What scooter to Choose?

[Scooter-IT]

Hi,

I am trying to narrow down my choices about what scooter to buy. Beside local commuting I want to undertake extended road trips. With the intention NOT to make lots of miles per day but take the time to explore, "smell the roses" and take pictures.

Styling wise I love the Vespa GTS 300. However I am not sure how this scooter will do on the highway's around here. From where I live its pretty much impossible to get anywhere without having to travel a very busy highway with some steep inclines (101, 280, 92).
Also I wander about the stability and ride comfort (bad roads and back) in relation to the suspension and wheel size).

I prefer the step trough "European" style and I have looked at the other well known choices like the Burgman and Silverwing. But these are to much like a big motorcycle to me and defeating the purpose of my goals. The only "Maxi" scooter that I might consider is the TMax since it seating position is higher and it did not appear as big as the other Maxi scooters.


So far I have narrowed it down to these options:

Kymco GT 300i (16" wheels, 28HP) - 364 lbs - Wheel base 32" - Seat Hight 32"
Vespa GTS 300 (12" wheels, 22HP) - 326 lbs - Wheel base 31" - Seat Hight 31"
Yamaha T-Max (15" wheels, ??HP)  - 489 lbs - Wheel base 62" - Seat hight 32"

* Dimensions are rounded to the nearest number.

I was not impressed with the quality and finish of the Kymco People 300 I saw earlier this year in a showroom. Someone at the dealer told me it had a rough ride. From what I have read the new 2012 model should have some mayor improvements. Since I haven't seen the new 2012 Kymco in person I wander that this forum can teach me :-)

The Piaggio BV500 forces me into a uncomfortable seating position and offers little protection. I never sat on a Aprillia Scarebo 500 but I have my doubts about the quality and dealer/distributor support.



Looking forward to your thoughts!

[Vivo]

Kymco, of course!

[Scooter-IT]

Being on a Kymco forum I expect a biassed opinion. But can you tell me why?

[axy]

Hi,

I am trying to narrow down my choices about what scooter to buy. Beside local commuting I want to undertake extended road trips. With the intention NOT to make lots of miles per day but take the time to explore, "smell the roses" and take pictures.

Styling wise I love the Vespa GTS 300. However I am not sure how this scooter will do on the highway's around here. From where I live its pretty much impossible to get anywhere without having to travel a very busy highway with some steep inclines (101, 280, 92).
Also I wander about the stability and ride comfort (bad roads and back) in relation to the suspension and wheel size).

I prefer the step trough "European" style and I have looked at the other well known choices like the Burgman and Silverwing. But these are to much like a big motorcycle to me and defeating the purpose of my goals. The only "Maxi" scooter that I might consider is the TMax since it seating position is higher and it did not appear as big as the other Maxi scooters.


So far I have narrowed it down to these options:

Kymco GT 300i (16" wheels, 28HP)
Vespa GTS 300 (12" wheels, 22HP)
Yamaha T-Max (15" wheels, ??HP)

I was not impressed with the quality and finish of the Kymco People 300 I saw earlier this year in a showroom. Someone at the dealer told me it had a rough ride. From what I have read the new 2012 model should have some mayor improvements. Since I haven't seen the new 2012 Kymco in person I wander that this forum can teach me :-)

The Piaggio BV500 forces me into a uncomfortable seating position and offers little protection. I never sat on a Aprillia Scarebo 500 but I have my doubts about the quality and dealer/distributor support.



Looking forward to your thoughts!

What is the displacement of T-Max?

[Scooter-IT]

What is the displacement of T-Max?

500 CC's can't find out how much HP it has. I recall something like 60 HP. Either way its ample...

[boo]

Everything I have read about the Kymco 300cc class scooters makes me want to try one.
I am interested in the People GT 300i but, my local dealer has not received one yet.
Yes, some of the bigger scoots have more horsepower but, they give up a lot because of their weight.
I don`t want a scooter that weighs 450 - 650 pounds.
That kind of weight is ridicules on a scooter.

[Scooter-IT]

Everything I have read about the Kymco 300cc class scooters makes me want to try one.
I am interested in the People GT 300i but, my local dealer has not received one yet.
Yes, some of the bigger scoots have more horsepower but, they give up a lot because of their weight.
I don`t want a scooter that weighs 450 - 650 pounds.
That kind of weight is ridicules on a scooter.

You are right, based on your comment I added some dimensions and weight to the original post.
Indeed the line between a motorcycle and scooter becomes blurred when you enter the Maxi scoot territory. Not a bad thing I compare a powerful maxi scooter to a modern car with automatic transmission and all the comfort to regular motorcycle and a stick-shift. Nothing bad but just a different use and purpose...

For me I prefer the agility and "lightness" of a real scooter. Want to sit upright and see the environment rather than blasting by. See something and be able to pull over and get off easily to explore and take pictures.

[bobofgsm]

I did a ton of research and went with the Downtown 300i.  I could not be happier.

[slugrocket rob]

One difference between the Vespa GTS and the KYMCO People 300 is that on the KYMCO you can adjust the valves yourself by removing the panels. On the Vespa (as she has a solid steel outer frame) you need to disconnect the rear of the engine and lower it out of the frame in order to adjust the valves (much more work). that being said, both are great scooters. The KYMCO is much more realistically priced. Depending on what you can afford, you will be happy with either. I choose the KYMCO because I am not rich. KYMCO's are good scooters for the money. Vespa's are a great scooter for much much more money. Scoot On!

[Vivo]

Being on a Kymco forum I expect a biassed opinion. But can you tell me why?

For me, it's simply value for money. 

[Hoolander2]

Yamaha doesn't seem to list the HP of the Tmax anymore.  They used to, and I think it was around 45.

As far as the Kymco having a "rough ride", members here have said Kymcos in general have stiff suspensions.  You can look at that as giving a rough ride or as meaning a Kymco will have a more stable feel.  Especially in dicy situations.     

[Scooter-IT]

For me, it's simply value for money. 

Wow that is a great insight.
I am surprised that the valves aren't DOHC self adjusting....
Perhaps the new 2012 Kymco has?
Also have to find out the interval for valve check to see how much I have to worry about this at all...

[Scooter-IT]

Wow that is a great insight.
I am surprised that the valves aren't DOHC self adjusting....
Perhaps the new 2012 Kymco has?
Also have to find out the interval for valve check to see how much I have to worry about this at all...

For sure I will test ride myself before committing to buy.
Until now I am just dry swimming. Only having experience with a Honda Elite many years ago...

[Vivo]

"Rough Ride?" Not to me because I ride with a backrider most of the time... the misis.   The ride is very smooth and great handling even on poor roads. When I'm alone riding, the "rough ride" is a deterent for me to go at very high speeds.

In our country, some Kymco owners would fit or convert the rear shocks of the Honda XRM Underbone to the Kymco.  As per experience, these OEM Honda Shocks are soft and very comfy for single riders when fitted onto a Kymco. Tested on the Super 8, I don't know if they will work with heavier Kymcos.

[Vivo]

Sometimes you have to just narrow things down to around 2 or 3 and choose the one you love most regardless of its deficiencies.  Choose the one with the X factor. Different strokes for different folks.  I choose my Super 8 because I look good on it and secondly, my cash is limited. A similar scooter from a Taiwanese competitor was also a good choice for me, I even like the gauge cluster but I simply don't look good on it. I looked geeky..