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Post by brenz566 on Mar 14, 2014 20:53:08 GMT -5
I was originally looking into getting a Metropolitan or Vino Classic; but after doing some more research decided they might not be up to the task. I stopped at a local dealer last night to check on what they might have. They had a couple of new Aprilia Sportcity 125's and a great price but they were 2009. The salesperson said they go out and buy up old stock from dealers that go out of business. Would there be any issue with buying a new, older model scooter? They also had a 2013 Kymco like 200i but don't know too much about them.
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Post by skuttadawg on Mar 14, 2014 21:01:42 GMT -5
Metropolitan is a small scooter for short commutes but lacking power and aftermarket HP parts unlike the China scoots .
Aprilia is a super brand and worth the extra . A 125cc should easy keep up with highway traffic but I would not use on an interstate .
Kymco is also a top brand as well . I would sit on them both to see how they fit .
Ask about warranty on the Aprilia as new Kymcos have a 2 year warranty and unsure on Aprilia . Then it is budget and styling to decide which one to get .
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Post by rockynv on Mar 15, 2014 10:55:24 GMT -5
Depends on when it was manufactured as the 2009 model had a fairly long run. The only things I would be concerned about are: 1 - That the date stamp on the tires is not over 4 years ago so you would get at least another year from the tires. 2 - Brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years so I would want fresh brake fluid too. 3 - Battery if it was already flooded then that would warrant replacement if it is actually 5 years old. 4 - Belt could be set from being in one position for so long however that should be covered under the 12 month unlimited miles warranty from Aprilia. Usually you can get a Zurich 4 year warranty extension on an Aprilia Parts are available from AF1 Racing and it is a pretty reliable bike. Air cooled with full flow oil filtration and pretty low maintenance. Use a decent synthetic motorcycle oil and change it along with the filter as per the owners manual and you should get 50,000+ trouble free miles from it. Oil changes should be either at 3,000 or 6,000 mile intervals and belts should last 12,000 miles. The clutch shaft goes through the CVT cover and is supported by a bearing in the cover which is a plus dealing with belt vibration and extending the life of the clutch and gearbox. The Buzzetti tools for removing the CVT cover/clutch nut and variator are only about $32 and are small enough that they can be stored under the seat with a few hand wrenches so a portable impact wrench is not needed for emergency belt service. www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=56177www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=56179 |
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Post by rockinez on Mar 15, 2014 20:52:58 GMT -5
Nice compromise.
Better quality in a scoot that has enough power for the neighborhood.
A lot of folks forget why they bought the scoot in the first place.
I can hear myself now... "Ride it to work 15 -20 miles away, local runs to the store and fun runs". I have resisted upgrading it past those purposes.
Sounds line you found a nice scoot for your needs.
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Post by SylvreKat on Mar 15, 2014 22:04:20 GMT -5
I agree about sitting on both and seeing which one you prefer.
As for reliability, I think you can't miss with either.
As for the Appy being old stock, it could've been crated the entire time. So everything will be fresh. Like my Piggy--when they closed out the separate scooter store and moved everything, they found several crates in the back that had never been opened. So my 2005 was brand new in 2007.
Yeah, sit on both. Test drive them, if the dealer allows it (which he should, at least around the parking lot). That's the best way to decide which scooter to get--the one that best fits you!
>'Kat
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Post by oldchopperguy on Mar 18, 2014 2:39:19 GMT -5
Aprilia scoots are great (I think all Italian models are top-notch) and can be had affordably. Kymco scooters are very good too. I currently ride an old 2007 Kymco 250 I bought in November. It has 14,000 miles on it, and they were hard miles, 70mph with a passenger and luggage. I spoke with the original owner who traded it on a new Kymco 300.
Everything still seems extremely reliable... No leaks, squeaks or wobbles, and it drives great. The venerable "Grand Vista" is really a water-cooled 250 in a 125 frame. So it's nimble and easy to ride like a 125 or 150, yet it will keep up with fast-accelerating traffic, from a red-light all the way to 75mph. That (along with affordable price) is what got me into the outdated old Kymco.
I like the look and handling of the smaller scooters, but I get to feeling like potential "road-kill" on anything that won't keep up with traffic. My old Chinese 150 topped out at about 55mph and even on 35mph posted roads, I was a major impediment to traffic, and drivers were NOT shy about letting me know what they thought about my snail-pace... Hense, the move to a 250. And so far, I'm very happy with it.
