What scooter to Choose?

[DoubleSC]

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).

I can comment on the Kymco...
I've done all of these roads with my People 250 - it kept up with smoothly flowing traffic with a bit of power to spare.  Just don't expect to be able to pass with authority...    On the flat stretches, it moves comfortably along with the pace of traffic in all but the fast lane.

I've also tested a Downtown (same engine/approx. weight as the People 300) - it certainly has more power at the higher speeds, but didn't have the impression that passing acceleration would be greatly improved on steep uphill grades at lower speeds (i.e. think about moving into the fast lane and accelerating quickly to get around a truck going up at 35mph in the slow lane).  But for flat stretches, it'd be fine.  In the end I decided to stick with my old People though based on...1) Found out the sales guy wasn't being completely honest (or had a different interpretation of the question "Was this bike ever dropped?"), and that the seat was too low (probably could be altered to fit at an auto upholstry shop).

Also I wander about the stability and ride comfort (bad roads and back) in relation to the suspension and wheel size).

The Kymco's I've ridden (People 250, Downtown 300, and Super 8 150) all have had firm suspensions.  But I'd consider a good thing as it does seem well-planted.  My only concern has been with the People's geometry that some how doesn't seem quite "linear" to me when cornering.  In other words, there's a range in cornering where the steering responsiveness gets a bit too touchy for my likings.  Don't know if that's still a characteristic in the GT300i, and it'd be one of the reasons why I'd insist on a test drive of the People GT300 before buying one.

Hope at least some of this is useful info. for you.

Cheers,

DSC

[Scooter-IT]

I can comment on the Kymco...
I've done all of these roads with my People 250 - it kept up with smoothly flowing traffic with a bit of power to spare.  Just don't expect to be able to pass with authority...    On the flat stretches, it moves comfortably along with the pace of traffic in all but the fast lane.

I've also tested a Downtown (same engine/approx. weight as the People 300) - it certainly has more power at the higher speeds, but didn't have the impression that passing acceleration would be greatly improved on steep uphill grades at lower speeds (i.e. think about moving into the fast lane and accelerating quickly to get around a truck going up at 35mph in the slow lane).  But for flat stretches, it'd be fine.  In the end I decided to stick with my old People though based on...1) Found out the sales guy wasn't being completely honest (or had a different interpretation of the question "Was this bike ever dropped?"), and that the seat was too low (probably could be altered to fit at an auto upholstry shop).

The Kymco's I've ridden (People 250, Downtown 300, and Super 8 150) all have had firm suspensions.  But I'd consider a good thing as it does seem well-planted.  My only concern has been with the People's geometry that some how doesn't seem quite "linear" to me when cornering.  In other words, there's a range in cornering where the steering responsiveness gets a bit too touchy for my likings.  Don't know if that's still a characteristic in the GT300i, and it'd be one of the reasons why I'd insist on a test drive of the People GT300 before buying one.

Hope at least some of this is useful info. for you.

Cheers,

DSC

Thanks for sharing your very informative insights !

[slugrocket rob]

"I am surprised that the valves aren't DOHC self adjusting....
Perhaps the new 2012 Kymco has?"

Yes, you are probably right about the DOHC valves.... I was thinking in terms of my "old school" People s200.

[axy]

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

In that case, in my book, this is very easy choice.
Of course, Yamaha.

[Scooter-IT]

If it was for a sporty ride the 2012 TMax is definitely a great choice according to the things I have read and seen online.

However considering the dimensions and weight it's more a motorcycle with an automated transmission than a scooter :-)

[Oldscoot]

I own both a 2012 Kymco 300 GTi and a 2010 Vespa 300 GTS.  As I wrote in an earlier post I am using the Kymco more than the Vespa.  The bottom line for me is simple - the Kymco is a better handling, more powerful, and more stable machine that will more easilly handle the challenges of biking.   The Vespa is more elegant, has a more comfortable seat, and provides more usable storage.  Ride both if you can and make your decision.       

[Scooter-IT]

I own both a 2012 Kymco 300 GTi and a 2010 Vespa 300 GTS.  As I wrote in an earlier post I am using the Kymco more than the Vespa.  The bottom line for me is simple - the Kymco is a better handling, more powerful, and more stable machine that will more easilly handle the challenges of biking.   The Vespa is more elegant, has a more comfortable seat, and provides more usable storage.  Ride both if you can and make your decision.       

Thanks, I read your post as well :-)

Indeed at the end I will need to ride both off them before purchasing, and if needed a seat can be changed ;-)

[boo]

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) - 264 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!

The weight of the People GT300i is listed as 364 pounds on Kymco s website, not 264.

[Scooter-IT]

Corrected my typo; thanks!

[roboscoot]

no brainer for me.....the kymco dt 300......

[Cortez]

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

It's got only 44hp.

[Cortez]

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.     

+1 on this in general, but from my experience, the People 300 is the most comfortable (read: softest suspension)
Kymco I've tried. I didn't expect it to be softer then the Downtown 300, but it is/was, and with the 16" wheels
it's the most comfortable Kymco out there easy.

I wouldn't even call the ride quality on my cheapo Agility rough.. it's just stiff, but feels stable and planted because of it.

[ailixhomes]

Yamaha T-max 125 cc is the best Scooter  in today's current scenario. It is very useful to buy this scooter because of its stylish looks as well as great mileage and average. I have prefer this Scooter.

[juice]

According to bikez the new yamaha tmax  is a 530cc 2 cyl with 45.86 hp .

[sentinex]

Let me just add my 2 cents, I was speaking with a Kymco dealer the other day and from all they Kymco scooters we talked about(including the 500's) his first choice was the 300Gti.

It seems the 300GTi is the perfect balance between price and performance. If you looking for a solid machine that will allow you to commute long distances without having to pay an arm and a leg, I will recommend the 300GTi, bear in mind that after a lot of research about this issue the 300GTi outclassed even the Piaggio BV 350(service support, longevity, parts). At the end is your call, hope it helps.

I will like to add that the Vespa 300 GTS is a great machine, I just don't agree with having to conform to 11 inch wheels, which tend to be unstable for highway trave l(55mph and up).

If you need more information I would recommend you Read Cortez posts on the subject (Kymco Forum User)