I have been considering a new 700 Kymco but I had a question: What prices have you seen for the scoot? Nobody pays retail that I know of and I never will. I am interested in sales prices in the United States only and the Dealers names and locations.
CycleTrader is a great source (range from $7,800-MSRP) and of course it depends on where in the US and dealers sitting on one are more likely to discount unless the factory offers an incentive down the road if they are sitting in warehouses. I have over the year bought new bikes that were sitting in the warehouse unsold like the new 1986 Honda Helix I bought in 1989 for a sweet deal or my most recent purchase of a new 2009 Suzuki Burgman 650 std model for $7,500 OTD in 2010. I might be interested in one myself however the price needs to be at least around that $7,800 figure for me.
I don't care how they want to portray them... Anything over 250cc is not a scooter IMHO.
I somewhat agree with that though I think it should have more to do with the physical size like my Helixes were large more like a bike but with only a 250cc engine.
Please help me understand this... Why would someone want a 700cc machine that has a crippled transmission, and reduced handling abilities that also goes way to fast for any piece of hardware on the machine.
For ONCE I am not try ing to be a smart ass. I really don't understand. Why buy a sub par death trap compared to a REAL motorcycle. Physical limitations of the rider excluded... No one that can not walk goes out and buys a McLaren f!, and adds handicap controls.
My point is you cannot down shift in emergency situations so you are relying on brakes made a cheap as possible. The tire size speaks for itself. the frames are supported by plastic. The lighting sucks. Center of gravity is designed for rider stance, and has nothing to do with handling yet people buy these things, and insist they are Fantastic on the HIGHWAY!
Honestly I believe they should be, and eventually will be banned.
Trust me... I am not trolling for hates sake. I am trying to understand if people really understand what they are getting themselves into with these "maxi scoots".
Sounds like you have never ridden one let alone ever owned one. Firstly the center of gravity on most maxi-scoots is lower than that on many "motorcycles" and what does it matter if you can't downshift (nevermind the fact that the bike does this on its own just like an automatic in a car) if the brakes do their job? In fact the brakes on these bikes are much better than most with dual front/single rear discs. You really should read some of the motorcycle reviews on these "scooters" from even sport bike riders.
I have seen a steady conversion of cruiser/touring bike owners (everything from BMW's, Goldwings, Harleys, and even sportier bikes) moving over to maxi-scoots (in fact I was just reading a post on a Burgman forum of two Harley riders who moved over, not that Harleys "handle" lol) because they are so easy to ride, handle great, etc... The fact that on some of these maxi-scoots you have better weather/wind protection and get things like ABS, power folding mirrors, power adjustable windscreen, heated grips/seats, and that along with most have a very large usuable trunk makes them all the more appealing for all around use.
Frames supported by plastic thats just too ridiculous. As far as lighting goes I doubt you could find better than my Burgman 650 on a "real motorcycle". It has dual H4 bulbs (the same as many cars) for lighting, both work on low and high unlike some of those European models. It has enough room under the seat for two full face helmets, great wind/weather protection, radial tires, a ECVT I can change ratios if I so desire or even put in a mode to keep the RPM's higher for twisties, and cruises all day at any speed I want twist and go. The bike is more capable of being pushed harder than I do not that I'm real easy on it.
