KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mr. Paul on September 25, 2015, 01:29:34 AM
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Hello all! I am a 56 year old male, I weigh 200 lbs and am 6 foot tall. I commute 30 miles round trip daily to work and would like to purchase a scooter. The roads I travel on are mostly moderately and lightly congested surface streets with a maximum speed of around 55 mph. The average would be about 45. Because of my budget, I have decided to purchase a used scooter and the Kymco line looks like a quality and reliable vehicle for me. I will be doing most of the maintenance myself. I have done all of the routine maintenance on my cars and I am not afraid of taking on a scooter. My question is, which of the Kymco models would be best for me in your opinion? I would like something to be reliable, fun, and economical to operate. I dont know if it matters, but I am not a motorcycle rider. I have ridden a road bicycle and I am a mountain biker. Thanks for any input!
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Hello all! I am a 56 year old male, I weigh 200 lbs and am 6 foot tall. I commute 30 miles round trip daily to work and would like to purchase a scooter. The roads I travel on are mostly moderately and lightly congested surface streets with a maximum speed of around 55 mph. The average would be about 45. Because of my budget, I have decided to purchase a used scooter and the Kymco line looks like a quality and reliable vehicle for me. I will be doing most of the maintenance myself. I have done all of the routine maintenance on my cars and I am not afraid of taking on a scooter. My question is, which of the Kymco models would be best for me in your opinion? I would like something to be reliable, fun, and economical to operate. I dont know if it matters, but I am not a motorcycle rider. I have ridden a road bicycle and I am a mountain biker. Thanks for any input!
At your height a PEOPLE GT 300i might be a good choice!
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If your seriously interested I have a 2013 ling 150-4t scooter that does 57 mph on a flat surface and 48 mph up hill. Because of certain financial situations in my family life at this time I am selling my scooter for $500 obo. I live in Texas. If your interested feel free to text me at (1-903)689-8615 or call same number after 4:30pm my name is Justin
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Hello all! I am a 56 year old male, I weigh 200 lbs and am 6 foot tall. I commute 30 miles round trip daily to work and would like to purchase a scooter. The roads I travel on are mostly moderately and lightly congested surface streets with a maximum speed of around 55 mph. The average would be about 45. Because of my budget, I have decided to purchase a used scooter and the Kymco line looks like a quality and reliable vehicle for me. I will be doing most of the maintenance myself. I have done all of the routine maintenance on my cars and I am not afraid of taking on a scooter. My question is, which of the Kymco models would be best for me in your opinion? I would like something to be reliable, fun, and economical to operate. I dont know if it matters, but I am not a motorcycle rider. I have ridden a road bicycle and I am a mountain biker. Thanks for any input!
The first thing as a non rider I'd do is to take a motorcycle safety course. For your commute your going to need a license might as well start out properly.
At that point you'll know if two wheels are for you. Just my .02
AMAC
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I just saw a Kymco People 150 for sale in my area for $950.00. One adult owner. Looks to be in good condition. Would this work for me?
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If u don't want to go threw getting the cycle endorsement. stay with a 50 cc scooter. some states are 100cc.
its less of a hassle and you don't need insurance.
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With your weight and height, you are going to be disappointed with any scooter less than 150 cc. It's important to have some extra power for those streets that are posted at 55 mph because we all know that means most cars will be going 60-65 mph. Quick acceleration off the line will also be a big plus in that kind of traffic, so seriously think about a scooter in the 200 to 300 cc category. As mentioned above, a People 300 is a great ride, or a Downtown. I also second the suggestion of taking a motorcycle safety course- it makes a huge difference in your riding skills and attention to details when riding. Keep us posted on your progress.
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Well I guess my input didn't matter so I'll excuse myself from this conversation since no one commented on the scooter I have for sale
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Good luck in your new quest for the perfect ride
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If u don't want to go threw getting the cycle endorsement. stay with a 50 cc scooter. some states are 100cc.
its less of a hassle and you don't need insurance.
It is never a hassle to learn to do things right.
Also never a hassle to insure against loss and liability. Not just the value of the scooter.
Of course that's if you own anything of value.
AMAC
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ou
Thanks everyone for the replies! I am planning on taking a motorcycle safety course. I think it will be a great investment. Consequently, the motorcycle license endorsement is a non-issue. In my state, if you pass the approved course, you get the license. I am looking forward to getting started. Will keep ya'll posted.
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FYI, I am 5' 10' and weigh 315#. I have a Kymco People 150, 2012 that I have over 11,000 miles on it now. On a flat road surface I can run about 55 mph unless there is a big head wind. I don't think anyone could go wrong on getting a People 150, they are just about bullet proof.
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Mr. Paul
I sold my Harley in 2010 because I was 66 years old and it was just too heavy for me to handle. I purchased a People 150 and have nothing but good to say about it except for the limited top end. It topped out about 56-58 mph. If you are sure that is fast enough for your riding then it would make a great choice. Personally, I work part time and have to commute on the interstate occasionally. I ended up buying a GTI300 in 2012 and love it. It's about 100 lbs heavier than the 150, and I get 68 mpg vs 85 mpg for the 150. The trade off is a top end over 85mph. They are both great scoots in my opinion, and I would choose which one meets YOUR needs best. FYI I'm 5' 10" and weigh about 215.
