KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: TBR125 on April 07, 2020, 11:53:25 AM
-
Hi fellow Scooterists, this topic is for better understanding the community's general use of scooters.
What scooter do you own, what role does your scooter play in your life, and how well does it perform that role? As a start, I own an Agility 125 and it is my primary (only) form of motorized transport. The 125 it is a little small for my 24 mile commute. Even though it's fast enough, lack of cargo capacity is the largest drawback I have found.
Any and all opinions on scooter applications and uses are welcome.
-
Hi there,
In more normal, pre-lockdown times, my X-Town 300 is pretty much my sole form of transport too since handing my Range Rover over to my wife!
Before the Kymco I ran a Honda PCX125, but traded it in for more power - I was looking for a comfortable 70 mph cruise. The XT has not disappointed and the carrying capacity with a 35l top case does not disappoint either. All but the full weekly shop disappears into the scoot.
Comfortable as standard for 200 mile trips (remember those?), what else could anyone ask?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
Thanks Neil. Exactly the sort of info I'm looking for.
-
I have a 2010 People S 200, purchased in fall of '15 with 1863 miles. It now has around 2600 miles. I originally purchased mine because back when I was 14 I really, really wanted a new 1980 Honda Express but my parents said no way.
Fast forward 35 years and I decided to finally buy that blue 1980 Honda Express (surprisingly, plenty still available). Then logic got the best of me and I thought a bigger, newer scoot might be more practical.
So my scoot was purchased purely for joy riding around my town plus the underseat (then added top case) storage made it good for small hardware store, grocery store or beer store purchases.
After a year of riding it I realized I really wanted a motorcycle so I bought a little Ninja 300 in Fall of '16. I probably spend 90% of my time on the Ninja. I think I put 125 miles on the scoot last year? I still love it and take loving care of it (recently detailed it, full machine polish followed by a ceramic coat) but the Ninja gets my riding time.
My wife keeps asking me when I'm going to sell the scoot but I have no plans to ever sell it. I always offer my daughters rides on the back (they are pre teen) and they accept once or twice a year. So many people always regret selling their first bike so I figure if I keep it forever..no regrets!
So to answer your question - my scoot is used for neighborhood joy rides and the occasional run to the store. We have 3 cars for 2 drivers in the family (silly, I know) so the scoot isn't necessary for transportation, just fun.
-
5 years ago, I got an almost new Chinese GY6 (broken) for a song and fixed it. I road it a couple hundred miles every year. I am an avid bicyclist (started out mountain, then road, now mountain) and put in at least a couple thousand miles every year on the local trails. So when I got a shoulder injury december before last, and couldn't ride all last summer, and wondered if I would ever bike again...I started riding the little scooter more. Then I got a bigger scooter. Upon fixing THAT scooter (a Reflex) and riding it for a while, I decided what I really wanted was a 300cc fuel injected scooter. So I searched all of the 300cc class scooters, came up with a short list, and started looking for scooters on that list . The Downtown was on that list, and I found one with 8000 miles for $1400. Now the Downtown sits in front of the garage door, and I take it shopping if whatever I am getting will fit under the seat or hang on the hanger, I take it for 4-5 hour rides in the N. Ga mountains, it is my only backup transportation to my car. I have almost 1400 miles on it in the last three months.... I am now sitting at about $1 a mile not counting maintenance/gas. I have also decided that I really only "need" two scooters, and the Reflex and the Chinese GY6 are sort of surplus at this point (bought a BV350 for $1300 about a month ago, still haven't put it on the road, but it is almost ready).
-
Bought a new Kymco LIKE200iLX for work commuting 8 yrs ago. (sold my running/rusty 24 yr old Jetta)
Very reliable scooter. (rec'd new throttle body under warranty - no other parts have failed)
Bought a 2018 Piaggio Liberty150i for its ABS, big wheels and step through design.
Also a very reliable scooter.
Added very significant rear brake & running lighting to both.
Use them nearly daily, year 'round, for leisure rides at day break - only.
Stig
-
Thanks for all the responses.
I rode 2,500 miles per year on my road bike before I got the scoot. I stopped cycling for a while and then never really went back. I learned the importance of quality maintenance when working on the bicycle and have applied the idea of marginal gains to every vehicle since.
-
2008 Agility City 125, bought the end of 2009 with around 2600km.
Needed something cheap and practical to ride around town. Also wanted something that I could maintain myself.
After a few months stared using it to commute to work (40 km round trip).
Currently at 63000km.
Sent from my Redmi 4 using Tapatalk
-
2009 Agility 125. After owning several motorcycles previously I bought the Agility 2nd hand during late 2018 with about 8500 km on the clock. Current odometer reading , about 22 500km.
The scoot plays a major role in my life - gets used for daily commuting and whenever I want to feel the wind. It always keeps the adrenalin flowing, always makes me feel younger, and always puts a smile only face.
