Thinking of upgrading to GT300i

[claynine]

I have about 1600 miles on my Like 200i that I purchased in June.  I love it.  It is the perfect "hop on and bee bop around a resort area" scoot.  On the highway it is too slow.  It can't keep up with traffic and I find that dangerous. It goes around 50 MPH.  It also makes truck drivers mad as they have to pass you so I am seriously thinking about upgrading to a 250 cc or higher.  I don't want to loose the ability for my wife to ride on the back seat at the same level as me as we like to talk, giggle and laugh while putting around.  I like the flat foot area on the Like as I can haul lots of stuff there, like two bags of cement!  I can buy a nice used Honda Shadow for less than the GT 300i but I don't want one.  The rear seat on most motorcycles is...unacceptable, and I really like the automatic transmission on scooters.  I have considered the Honda Forza,  the Suzuki Bourgman and other "touring scoots"  but I loose that "passenger on the same level" closeness and the flat foot area for hauling things.  I started a GT 300i and it vibrated at idle a lot.  What is your honest opinion of the Kymco GT 300i?  Thanks a bunch for your opinions.

[boo]

You will love the 300GTi.
I bought a new 2013 a few months back. I absolutely love this scoot. I sold my sport bike. No regrets.
I took my wife for a ride the other day. Had it to 75 on a straight stretch with both of us on board. Could have gone faster but, didn`t want to get the wife hurt.
I was riding by myself the other day. Had a 45 degree hill in front of me. I cranked the throttle and up it went. It kept gaining speed all the way up. 195 pound rider.

Yes, it idles a little stronger than the smaller engines but, is no big deal. A very simple fix for the top box rattle in previous post here.
A few personal mods and you will have a very good scoot.
The only changes I have made to mine are: added pig tails for battery tender and a cramp buster for throttle grip.
The GT has everything that is most desirable on a motor scooter.

[alphaBETAdog]

When I first looked at the GTi I noticed that vibration at idle and it concerned me as well. But just off idle it disappears. This is probably common with all larger displacement single-cylinder machines. In fact, once I put a few miles on it and got used to it, I don't even notice it. Might also be because the engine is now broke in. To me it is a non-issue.

The GTi seems to hit the "sweet spot" between a city scoot and a capable highway cruiser, but still retains all the things we like about a scooter such as the flat floor, step through, CVT, and low center of gravity and slow speed nimbleness. It's going to be larger and heavier than your Like, but you probably won't notice that after getting used to it. I find it easier to get on and off the centerstand than my lighter weight Aprilia Scarabeo 150.

Brouse through this section of the forum, and also the GTi300 thread on the Adventure Rider forum and you will be hard pressed to find anything but positive comments about this scooter.

[Cortez]

When I first looked at the GTi I noticed that vibration at idle and it concerned me as well. But just off idle it disappears. This is probably common with all larger displacement single-cylinder machines. In fact, once I put a few miles on it and got used to it, I don't even notice it. Might also be because the engine is now broke in. To me it is a non-issue.

You should try a 500cc single scoot, like a BV500.
That thing shakes so violently at idle you'd think the GTi300 was electric.

[mrmike]

   I sold my Harley two years ago. It was too heavy for me to handle at 68 years old. I bought a People 150. It was a great scooter, but the 58mph top end was not conducive to interstate commutes to work. This year I bought my GTI300. I LOVE it. I enjoy cruising the backroads at 30-40mph, and puttering around town. If I have to hit the interstate, I can cruise comfortably at 70 and still have some zip left if I need it. I think you will find the GTI300 just right for you also. It's the best of both worlds.

[CROSSBOLT]

I am also one of the drooling lovers of the DT300i. Clamp the front brake if the idle vibrations bug you and they will disappear as long as you release the back brake. You will not be disappointed! You may gripe about leg room if you are over 6 feet tall.

Have I made a boo-boo? The GT300i must be the one with the 16" wheels and I am raving about the DT. I don't think you will be disappointed with either one. The flat floorboard has gotta be nice.

Karl

[claynine]

Thanks for all the info folks.  I am ready to pull the trigger.  I need a couple days off to visit a dealer and I will be joining you.  BBFN.

[Cortez]

Have I made a boo-boo? The GT300i must be the one with the 16" wheels and I am raving about the DT. I don't think you will be disappointed with either one. The flat floorboard has gotta be nice.

I put somewhere between 300 and 400 miles on both, week apart (had both for a weekend long review), never got off
the bikes 0-24h and I chose DT.

People was faster then the first DTs (2010, different variators) both in acceleration and top speed (even if it was rated
2hp less), but then the shockers, People was MORE COMFORTABLE then the DT, which I did not expect and also DT
had less frame flex and handled the high speed cornering better - gotta remember I came off a 72hp Kawasaki to this.

I guess the flat floorboard makes for a less rigid chasis, but it was perfectly fine up to 120km/h on the People in the same corners
that I was comfortable at 130km/h on the Downtown, which is fast. We're talking fully leaned over, wide open throttle from
corner to corner and heavy on the brakes between them - which DT did better too. People had a tendency to "tail whip" around.