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I have a 2009 Kymco Super 8 150. It will easily handle your height and weight. My wife and I combined weigh a lot more than you do and it handles us both with ease. Top speed is around 55-60 MPH so if you need to go faster than 55 I'd be looking for a bigger scooter.
BTW, mine has nearly 21,000 miles on it, much of it at speeds of 50+. I have had a few problems with it but the motor is solid. The 2015 super 8 is a different scooter so I can't comment on it.
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either a Downtown or a GT in the 300cc class, hands down!.
New, left over, or clean used.
IMHO, you will be happier in the long run.
These are dream machines that are easy to maintain, good gas mileage, and plenty of power.
Concerning modern motor scooters, 250cc - 350cc is the sweet spot.
If I was in the market for a scooter and came across a nice clean 250 at a good price, I would give it a hard look and a test ride.
Good luck in your search.
ps: It is always desirable to have an honest dealer within reasonable distance of your home when buying a motorcycle or motor scooter.
boo
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I commute 14 miles one way with speeds of 45-55mph. I own a super8 150 and felt that the running around at top speed left me vulnerable on those 55mph roads. Nothing left in the throttle. The 150cc really would be good for my commute and has been but something happened on the way to learning and riding my first scooter. I learned that I wanted to do more than just ride to work. Taking it on trips and running on group rides on the weekends seemed to be something I became very interested in even though I had never thought of it when I bought my first scoot. Jump up to a 300cc. With your commute being double mine I'd jump above the 150cc. 300cc minimum and more if you want to get something bigger.
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I concur with what many have said but will add/organize a few points.
Not sure what your budget is, bought my People 250 S, 300 miles on it for 2200.00 about a year ago for comparison sake. Not the Cheapest but a new scooter that had been keep inside. No sun exposure and was/looked New, a good deal for me.
1. With few exceptions I would go nothing less than a 250 (easily does 70 plus)
2. 300's are the newer version, fuel injected and have more oomph
3. Large wheel scooter will be more stable than smaller wheel and handle potholes better
4. If you want a windshield larger than stock, make sure they are still available (same with any acc. you may want)
5. Look at storage and /or topcase, will it hold what you want to carry.
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.............................................. I learned that I wanted to do more than just ride to work. Taking it on trips and running on group rides on the weekends seemed to be something I became very interested in even though I had never thought of it when I bought my first scoot. .............
This is a very good point. I know several people who bought a small bike for commuting and then discovered how much fun they are and started riding for fun. While my Super 8 is an absolute blast around town, it's top speed limits what I can do with it. It's not an issue for me because I have several bigger bikes as well.
How big should you go? Everyone has different opinions on this but I think that anything with a top speed of 70 or more will handle most situations other than long highway rides.
I also have an Aprilia Sport City 250. I have ridden it on long multi day trips with all my camping gear and have done as much as 550 miles in one day on it. Most 250cc scooters will do 75+ and can handle most highways easily. However, going 300 or bigger will have more reserve on the highway. Going 400cc or larger will also get you a much bigger and heavier bike. This is not necessarily a good thing, especially for a beginner.
Since this is your first scooter, I'd get something used and inexpensive and not worry too much about getting just the right scooter. You'll have a much better Idea of what you want after you have been riding for a while and then you should be able to sell whatever you got without much of a loss and get what you really want.
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Thanks for the replies everyone! Budget is definately a huge consideration. That being said, I purchased a 2009 one owner Kymco People 150 through an Ebay auction for $920.00. Has 3800 miles and has never been crashed. It was local so I got the chance to check it out before I bid. It was from a guy like me (mid 50s) who rode it to work occasionally. It already has a Shad storage box on the back. I am extremely happy with the deal I got and am looking forward to riding it.
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...That being said, I purchased a 2009 one owner Kymco People 150....
Excellent choice! The People 150 is a great scooter, and you will love it. Very solid frame with a smooth ride, thanks to those 16" wheels. Many happy miles of riding to you, Mr. Paul.
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Excellent choice! The People 150 is a great scooter, and you will love it. Very solid frame with a smooth ride, thanks to those 16" wheels. Many happy miles of riding to you, Mr. Paul.
I totally agree! Great choice. Have fun with it and check in once in a while and tell us how it's working out for you.
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Thanks all! Just purchased a helmet and a scuuhrreeeming hi viz jacket. Cant wait to get on the road. I am astounded at how much grunt that little 150cc has.
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In m/c circles there is a saying, There's no replacement for displacement!. Do what's best for you.
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I'm a big guy and the 125 gets met around fine on the local roads. I might eventually get a 250 just because of storage space and occasionally wanting to get on an expressway, but I'm not in any hurry, and I'll keep the 125.
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Thanks everyone! I ended up getting a People 150. It was a deal at $920.00. One owner, 6000 kilometers, never laid down, in great condition. Runs like a top.