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Post by w650 on May 31, 2017 18:50:07 GMT -5
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Post by wheelbender6 on May 31, 2017 19:11:49 GMT -5
I predict that the Kymco Spade will launch an "Arms Race" among the small wheeled motorcycles, similar to what has happened in the 250cc class. While the K-Pipe is $1000 cheaper, it looks more like a classic moped than motorcycle, to me. I think the 5 speed gearbox and modern appearance will propel Spade sales well past the K-Pipe.  |
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Post by spandi on May 31, 2017 19:22:19 GMT -5
Why spend 3K on a Kymco, when for 200 bucks more you can get the Honda with updated features and styling? The K-pipe might have 17 inch wheels, but it's just a little too bare-bones and underpowered.
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Post by w650 on May 31, 2017 20:52:22 GMT -5
The Honda is great, although I would take the Kawasaki first. My biker genes would spring for the SYM or K-Pipe though. I prefer bigger wheels.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 2, 2017 20:27:22 GMT -5
Hmmm.... Yup, it's a "mini motorcycle" for sure!When I was a kid, back in the fifties, it was all about the Cushman Eagle because it was (sorta) a SCOOTER but with a decidedly MOTORCYCLE appeal. Then came the California made MUSTANG. A true "mini-motorcycle"! That was a rigid-frame bike with a slick flathead single and 3-speed tranny. and it was pretty serious... beating the immortal Harley flat-trackers often enough on the dirt to cause what many felt was a "conspiracy" to ban them from competition... There IS a new repro of the venerable Mustang now, with a Chinese motor which captures much of the original appeal.
Here's a pic of an original from the old days... And here's the new version...  Obviously, the Mustang is not ultra-modern in technology but for the "niche" of the mini-motorcycle rider it has a lot of appeal. The new Kymco to me is the modern-day incarnation of the same adorable "little bike". And of course, I'm a BIG fan of things KYMCO... LOL! And, also a BIG fan of rides that emulate an old-school hard-tail bobber... Ah, so many rides, so little time... LOL!If today's riders go for the KYMCO like my generation did for the MUSTANG, there will be a bunch of 'em on the road.
Cool little bike!Leo in Texas
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Post by w650 on Jun 2, 2017 21:55:22 GMT -5
I was out today and saw a Grom on the road. Hopefully these bikes will bring a whole group of new riders to the fold like Honda did years ago with the Cub and S-  . |
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Post by cyborg55 on Jun 2, 2017 22:30:43 GMT -5
There's a few blasting around town here,,, starting to see them on CL
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Post by cyborg55 on Jun 2, 2017 22:34:07 GMT -5
I would love to have an s90,, found an xl125 a few miles away,,, going to look at it tomorrow,,, almost no miles,,, there's a few rebels on CL but boy they want as much as they were new,, one is $400 but no papers and the tags are out quite a few years so I'll pass on that,, funny I never used to see 250 nitehawks now there's 3 on CL but for stupid money so I'll pass on them as well
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Post by wheelbender6 on Jun 3, 2017 8:36:37 GMT -5
I thought about the Mustangs as well when I saw the Kymco Spade. I don't know if CSC is still selling them. Hard tail bikes are a tough sell around Houston with our cratered concrete streets and highways.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 3, 2017 16:09:19 GMT -5
I think I figgered out the appeal of the GROM... I'm seeing them all over lately, usually ridden by young guys and gals. I took the missus to the doc yesterday, and here was a cute gal on one ON the FREEWAY next to us, wrist locked to WOT, doing an honest 65-mph. Mighty frisky for a 125... But she WAS pretty petite. Maybe -pounds at most,... And of course, "Texas style" wearing only short-shorts, tank top and flip-flops... no helmet or even glasses. Obviously has not yet kissed the asphalt... Yup.  Anyway, THE appeal: The Grom DOES possess the irresistible charm of a hot mini-bike, a "pocket-bike" and everything small and fast... Yet is fully street-drivable and PRACTICAL for daily transportation. THAT is the appeal! Riding one makes you feel "special" and like you're getting away with something naughty... The danged things even appeal to this old geezer.I did a quick search, and find they have quite a following, INCLUDING the custom builders... A hot-rod GROM? Well, why not? These may start a whole new genre... the "Grom-Rocket"? "Crotch-Grommet"? Naah... prob'ly not...
So check THIS bad-boy out! screen shot I've seen truly BAD-BOY mini-bikes, and pocket-bikes, but never something THIS small, THIS cool AND street-licensable... Woo-HOO! Be still my beating heart... If ONLY I was 50 years YOUNGER, a FOOT shorter, and 100 pounds lighter...
Definitely 125cc of genuine whoopazz... Golly gee, good things DO come in small packages! Leo (definitely feeling OLD and FAT...) in Texas... I'll get over it... 
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Post by wheelbender6 on Jun 4, 2017 17:48:00 GMT -5
American Lifan has also joined the Grom class arms race with the KP mini. 150cc and a 5 speed tranny, Sounds familiar. The KP mini looks to have a shorter wheelbase than the Kymco Spade, and the the KP is lighter and should cost less. americanlifan.com/motorcycles/kp-mini/ |
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Post by wheelbender6 on Jul 19, 2017 19:26:51 GMT -5
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Post by wheelbender6 on Jul 23, 2017 20:22:23 GMT -5
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Post by cyborg55 on Aug 6, 2017 11:58:40 GMT -5
Oooo that's neat,, I'd have me one of those
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Post by wheelbender6 on Sept 25, 2017 21:50:07 GMT -5
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