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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: 08087 on September 17, 2014, 07:47:14 PM

Title: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: 08087 on September 17, 2014, 07:47:14 PM
If you were given the scooter of your choice what would it be an why?

My point is I want to know if we ride Kymco because it's what we can afford or is it because it's a good scoot when all is said and done.

If given that same choice of a car I'd pick a Ford, I just like them. Where do you stand when it comes to scoots?
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: big blue on September 17, 2014, 11:34:42 PM
If I could have the scooter of my choice and money were no object it would probably be the Kymco GT 300i. I really enjoy my Like 200i and it fills my needs well. But the 29bhp and the larger tires (for freeway use) would make for a great all around ride. I think that Kymco makes a good product which is priced competitively and the technology is on a par with the competition. ;)
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: zombie on September 17, 2014, 11:54:36 PM
Piagio all day.

They have been making scooters for decades before Kymco, and are quality from top to bottom.
I only have a Kymco because a friend was moving, and needed the money more than he needed to transport his scooter.

Other than that I was, and still am quite happy w/ my little Honda NC 50. Every part is OEM from 1970.
It's a NO-Ped. Looks like a moped but has no pedals.
Title: Loyal as long as
Post by: boo on September 18, 2014, 12:06:15 AM
Kymco keeps making the People GTI300.
I bought a GT last year. Not only was it my first scooter, it was my first Kymco.
I like value and performance in one package.
The GTI300 has both. When I wear the one I have out. Betcha i'll go back for another Kymco.
I have owned many motorcycles over the years.
Have been very pleased with my scooter.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: mrmike on September 18, 2014, 12:23:12 AM
I'm 70 years old. I sold my Harley three years ago. Too heavy, too loud, and tough to climb on and off at my age. I decided I wanted to try a scooter. I  didn't have a huge selection in my area (central New York), and found a People 150. I tried it, enjoyed it, and bought it. After a year, I wanted a little more top end for the interstates. I checked around and found my GTI300. I love it. Plenty of power, good handling, no clutch, and great mileage. Now that I've had two scooters and know a little more about them, I'm very glad I went the route I did.

I've never owned any other brand, but everybody raves about the Italian and Honda scooters. Quite frankly for the difference in cost, I don't know how they could be "that" much better. For my money, I'm very pleased with my Kymco, and would buy another if the occasion arises.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: BettinANDlosing on September 18, 2014, 02:21:15 AM
Piagio all day.

They have been making scooters for decades before Kymco, and are quality from top to bottom.
I only have a Kymco because a friend was moving, and needed the money more than he needed to transport his scooter.

Other than that I was, and still am quite happy w/ my little Honda NC 50. Every part is OEM from 1970.
It's a NO-Ped. Looks like a moped but has no pedals.
Piaggio makes great bikes, but e don't get any of the cool ones. They have done epic racing scooters in Europe in the Piaggio family. I hate the way Italian stuff is built tho, very over engineered and they don't design it to be serviced at all. Half their bikes you have to drop the engine to do the frikin valves lol. Personally money not an object, my pick would be the Lambretta GP200. First scooter with disc brake, 200cc of two stroke Smokey power and beautiful body lines.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: kingkymco125 on September 18, 2014, 06:06:28 AM
Before I had my Kymco Agility 125 scooter, I had owned two cheap 50cc Chinese scooters. After purchasing my current Kymco, I would never go back to the Chinese ones. I have been satisfied with my Kymco. If money was no object, I would buy a Honda Forza 300 scooter. I love their marketing they have done for this model. They have this You Tube video which is a story about the joy of riding the scooter. Not only does it inform the buyer, it educates them on the benefits of owning one of these scooters.

