Downtown vs GT ... differences

[wheels]

OK, Kymco got the names confused they should be switched ... lol.

Styling, subjective, imo the GT is classic and better.

If most of your riding is in town/short then the GT is superb else
switch to the Downtown.

Downtown has more fuel and much easier to re-fill, I carry a spare
gallon on the seat tied with ROK straps when going longer distances on
the GT.   Downtown allows more seating positions than the GT which
translates to more comfort on longer rides.  The GT is quicker/lighter/faster
than the Downtown.  There is a noticeable difference in the variatior/clutch
on the GT, it grabs quicker.  The GT has a buzz in the seat at high RPMs
that numbs my butt,  I have just added some foam? padding to the seat
points , will see if that helps.

Same drive trains but the scoots are setup differently.

[hypophthalmus]

I assumed the People GT would be better for touring with the 16 inch wheels.

[ole two wheels]

That's what I love about my DT, It's good for short hauls around town and if I take a notion to hit the super slab, it can handle that as well. After an hour or so of freeway at 70mph, I have to stop and walk around a bit, but I'm spoiled, my last scoot was a Silver Wing with a Corbin. That one was good for 2 to 3 hours in the saddle. The DT is a big little bike.

[AMAC1680]

I assumed the People GT would be better for touring with the 16 inch wheels.

Not so sure how that relates.
Burgman, Silverwing etal are all touring rides. All have sub 16' wheels.
A well engineered scooter doesn't need big wheels to be a stable platform.

AMAC

[bucray]

The GTI is much easier for us old farts to get on and off,

[ole two wheels]

You said a mouth full then bucray.

[hypophthalmus]

I don't have any experience with faster scooters with smaller wheels, so I can't speak from experience.

When I was doing my research though, the consensus seemed to be that larger wheels are more stable at high speeds while smaller wheels are more maneuverable for city driving.

I can definitely attest that there's a profound difference in handing the curiously rough roads we have in Texas at slower speeds, and I imagine that's also important at higher speeds. And when you're traveling long distances, you can certainly expect to encounter road work.

I've always viewed the smaller wheel size as a point against those bikes. I assume that it's a compromise to prioritize a larger engine, storage, and to accommodate shorter people. 

[AMAC1680]

I don't have any experience with faster scooters with smaller wheels, so I can't speak from experience.

When I was doing my research though, the consensus seemed to be that larger wheels are more stable at high speeds while smaller wheels are more maneuverable for city driving.

I can definitely attest that there's a profound difference in handing the curiously rough roads we have in Texas at slower speeds, and I imagine that's also important at higher speeds. And when you're traveling long distances, you can certainly expect to encounter road work.

I've always viewed the smaller wheel size as a point against those bikes. I assume that it's a compromise to prioritize a larger engine, storage, and to accommodate shorter people.

Ill give you potholes etc. thats where the big wheels shine.
Weight is more of a factor than wheels size as far as "flick-ability" around town.

Accommodate smaller riders, now thats funny. While you were doing your research i assume you found that almost all scooters are built for smaller riders. It's the tall ones that need accommodations.

Many like big wheels because it makes a scoot look more like a "big boy bike".
Quick check and all the best maxis and they all ride on sub 16 wheels.
The shortcoming is in the GT design. Not much storage. Tall around town and weak passenger space.

It's as scooter not a cycle. It replaces a car for the daily rider.
Loved my GT300i but not as user friendly day to day.

AMAC

[yao]

Don't forget bigger wheels also gives you better ground clearance to get over curbs to park etc...  not to mention more lean angle without scraping the road lol, done that a few times, scared the crap out of me.  Now I've replaced with 90 series tires front and back, so it's even bigger and taller now, but still hesitant to lean too much, (gun shy) lol.  Not to mention because of the bigger tires, the speedo is now in sync perfectly with my GPS when it says 90mph, it's 90mph not 80mph. Bumps, Potholes, Road cracks are better absorbed for safety and comfort.

Storage is a concern on GT, but after added 48L trunk, cellphone/GPS/cup holder, and 1 1/4 gallon basket up front, it's much more practicle now.  Even spaced out the space between trunk and passenger to allow wife to carry backpack without dismounting, or as far as carrying a rolling grocery cart with passenger!!(lol).  Also added 3 locations to hang the helmet for times you just need to quickly place helmets without too much hassel.  With all the additions plus the floorboard, I can truly carry a medium size drink, a passenger and grocery-cart full of groceries home with out problem, next time I head out for the big one, I'll take a picture before unloading.

What I really want is to fab a vertical something to hold my skis/rifle or those pesky runs to home depot for something long   maybe there is a scooter trailer somewhere, haha

[yao]

lol, found some!

[yao]

this one looks good

[de dee]

this one looks good

  IT DOES LOOK GOOD ,  name number and rank $$ it is a commercial unit isn't it,.   

[AMAC1680]

lol, found some!

Yup!!

[hypophthalmus]

Accommodate smaller riders, now thats funny. While you were doing your research i assume you found that almost all scooters are built for smaller riders. It's the tall ones that need accommodations.

That's basically what I was trying to say. I think part of the reason for the smaller wheels on those scooters is that they're built for smaller riders. And storage, as you mentioned.

[hypophthalmus]

Taking the tire sizes into account, and the difference in wheel size is not as significant as I thought.

The front wheel is 21.558" on the Downtown vs 22" on the People, practically the same.  The rear wheel is slightly more significant but still pretty close,  21.26" on the Downtown vs 23.7" on the People.