My previous motorcycles had fairings with big windshields and initially I was thinking about mounting a big windshield on the Agility as well. The speed I am riding at made me realize there is no need for a windshield - I like feeling the wind when I’m riding around.
A top box has been mounted at the rear for further convenience, so the scoot fulfill all my needs. Well, almost.
The 125 engine is just a little too small for riding uphill in our area. Previously I was thinking of upgrading to a 300cc model in future but for the time being I think I will rather stick to a scooter with about 150cc air cooled engine with carburetor, 14 inch wheels, and disc brakes at the rear. I like scooters with step through design, air cooled engines, and prefer carburetor models for easier self-maintenance.
In short - I can kick myself for not getting hold of a scooter many years ago. My days of long rides are over for ever. At this stage of my life I just feel a long ride on a bigger scooter or motorcycle will never beat the joy and convenience of rather having a couple of shorter rides on a smaller scooter in our area.
-
Hi there,
I have a Kawasaki J300, basically a Downtown 300, and it's mostly used to commute to and from work as the wife has the car to ferry kids around. I do a solid 100km a day, 50km each way, and it takes me around 50 mins depending on traffic. It's mostly motorway driving, but it can be slow going as rush hour builds. I honestly wouldn't live this far away from work if I didn't have the scooter. It makes the trip so much more enjoyable. The bike ticks all my boxes. It's big and heavy enough to feel confident on the motorway at 110kph, but nimble enough to get between traffic when needed. It's got all the power I realistically need, and heaps of under seat storage. The only thing I don't like about it is the seat. I'm 6ft2 tall and I get a little uncomfortable if riding for an hour or more. I just need to be able to slide back another couple of centimeters, but the back rest stops me. I am however planning some seat modifications so that should take care of it.
-
DT300i as the last of a series of scoots starting with an Agility 50 and a Yager 200i. This all after a 40 lay-off from motorcycles. These retired days the DT is used to complete honey-do runs to store, 150 mile round trip for hair cut, 120 mile round trip to deliver used Walmart bags to Reelfoot Ministries thrift store and secret gift runs to big city for stuff not on Amazon! We have made scooter road trips over 400 miles one way to places like Branson, MO, Springfield, MO, Cumberland Gap, TN/KY/WVA and Huntsville, AL. Even pull a trailer with her People GTi300!
I enjoy solving problems on our bikes and sharing solutions on this forum. This forum has helped me in return when I got stumped. The DT300i takes performance superiority over the three motorcycles I rode over 50 years ago which inluded a 650 BSA and certainly over all the scooters. The DT is comfortable (relatively) and reliable. Probably my last bike.
-
I traded a Kawasaki KLR 650 for my Like 105i last year. The KLR was getting too tall and top-heavy for my bad hip.
I use it for both short fun rides around the area and some 100+ mile touring. We have an informal scooter group in the area and organize frequent rides that tries to avoid speed limits over 45mph.
The Like is a joy to ride - more fun than the motorcycle and easy off and on.
Unless it exceed the carrying capacity, I do most of my shopping and errands on the scooter.
-
Kymco Like 200i - errands, neighborhood only, less-traveled paths, and whenever I need to change my attitude (I work from home). I have owned Scooter Libby for 7 months and still haven't reached the 600 mile maintenance.
-
My 2019 XTown 300i ABS is my 11th Maxi scooter since 1990---prior 4 Vespas….but I am primarily a motorcyclist...having had over 75 new bikes/scooters since 1955 (few used ones thrown in the mix)I ride my bike to near 50,000 miles...at that point trade at cheaper and get new one----What do I use scooter for.....just about all transport--- rode 49 states 2014--Burgman 400 and Suzuki TU250.
Scooters I like the dry feet thing---don't like, not so easy to work on. My life time mileage is now over 1.5 million miles---as I approach 81 next month, I do have car I seldom drive, lots of bikes=not married! until 65. I am happy with Kymco quality----if age takes over, may buy Like 150.
Biggest fault with current maxi scooters=crappy windshields---buffeting can drive you nuts---my base line for wind management BMW twin with Heinrich uppers and lowers or Vespa with windshield cut to proper heights
-
Hi John,
That's a lot of miles. Is the Burgman 400 capable of Interstate riding with a 230 pound rider and 50 or so of gear? What issues would you look out for when buying an older used Burgman?
I have been looking at purchasing a large scooter for all transportation and am trying to figure if a 400 or 650 Burgman will best fit the spot.
-
400 Burgman is fine---had 2 new ones---my experience is they are not as reliable as Honda SilverWing 600. For me, fine on road, performance ok, features fine. Work ok with Givi adjustable windshield, givi rack and box. They are heavy and not much fun to work on.
