Author Topic: New Scooter Decision  (Read 2093 times)

coob5

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New Scooter Decision
« on: July 11, 2011, 03:26:41 PM »
Hello all, I recently became interested in purchasing a scooter to get me to and from work and from work to the gym every day, then back to my place. This equaltes to about 11 or so miles of driving a day, plus I would use it to run errands and go places that do not involve free way driving. My reasoning behind this initially was to save on gas and for better parking as I live in Austin, TX.

After going to a local scooter shop where I was initially interested in a 50 CC scooter, I ended up test driving the Lance Cali Classic (MSRP $1999) and the 2012 Buddy 125 ($3200 OTD). No dealers in my area have any New Kymco People scooters besides the 150 which brand new OTD is probably right at $3200 just like the 2012 Buddy.  I loved the feel of the buddy it was much more nimble and responsive than the Cali Classic. However I was getting a price point that exceeded my initial budget of $1500.I called another dealer in the area who had some 2009 models left which I have been told is identical to the 2012 and they could get that to be for ($2700 OTD).

I have also been looking at a couple of used bikes Kymco People Models a 2009 50CC 2T (2500 Miles $1200 plus additional fee to have owner drive from San Antionio) http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/2486767844.html.

Last night I found a buddy on craigslist with only 100 miles that the owner was selling for $2700 I talked her down to $2400, however this does not come with a warranty since genuine does not transfer those http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/2487536521.html. This still might be much considering I can pay $300 more and get the warranty. Both bikes are above my budget but I am willing to bend if I am getting a great value.

This is my first scooter and based off of my needs, budget, and the models I am looking at, what would you all recommend?  I really like the way how the People looks with the big tires,however I don't know if I will get tired of the 50cc.  I did check with the owner of the Used People and he did have the scooter derestricted. 

mrpackerguy

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2011, 03:31:35 PM »
Some of it depends I think on what kind of roads you will be driving on.  I found the 50cc inadequate for my 24mi round trip commute where some roads were posted at 40mph, and I faced having to go up a couple bigger hills.  The 50cc Agility works great in my little suburban town, but didn't have enough to keep up with commuting traffic and I felt it to be an unsafe situation.  I ended up getting a used Super 8 150 Kymco last week and am very happy.  The Agility is such a great scooter, though that I'm keeping it too for now.
2007 Silver Agility 50
2009 Green Super 8 150

juice

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2011, 03:37:30 PM »
I am doubtful that a 50cc scooter will suit your needs , unless you never need to go more than 35-40 mph . The genuine buddys are quality scooters as well as the people . I have owned both . A resource that may help you locate a used scooter in your area is the website "jaxed" . It will allow you to search craigslist , ebay etc. in your state . Good luck .

Portland Steve

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2011, 04:20:24 PM »
If you have not gotten your motorcycle endorsement yet, take a safety course and get it done.
You will get sick of the 50cc quickly.
I recommend at least a 150 for the riding that you intend to do.

Good luck!

slugrocket rob

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2011, 09:42:47 PM »
I have found that most people who buy a 50cc scooter for running around quickly wish they had gotten something with more power. I would recomend a 125 and up. Regarding the Lance Scooter, these are low quality chines scooters with little to no factory support. I would not recomend a Lance (or other such scooters) to anyone. Re: the Buddy, these are good scooters but not good for us taller people (over 6 ft.) as the frames are small. The KYMCO People are great scooters and good for taller riders. I suggest test riding to find what feels good and stick with well known brands that have some dealer support in the US. Avoid low cost 50cc scooters. Hope this is helpful!

DowntownFl

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2011, 09:55:05 PM »
I bought a 50cc Kymco Like, kept it 1 week and went back and got the Downtown 300i.  I ride on 35mph and 45mph speed limit roads 5 days a week.  I now have 2000 miles on the 300i and am getting 80mpg.  Bigger bikes ride better at speeds over 40mph, smooth and quite.  I would suggest looking for a used 250.

dudley

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2011, 10:45:21 PM »
i believe the lance cali classic is made by sym and should be an excellent bike, although too small.
150 is def better.
2010 super 8 150  red/black
bought march 2011
4000 miles march 2012
dr pulley variator w/stock weights
top speed 61.5mph  gps verified

Calothrix

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #7 on: July 12, 2011, 01:33:28 AM »
I agree with others that if you get the 50 cc, you will soon wish you had gotten something bigger.  For the type of riding you will be doing, a 125 or 150 would allow you to keep up with traffic, still be relatively light weight/nimble and get good gas mileage.  In my biased opinion, a Kymco People 150 would be an excellent choice.

Drbeastmaster

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #8 on: July 12, 2011, 07:39:58 AM »
i just bought a people 125 s  around 7000 miles , never been dropped or crashed oil change every 1000 always serviced  at the dealer, for 1500$ prob could have jewed him down lower but he held it for me with a down payment for a couple weeks, found the guy on craigslist , couldnt be happier, plus side to kymco is the 16 wheels vs buddys ten , loose a little bit off the nimbleness but gain a whole lot more in the suspension and going over bumps and potwholes, i was torn also really thought i was gona get a buddy did all the research been a member of modern buddy for months now but this kinda fell in my lap the guy lives like 5 miles from me
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StKilda

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Re: New Scooter Decision
« Reply #9 on: July 12, 2011, 10:18:03 AM »
I have had a Kymco people 150cc since 2009 I think you will find the 50cc boring, the 150cc is a great little scooter good around town or out on the road, I took mine to tasmania and the 15" wheels make for a great ride on any road, updating soon but I'm keeping my bug couldn't part with it.

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