Author Topic: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500  (Read 3941 times)

Tony3

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Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« on: October 07, 2015, 09:27:23 PM »
Just purchased the People 300.  I've owned the Xciting 500 and I believe Kymco makes some great scooters.  Does anyone know how the 300 stacks up to the Piaggio BV's?  I'm back to scooters from VTX 1800 and Vulcan 2000 because of cancer treatment I just can't handle the big bikes anymore, PLUS NO MORE CHROME TO CLEAN AND POLISH :).  The reason I ask is that I've always had multiple bikes and would like a 2nd scooter.  I don't want a huge scooter so that rules out the MYROAD and Burgman 650.  Sat on the MYROAD couldn't touch flatfoot and with it's size, thats a must for me.  The Piaggio 500 really has me tempted.  I appreciate eveyones thoughts and opinions.  BTW dealer sold me a 5 year extended warrenty so I guess I have 84 months protection.  Thanks all.
Tony

de dee

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Re: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2015, 10:58:36 PM »
does the piaggio come with ABS and traction control,   I am getting old and need all the help I can get,.  our local dealer does not carry one with ABS & traction control,.  de dee

boo

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IF
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2015, 02:10:49 AM »
I wanted two scoots in my garage, it would be the Kymco GTI300, and the Piaggio BV 350.
500cc and up scoots are too heavy. Most 500 run 500+ pounds Usually, 550 pounds or more. Over 100-150 pounds more than the 350.
If you look at the specs on the 350 and 500, (power to weight ratio is close.)
So performance should be good on the 350 without the extra weight.
My problem is the only Piaggio dealer in my area closed their doors two years ago.
The 500 has more vibes but, more power goes with it. On the flip side the 500 will give a little smoother ride because of its weight.
The Piaggio 500 is a very popular scoot.
There are times I would consider the 500 but, no dealers in my area.
I suspect, in the performance category, there is probably not a lot of difference between the 350 and the 500. Power to weight ratio.
« Last Edit: October 09, 2015, 11:17:42 PM by boo »
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Stig / Major Tom

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Re: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2015, 11:21:06 AM »
There might be some Honda 500 Silver Wings left over on sales floor?
BV's are great scooters....but which local dealer has the best rep for you?
I learned the hard way how important is the dealer behind even a fine scooter.
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AMAC1680

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Re: IF
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2015, 02:58:50 PM »
I wanted two scoots in my garage, it would be the Kymco GTI300, and the Piaggio BV 350.
500cc and up scoots are too heavy, sorta. 416 pounds on the Piaggio 500 is not too bad. Some other 500 s weigh more.
If you look at the specs on the 350 and 500, (power to weight ratio is close.)
So performance should be good on the 350 without the extra weight.
My problem is the only Piaggio dealer in my area closed their doors two years ago.
The 500 has more vibes but, more power goes with it. On the flip side the 500 will give a little smoother ride because of its weight.
The Piaggio 500 is a very popular scoot.
There are times I would consider the 500 but, no dealers in my area.
I suspect, in the performance category, there is probably not a lot of difference between the 350 and the 500. Power to weight ratio. 10:1  12:1

Yup!
My issue with the 500 has always been power to weight. At close to 500lbs and 40hp it's kind of porky.
The 300 class Kymcos run approx 375lbs and 30hp. That said its a very comfortable ride.

I love the BVs but over the years had some dealer problems.

AMAC
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allen1371

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Re: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2015, 04:09:38 PM »
Yup!
My issue with the 500 has always been power to weight. At close to 500lbs and 40hp it's kind of porky.
The 300 class Kymcos run approx 375lbs and 30hp. That said its a very comfortable ride.

I love the BVs but over the years had some dealer problems.

AMAC
Honda Forza? Not that I am promoting the Honda. I always see the Piaggio and kymco compared and seldom see the Forza mentioned.

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Trucker jay

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Re: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2015, 10:20:00 PM »
If I was to get a 2nd scooter it would be a 150 size scooter.  The gti 300  for long trips, interstate speeds and the smaller scooter for quick into town/store runs

Driller

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Re: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2015, 10:25:08 PM »
I'm with TruckerJay on that. A Morphous 250  gets me there in comfort on longer hauls. A Movie 150 releases my inner hooligan for closer rides. Yellowjacket has a 300gti and it is a splendid bike. Almost an ideal "all rounder".

Stig / Major Tom

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Re: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2015, 01:57:28 AM »
The Forza is not as heavy as a Burgman...but it is still pretty hefty.
Low center of gravity - so you sit down into it rather than up on it. Rides nice.
Does come in superb glossy Ferrari Red!

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Yellow Jacket

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Re: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« Reply #9 on: October 27, 2015, 09:47:51 PM »
  If you are talking about side by side performance numbers, I might be able to help you out. The BV 350 will outrun the GTi in a 1/8 mile drag race. Just 10 days ago we had both at our local 1/8 mile drag strip. My GTi when new and showroom condition, top box and all ran a best of 11.358 sec. at 60.008 MPH. I also got to ride a friends BV350. It too had a top box as well as a fairly tall windshield. Ran a best of 10.925 @ 62.181 MPH. The numbers for my bike came from a little over 2 years ago but at the same track. My bike now has Dr. Pulley sliders at 13.2 grams. This is the setup I had 10 days ago when I rode the BV. With this setup I ran a best of 10.531 @ 63.51 MPH.
  At the time I got my GTi, I really wanted a BV but dealer is 170 miles. I bought the Kymco new, dealer is 5 miles and saved $2000.
Scooter owned in the past, Honda Aero 125, '87 Elite 150 (2), '87 & '90 250 Elite, Yamaha 200, (2), 400 Majesty, Aprilia  Atlantic 500, Piaggio BV250,SYM HD200,  Kymco Yager GT200
Current ride, Kymco GTi 300

Tony3

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Re: Versus Piaggio BV 350 or 500
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2016, 11:59:13 PM »
Just purchased a Myroad 700 to go along with the 300 People.  I got the best of both worlds.  The 300 is nimble, light and quick.  The 700cc MyRoad is powerful and heavy (at least for a scooter).  The 300 is a great overachiever in performance and can hold it's own.  The biggest advantage of the MyRoad is the weight for open highway interstate stability.  On two lane secondary main roads up to 60-ish, the People 300 is very hard to beat.

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