-
Hi John,
That's a lot of miles. Is the Burgman 400 capable of Interstate riding with a 230 pound rider and 50 or so of gear? What issues would you look out for when buying an older used Burgman?
I have been looking at purchasing a large scooter for all transportation and am trying to figure if a 400 or 650 Burgman will best fit the spot.
I'm not John, but I owned a new Burgman 400 and read their forums.
The 400 will do nicely with your load on the highways.
Owners love them for the most part....then they buy a 650 and love them, too.
The 400 is fixable, but when the 650 CVT gets tired they are sold for parts, I hear.
Do read the Burgman forum.
The 400 and the 650 seem to have lousy resale value for the massive new outlay - which is good for you, I guess.
If cared for the 400 will run for a long time.
Stig
-
the 650 is not made any more
-
My first scooter was a Kymco Super 8 150. I bought it mainly for commuting around town but it was so much fun I started doing a lot more with it. I did some longer day rides. I took it to the mountains and rode it like it was a sport bike. I even took it on a 5 day trip. I put over 33,000 miles on it in less that 9 years. I also owned an Aprilia Sport City 250. I used that for two up riding, sport riding and touring. I did some long trips on that scooter. I have a Yamaha Majesty 400 I bought for two up riding and use it for commuting, day rides and touring.
My newest scooter is a Like 150i which replaced my Super 8. I put 7,000 miles on it in one year and use it for commuting as well as day rides in the mountains. I plan doing some longer multi day trips on it.
-
Heck, currently running a SYM HD200 & a Burgman 650
Very dissimilar scoots, but between the two they're my primary transportation, & therapist.
I keep thinking I'll go to a single bike but so far every time I get on either of the ones I have I decide it's a keeper.
-
I bought two months and few days ago my used Like 50. Drove now 1000 km because of varm spring. Mostly downtown Helsinki, where max 45 kmh is enough, and you can park scooter same as bike. Sometimes to the country side just for fun, like max 80 km ride a day away from the city dust.
Low gasoline costs (2.3 liter per 100 km gas price around 1.5 € per liter) low injurance 183 € year basic also.
-
Occasional commute. Occasional ride out.
-
I started riding in 1970 on a stripped down Honda 300 Dream a great dirt bike !!! Next came a Binnelli 65 /some XR then a slew of dirt and road bikes . In 1984 I bought a brand new Honda 250 Reflex rode it 20,000 plus miles and was hooked on scooters .
I took a break from road bikes for 20 years or so riding mainly Trials bikes and a bit of off road only because I was worried about injury and not being able to build my business and feed a growing family . In 2005 I bought a Scarabeo 500 and still have it a great touring bike then a Honda Metropolitan 50cc and a 2010 Honda SH150i that one I sold .I bought a 2016 BV350 to replace it but small bike still are really assumed and I need at least one . My bikes are strictly for me to goof around on and I work were I live so no commuting for me . So I am looking for an off road capable scooter / a lightweight road bike and maybe a Helix as they are just cool looking scooters .
-
Have ya looked at the Honda ADV 150?
https://powersports.honda.com/street/scooter/adv150/
.. My bikes are strictly for me to goof around on and I work were I live so no commuting for me . So I am looking for an off road capable scooter / a lightweight road bike and maybe a Helix as they are just cool looking scooters .
-
:(
My scooter's role currently? To sit in the garage acting as a bed for my cat. Damn this Covid-19 lockdown!
-
Pics?
...My scooter's role currently? To sit in the garage acting as a bed for my cat...
-
Mine don't really do anything much anymore. The C70 goes to the allotment and back which is about a 3 mile round trip. The Melody will do the same when it's all pieced back together, which isn't too far away now.
-
I've always had big touring motorcycles for 47+ years and still have a Victory Cross Country Tour with all the goodies including stereo, 4 speakers, ipod connection and heated seats as well as cruise control, ABS and 175 liters of storage but recently purchased a 2011 I300 Downtown for my girlfriend to commute on. Turns out she is too small to handle it so I am thinking of either selling it or using it for close in town grocery bopping around. It handles great but I have not had it on the fwy yet as I am very uncomfortable on the seat and small size so far. Time will tell as I settle in on it - We are the second owners with 7K miles on it.
-
Mine don't really do anything much anymore. The C70 goes to the allotment and back which is about a 3 mile round trip. The Melody will do the same when it's all pieced back together, which isn't too far away now.
Viper, what's an allotment?
Stig
-
Viper, what's an allotment?
Stig
Stig, it’s a very British concept. A small plot of land, usually in a town or city, divided up into smaller strips and rented out to folks who want to grow their own fruit & vegetables.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
We've got one here in town known as the community garden.
-
"P-Patches" around here.
We've got one here in town known as the community garden.
