Looking to buy my first scooter

[Foxillove]

I’m currently trying to decide between a used kymco downtown 300 and a used piaggio beverly 300. I plan to use it as a daily commuter of only about 10 km and for small trips once in a while on weekends. Not super long touring. I’ve seen some people say the kymco seating is uncomfortable for taller people. I’m about 180 cm, so pretty average height and also average/light weight.

If anyone’s got any insights or opinions that could help me make the decision between these two (mostly based on their comfort) that would be great!

They’re both around 2014’s and with about 10,000 km. Similar price too.

Thanks!

[Neil955i]

Welcome Foxiilove.  I'll bow to others on here with direct knowledge of the models you mention, but here's my two penn'orth FWIW

Downtown 300 - generally accepted to be a bullet-proof motor and easy enough to do general maintenance yourself with a bare minimum of technical nous.  Spares plentiful and easily available on line.

Beverley 300 - The benefit of a known & popular brand.  Bigger wheels for added comfort / stability.  Reliable (eh Stig?) and maybe even a local dealership?

Either would cope well with your needs IMHO, so it comes down to which do you fancy more?  Good luck choosing and do come back here and let us know how it goes?

[Ruffus]

Welcome here too!
As Neil writes, both might meet your needs.
Though I personally would have a test ride on both.

Piaggio parts are (depends where you are located at) more expensive without being better or worse than Kymco spares.

Have a look around for a dealership, in both cases, if your are not a motorhead at all.
Reliable are both brands and models, if not abused.

[monkeybongos]

Have a 2014 bv350, after 4 yrs and 18,000 miles it’s been reliable and low maintenance. Oil change every 6,000 miles. Bleeding the brakes is a bit of a pain, as there are 4 bleeder valves.

At 5’9 (175 cm), it’s a good fit.  Not much opportunity to move your feet or change position, but it manages to be comfortable for longer rides (100+ miles).

Cruises 70 mph effortlessly.  Mpg around 60-64 w US 93 octane.

Never ridden the Kymco or any other scooter of similar size, so can’t compare, however no regrets for getting this one.  But it may be overkill for 10 km commutes.  A 40 mile ride feels like nothing, anything less than 50 miles leaves me wanting more.