Big Wheel Scooters

[Stig / Major Tom]

I am enjoying my Piaggio Liberty because I have had a desire for a big wheel scooter  for a long time. (the following was posted 4 yrs ago)

http://www.kymcoforum.com/index.php?topic=11104.msg112406#msg112406

Stig

[Highlands]

The knowledge I have gained from this content is very important.

[Tromper]

If more folks tried 'em more folks would buy 'em.
Assuming you don't have inseam length issues with 'em they take the bumps better, go through tires more slowly, are more stable if you get on a good open road, but still turn more than adequately; albeit it's tough to beat a 10" wheel for tight turns.

[GLV55]

I get all wet in the eyes when you mention big wheel scooters......miss my P150 so much...

I wish the US dealers would realize that big wheel scooters are the norm all over the world for a good reason, and get with the program - big wheels are just better.

[Tromper]

Think we'd need U.S. riders to get with it first.
There are a couple choices out there with that, & you do see it shifting that way with the Xmax 300 (15,14) and the PCX 150 (14).
I suspect it's just tough tearing folks away from the emotional "That's what a scooter is" in an area where they're viewed as toys vs. practical.

I get all wet in the eyes when you mention big wheel scooters......miss my P150 so much...

I wish the US dealers would realize that big wheel scooters are the norm all over the world for a good reason, and get with the program - big wheels are just better.

[GLV55]

So true, Tromper, hard to get past that mindset here in the US.

[Stig / Major Tom]

I ride the same exact route,  often on back to back days, alternating on a 12" and then a 16" front wheeled scooter.
The difference in stability on the open road is noticeable.
The 12"ers on the LIKE200i are not life threatening at 40mph by any means - but that 16" spinning wheel on the Piaggio, in comparison - is like being on rails.
"Small wheels are more maneuverable in a city."...baloney. !....any of you guys have trouble steering your bicycle when you were a kid?! BIG wheels on all of our bikes.
"Small wheels have more luggage space." ( lift the seat on a Vespa...- see why they wear open face half-helmets!)

Anyway..........

Stig

 

[Tromper]

With respect I will note that BMX bikes also have smaller wheels, & I can make an unnecessarily smaller circle on a smaller shorter scoot.
Really I have no issues with maneuverability in Seattle with my HD, or even my burger.  I do notice that I skate over potholes that smaller wheeled bikes have issues with on group rides.
The ones with the really fat tires and 12" survive 'em well 'nuff but I barely notice 'em.

I ride the same exact route,  often on back to back days, alternating on a 12" and then a 16" front wheeled scooter.
The difference in stability on the open road is noticeable.
The 12"ers on the LIKE200i are not life threatening at 40mph by any means - but that 16" spinning wheel on the Piaggio, in comparison - is like being on rails.
"Small wheels are more maneuverable in a city."...baloney. !....any of you guys have trouble steering your bicycle when you were a kid?! BIG wheels on all of our bikes.
"Small wheels have more luggage space." ( lift the seat on a Vespa...- see why they wear open face half-helmets!)

Anyway..........

Stig

 

[wheels]

I have both Kymco 300's  . 
Replacing the Maxii tires on both models makes a good difference, especially up front.
The wheelbase is shorter on the GTi and the next front tire change I will go wider.
Its just a touch to twitchy or too quick with the stock size.  Both scooters are very good at
handling low or high speed.

[de dee]

 
 I have 110/70  16 " tires in front and  160/70 14 " in rear tires,   thinking of 120 / 70 16 for the front tire, I would have to reset the traction control and ABS  on the Piaggio 350  Beverly, just don't know how ?  have to learn all the time with these scooters, 
 and just went through the manual and no mention of reset, just bring to dealer