I needed a fast tourer, so storage AND handling tipped the scales in DT's favor, but if I was to do it all again, I'd just put a huge
topcase and a tunnel bag on the People (which also has a small tank, and that's a bit of an issue) because that clean air, planted
feel of the 16" tires and comfort could make the bike even more comfortable in the long run.

One other thing you wouldn't expect, even if the DT is heavier, it feels lighter because of the small wheels and takes a lot less
steering input/effort to turn then the People which feels planted and reluctant to change direction.

You really can't go wrong with either of these.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Geez, you guys are driving me nuts - I'm really looking at big wheeled scoots this fall, and liking what I'm seeing with Kymcos and SYMs .
I started on a LIKE after being off of 2 wheels for a few decades (OK, make that 4.5 decades) - but am ready for something a little bigger.
When I get more practice on my LIKE - I'm going to be looking at doing some damage to the tax return next year.
Keep up the great reporting on these scoots!
Stig

[de dee]

one thing better is buy both scooters,  sure tempted to go for the GT. if it had ABS.,brakes, it would be a go right now!

[claynine]

Welp,  I purchased a new silver GT 300i today.  I have to drive to the Twin Cities ~500 miles to get it but I will take off tomorrow and visit the grand kiddies and family on the way.  My wife will get the Like if she wants it.  It's soon ready for the 1600 mile oil change etc.  It is a good scoot but I am looking forward to an easy 65 on the hi-way.  Next step is to search this forum for the best fit for a windshield.  I put a Givi on my Like.  It takes a fair amount of grinding around the headlight to make it fit without rubbing then it cracked at the screw hole.  GIVI sent me a new one with different mounting hardware.  I installed that today and cut 2 inches from the top so it will have less stress on the mounts.  It is a nice windshield.  Thanks for the info folks.

[boo]

Welp,  I purchased a new silver GT 300i today.  I have to drive to the Twin Cities ~500 miles to get it but I will take off tomorrow and visit the grand kiddies and family on the way.  My wife will get the Like if she wants it.  It's soon ready for the 1600 mile oil change etc.  It is a good scoot but I am looking forward to an easy 65 on the hi-way.  Next step is to search this forum for the best fit for a windshield.  I put a Givi on my Like.  It takes a fair amount of grinding around the headlight to make it fit without rubbing then it cracked at the screw hole.  GIVI sent me a new one with different mounting hardware.  I installed that today and cut 2 inches from the top so it will have less stress on the mounts.  It is a nice windshield.  Thanks for the info folks.

Claynine, congratulations on your new scoot. I have confidence that you will really like the GT.
Personally, I have had my fill with 500-700 pound cycles/scooters.
The GT has a good power to weight ratio. It will move you you.
After you break it in, post your impressions here.
Ride safe my friend.

[boo]

Geez, you guys are driving me nuts - I'm really looking at big wheeled scoots this fall, and liking what I'm seeing with Kymcos and SYMs .
I started on a LIKE after being off of 2 wheels for a few decades (OK, make that 4.5 decades) - but am ready for something a little bigger.
When I get more practice on my LIKE - I'm going to be looking at doing some damage to the tax return next year.
Keep up the great reporting on these scoots!
Stig

Stig, we know you have enjoyed your Like from all the pictures you have posted.
Don`t know about Sym. Have never owned one. I do hear they are good scoots.
I urge you to test ride a DT or GT.
I have been very pleased with my GT and I have owned a few bikes over the years.

[AMAC1680]

Geez, you guys are driving me nuts - I'm really looking at big wheeled scoots this fall, and liking what I'm seeing with Kymcos and SYMs .
I started on a LIKE after being off of 2 wheels for a few decades (OK, make that 4.5 decades) - but am ready for something a little bigger.
When I get more practice on my LIKE - I'm going to be looking at doing some damage to the tax return next year.
Keep up the great reporting on these scoots!
Stig

If you also looked at the SYM give consideration to the HD200. It's an amazing scoot and dollar foe dollar can't be beat. I have ridden one and a cruise of 65-70 mph is no problem, smooth sure footed ride. Flat floor, tru step thru and the 16" wheels.

That said the the GT300 is fast, smooth and Fast off the line. The greater displacement also allowed for a comfortable 70-75 cruise. It's a wonderful bike. Of course that comes at a premium as its more expensive than the SYM.

Support is another factor. The SYM dealer network is not that of Kymco.

Anyway you go there are a few quality choices. Good luck with the shopping .

Be Big,
AMAC

[AMAC1680]

Welp,  I purchased a new silver GT 300i today.  I have to drive to the Twin Cities ~500 miles to get it but I will take off tomorrow and visit the grand kiddies and family on the way.  My wife will get the Like if she wants it.  It's soon ready for the 1600 mile oil change etc.  It is a good scoot but I am looking forward to an easy 65 on the hi-way.  Next step is to search this forum for the best fit for a windshield.  I put a Givi on my Like.  It takes a fair amount of grinding around the headlight to make it fit without rubbing then it cracked at the screw hole.  GIVI sent me a new one with different mounting hardware.  I installed that today and cut 2 inches from the top so it will have less stress on the mounts.  It is a nice windshield.  Thanks for the info folks.

Congrats and the best of luck with it.
You will not be disappointed that's one hell of a ride !

Be Big,
AMAC