Considering a Grand Vista

[BettinANDlosing]

RE: rear seat comfort... I removed the backrest and put metal screws and washers in to fill the holes (probably not the best long term solution but working for now). Comfort is pretty good.

There is the option to adjust 'load condition rear cushion' (love these translations, not), which I have not done. It's an adjustment to the spring. 3 possible positions. This is on p. 18 of the manual. I'm not sure what this means though:
'When you adjust rear cushion, the spring preload of rear cushions on either side must be the same.'

You can twist the shock base to stiffen up the shock pre-load a little. Use large adjustable pliers, or a screw driver in the slot to turn the shock base so it sits on the higher groove.

[daybeau]

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.)

[ScooterWolf]

Hello everyone,

As mush as I loved and wanted to find a GV, I was unable to and went with a Downtown instead. I have no regrets. it's a great scooter. I'm adjusting to the lack of flat running boards, given its side the DT has multi-level running boards. One level for my feet, and a wide higher shelf broad enough toehold my computer bag with its handle shaped to the shopping back hook.

Took to to the Jersey shore this past weekend (from roughly Philly to Sea Isle City). Great ride. Power, and smooth suspension. Able to keep up with the big boys, and more.

Regardless, I'll still drop into this thread to see how the GV crowd is doing (or if there rare any convenient GVs for sale).

-Wolf

[Rudolf]

Careful of head-on collision... the front of this bike would fold on your legs, crushing them.

[AMAC1680]

Careful of head-on collision... the front of this bike would fold on your legs, crushing them.

That's a step-thru flaw not a Grandvista flaw.

AMAC

[ScooterWolf]

I still love my flat running boards, but this possible flaw has made me think twice about it, and better about my Downtown with its multi-level running boards. The central spine is pretty thick that I can rest bags and other items on it pretty well.

-Wolf

[mrbios]

Hope your recovery is going well.  GV 250 makes excellent power / torque.  Would never look a scooter with less than 250cc as I ride all the time on the highway between 70 to 100% throttle.

PROS:
power and smooth clutch / belt cvt engagement - much better than the burgman 400.
I put the taller Givi windscreen and made an adapter for the largest size top case they sell 48 liter?
Great under the seat storage.

CONS:
mirrors - ALWAYS hit the button to fold them in when you park.  I repaired my mirrors many times but last time a car knocked my scoot over my local dealer charged me 50% over list + shipping so the mirror cost $180!

Exhaust cracks - mine first cracked around 11,000 miles?  It also had a part loosen up inside that I call the hot dog, I removed and repaired it with my welder.  The exhaust is a full system so changing the rear tire means you can't just remove the header / muffler part.  Reinstalling is very difficult.  I have seen two other high mile GV's with a cracked exhaust so it's a design defect.

Small tires - the people 250 takes standard motorcycle tires so more choices and more miles and more ground clearance. 

I ride 6 days a week.  Bought with 2600 miles 4 years ago.  Now 17,000 miles and running great.  Do all my own maintenance.