seriously considering a Piaggio Liberty

[Stig / Major Tom]

Probably selling my Burgman 400.
Have been considering replacing it with a HONDA Forza.
Lighter, less bulky, still plenty of power for country roads cruising, ABS, quality build.
Recently I have added a new Piaggio Liberty 150 for serious consideration.
Really like what I'm reading about this Liberty.

However,  I've  got to wonder about my thinking....replacing a 500lb, 90mph scooter with a 250lb,  60mph scooter. ?? Always wanted a big wheeled scooter. Also...also!, looking forward to a less complicated service schedule (valves on a Burg and a Forza are a real test to access, compared to a 155cc) I have no need or interest in ever riding on a interstate highway again. Rarely ever used the Burgman on a highway - did see 85+mph on it a couple of times.  No more.

Thoughts about owning and servicing a 150 Piaggio??
Stig

[big blue]

I recently read the report on " Just Gotta Scoot" web sight and David Harrington who is a big Kymco fan gave it a pretty good review. The Piaggios now have better build quality and the multi-valve head would be a better breather. I assume that in the plastic bodied scoots that Piaggio maintenance is simpler than the Vespa lines. If you have a good local dealer it looks like a nice scoot. If I were looking today it surely would be on my list along with the Yamaha S-Max.

[Tromper]

Definitely could do worse.

Love the big wheel bikes, always figured I'd go for a classic Vespa but like bigger wheels enough that I really don't even look at 'em anymore.
Maybe go ride a Liberty, a PCX, a Super 8, & a TMAX with an HD thrown in if you have a SYM dealer in the area.
See whatcha think since at that point you'd have covered the notable forms found in the lighter scoots.

Either way, have fun with it Stig.

[AMAC1680]

Probably selling my Burgman 400.
Have been considering replacing it with a HONDA Forza.
Lighter, less bulky, still plenty of power for country roads cruising, ABS, quality build.
Recently I have added a new Piaggio Liberty 150 for serious consideration.
Really like what I'm reading about this Liberty.

However,  I've  got to wonder about my thinking....replacing a 500lb, 90mph scooter with a 250lb,  60mph scooter. ?? Always wanted a big wheeled scooter. Also...also!, looking forward to a less complicated service schedule (valves on a Burg and a Forza are a real test to access, compared to a 155cc) I have no need or interest in ever riding on a interstate highway again. Rarely ever used the Burgman on a highway - did see 85+mph on it a couple of times.  No more.

Thoughts about owning and servicing a 150 Piaggio??
Stig

Didn't the burger replace a forza? Very circular motion....
To me the forza is still to big for around town. I've recently been reminded the joy of small scooters and now 400lbs feels like a ton. the Dowtown sits and will be sold to some lucky sole.

AMAC

[Mr. Paul]

  I own a People 150 which I suspect is close to the Piaggio in size/performance. It is a great, fun, and practical scooter. The People loves to cruise surface streets at 45 MPH with a top speed of around 55 to 60. The step through design allows me to carry many things that you couldn't normally on a lay down scooter. I weigh about 210 and it pulls me around just fine.
  But, I found that there was times that I needed a little more speed. That is why I got my Honda Helix. The Helix is dead simple to maintain and is good for running to the store, commuting to work, or cruising the mountains.
   I would be concerned about the parts availability and cost of ownership of the Piaggio. Based on my experience, If I were you, I would go with the Honda. It is better to have performance and not need it, than to need performance and not have it. Sorry to be so long-winded. My morning coffee must be kicking in.

[Scooter Dan]

I'm a little confused Tom because you're all over the map; you say you'd like an ABS SW, yet it weighs #550, much more than your B400. And then I hear you pine again for a Forza from time to time but now you say you want to bump down in size to what you already have in your Like; the 150cc class.

I have heard a consistent ring in all your posts that you don't like heavy scooters and are more a flyweight scooter guy. And that's cool as long as you're comfortable riding in the 45-55 mph range. Nothing wrong with that if that's your comfort zone.

When I bought my first Kymco PS200, I didn't feel comfortable riding the shoulder on state highways to let faster cagers pass and wanted the ability to keep up with traffic. That makes me feel safer as I won't let cars build up behind making folks mad because I can't maintain the flow of traffic. As long as you feel safe riding smaller scoots, that's cool though. Just not my cup of tea.

[AMAC1680]

I'm a little confused Tom because you're all over the map; you say you'd like an ABS SW, yet it weighs #550, much more than your B400. And then I hear you pine again for a Forza from time to time but now you say you want to bump down in size to what you already have in your Like; the 150cc class.

I have heard a consistent ring in all your posts that you don't like heavy scooters and are more a flyweight scooter guy. And that's cool as long as you're comfortable riding in the 45-55 mph range. Nothing wrong with that if that's your comfort zone.

When I bought my first Kymco PS200, I didn't feel comfortable riding the shoulder on state highways to let faster cagers pass and wanted the ability to keep up with traffic. That makes me feel safer as I won't let cars build up behind making folks mad because I can't maintain the flow of traffic. As long as you feel safe riding smaller scoots, that's cool though. Just not my cup of tea.

I was with ya until the 45-50 range.
I just bought a Lance Cali Classic 200i and 65 isn't  a problem. I maxed over 70gps.
Would I ride the slab for any distance on it, no but that's not its job.

