Scooter stolen. Good bye Kymco?

[Emil]

Hi folks,

I have been with this forum for quite a while now and must say that it is a great place for all Kymco owners and those who want to become one.
But my time here might be coming to an end/interruption. Reason: My People GT 300i got stolen two weeks ago downtown Boston.

Anger and financial loss aside, I am now in desperate need of a new ride. What to get next?
There are not a lot of options in the larger displacement category out there.

Another People 300? While fun when riding fast, it always felt chunky when going slow in traffic or pushing it on the lawn, sidewalk etc. Also, the jerky clutch issue was driving me nuts (didn't have time to take care of it).
Biggest thing though is that I feel that there is bad luck on this model now. I don't want the thieves to chuckle because there's a second chance for the same sweet ride.

A SYM HD 200? I rode it and it was great, but it has some issues that are far worse than a jerky clutch. And 170cc is a bit meh on the highway.

A Genuine Blur 220i? I never rode it, but it doesn't seem to have major flaws. At 220cc it should be lighter weight that the People, yet fast enough for a little highway ride @70. Any experience anyone?

Last but not least: Piaggio Beverly 350. Yes, it is even a few pounds more than the Kymco. But shorter. And faster. And it looks sooo good! And if I can believe the reviews it's a blast to ride.

What do you think?


Ah yes, here's my stolen People 300i. If someone comes across a suspicious listing, I'd appreciate a note:
2014 Kymco People GT 300i
Color: Black
Odometer: 3,300 +
Stolen: August 8, 2017 Leather District Boston
VIN: RFBBFM299EB160550
It looked almost new, but there where some Velcro stickers above the headlight area to protect the body from windshield damage (windshield was off). Maybe they leave markings when taken off. On the rear fender under the number plate there where also four round Velcro stickers.


The one cool thing I am getting out of this theft is that I have seen the Odo of my "grandpa" 2008 Agility 125 passing the 30,000 mark...

[PaulF]

I have always liked the Piaggio Beverly 350i.  Not only does it have great reviews and looks really good but it is not as wide as some maxi scooters.   What problems did you find with the Sym 200 HD as I was going to have a look at one of those in a while.

Paul

[ole two wheels]

Sorry for you lose Emil. It's a shame that a  person can't even enjoy riding his scooter without someone messing it up. I can only tell you that I really like my DT300. perfectly at home in the city or on the big slab. Heavy enough to produce a smooth ride, yet nimble enough to handle bumper to bumper without making you tired. Very respectful off the line, even two up. What ever you settle on, wither another Kymco or something else, you are welcome here.

[Tromper]

Heck if the Kymco's off the list I'd go with the BV350 if you can budget it.
The HD's a nice bike, nothing quite like it for the class (lighter than your old 300, but about as quick).
The HD can do the freeway but with a top speed of 70ish, not my choice for an all day freeway runner.  Highways are fine.
 I match mine off a Burgman 650 for freeway riding.

If I had to drop to just one bike, & wanted something I could take on the super slab the BV would be high on my list.  It's a bit quicker than the GT300, & was a very nice compromise when I tested one out a while back.  The only reason i didn't buy it then was that someone was wheeling the last one out the door (in the area) when I went back with $$ for it.
Kind of a dark horse might be the new Burgman 400 if they release those in the U.S. this coming year.  Other than pegs for the passenger the update looks pretty nice.

Of course if you can live with a bit more weight and cost the newer (k13+) B650's are real high on my list, but sounds like you prefer things a bit lighter.

[Redk]

I hope there is a chance and you recover it.  redk

[AMAC1680]

Hard to tell what you're looking to do.
It seems you want highway speed but in a lighter package. But the BV is heavier as you state so still as "clunky".

I had a Blur and it was an urban assault scooter. Fast with great brakes but not a highway scooter. Too lite too slow. Mine had a overheating issue if pushed too long.

I'd also suggest part of clunky around town comes from the large wheels.

Good luck.

