Well then I will just have to make a post on how much I am liking my new GTi300. Put about 500 miles on since buying it a few weeks ago. This machine is a real joy to ride and operate. I’ve rode motorcycles for 45 years, and this is my 3rd scooter since being introduced to them 3 years ago. Inherited my dad’s Piaggio Fly 150 that kicked it off. Then found a super deal on a large-wheel Aprilia Scarabeo 150 which I liked even better. I really liked the way it handled and performed just up to freeway speeds, but it just wasn’t enough to keep up with sustained freeway speeds (in AZ most are posted 65 or 75 mph – which means drivers are doing 5 – 10 above that). So after buying the GTi I have relegated it to a “buddy scoot†or for just around town when I know won’t need to go on the high speed highway for any length of time.
Anyway, I’m quite impressed with my Kymco. I’ve took several panels off to change the spark plug to a NGK Iridium one and to check all fluids and to install a Battery Tender pigtail. Like many others have stated before; the fit & finish and build quality is second to none of the European or Japanese brands I have owned. I like the low center of gravity and the way it handles, the riding position, the ease to get it up and off the centerstand and the fact that it also comes with a side stand. The rear case seems to be very usable and adequate for me and conveniently holds my helmet, gloves, and light jacket in it when going into a store. The under seat storage is not vast, but it nicely holds a water bottle and miscellaneous items like tools and tire repair kit, maps, and room for a little more. I really like the large vibration-free mirrors, and absolutely love the turn indicator with audible tone! I wish all my bikes had this fantastic safety feature.
I installed the Biondi windscreen that I bought from Scooterville. Although it looks nice and I didn’t find it to have any distortion issues that some have reported, I did find it focused the wind blast right into my face and seemed to increase the wind noise to my helmet even with my face shield down. I like to wear my HJC IC-33 ¾ helmet when riding my scooters, and even with earplugs the wind noise and slight buffeting was annoying so I took the windshield off. I’ll try it again when the cooler weather comes, and perhaps I might even cut it down some.
I have a couple of nits, and I hope nobody misconstrues these, which sometimes does on these forums, that may put them off an otherwise superb machine. They are really quite small things. #1; the brake levers are not adjustable to allow them to be rotated up or down on the handlebar. There is a pin on the clamp that holds the position in a small hole on the handlebar that prevents me from ideally rotating them slightly downward for a little more comfortable position (for me). They are essentially positioned horizontally. #2; the radiator overflow bottle is hard to visually check, and I assume will be hard to top off. #3; this seat is firm and maybe even a bit hard, but I am hoping it will soften up with use. I might be spoiled as the Scarabeo has a seat that is next to my living room La-Z-Boy in comfort! I do plan to take off the seat cover to see if I can modify the bumstop to give me a little more room to scoot back. I’m 5’10â€, but seem to have long legs for my height. But other than these minor things, I’m very pleased with the GTi300.
Below are a couple of photos of a friend and me with the GTi and ‘Beo last weekend.