I would buy another Kymco as well. I love my bike as she loves to go. I would consider the 500cc excite maxi scooter for my needs. I could join the Riders of Nevada meetup group. I would be able to keep up with all the motorcycle riders even though I was on a scooter. It is a matter of what one likes. I have no complaints about my current Kymco 125 scooter. I love it that she can do 55mph with no problems at all.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: TroutBum on September 18, 2014, 06:12:24 AM
A little over 2 years ago I spotted a Vespa parked near a restaurant my wife and I just finished eating at. Went home and immediately started doing a Google search. Soon thereafter I went to the local scooter dealer but started to have second thoughts about getting a scooter. I have always riden big street bikes and wasn't sure a smaller bike would satisfy me. I didn't want to pay a premium for a Vespa and then discover scooters aren't for me. I thought about it for a week and returned to the dealer. As I was talking to the sales guy about my reservations for buying a scooter he pointed to the Kymco Like as a less expensive alternative. For $2,600 it wasn't going to break the bank if I didn't like it. The ride home was all it took to convince me. While I do enjoy my Kymco I do have some remorse. To this day I wished I had bought a Vespa. When the time comes I'll buy another scooter  and it will be a Vespa 300 GTS.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: blue on September 18, 2014, 12:04:42 PM
Im pushing 60 years old.and I have had hondas and yamahas.But kymco has lasted the longest for me.I would go back to kymco for the money you pay is worth it.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: zombie on September 18, 2014, 01:21:02 PM
You guys know you won't get a free bike from Kymco for all the kissing up in the world, right.
Just sayin'.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: gn2 on September 18, 2014, 02:12:25 PM
For me the brand is unimportant, what matters is reliability, features, cost of ownership and availability of a decent local dealer.
I should explain "features"...
I will now only buy a scooter with ABS.
Underseat storage must accomodate my helmet, jacket and trousers.
Top speed must be around 90mph, average real world fuel consumption must exceed 70mpg (imperial)
KPH biased speedometers are a complete no-no for me, I won't buy any vehicle unless the large scale on the speedo is in MPH or its digital in MPH.
The KPH and ABS things are why I don't have a Downtown.
I have to laugh at the comments about Piaggios, they are notoriously unreliable and rust like they've got ferric cancer.
Hondas too can have problems, my Forza has had one warranty repair and is awaiting a second.
Would I buy into the Kymco brand?
Absolutely if they sold something which meets my exacting requirements.
Currently they don't. :( 
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: AMAC1680 on September 18, 2014, 02:22:26 PM
For me the brand is unimportant, what matters is reliability, features, cost of ownership and availability of a decent local dealer.
I should explain "features"...
I will now only buy a scooter with ABS.
Underseat storage must accomodate my helmet, jacket and trousers.
Top speed must be around 90mph, average real world fuel consumption must exceed 70mpg (imperial)
KPH biased speedometers are a complete no-no for me, I won't buy any vehicle unless the large scale on the speedo is in MPH or its digital in MPH.
The KPH and ABS things are why I don't have a Downtown.
I have to laugh at the comments about Piaggios, they are notoriously unreliable and rust like they've got ferric cancer.
Hondas too can have problems, my Forza has had one warranty repair and is awaiting a second.
Would I buy into the Kymco brand?
Absolutely if they sold something which meets my exacting requirements.
Currently they don't. :(

Just goota ask. I understand the lack of ABS being a deal breaker, for you, on the downtown.
But the KPH ? If you have a Forza that's faster than a downtown you have the only one that is. The speedo reads MPH on top and is near spot-on.

Be Big,
AMAC
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: zombie on September 18, 2014, 02:29:26 PM
Quote:
I have to laugh at the comments about Piaggios, they are notoriously unreliable and rust like they've got ferric cancer.

I don't know about that one sir.
Right now I have a 1974 125cc Vespa in the back yard that lived it's whole life in Carrabelle (Gulf front).
It runs like a raped ape, and there is not one rust spot on the bike. The aluminum engine cases look weathered but the body is 100% rust free.
It's here because the owner hit a wall at 30ish mph (drunk), and broke the fork guide. If I hit one cinder block w/ my Kymco it would be the end of the bike.
Just sayin'
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: gn2 on September 18, 2014, 04:30:47 PM
1974 was a long time ago.
Never said my Forza was faster than a Downtown, don't care either way, both are fast enough to maintain the UK legal limit of 70mph with a bit in reserve.
KPH speedos just do my head in.
Lexmoto is a brand of cheap Chinese manufactured scooters, even they manage to fit their £1100 Vienna model with a digidash, so Kymco have no excuse fitting KPH speedos to UK market higher end scooters like the £4300 Downtown.

(http://git.me/photo/2014/03/31/6885500214267283456/14140935928923234304/Lexmoto-Vienna-125cc-Scooter-Brand-New-Stunning-Retro-Style-On-the-road-price.jpg)
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: NeoGenesisMax on September 18, 2014, 06:26:11 PM
If I had the money I would have chosen a BV 350 over my People GT 300i. But if sombody were to donate a Peugeot Jet Force Compressor I'd play with it every day until it broke. Its a 125 that is supercharged and does 75mph and has 20 hp. It will keep up with or beat a 250 off the line. Fun for a toy but not for a practicle daily rider. They brake easy and parts are almost nonexistant.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: AMAC1680 on September 18, 2014, 06:51:43 PM
1974 was a long time ago.
Never said my Forza was faster than a Downtown, don't care either way, both are fast enough to maintain the UK legal limit of 70mph with a bit in reserve.
KPH speedos just do my head in.
Lexmoto is a brand of cheap Chinese manufactured scooters, even they manage to fit their £1100 Vienna model with a digidash, so Kymco have no excuse fitting KPH speedos to UK market higher end scooters like the £4300 Downtown.

