KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: blackrod on October 25, 2013, 02:02:30 AM
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Hello
I am upgrading my Kymco Like 50 to a 150cc or 200cc scooter.
I am looking mostly at non-Vespa scooters as as they are above my price range. I am 6'2" and 205 lbs. The issue with my Kymco Like 50 is the engine displacement is too small for me and need something that lets me drive through any and all streets in the Denver metro area.
Another issue is that the my legs kick up too close to the leg shield and handlebars which makes it OK on the straight aways but challenging and somewhat dangerous on turns because of feeling like I cannot maneuver freely.
With that being said, I have found the following new and used scooters at Sportique Scooters in Denver to try out this weekend:
New
Kymco Movie 150
http://sportiquescooters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=205:kymco-has-a-blockbuster-in-the-2013-movie-150&Itemid=101 (http://sportiquescooters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=205:kymco-has-a-blockbuster-in-the-2013-movie-150&Itemid=101)
Used
2005 Vespa Grandturismo 200L
http://sportiquescooters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=264:2005-vespa-grandturismo-200l- (http://sportiquescooters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=264:2005-vespa-grandturismo-200l-)$2800&Itemid=152
Kymco People 150cc
http://sportiquescooters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=239:kymco-people-150cc- (http://sportiquescooters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=239:kymco-people-150cc-)$2400&Itemid=155
Sym HD200
http://sportiquescooters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=240:sym-hd-200- (http://sportiquescooters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=240:sym-hd-200-)$2400&Itemid=155[size=18][/size]
Does anyone have any experience with these scooters or drives a 150cc to 200cc scooter? What is your recommendation for a taller rider who wants comfort and safety for room for maneuverability?
Thanks,
Ross
:)
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Can you test ride them? Maybe it's best to...
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I have no experience with smaller than actual 200cc scooters. I personally wanted that size of motor to keep up with traffic and not be an obstacle.
The Vespa is a 2-Stroke, if it is oil injected, not a big deal but the oil level you will need to be watchful of. Personally I like 2-Strokes, I have 4 motorcycles that are 2 strokes, it may not be for you though.
The Sym I have read lots of people who like these HD200's, not really a 200 size motor (173 or 178 cc's), what I have read though is these are pretty peppy scooters. This particular one does not appear to be well cared for out of the elements anyway.
My big wheel bike (People S 250) is more stable on the road at highway speeds than my small wheel bike (87 Yamaha Riva 200), but the small will bike is really maneuverable for me in small spaces, easier to handle and more fun, it also has a 200 cc motor to propel it.
Not saying you could go wrong with any of these.
Not knowing your level experience, mobility, balance, the best recommendation I would tell someone is to see how the bike fits you. If you can test ride these that will help you out.
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Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I just started riding scooters since the summer of this year. I need to get my motorcycle license so I am a beginner. I am 35 years old and am very mobile and somewhat in shape. Overall, my balance is OK. I hear out of only one ear so my balance can sometimes be a little off because of hearing issues.
With that being said, what are your thoughts on the scooters I suggested and are there any other you recommend? What are your thoughts on used vs. new?
Thanks
Ross
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My only experience with scooters are the two I mentioned, although I have read about many, it is mainly brands you should limit yourself to.
Within those brands there maybe models to stay away from but you would have to ask for specific models you can find or willing to drive and purchase. I would not be able to put together a list of models, you listing as you did is a better way.
Used or New
Depends on your budget.
I have never had anything new, on used you do need to know something about what you are looking at for the most part or purchased from a dealer that will give some warranty with your purchase. Buying used from a dealer does not mean the scooter will be right, that depends on the dealer.
My most recent purchase a few weeks back was a 2010 People S 250 with 200-300 miles on it and looks, runs and performs as good as the mileage shows. My vintage scooter had 17,000 miles and needed some work.
If you get a used scooter with miles on it, maintenance items might need service, Rollers, Belts, Tires, Brakes, etc.
If I am a dealer I would not take a photo of a bike that was not prepped and ready to sell as in the HD200.
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I recently sold my S200 and bought a SYM RV200. Same motor as the HD200 different frame.
It's a day and night difference. The S200 is a great scooter but that's a old tech, air cooled two valve 163cc motor. Solid as a rock but at a top speed of about 57mph its limited to citty streets.
http://youtu.be/l1L10C3VfGg (http://youtu.be/l1L10C3VfGg)
(http://scooter-gimp.smugmug.com/SYM-RV-200-EVO/i-bn2dFDV/0/M/image-M.jpg)
The SYM at 171 cc didn't look on paper as much different but it is. I top out at 74mph GPS and cruise at 65-70. It's smooth, quick and has great breaks. It's also not a huge maxi type scoot so it can be tossed around town.
The underseat storage is huge.
