New in Central Iowa

[rjs987]

Hello, I'm new here.
Not new to riding though. I currently have a 2013 Burgman 650 ABS. I've become interested in Kymco Scooters/bikes and came here to learn more than what the journalists/reviewers will generally publish.

I am a moderator on the CTX1300 forum. Also a member on the ST-Owners and Burgman USA forums.

My first bike was a Harley Davidson 125 dual sport... many many years ago. The I "had" to take a break for some time before getting back into riding. I then owned a '97 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 (I could actually ride my HD farther than this one due to the seat), a '90 Gold Wing GL1500, a '05 Burgman 650, a '98 ST1100, a '14 CTX1300, and now my '13 Burgman 650. My first ride on a motorcycle of any kind was in 1972 when I was challenged to ride a Honda Trail 50 straight up a steep hill full of trees. I wiped out of course, but near the top. The break from riding was due to having kids until they were near the end of High School.

I do much of my own maintenance on my bikes starting with that very first Harley. I just HAD to get the full Harley experience and spent the first winter with that bike taking up most of my garage disassembled due to needing to rebore the cylinder and replace rings, piston, and oil injector due to an oil issue. Go figure. It didn't drip oil but sent it out via the exhaust... until it didn't one day. I think that one ended up being upsized from a 125 to a 130cc.

My wife owns a Honda Metropolitan since 2004 and still rides it all over town. But she no longer has interest in riding pillion with me so I now always ride solo. I usually go off on 3-4 motorcycle camping trips every season. I also ride all year in Central Iowa. Here it can get as cold as anywhere else in the USA. Currently my coldest ride was for 60 miles at -15.7 F (had a digital thermometer since the bike temp sensor doesn't go below +14). We've had colder here but the snow kept me off the streets. I only ride in the cold when the streets are clear and dry. I know how to dress to stay warm and comfortable even at those temps. Most years I get at least one ride in at -4 F or lower. I've also been riding at over +100 F. Again, I know how to stay, well, somewhat comfortable at those temps also.

[Kansas kymco]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you and Stig should get together for a extreme cold ride.

[scooter freak]

really cool to hear from you. can't wait to hear some stories. I to, used to ride in all kinds of weather. I cheated though with heated jacket and gloves. just bought my kymco 200 i with the idea of going with a simpler way of riding. hope you enjoy this great forum. they can't wait to help you, at least, that's what I've found.

[Clampett]

Hey Bob,
Ex CTX1300 here also (Willa J on that forum). I came here after I purchased the Xciting 400i. Kymco's are great. Parts for maintenance has to be planned for some models as the parts aren't readily available locally.
The AK 550 is on my radar also. Have watch every YT video on it and every article I could find. The more I research it, the more I want it. I keep looking at the Silverwing and Xmax trying to talk myself out of it.

Trying to hold out and see if Honda will bring the new Forza 350 also. Yeah, like a kid in a candy store and mom says I can only choose one.

Anyhoo, glad to see you shopping around.

[rjs987]

I figured that was you @Clampett. Yeah, I'm still moderator over there. Someone has to watch all the new riders coming in and keep them in line 

I'm kind of partial to bigger bore scooters, especially when the engine is frame mounted. Just improves the ride so much for me.

I actually do use heated gloves. I find that while the AK 550 has heated grips, and I'll likely use those if I had it, I generally prefer the heated gloves for when I ride in really cold temps. Otherwise I rely on layers. The last 2 years I've actually worn my AlpineStars Air Plus V2 Gore-Tex boots and my TM Venture Air 2.0 MESH pants (with all the insulation layers zipped in) while riding in those sub-zero F temps and been still comfortable. A testament to the protection of the lower leg shields on a scooter.

I WAS interested in the Honda Forza 750 but for 2 factors that cured me from that one...
It's not available in the USA and it has chain drive. I just don't want chain final drive. I know chain drives are much better than they were in years past but I still don't want one.

I'm good with belt drive. Prefer the shaft. Also good with the chain of gears on my Burgman final drive.

[Clampett]

<snip>
I WAS interested in the Honda Forza 750 but for 2 factors that cured me from that one...
It's not available in the USA and it has chain drive. I just don't want chain final drive. I know chain drives are much better than they were in years past but I still don't want one.

I'm good with belt drive. Prefer the shaft. Also good with the chain of gears on my Burgman final drive.

Ditto!!!   I gotta find an AK to sit on and test. They be like hens teeth. What ever you finally do, come back here and update us.
And you a great moderator with a good sense of humor, I might add!!!!

[Iahawk]

rjs987,  welcome to the forum from a fellow Iowan! (Iowa City area). With your experience and your 'interesting' cold weather riding habits.. you'll fit in just fine, here.  My last ride was December 20th and first ride of this year was in early March. Tip of the hat to you for riding in below zero temps...wow.

As you'll find out, you don't even need to ride a Kymco to fit in with this group. We like everything on 2 wheels.

[rjs987]

rjs987,  welcome to the forum from a fellow Iowan! (Iowa City area). With your experience and your 'interesting' cold weather riding habits.. you'll fit in just fine, here.  My last ride was December 20th and first ride of this year was in early March. Tip of the hat to you for riding in below zero temps...wow.

As you'll find out, you don't even need to ride a Kymco to fit in with this group. We like everything on 2 wheels.

I figured you were from IC... based on several posts I read of yours on this forum over the recent months I've been lurking. I like your avatar image.
My wife's sister lives in CR.
Every once in a while I ride out toward the eastern reaches of the state, but not as often now as I did some years ago. The last 11 years I've been riding up around Waterloo on my way to Spring Green, Wisconsin a few times per year for a ST-Owners motorcycle ride/camp event there. And also up to Lanesboro, MN for another one there. Those riders have decided to accept me on a Burgman 650 since I have participated in a few group rides and led a few other rides easily matching them on sport touring bikes through the curvy roads and even on some of the straight sections (though they could have left me behind if they really wanted to).

[Stig / Major Tom]

Welcome rj!

I was on the Burgman forum for a time. I bought a new-left-over 2013 Burgman 400 (or 2014, forget which it was...the year it had 2 color options - both matte - all black, or black and grey. I chose the B&G) It was an internet deal - special pricing, they delivered it 97 miles to me.
Very nice riding scooter, great headlights! Horrible tall stock screen - a real head banger! I went short & was much happier!
Not a fan of matte finish. Don't like highway riding - wife declined to join me on it. Sold it after a yr or two, pretty quickly,  via the Burgman forum to a fellow in Portland, Oregon. He paid the $650 to have it shipped from my house, 2,700 miles!
Bought a new Piaggio Liberty150i ABS -  - thoroughly enjoying that scooter!


Waiting for the truck to take away the Burgman.


Again welcome!

Stig