AMAC

[Stig / Major Tom]

An issue for me with the Burgman 400 is that goofy list price $7999.00 ...and you're nowhere near out the door yet at that price!
The new version could be even more.
For $8000 there are a lot of quick motorcycles avail.
And, yeah Burgman's ,too, are a couch to roll around.
Bikes have a neutral. ...roll easily!
Stig

[CROSSBOLT]

I am sorry for your loss. When they stole my DT300i they destroyed it. Punched out the ignition switch trying to start it and did an endo trying to tow it. Got a few parts but she was a goner. Lost a good friend. Found her twin to be just as sweet.

Get one o' dem Italian Gina Lolobridgida's like Stig. Shesa snazzy and goes, too!

Karl

[Emil]

Thanks for all the comments!

@PaulF The Sym HD200 has
a) A sometimes failing thermostat, which leads to cooling not kicking in, overheating engine, blown head gasket
b) Issues with leaking gas because of a not sealing gas cap. Seems because the plastic gas tank deforms.

@ole two wheels The DT300 is not my style. Also it's even longer than the People

@Tromper Come on - no way the HD is about as quick as the People. Maybe the intersection take-off (which the people wasn't that great at), but right after... nope.
The Burgman 400, just as the Downtown, is not my style. And it's huge - 6 inches longer, 120 pounds heavier than the People.

And as @Stig mentioned the price tag makes dizzy. The low seat height combined with the overall length does make it feel like a rolling couch. lol. Other than that it's probably a great machine.

@Redk I have no hopes of recovering it. Those where professionals. Two people on a scooter or motorcycle. Did their research before stealing. Took them about 20 seconds to unlock my scooter. Unfortunately, the camera footage does not reveal any useful details beyond that.

@AMAC1680 Was that a newer Blur with the overheating issue? I am not planning on longer highway rides, but need reliability going 70mph for about 15 miles

@CROSSBOLT oh no - did your insurance even give you a penny for a 'vandalized' scooter?


Generally. At the moment I have 20 mi on the hwy with about 5 slow miles, and some time in the city. Also I stay off the hwy after dark because of the increased percentage of blind and brain-dead drivers.
I have no issues riding a big bike, but pushing 400 pounds onto the sidewalk, over the lawn or up a ramp is kind of painful. Also it makes squeezing by standing cars almost impossible and stop and go traffic is harder to manage. Yes, maybe the large wheels contribute, but balancing a scooter is harder than a motorcycle anyway because the knees cannot be used to keep the thing straight.
Btw - whoever experienced the roads around Boston will wish for 30inch tires. Maybe more.
So yes, it's difficult. I am looking for agility & speed, urban warfare & highway comfort.
Many of you recommend the Piaggio BV, so maybe that's what I should go for. Still wondering though if the Blur 220 is a viable option as well.
sigh...

[ole two wheels]

The main thing Emil is to get what fits YOUR needs. If you ask a hundred people  this same question you'd probably end up with a hundred ideas. Your money, your needs and your choice, at the end of the day, that's all that really matters. Good luck and keep us posted.

[AMAC1680]

Thanks for all the comments!

@PaulF The Sym HD200 has
a) A sometimes failing thermostat, which leads to cooling not kicking in, overheating engine, blown head gasket
b) Issues with leaking gas because of a not sealing gas cap. Seems because the plastic gas tank deforms.

@ole two wheels The DT300 is not my style. Also it's even longer than the People

@Tromper Come on - no way the HD is about as quick as the People. Maybe the intersection take-off (which the people wasn't that great at), but right after... nope.
The Burgman 400, just as the Downtown, is not my style. And it's huge - 6 inches longer, 120 pounds heavier than the People.

And as @Stig mentioned the price tag makes dizzy. The low seat height combined with the overall length does make it feel like a rolling couch. lol. Other than that it's probably a great machine.

@Redk I have no hopes of recovering it. Those where professionals. Two people on a scooter or motorcycle. Did their research before stealing. Took them about 20 seconds to unlock my scooter. Unfortunately, the camera footage does not reveal any useful details beyond that.

