just some info and an update on my new x500

[jld621]

Hey everyone.  Just wanted to say if anyone is looking for a more comfortable ride on their x500 try getting the backrest kit from Jac Vinson.  Rv toys.  I got one and boy is it comfortable.  Easy to install and high quality.  I highly recommend one.  Also I am using a sheep skin gel pad that I got from a on line saddle shop.  I got one for an English saddle.  If you buy this stuff for horses instead of motorcycles they cost about 1/2 of what one cost for mc.  Go figure!
I now have about 1400 on the bike.  I can say that I am enjoying it more all the time.  I traded a Kawasaki Concours for the Kymco and I can say the only thing I really miss is the hp.  Other than that the x500 rides well, handles great and will do all that I could on the connie. I can pack as much stuff for camping on the kymco as I could on the connie. 
The more I ride it the less I miss the Kawasaki.  I enjoy the low center of gravity and the ease of manuvering the bike around as compared to the connie.
I also got the Givi windscreen and even though it looks weird at first it has made the ride about 5 times nicer.  I am getting an average of 50-52 mpg. And I am not holding back on it.
I am one happy x500 owner. 
If anyone out there is debating about getting one, I dont think you can go wrong with one.
when I bought the connie I read all the negative stuff about the buzz, breaks etc. but they were comparing it to the modern ST and BMW's.  It did all they could do for about 1/2 the cost.
That is the way I feel about the x500.  All the reviews that put the kymco down compared to the Tmax and Burgmans etc, are their opinions.  My x500 will do all they can do for a lot less cash. Much like the connie compared to the other sport tourers. 
Any questions in particular about the scoot, let me know.
Jim

[winginman]

I will second that... 

[axy]

Hej Jim, I am slightly amused by the "sheep skin gel pad" stuff. I guess you are from USA, if you drove around Europe with that thing on the seat, you'd be the hottest thing in town, I bet you.

[jld621]

Axy, yes the USA. I am probably looked upon here as a bit strange, but Id rather be comfortable .
Try one youll like it.

[bongoman]

I tried that backrest but found it put me at an uncomfortable angle, probably because of my height: 6'3".

I took the stock seat to a place in San Antonio called Car Services inc. for a custom seat, and it is some kind of comfy. Cut down, more narrow, with a slightly larger stock backrest. I cut 1 & 1/2 inches off the backrest rod inserts so it would go back farther for additional leg room.

[axy]

Axy, yes the USA. I am probably looked upon here as a bit strange, but Id rather be comfortable .
Try one youll like it.

I am sure it is comfortable. Take a look at http://www.tucanourbano.it/main/home.aspx , select Termoscud at the bottom. Do you use these things? A lot of people here (Croatia) use them... and in Italy. There is even option to insure them as they are "prone" to theft.

There is a guy in my city that has little Piaggio ZIP and this apron thing - it goes all over to the rear end of the scooter, it is almost larger than the scooter itself.

[winginman]

Jim, you about to catch me.  I have a bit over 1500 on mine.  Wish I had more time to ride.  Then when I have time it would stop the raining, although it's dirty from riding in the rain.  Do you do most riding in city or out in the country.  I seem to get about 45 MPG in the city.  It does better out on the road and I have noticed the variator seems to be breaking in so the RPM's are dropping more when riding on the highway.  Still am considering the Dr Pulley sliders, but want to only drop a couple of grams is I can find them.  Will have to get down to Station Park and see what Bo can find.  Today is pretty booked, at least I got to ride into the office.  Gonna get out tomorrow and ride.  Don't know where to, but then what difference does that make.   It's the ride not the destination. 

[jld621]

I now have 2200 on it because I did a little 3 day trip with camping stuff,  It did great, my back not so good on the tent floor.  Winginman, since I live in a rural area about 5 miles from Corydon, IN. almost all my riding is on the highway. Even if I am in town there are only 8 stop lights so I am sure that makes a huge difference in the mpg.  I got about 48 on my little 3 day tour.  It was a test to see how it would do if I decide to ride the blue ridge parkway.  Jim, I have a lot of time to ride since I am a teacher and have the summers off. It is one of our few perks!!!!!!! 

[Rozz]

Hey Winginman,
I have 3800 km on my new Xciting.  That's about 2300 mi. I think.
I have been out riding a lot--weather is fantastic this week and we have some great roads as we are in the Niagara Escarpment area of Ontario.  We have been going out with a riding club.  Mostly big bikes, me and a Scarabeo.  I am keeping up really well.  Could use a little more legroom tho' as i am fairly tall.  Thinking of looking for a custom seat if I can find one.
What a cool bike.
RozzW

[winginman]

Rozz, wow you are doing some riding.  You are passing me up...  It's sad I have been spending too much time working and not enough time riding.  :'(   
Anyhow here is a link to some folks that rework scooter seats.  I have read good postings on their seat work.  Might want to check out their web site. http://www.pirateupholstery.com/
You all have a good one, I'm got time for a ride today. 

[Rozz]

Yup, we are doing a lot of riding.  Just got back from two day 700 k. ride almost to Windsor (Detroit) - 420 mi.
I am at 4500K or 2700 mi.
Raining this week, so I'm parked for a while.
Seat is very uncomfortable.  I am going to see what can be done about that.
Thanks for the web-link, Jim.
Rozz