(http://git.me/photo/2014/03/31/6885500214267283456/14140935928923234304/Lexmoto-Vienna-125cc-Scooter-Brand-New-Stunning-Retro-Style-On-the-road-price.jpg)

You're a contradiction. You don't care about the top end but a "must" is 90 mph, way over that legal 75, is a must. Hmmm. Now it's a digi dash, really.......

Now check this out. Here's the "excuse" for not giving you a MPH based speedo. You're on the freaking metric system over there. Pretty good reason for sending KPH.

Here's what we see in the US
(http://scooter-gimp.smugmug.com/DT-300-I/i-Cjmdg8d/0/M/image-M.jpg)

This is a Kymco forum on and I will defend the shield. Lol.

The Forza is a great scoot and fits in well with the other overweight, bulbous maxi scooter offerings from Honda. As hard as it tries it falls short of the Downtown on ever level.

Just my .02. I know you love those Hondas I've seen your carry the flag . Good luck with it its a great scoot.

It's just no DT300i ! ;)

Be Big,
AMAC
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: 2wheelfun on September 18, 2014, 07:22:48 PM
Millions of kymcos sold world wide, gotta be doing something right. I'm in lust with my movie 150 and it's a quality scoot. I think one reason the Movie costs a lil more is because it's made in Taiwan and it feels quality and looks it..........my experience with the like 200i I'll chalk up to a 1 time lemon. It's not like Stig's where he put 7k on the road then it happened, this one had less than a 100 miles. Dead spot in the throttle response from 25mph to 35mph is totally unacceptable when 60% of the roads I drive on have 30mph to 35mph speed limits. If I'd of taken it in and they said ok we know the problem and we'll fix it then that's not an issue. They didn't fix it or offer to fix it, just acknowledged yea there's a lil issue there you can still drive it. We'll see what Kymco says. That's BS and pissed me off...................I'm done ranting, it's gone.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: gn2 on September 18, 2014, 07:28:52 PM
You're a contradiction. You don't care about the top end but a "must" is 90 mph, way over that legal 75, is a must. Hmmm.

Have another look.
What I actually wrote was "around 90"

Now it's a digi dash, really.......

Never said it must have a digidash, just an instrument which reads in MPH

Now check this out. Here's the "excuse" for not giving you a MPH based speedo. You're on the freaking metric system over there. Pretty good reason for sending KPH.

Maybe after today's vote we'll be switching to kilometres.
But for now in the UK its miles.

This is a Kymco forum on and I will defend the shield. Lol.

The Forza is a great scoot and fits in well with the other overweight, bulbous maxi scooter offerings from Honda. As hard as it tries it falls short of the Downtown on ever level.

Clearly you're a fanboy :lol:
Did I mention the 8000 mile service intervals yet..... :D

Joking aside, I would like to buy a Kymco scooter, there's a lot going for them, but until the UK distributor sorts out the speedos on the Downtown and the colour of the Xciting 400 (Henry Ford option) they won't be seeing any of my ill gotten gains any time soon.
Which is a shame.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: AMAC1680 on September 18, 2014, 07:37:21 PM
Yep I'm a fan boy. I'm a fan of everything that's not Honda, scooter wise anyway.
After years of great service no matter where I was with my Goldwing I was appalled by level of non-service I got with the Swing. In the US scooters take a back seat, way back with motorcycle dealers.

So my .02 is just that, I got an axe to grind , lol.

Be Big,
AMAC
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: gn2 on September 18, 2014, 08:00:27 PM
Yep I understand how you feel regarding Honda.
Some years ago I came into a small windfall and decided to treat myself to a pair of Shimano Calcutta 700 fishing reels.
These were the dogs bollocks (or so I thought) and cost a fairly substantial amount of cash compared to the likes of similar Penn or ABU reels.
Anywho the fancy Shimano ones repeatedly broke, service centre was unable to effect a lasting repair and I eventually sold them at a big loss.
That was twenty years ago and I have not bought any Shimano gear since.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: bluesin on September 18, 2014, 08:05:40 PM
1974 was a long time ago.
Never said my Forza was faster than a Downtown, don't care either way, both are fast enough to maintain the UK legal limit of 70mph with a bit in reserve.
KPH speedos just do my head in.
Lexmoto is a brand of cheap Chinese manufactured scooters, even they manage to fit their £1100 Vienna model with a digidash, so Kymco have no excuse fitting KPH speedos to UK market higher end scooters like the £4300 Downtown.

(http://git.me/photo/2014/03/31/6885500214267283456/14140935928923234304/Lexmoto-Vienna-125cc-Scooter-Brand-New-Stunning-Retro-Style-On-the-road-price.jpg)


Kymco Downtown has MPH speedometer ( at least , here , in U.S. ) .