@AMAC1680 Was that a newer Blur with the overheating issue? I am not planning on longer highway rides, but need reliability going 70mph for about 15 miles

@CROSSBOLT oh no - did your insurance even give you a penny for a 'vandalized' scooter?


Generally. At the moment I have 20 mi on the hwy with about 5 slow miles, and some time in the city. Also I stay off the hwy after dark because of the increased percentage of blind and brain-dead drivers.
I have no issues riding a big bike, but pushing 400 pounds onto the sidewalk, over the lawn or up a ramp is kind of painful. Also it makes squeezing by standing cars almost impossible and stop and go traffic is harder to manage. Yes, maybe the large wheels contribute, but balancing a scooter is harder than a motorcycle anyway because the knees cannot be used to keep the thing straight.
Btw - whoever experienced the roads around Boston will wish for 30inch tires. Maybe more.
So yes, it's difficult. I am looking for agility & speed, urban warfare & highway comfort.
Many of you recommend the Piaggio BV, so maybe that's what I should go for. Still wondering though if the Blur 220 is a viable option as well.
sigh...

I had a 2012.
Like I said urban assault scooter BUT 70mph on the scoots speedo happens, on the gps nope.

AMAC

[PaulF]

Thanks for all the comments!

@PaulF The Sym HD200 has
a) A sometimes failing thermostat, which leads to cooling not kicking in, overheating engine, blown head gasket
b) Issues with leaking gas because of a not sealing gas cap. Seems because the plastic gas tank deforms.

Thanks for that info.  Shame about that because I know a couple of people with older Syms that love them.   Out of the new models the HD200 was about the only one I liked, some of the smaller models are not that good looking (to me anyway).

Paul

[Tromper]

...
@Tromper Come on - no way the HD is about as quick as the People. Maybe the intersection take-off (which the people wasn't that great at), but right after... nope.
The Burgman 400, just as the Downtown, is not my style. And it's huge - 6 inches longer, 120 pounds heavier than the People.

I've ridden 'em both.  Honestly preferred the HD on a couple levels below 60.  Quick is a matter of gear ratios as much as power to a point & the HD is a peck lighter than the GT as well as narrower. The GT probably get it solidly in the upper ranges; however I only took the GT up to about 40-45ish on the test ride (45-50 indicated).  The HD was notably lighter, but I did like the GT & thought it a better single bike compromise since it was more highway capable, & was OK around town.  Ain't say'n buy one, just say'n.

Far as the DT & B400, matter of preference.  I prefer the GT to those as well

...@PaulF The Sym HD200 has
a) A sometimes failing thermostat, which leads to cooling not kicking in, overheating engine, blown head gasket
b) Issues with leaking gas because of a not sealing gas cap. Seems because the plastic gas tank deforms.

- You left out the occasional issue with the fuel system/carb diaphragm warping and getting hard to seat properly.
Really I think that SYM makes a snappier bike in general, but Kymco has better QC.  My S was slower than the HD but pretty much bulletproof and very simple.

I also stand by my thought that you should check out the BV350.  Seems a good compromise for a single bike in general, & also seems to fit your preferences.

[de dee]

  Piaggio Canada is tied to Piaggio New York city and they are having a sale   I paid Canadian $ 5495.00 out the door + local taxes,  that's $ 4391.00   U.S.A. 

[Stig / Major Tom]

  Piaggio Canada is tied to Piaggio New York city and they are having a sale   I paid Canadian $ 5495.00 out the door + local taxes,  that's $ 4391.00   U.S.A. 

$4391 OTD Amerikan ?? A typo, right?
OK, de dee, you're going to need to move - soonest!
That thing lists for $6399 + all the other add-ons!

So, you stole it! You stole that dadgum big Piaggio BV 350 w/ABS!!

So....what color did you steal? Sure better NOT be the red one?
Photos please - or else Karl and I will tell them where you go for donuts!

Stig