-
I donated my BMW last year to my local PBS station because I knew I couldn't get much for a 36 year old tourer. I was tired of swinging my leg, over a tall bike, especially as I've gotten older and developed some knee pain. I did not want to give up riding, and realized that I'm not going to do the crazy things I did when I was younger, like ride with friends from the east coast to the west coast in four days, or ride in snow or hurricanes. I'm more sedate in my rides, mostly local and with a group of friends. I decided to get a scooter with enough power to do highway riding when absolutely necessary, and have a scoot that's dependable and comfortable for extended local rides. I wound up getting a 2007 Grand Vista with 5900 miles on it a couple of weeks ago. It's really a nice ride. The dealer I bought it from sold the bike to the original owner all those years ago, and has maintained the bike for that person, so the service records were complete. The bike came with a captain's seat - very comfortable, and a color matched Givi tail bag and tall Givi windshield. I've only been able to put about 100 miles on it since I got the scoot because the weather in the Cleveland area has been less than spring-like (snow showers expected in the next couple of days). But I'm happy with the purchase, and I'll be able to continue riding for pleasure primarily, with a few trips to go run errands now and then. Here's a pic of the scoot.
-
Nice scoot! I have a 125 and am looking at a larger scooter as my work commute has been lengthened.
-
Anything that keeps us on two wheels has got to be good. Don’t have to be a big bore bike,smaller scoot does it for me too!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
Nice scoot! I have a 125 and am looking at a larger scooter as my work commute has been lengthened.
What you looking for then? Keep us posted.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
Role? Everyday work horse!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200508/442a1be1e0a2bcdf93136d3350130bd3.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
From the time I've spent on the forum I am a definite kymco fan. I would like to get a downtown 300i but the kymco used market is slim it seems. Basically any scoot that can maintain 65-70mph without a tuck.
What can reasonably be expected to be available in the used market for 1500? I do all work and maintenance at home for the lower cost. From the zip-tie count on my scoot I only care about function, aesthetics are irrelevant as long as body panels aren't a flying debris hazard to others.
I have found numerous 2003-2008 Burgman 400 and 650's with 15-20K on the clock in the 12-1800 dollar range. The mileage is not bad but how much maintenance will a 15 yo bike take?
-
My current job doesn't pay enough for a second ride. When I turn 18 in 6 months I will be working at an amazon facility and will need a second form of transport. I have learned that even as reliable as the agility is, I need a secondary scoot to truly not need a car.
-
Heck, currently running a SYM HD200 & a Burgman 650
Very dissimilar scoots, but between the two they're my primary transportation, & therapist.
I keep thinking I'll go to a single bike but so far every time I get on either of the ones I have I decide it's a keeper.
Variety is the spice of life.
I use my scooters mainly for recreation at home. When I take the RV to the campground the 1 ton crew cab long bed Diesel gets parked and scooters become the primary mode of transportation.
-
Viper, what's an allotment?
Stig
Sorry, I didn't spot that. It's a weirdly British thing - as Neil has outlined - where you can rent a little cheap strip of land to grow veggies.
It's surprising how many veggies you can get on a bike!
-
The capacity is limited by friction only.
-
That’s made me think that I missed the most crucial role when I first replied. It’s to help me keep my sanity!
When I ride I’m completely lost in the moment. Sights, sounds, smells and concentration on riding well / safely. It’s utterly absorbing and drives out any negativity which may have affected me. There’s nothing quite like it for lifting my mood.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
That’s made me think that I missed the most crucial role when I first replied. It’s to help me keep my sanity!
When I ride I’m completely lost in the moment. Sights, sounds, smells and concentration on riding well / safely. It’s utterly absorbing and drives out any negativity which may have affected me. There’s nothing quite like it for lifting my mood.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Neil I couldn't have said it better myself. Probably why I took up motorcycle riding several decades ago.
-
From the time I've spent on the forum I am a definite kymco fan. I would like to get a downtown 300i but the kymco used market is slim it seems. Basically any scoot that can maintain 65-70mph without a tuck.
What can reasonably be expected to be available in the used market for 1500? I do all work and maintenance at home for the lower cost. From the zip-tie count on my scoot I only care about function, aesthetics are irrelevant as long as body panels aren't a flying debris hazard to others.
I have found numerous 2003-2008 Burgman 400 and 650's with 15-20K on the clock in the 12-1800 dollar range. The mileage is not bad but how much maintenance will a 15 yo bike take?
Yeah, the Downtown market is slim. There is 2017 300GTI with 700 miles that has been popping up in my Facebook feed in TN... the Downtown's fraternal twin. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/518767572135413/ (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/518767572135413/) . I know nothing about it this particular bike in any way, I just thought I'd throw that out there....
-
Thanks for the link. I am not looking for a bike anymore as I got a car which should be driving in a month when I put the rebuilt 900# engine+transmission assembly back in the vehicle.