Hi All....this mangy old mutt is curious

[houndguy]

Hey all.   

My name is Rob and I live in Tampa, Fl.  Recently, do to issues beyond my control, I find myself looking to replace my 07 Suzuki Burgman.  The Burgie was my main means of transport here and I'm thinking about replacing it with a 08 Xciting 500. 

My questions are simple.  How does this handle on the highway?  I'll have to travel 35 miles 1-way everyday at highway speeds (55 - 75 mph).

What are problems I should look for?  Is the bike easy enough for a drunken monkey to work on? 

In other words, what do the everyday riders think and feel about their ride of choice?  Any hints?  Advice?  Warnings you can give me would be welcome. 

Thanks

[blue]

If its a age thing for ya think about what you can handle take incount for your health also.And make sure you can take care of it your self. I would go with a step threw scoot maybe 250 or smaller. but if your healthy enough to hold up a large scoot go for it.

[Mike Green]

Hi Rob,
When I decided to get a "maxiscoot" I went to our local Suzuki dealer and they had just sold their last Bergman and would not be getting anymore in for the year. He showed me a new Xciting 500Ri and tried to sell me on that. Went home and did some research on Kymco and came back the next day and bought it. I was a novice and had never been on a mc or scoot in my life, (I'm 65), so I dropped the bike several times while trying to learn to balance, turn, and drive at speed. The Tupperware got scraped and scratched but the integrity of the drive train and other components was never compromised. The Xciting is a big, strong, and very fast scooter that has all the characteristics of a mc. Kind of silly for and old man to start riding a big scooter that is absolutely gorgeous to look at and name her "Pearlie" for her pearl white color. Couldn't wait to get home from work and take long scenic rides and enjoyed every single minute. Unfortunely a deer ran into me one Sept night and I was busted up bad and the tupperware on the bike was all busted up. My wife developed severe apprehension about me riding again and the ONLY agreement we could come to was to trade the Xciting on a trike. In her mind she felt that my chances of avoiding severe injury and broken bones would improve with a vehicle that would not fall over. However trikes will still hit deer. I really enjoy this new Spyder but miss the Xciting. If I had my way I would still be riding the back roads of Elmore County Alabama on my pearl white 2009 Xciting 500Ri. You will love this bike and, you can't go wrong with a Kymco product, and your face will love your smiles.
Mike

[houndguy]

OK...I should give some background here just to keep it simple.   I'm 47.  I am in good health, but I prefer a scooter over a "real bike" for a few reasons such as storage space.  

I've ridden for a couple of years but would not call myself an expert by any means.   I've owned a few scooters.  

I'm here because the websites, the reviews in motorcycle mags only go so far.  The best info comes from the guy (and girls) in the saddle.  The one that is working on their bike, loves their ride and knows what it means to give blood, sweat and tears to their bike.  

Your provide the best information.  I'm listening and asking for that info.  

Mike...thank you for that story.  I had a similar accident recently which is why I'm not on my Burgie right now.  Lucky for me I missed the car that came across 2 lanes and into my personal space.  I went down with bumps and bruises but the Burgie was deeply hurt.  I'm glad you were able to continue to ride.  I've thought about a trike for myself and my GF (she has a balance issue that makes 2-up riding "interesting") but that this stage in my life I'm not sure if that is what I want to do.

[wordslinger]

...welcome to th forum houndguy!!

                     

[08087]

Hey Tampa! The wife and I loved the Tampa area, if we ever make our move to Fl it will be somewhere between Tampa and Sarasota. Tampa is close to the airport, hospital and shopping while being right on the water for me (I love boating).

No info for you on the scoot your looking at mine is a 200 peoples (163cc) not even close enough to yours for a comment.

08

[de dee]

500 cc.   is nice , but 300 cc. just as fast , better gas mileage, a lot lighter to pick up,  can you tell I like my downtown 300i scooter,.