when I was able to stow seven (7!) 2-liter bottles of Pepsi products and a small, seedless watermelon along with my before listed stash--minus the shoulder satchel--under the GV's seat and in my top case.)

Having now put on 1000 miles (mostly commuting) since starting riding, I'm satisfied that I made the right choice for me. (Now, if I can work up the nerve to hop on a limited access highway or cross the DE Memorial Bridge, I'll really be getting somewhere.)

10
Grandvista 250 / Re: Considering a Grand Vista
« on: June 28, 2015, 05:40:40 PM »
Hi, ScootWolf:

My wife used to help take her cousin's mopeds to Mini Trail Bikes for service and recommended the shop to me after I couldn't find anyone closer who was willing to work on KYMCO scooters. Actually, AC Cycle Center said they would take care of some things (stale gas gumming up everything, tires that needed replacing, season start up) but after having my GV 250 for two weeks, they still hadn't performed a diagnosis.

The folks at Mini Trail Bikes were friendly, seemed knowledgeable, and they even had new KYMCO scooters on display in their showroom. Within 18 hours, I had a diagnosis and estimate. All the work was completed within three days of my dropping off the scooter--and this was during the busy time of the year (start of nice weather). The only iffy facet of the trip home, the first exercise of my newly motorcycle-endorsed driver's license, was the experience of the rider.

It wasn't until a couple of days later that I popped open the seat and noticed one of the battery cover screws was missing. The next day, when I tried to put something in the top box, the entire trunk raised up as though it were on a hinge. At that point, I noticed that the bolts holding the rear handrails were pretty loose, and the bolts securing the luggage rack to the back of the scooter were missing (the only reason it was still attached was the adapter frame for the top box interlaced with the luggage shelf and was itself being held (at least partially) by two of the loose bolts holding the handrails in place. When I called them, they could not find the missing bolts and screw. If I ever go for a new KYMCO scooter, Mini Trail Bikes has the inventory, but I think I'll keep hunting around for a service shop. (Depending on who answers the phone, the service department at Lilliston Honda in Vineland, which is not far from me, may be able to handle things like tire changing in the future.)

Like you, I was interested in the KYMCO two-year warranty, and found the recent promotional financing tempting. But, the People GT could use a wind screen and more under seat storage (though it is one of the few 250cc or greater scooters with a flat floorboard). For its part, the Downtown could use a top box and something more than a decorative wind screen. And as a true newbie, I was afraid to consider seriously anything larger than a 300cc machine. I ended up spending about 3/5 of the cost of a new People GT 300i or Downtown 300i to purchase my 2009 GV 250 (with 1481 miles at the time) and get it road worthy. To me, that was acceptable for a scooter that seems to be meeting my needs so far, even without a warranty. There are are number of GV 250's still out there, and for about $500 less than I paid. (I went ahead and swallowed the premium since it came with the top box and was being sold close enough to where I live that I did not have to pay for any shipping other than a quarter tank of gas in my wife's Ranger.)

11
Grandvista 250 / Re: Considering a Grand Vista
« on: June 25, 2015, 11:48:45 AM »
As a relatively tall (6'3"+) newbie (riding just over a month) to the world of motorized two-wheelers, I sat on quite a few different types of highway rated scooters (e.g. Honda Helix, Yamaha Morphus, Kymco Downtown 300i, Kymco People GT, Burgman 400, Honda Forza) and found that a used 2009 Grandvista 250 fit my frame the best. I was looking for a low-cost, fuel-efficient vehicle for my south Jersey commute (roughly 60 miles round trip from near US 40 and NJ 55 to just shy of the DE Memorial Bridge taking US 40 nearly the whole way). There is a helmet peg on the steering column and a good bit of under seat storage (I keep a couple of tools in a pouch, locking chain, hi-viz vest, and a zip bag containing a 2-piece rain suit and still have room for my soft-sided shoulder bag for books, papers, clean shirt and small towel). The previous owner had purchased a Shad top box that is really handy.

The seat is rough on my aging, arthritic tail bone, but I usually just put a cushion in place. Bumps on the road are very noticeable--whether a scooter with 14" or 16" wheels would improve that situation, I can't say. (It would probably help if I could figure out how to adjust the rear suspension.) Also, I have to slow w-a-y down for turns at intersections, but that may be due as much to my inexperience as a rider as it is to wheel size or the proximity of the bottom of the scooter to the road surface.

About the folding mirrors. The first time I tried to ride my GV, only the second time I ever tried to ride a motorbike, I laid it down, and the black mount of the left mirror snapped off. I've tried repairing it with various adhesives, but none has proved lasting. Because of the motorized folding mechanism, replacing the entire mirror assembly is really pricey compared to mirrors for just about any other type of scooter--if you can find a replacement. I'm hoping I can find a replacement for just the black mount, which is not the motorized part, for under $40. I've seen web sites listing the whole assembly at over $100--and none of the ones I've found match the color (white) of my GV.

All told, I am satisfied with my GV, especially considering the price. Hope this helps.

12
Grandvista 250 / MOVED: Considering a Grand Vista
« on: June 25, 2015, 11:46:02 AM »
This topic has been moved to General Discussion.

http://www.kymcoforum.com/index.php?topic=14253.0

13
General Discussion / Considering a Grand Vista
« on: June 25, 2015, 11:41:26 AM »
As a relatively tall (6'3"+) newbie (riding just over a month) to the world of motorized two-wheelers, I sat on quite a few different types of highway rated scooters (e.g. Honda Helix, Yamaha Morphus, Kymco Downtown 300i, Kymco People GT, Burgman 400, Honda Forza) and found that a used 2009 Grandvista 250 fit my frame the best. I was looking for a low-cost, fuel-efficient vehicle for my south Jersey commute (roughly 60 miles round trip from near US 40 and NJ 55 to just shy of the DE Memorial Bridge taking US 40 nearly the whole way). There is a helmet peg on the steering column and a good bit of under seat storage (I keep a couple of tools in a pouch, locking chain, hi-viz vest, and a zip bag containing a 2-piece rain suit and still have room for my soft-sided shoulder bag for books, papers, clean shirt and small towel). The previous owner had purchased a Shad top box that is really handy.

The seat is rough on my aging, arthritic tail bone, but I usually just put a cushion in place. Bumps on the road are very noticeable--whether a scooter with 14" or 16" wheels would improve that situation, I can't say. (It would probably help if I could figure out how to adjust the rear suspension.) Also, I have to slow w-a-y down for turns at intersections, but that may be due as much to my inexperience as a rider as it is to wheel size or the proximity of the bottom of the scooter to the road surface.

About the folding mirrors. The first time I tried to ride my GV, only the second time I ever tried to ride a motorbike, I laid it down, and the black mount of the left mirror snapped off. I've tried repairing it with various adhesives, but none has proved lasting. Because of the motorized folding mechanism, replacing the entire mirror assembly is really pricey compared to mirrors for just about any other type of scooter--if you can find a replacement. I'm hoping I can find a replacement for just the black mount, which is not the motorized part, for under $40. I've seen web sites listing the whole assembly at over $100--and none of the ones I've found match the color (white) of my GV.

All told, I am satisfied with my GV, especially considering the price. Hope this helps.

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