IMO scooters need to go on a diet. No excuse for 450-500 lb 400cc scoots.
I'm tired of bloated maxis.

AMAC

[AMAC1680]

Back to the liberty.
What's with the ABS half system?

Front wheel only, come on man!

AMAC

[Stig / Major Tom]

I'm a little confused Tom because you're all over the map; you say you'd like an ABS SW, yet it weighs #550, much more than your B400. And then I hear you pine again for a Forza from time to time but now you say you want to bump down in size to what you already have in your Like; the 150cc class.

I have heard a consistent ring in all your posts that you don't like heavy scooters and are more a flyweight scooter guy. And that's cool as long as you're comfortable riding in the 45-55 mph range. Nothing wrong with that if that's your comfort zone.

When I bought my first Kymco PS200, I didn't feel comfortable riding the shoulder on state highways to let faster cagers pass and wanted the ability to keep up with traffic. That makes me feel safer as I won't let cars build up behind making folks mad because I can't maintain the flow of traffic. As long as you feel safe riding smaller scoots, that's cool though. Just not my cup of tea.

Yeah Dan,
it's a puzzler. I can daydream about owning a big ol' Honda SilverWing and a' riding across the S.W. and up the PCH and sleeping under a rock on the Big Sur.
But with 6 kids, a Mrs. and a puppy to look out for - I'm doing well to get to my coffee village a few times each month, without feeling like somebody is being neglected. It's part of the reason I ride before America wakes up every single non-snowing day.
I do NOT seeing this riding pattern changing over the foreseeable years i may have remaining. There are a couple nice coffee shops in the near distance - but for both I'd have to negotiate a posted 55mph county highway. Sure, I could take the Burgman blasting down those roads - but I was not having a scooter outing - I was just getting there, and fast. A time or two I saw 80+ on the Burgman - but did not like it.

Really don't care if my scooter can reach 60mph - after the Burgman is gone -  whatever scooter (s) I may have will have no good-sense business going that fast! Not on a 250lb, 52" wheelbase ! IMHO that is not a reassuring speed for such a small scooter. I spend my riding time doing 30 > 45 mph.

Servicing a smaller scoot is going to be easier, too. Esp. the valves!

I know - it is absolutely UnAmerican to have such an affinity for 'slow' . I've been that way for a long, long time.

and AMAC - yeah, it would be nice to have ABS on both ends - don't know how Kymco is doing it with the new LIKE150i at $2600. Has the BOSCH patent expired? Giving us KENDA ABS ?!!

Sat the new Liberty this morning. He pulled the box off an "S" model. Impressed with the fit and finish.

Stig

[Scooter Dan]

Yeah Dan,
it's a puzzler. I can daydream about owning a big ol' Honda SilverWing and a' riding across the S.W. and up the PCH and sleeping under a rock on the Big Sur.
But with 6 kids, a Mrs. and a puppy to look out for - I'm doing well to get to my coffee village a few times each month, without feeling like somebody is being neglected. It's part of the reason I ride before America wakes up every single non-snowing day.
I do NOT seeing this riding pattern changing over the foreseeable years i may have remaining. There are a couple nice coffee shops in the near distance - but for both I'd have to negotiate a posted 55mph county highway. Sure, I could take the Burgman blasting down those roads - but I was not having a scooter outing - I was just getting there, and fast. A time or two I saw 80+ on the Burgman - but did not like it.

Really don't care if my scooter can reach 60mph - after the Burgman is gone -  whatever scooter (s) I may have will have no good-sense business going that fast! Not on a 250lb, 52" wheelbase ! IMHO that is not a reassuring speed for such a small scooter. I spend my riding time doing 30 > 45 mph.

Servicing a smaller scoot is going to be easier, too. Esp. the valves!

I know - it is absolutely UnAmerican to have such an affinity for 'slow' . I've been that way for a long, long time.

and AMAC - yeah, it would be nice to have ABS on both ends - don't know how Kymco is doing it with the new LIKE150i at $2600. Has the BOSCH patent expired? Giving us KENDA ABS ?!!

Sat the new Liberty this morning. He pulled the box off an "S" model. Impressed with the fit and finish.

Stig

Thanks for filling in the gaps Tom as that helps me to know you better and your family circumstances. Considering what you shared I perfectly understand your riding preferences and therefore your choice of scooters. A new FI ABS big wheel scoot makes perfect sence for you. Have fun scooter shopping.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[hypophthalmus]

If 60mph is in excess of what you need, I couldn't imagine wanting anything larger than the Piaggio.

In my opinion, it's aesthetically much better than the Forza too.

Make sure it's actually easy to service. My People 250 is much easier in every respect compared to the Vino 125 I had. Everything was in tight spaces in awkward locations that you couldn't see or reach.

[hypophthalmus]

Regarding ABS, my understanding is that it shouldn't actually matter if the rear wheel locks up, as long as you remember to keep it locked until you stop.

[MJR]

A couple of photos from the dealer I picked my MyRoad up from today. Interesting comparison of two 16' wheeled scoots.

[forkintheroad]

Didn't the burger replace a forza? Very circular motion....
To me the forza is still to big for around town. I've recently been reminded the joy of small scooters and now 400lbs feels like a ton. the Dowtown sits and will be sold to some lucky sole.

AMAC

How would you compare the performance of the Cali Classic 200i to the HD200?