Seriously Considering a Grand Vista

[OldGuy]

My current ride is a 50 cc '01 Yamaha Vino which replaced my Honda Elite that I rode about 40 miles round trip 5 days a week to work until my retirement. The Vino has 18,000 mile on it and while I love it it's just not enough for touring. I've convinced OldGal that we need something for touring purposes.

I'd love to hear from some GV owners about there experience. In order of importance I'd like to know about:

• Reliability
• Gas mileage
• Maintainability & upkeep
• Comfort

I've also noticed that KYMCO has a rather extensive list of accessories for the Grand Vista and I'd like to hear about your experience and recommendations concerning them, as well as any other general comments you'd like to share.

Thanks,

[fmath1937]

Glad your getting a Grand Vista.  Been riding a Xciting 500 and it is a little to much for me as I cannot balance it when Im stopped at a corner.  Actually dropped it twice and figure a third time will be the end of it.  So I got a Grand Vista and now have 60 miles on it and other being a little close in the middle of my belt buckel I really like it.  Much easier to handle and balance and just feel better.
Good luck and let me know how your doing.

[OldGuy]

Thanks for the reply. I looked at the Xciting line and also found them to be to tall and heavy for me. I'm 65 and at my age I just feel a lot more comfortable on the GV with it's lower seat height.

The only thing that gives me pause is the mirror placement. I really don't like mirrors on a scoot to be that low, but I suppose (Hope?) I can get used to it. Have you done any double riding yet?

I should have the down payment saved up by July so please keep me updated on your experience with your GrandVista.

By the way, did you get white or blue?

Good scootin',

[fmath1937]

Im seventy one and I took a long ride today and  really enjoyed it.  I have a white one.  The mirrors will not give you any trouble at all, actually I like them low rather then high as my arms get in the way on the high ones.  Im rather short and heavy and my legs although short are a little cramped even with my feet in the cruse position.  Im going to take the back rest off tomorrow and see just what that does for me.  I had the bike stored all winter and just got it out today.  I had the 500cc down in Mississippi at our condo and then brought it back here to our home in Michigan where I have it up for sale at the dealers.  Already have people looking at it.  Fred

[michiman]

I will be enjoying rides like that soon...  Pick up my GV this Saturday...  I want to run some short trips to get used to how the scoot handles.  Then I will be out to see the local countryside and find some fishing holes.

[fmath1937]

I was looking at the drivers manual today and checking the fluid levels and the maunal says that the radiator should be filled with of all things....distilled water.  That does not seem right.  What is to prevent rust?  I called my dealer and even he was surprised about that one as he had not had a GV yet except mine and my Xciting 500 takes anti-freeze.  Can you check with your dealer and see what he says?  Fred

[michiman]

I will ask while I am there tomorrow...

[David]

Great Bike, if you do some of the maintenance like change the gear oil and oil, air filter , spark plugs, etc. cost is not difficult,  maintenance is rather easy. Very reliable. It is very comfortable, I am 5 10, gas mileage is about 65 around town.  I think you will love this bike as I do.

[michiman]

The dealer told me that Kymco suggests distilled water if the fluid levels fall below normal.  When doing a flush and fill to use antifreeze.

[STIHLMAN]

JUST BACK FROM KYMCO DEALER MEETING AND XCITING 250RI AND 500RI ARE GOING TO HAVE LOWER SEAT FOR 2009,,,,GV IS ALSO VERY NICE ( 2008 ) NO CHANGE ON 2009

[supralapsarian]

I'm trying to decide if I'm in the market for a GV250 myself. I have an Agility 125 that is fantastic for puttering around the neighborhood but not enough hoss for the interstate. I will have to convince myself (and my better half) that commuting to work on the GV for gas mileage purposes justifies leaving a perfectly good 40mpg Corolla sitting in the driveway. Any wisdom y'all can offer?

[michiman]

Enjoy your life...  Get the GV...

[supralapsarian]

Not looking to start any trouble within the family but does anyone have an opinion as to whether the People S 250 would be better/worse than the GrandVista250 for commuting to work on the highway?

[fmath1937]

If your on the highway alot, check the weight of the scooter you want as you sure will get blown away if your not careful.  Most cars go over 70mph and the 18 wheelers sure as heck go faster.