Ok so I've been looking for my next scooter. I want a big wheeler and I want something capable of handling the highway. I have ridden the BV 350 and People GT 200i. I rode the 200i because the 300i was out of stock, but the scooter is essentially the same. The only other option I am aware of is the SYM Citycom 300i. I think that the Piaggio has a nicer seat. The People worried me about what I see in my Like. The left mirror wiggled like crazy, the rubber fittings on the stem of the mirriors was not on correctly, and the trunk vibrated differently than the rest of the bike while it idled. I realize these are small things but this is exactly what I dislike about my Like. I want all the little details already taken care of. The handling of the People would be hard to tell apart from the BV though. I see why the 200i was unpopular. I was hard pressed to tell the difference in power between it and my Like. I think the added weight and larger wheels holds the 200i back in speed to a point where it feels about the same as the Like 200i. If I want to ride a People 300i I have to order one. I don't want to buy it in order to find out if I'll like it. People talk about the People GT having a flat floor board or being "true step through" are playing with words. It isn't really different than the BV in that you still have to lift your foot higher. The people's floor board pinches in in the middle. If you are like me you don't like shoe scuffs all over your scooter. With the pinch I had to raise my foot higher to keep from dragging my shoe across the plastic and leaving a mark. So if I have to lift my foot that much anyways then I'd rather have a gas tank there so I have room for a helmet under the seat. I realize that both scooters weren't broken in yet but the Piaggio idled smoother. I can get a 2014 People GT 300i for just over 5800. I can get a 2013 BV 350 for almost exactly 6000. The Kymco dealer will give me 1800 for my Like. The Piaggio dealer will give me 1500. So that's a ball park figure of $4000 out of pocket for a People GT 300i and $4500 out of pocket for the BV 350. This is a hard choice guys. I honestly feel that the Piaggio is worlds more comfortable. In the looks department the Piaggio only looks better just barely. But that is just a matter of opinion. I feel the People looks modern and classy but in a very asian way that is trying to find itself. Angular in some areas then smooth and curvy in other areas. The BV also looks modern and classy but in a way that seems to have more direction to it's style. Like a stylish seat that is also comfortable, well built, and innovative. Why doesn't every scooter have a nook for a seat cover? Seems so obvious...... It's like choosing between the master craftsman vs the young upstart. I don't think Kymco is to the level of Piaggio yet but I admire the effort. I mean if the Piaggio dealer would go up on my trade in to the level the Kymco dealer will go then there would only be about a 200 dollar difference in price. But when I look at each part of each scooter I am surprised at how each thing seems better and for only 200 dollars more. Brakes, brake handles, handles, 30ccs more, 4 to 5 hp more, nothing was vibrating out of place, fewer service intervals, instrument panel, seat, under seat storage, glove box, switches, unpainted panels, passenger foot pegs, and key and ignition switch were all better on the BV for not much more money. I realize that there is a factor of preference but I feel that many of you would agree if presented both scooters side by side. But my Kymco dealer has been great to me. I've taken three scooters to them for servicings. I've bought two scoots off of them and they have hooked me up in the past with small freebies and discounts. The Piaggio dealer seemed to busy to help me and flat out lied to me about features of the BV. It's a tough one here.... does the dealer make all the difference? I have caught my Kymco dealer flat out lying to people too. I just haven't caught him lying to me yet. lol