I was looking for a Grand Vista but wanted a new scoot and couldn't find the right leftover, price. I really like a flat floor.
All the best with the shopping.
Be Big,
AMAC
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Blackrod
I'm 5'10" and weigh about 210. I had a People 150 last year and liked it very much. The only reason I got rid of it was the limited top end (58mph). Not conducive to interstate driving. I would say fit and performance are the deciding factors. Ride them and make sure you are comfortable with the fit, and that they have the power for the type of driving you will be doing.
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That RV200 looks comfortable, I just wonder why they dont call it a RV175 or something closer to what it is so it would really impress people when they rode it.
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That RV200 looks comfortable, I just wonder why they dont call it a RV175 or something closer to what it is so it would really impress people when they rode it.
Good question. Seems like its a industry thing, my S200 was 163cc.
Be Big,
AMAC
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My 2 cents.
1)Test rode the People -loved it but my sized 13 feet are too big for the floor space !
2)Vespa - servicing costs!!
3)The new Movie--- is twice mentioned as being small in the advert. You are 6'2" ?
4) The SYM has barely 1000 miles on it - nice big wheeled scoot with amazing reputation & customer satisfaction. Comes with a warranty. That scoot is barely broken in!(I'm riding a new LIKE 200iLX with 3400 miles onit and I consider it brand new! Geez----1000 miles IS new!)
For your size, the price and miles and rep., for owner satisfaction, 2-up riding in urban areas, big wheels stability, Taiwanese build quality - I'd look real hard at the SYM at that price~! My first question after being satisfied with the ride - check for service and parts at the dealer. "Price for an oil change and valve adjustment, please?"
For a very good review of this SYM scooter....read:
http://www.justgottascoot.com/symhd200.htm (http://www.justgottascoot.com/symhd200.htm)
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Thanks for everyone's feedback. I really, really want a Vespa so I am going to look at the 2005 Vespa Granturismo 200L.
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Let us know what you think after you take a look at the scooters.
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4) The SYM has barely 1000 miles on it - nice big wheeled scoot with amazing reputation & customer satisfaction. Comes with a warranty. That scoot is barely broken in!(I'm riding a new LIKE 200iLX with 3400 miles onit and I consider it brand new! Geez----1000 miles IS new!)
For your size, the price and miles and rep., for owner satisfaction, 2-up riding in urban areas, big wheels stability, Taiwanese build quality - I'd look real hard at the SYM at that price~! My first question after being satisfied with the ride - check for service and parts at the dealer. "Price for an oil change and valve adjustment, please?"
For a very good review of this SYM scooter....read:
http://www.justgottascoot.com/symhd200.htm (http://www.justgottascoot.com/symhd200.htm)
I would agree with Stig here. I test rode the RV 200, and it is a very solid, reliable scooter with excellent top end speed without feeling like it's too big for in town riding and maneuvering. That's a good price for mileage that low. Seriously consider it.
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That RV200 looks comfortable, I just wonder why they dont call it a RV175 or something closer to what it is so it would really impress people when they rode it.
Marketing...plus Ego... the more letters and and mean sounding and higher numbers, the better.... they even use GT on scooters... Grand Turismo? for a scooter?
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Gran turismo just means the top edition of that model. GT=Gran Turismo, or great turd if youre talking about a ford mustang.
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i have heard great things about the hd200, almost bought one myself. i had a 2012 super 8 150cc that was great however..., i was next to a guy on the coast on the super 8 and he was on a people 150, so naturally, we had a little race lol. we had the same start but then at about 45mph, his people 150 just started and kept pulling away. the people 150 has bigger wheels and a longer gear setup. my super 8 150 was great and topped out at 55 average, but that people 150 was pushing 60-65 with the same off the line agility. so its a toss up but i have seen first hand the people 150 in action and was quite impressed :)
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People on this site seem to like the Sym HD200, but I bought the PS250 and it is stable with ample speed on the highway. I have an older Yamaha Riva 200cc small wheel and no issues with it on backroads 2-up but the big wheel scooter is more stable like my motorcycles are.
Edit: I think I posted this in the wrong thread.
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The Movie 150 is supposed to be a sporty, high-tech scooter with lots of performance customization options. The engine is a few generations newer than the one in the Super 8 150 or People 125. Overseas, they get fuel injection too.
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Like Terry said, the "200" are rarely anywhere near 200cc. The Vespa should be really gutsy. I saw many folks riding Vespas all around the front range when we were in Denver and they even were sighted on some of the freeways doin' pretty well at keeping up. I'll stick with my DT300i since it should not be so much a PITA getting parts. Also it hauls my old, fat a$$ around pretty well. It may be a little short in leg room for a bigun like you. That is a common complaint from the biguns on this forum. I'm big around not vertically!
Karl