Backlit Dash?

[CDR Steve]

I'm seriously considering buying a Kymco People 300i in the near future. I've done a LOT of research using the internet; online reviews, this forum, etc... and have learned a lot.  I've been to three dealers in the last week, and finally found a black one this morning on the showroom floor.  This gave me the opportunity to sit on it, check the feel, and get a first hand idea of the storage size.  However, this floor model did not have the battery charged up.  In fact, when we lifted the seat we found a package with the battery fluid in it.  So, I wasn't able to see what the dash looks like with the power on.  Can one of you owners out there let me know whether the dash is back lit?  Will everything be legible when riding at night? If so, can you confirm that ALL areas of the dash are back lit including the LCD screen?

By the way, I'm really more interested in getting a silver one.  I figure motorcycles/scooters are hard enough for motorists to see; why make it harder by driving a black one?  Anyone know of a silver one available in the greater DC area?  I live in Southern Maryland, but am willing to drive a couple of hundred miles if it's a good deal.

[DoubleSC]

Thinking of trading up to a GT300i myself.  From this video, it looks like it is backlit:



DSC

[CDR Steve]

DoubleSC, thanks for the link! Even though the speedo is in km/hr, it still shows how the dash looks at night. Thanks again!

[MotoRandy123]

If you get the black one you can add this black reflective tape;
http://www.reflectivelyyours.com/generic120.html

It looks black during the day so wouldn't be noticed but reflects at night for visibility.
I put it on black bike frames and other places so people can tell your size at night, I
even put it in the doors and hood and trunk of the car so if your broken down and
have the door open people will see you...

[Scootaloot]

Steve, You may want to try Ultimate Cycle in Richmond (804) 330-4800. They have treated me well and I know they have a black one on the floor (saw it yesterday!) but they seem to be able to get goodies quickly as they move a lot of bikes. My GT is gold which in my head is a bit more visible but the high vis gear helps the most. Silver isn't great at dusk or grey days. You will love this scoot! I have 14K on her purchased 4-17-12. I am having Ultimate mount new doughnuts this week.

[CDR Steve]

MotoRandy: Thanks for the suggestion of black tape.  I may keep that as a back-up plan.
Scootaloot: When you bring yours in to Ultimate, post here again if you happen to see a silver People 300 on the showroom floor.  In the meantime, I've got one more dealer to check this weekend, a place just north of Annapolis.

Thanks everyone; I'm looking forward to getting this scooter for spring!

[Scootaloot]

Steve, Had my new city grips and the turn indicators put inside the cowling today. Also added an ER Max windscreen but please don't ask for pics. Techno challenged! Looks very cool . Ultimate Cycle has a black '12. They are due new '13's very soon. I asked them to ck the forum to get a hold of you. Good Luck!

[mrmike]

Steve, Had my new city grips and the turn indicators put inside the cowling today. Also added an ER Max windscreen but please don't ask for pics. Techno challenged! Looks very cool . Ultimate Cycle has a black '12. They are due new '13's very soon. I asked them to ck the forum to get a hold of you. Good Luck!

    CDR Steve

          I live up in Syracuse, NY and just bought a new (2012) Silver GTI300. I'm going to do some pinstriping on it with that black reflective tape. I think it will look sharp in the daytime and give you more visibility at night. I don't pick up my new scooter till April 1, but once it's all striped I'll submit pictures to the forum.

[CDR Steve]

Found a new 2012 Silver People GT 300i on CycleTrader.com earlier this week at a dealer (Horner Honda) in Salisbury, MD, so I took the 117 mile trip today to go look at it.  The trip was well worth it! After a minimum of haggling, the dealer let me have it for $950 off of MSRP; i.e. $4449!  I put $100 deposit down, and will pick it up next weekend after he finishes dealer prep, check-ride, etc...