250cc Scooter Options  By  jimboeau (Read 5,891 times)

I recently made the move to a 250 also, for the same reasons as yourself. After riding my Chinese 150 for six years, and speaking with numerous riders of 250 and larger scooters, I finally opted to go with a USED Taiwanese Kymco. I did this for two reasons...

1: The build-quality seemed to be MUCH more "car-like" with heavy-duty parts, providing an excellent reputation for longevity and durability, and 2: I wanted a true FLAT-FLOOR step-through like my old 150. This is due to arthritis making it hard to climb over any "hump" AND this style of 250 has a slightly smaller size/wheelbase than the longer touring scoots from Honda, Yamaha, Suziki, etc. which makes the shorties more nimble in traffic.

I went with a VERY well-used Kymco Grandvista 250cc... A 2007 with 14,000 miles on her clock. So far "Minnie Mouse" as I call her, has been a JOY to ride, and everything is in perfect working order.



Paying $2,500 out the door, including TT&L and all worn items (belt, rollers, muffler/headpipe, tires oil, coolant, etc.) freshly replaced, I still had to think long and hard before spending more for a well-worn Taiwanese ride than for a new Chinese 250. However, to my mind it still seemed to be best way to go, not being able to afford $4 or $5-thousand dollars for a new one. In a week, I test-rode EVERYTHING used, from Taiwan, Japan AND Italy. All were fine, and similarly-priced, from around $1,900 to $3,000. After getting the "feel" for the SHORTER flat-floor scoots from Kymco and Vespa, I did prefer their handling to the longer versions from Japan. Just me, but I like "nimble" and still able to hit 65-70 mph in "Lazy Boy Recliner" comfort, which the old gal will DEFINITELY do all day long.

I realize new Chinese scoots are much better than they were years ago, and certainly more affordable than new 250cc offerings from other makers, but please DO try riding EVERYTHING including USED scooters, before you buy. You may be amazed at the differences in performance, and handling from one to another...  ESPECIALLY between the long and short wheelbase models.  It could change your mind about what you decide to spend your hard-earned money on.

Just for the record, my old Kymco was used for six years, PLENTY HARD, for 2-up highway touring with luggage, and was traded-in on a new 2014 Kymco 300cc 4-valve, fuel-injected flat-floor, step-through model.  The old Grandvista is STILL tight and smooth, feeling almost like new after six years of serious wear and tear...  I bought her from MOXIE SCOOTERS here in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area.  Moxie is a FABULOUS dealer to work with.

The Grandvista looks and feels much like a Chinese 150 in tight traffic, and in-town riding.  But feels much like a mid-size-to-large motorcycle on the highway.  It's no crotch-rocket, but will get with it RIGHT NOW, accelerating well with aggressive traffic, and tops out just over 75 actual mph.  It will cruise easily at 65 mph, has BRAKES like a 747, and averages 80- mpg gas-consumption in town.  Very good for my general use as a "family car"... LOL!

Hope my experience may be of help,

Sincerely,

Leo in Texas