No ABS because of U.S. and various insurance companies ( ignorance ) ... overseas models DO have ABS .
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: Dolemite on September 18, 2014, 08:30:59 PM
A choice of ANY scooter? Probably a Peugeot Django 150 sport, because it's EFFING GORGEOUS and you can't get them here in the states.
(http://www.3xfranchise.co.uk/uploads/model-images/django-sport-_0009_A_SPORT-BLEU-FRANCE_001.jpg)

http://www.peugeotscooters.co.uk/peugeot-scooters-detail.php/Django-Sport-150cc-48/ (http://www.peugeotscooters.co.uk/peugeot-scooters-detail.php/Django-Sport-150cc-48/)
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: zombie on September 18, 2014, 08:35:14 PM
Very trim lines. I kinda like that one.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: 2wheelfun on September 18, 2014, 08:41:36 PM
Zombie if you ever get a chance to test ride a Movie 150 I suggest you try it. It's awesome!
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: zombie on September 18, 2014, 08:46:40 PM
Na!
I'm done w/ scooters. Hard tail choppers are my new play things.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: Silent Matters on September 18, 2014, 09:23:58 PM
Did not realize that Kymco Downtown 300 displayed KPH primarily on the meter. Always assumed when I saw it that it was an European model. Am even more surprised that UK uses miles. Not a deal breaker for me, but a bit odd in the US but as someone said, scooters take a backseat to other modes of transportation. I plan on purchasing one within a month or two and hopefully the freezing weather here will not come too soon and be short lived. Work just has me chained down at the moment.

Had money not been a problem, I would still go with the Kymco DT300 because I want a commuter scooters that will give me the power to navigate the city freeways and but also maximize on the fuel economy as I love to tour the backroads and scenic routes. The DT300 all that and a little more. Honda is a close second. Should I ever want to move up with the big Maxis without consideration of fuel economy: BMW C600.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: BettinANDlosing on September 19, 2014, 03:05:04 AM
A choice of ANY scooter? Probably a Peugeot Django 150 sport, because it's EFFING GORGEOUS and you can't get them here in the states.
(http://www.3xfranchise.co.uk/uploads/model-images/django-sport-_0009_A_SPORT-BLEU-FRANCE_001.jpg)

http://www.peugeotscooters.co.uk/peugeot-scooters-detail.php/Django-Sport-150cc-48/ (http://www.peugeotscooters.co.uk/peugeot-scooters-detail.php/Django-Sport-150cc-48/)

I want that scooter just to rock out to the Django theme every time I hop on haha. Other than the exhaust, that thing is kickass looking.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: ts1 on September 19, 2014, 09:27:02 AM
Due to requirements or an attractive offer, I may become "illoyal".
I recently bought a Husqvarna motorcycle, Kymco just doesn't offer bikes of that category.
But still I have my Kymco scooters and wouldn't mind to buy a scooter from Kymco again.
I wouldn't mind to get a Yamaha TMax 530 or BMW C600 Sport as a gift too.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: Wil B. on September 19, 2014, 04:03:56 PM
I want a Peugeot Django!  Awesome.

Well, I'm a Honda fan, but my scooters are Kymcos.  I've had a good experience with both of them.  They offer something different.  Everyone makes a comment.  I like the way they look, the silky controls, the handling, economy, and performance.  And the usefulness!   Not cheap crap, but a feeling of quality. You get your money's worth!

Wil B.
Broadview, IL

'71 Guzzi Ambassador
'91 Honda Nighthawk 750
'04 Kymco Super 9
'10 Kymco Yaget 200gt
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: Porkie on September 19, 2014, 05:38:38 PM
In the UK, the speedometer in is KPH not MPH but----the odometer registers in miles.

My Xciting 500 has a button you push to toggle between KPH and miles per hour and the Odometer does the same thing; Kilometers or miles.

I would like the top of the line Vespa 300GT I believe it's called because it's beautiful and I've never had a Vespa, although I had a new Aprilia Atlantic 500, made by Piaggio that owns both companies.

I've had these brand new scooters: 2003 Yamaha Zuma 50cc, 2 stroke, 2003 Honda Reflex 250ABS, 2004 Aprilia Atlantic 500, 2003 Suzuki Burgman 650,2005 Burgman 650,  2007 Burgman 650, 2009 Yamaha T-max 500, Two 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125's and my 2013 Kymco Xciting 500.

Really, nothing else sounds Xciting to me (Pun intended) but the Vespa's always draw my eye when I see one-----However, the dealers are very scarce in the heartland and I've heard horror stories regarding reliability and parts availability.

I will say this and maybe take a ration of poop about it but our Kymco's are seen as only a step up from cheap Chinese poop.

Sam:)
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: gn2 on September 19, 2014, 06:08:43 PM
Cheap Chinese poop?
Utter nonsense.
No way are they cheap.
Title: Re: Kymco, loyal or not so loyal?
Post by: zombie on September 19, 2014, 07:43:42 PM
Cheap Chinese poop?
Utter nonsense.
No way are they cheap.

My new friend...