I really "like" the 200 Kymco "LIKE"... LOL! It looks very Italian, it's well-made, and rides nice, but it is not a true 200cc... It's a 160. But it goes pretty strong. I almost bought one from the dealer I got my Grand Vista from for the same money. However, the "Like" would not do much over 60mph, and cruise was maybe 55 max. with my 235 pounds aboard. Just NOT enough to make me feel safe. The old 250 seemed "just right" to me, even though well-worn.
Having started with, and ridden a Chinese 150 for over 6 years, I can honestly recommend you go with the larger size engine if it fits your budget, and you're comfortable with it. There are numerous scooters larger than 150cc that can be found affordably.
If you definitely want to stick with the 125 to 150cc engine size (which MANY riders do) I'd strongly recommend the Italian brands like Aprilia, Vespa and Piaggio. These scooters seem to provide better performance (acceleration, top-speed and gas mileage) than some others. Kymcos are very well-made, and if you can find one, the SYM offers some fabulous 200cc size scoots, and other sizes.
Check out EVERYTHING... It's time well-spent!
Enjoy the ride,
Leo in Texas
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Post by jwalz1 on Mar 18, 2014 11:57:53 GMT -5
If it is old stock it should be fine but you might want to swap some fluids, especially coolant.
Both are probably quality bikes. I thought I read a review a while back that the Like was "sluggish" but ride both and see what you prefer. The Like is a 163cc and fuel injected, but is air cooled instead of water so the output is a little lower than some engines its size. Although compared to the Aprillia 125, I don't know which would be quicker. Have not ridden them. Top speed on the Like is about 60 mph.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Mar 18, 2014 12:16:21 GMT -5
If it is old stock it should be fine but you might want to swap some fluids, especially coolant. Both are probably quality bikes. I thought I read a review a while back that the Like was "sluggish" but ride both and see what you prefer.
I test-rode a Kymco "Like 200" and indeed, it was a little "sluggish" for a 200cc scoot. However, it's really only a 160cc. If you think of the "Like" as a sort of high-end 150, which is what it really is, it's actually pretty frisky! With my 235 pounds aboard, the Like would stay with traffic fairly well from a red-light, and topped out around 60mph. Not too shabby for a modern-day "Lambretta" style step-through. That level of performance was a LOT better than my Chinese 150 would provide. But I'm still happier with the slightly faster (but no bigger) old-style Kymco 250 I'm riding now.
The "Like" is not a highway cruiser, but you could sneak onto the freeway sometimes, if needed. On level roads, and without a headwind, it probably could cruise an honest 55, but THAT would be absolute max. And 55mph is just NOT adequate for safe, extended highway travel.
I absolutely agree: ride both (and others, if possible) and see what you prefer for YOUR riding needs.
Enjoy!
Leo in Texas
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Post by rockinez on Mar 18, 2014 15:32:42 GMT -5
It is hard to make a change once you have spent several years getting a China scoot reliable.
I also want a 250cc, but suspect I will opt for a dual sports bike if I go 250cc.
I would like an escape vehicle for off road use. The 250 dual sport would get me around town, and out of town in an emergency. Living in SoCal - that is something we have to think about.
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Post by rockynv on Mar 19, 2014 4:26:29 GMT -5
It is hard to make a change once you have spent several years getting a China scoot reliable. I also want a 250cc, but suspect I will opt for a dual sports bike if I go 250cc. I would like an escape vehicle for off road use. The 250 dual sport would get me around town, and out of town in an emergency. Living in SoCal - that is something we have to think about. The Russian 2 wheel drive Urals would probably good for that purpose. What surprises me about them is that they max out at 65 to 70 mph even though they are 749cc bikes making them slower than my 250cc scooter. Low compression boxer 2 cylinder engines with a 4 speed plus reverse old style transmission probably has something to do with that. |
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Post by rockinez on Mar 19, 2014 22:13:00 GMT -5
They build for toughness. They live in an environment that presents more challenges. Wish they made one with CARB certs (California Air Resources Board). The have different certs, and could care less about the U.S. which is too bad. I personally believe those you are in cahoots with (business for those of you in the UK) are less likely to fight. I am all in for honest business with the Russians.
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Post by rockynv on Mar 20, 2014 3:48:14 GMT -5
They build for toughness. They live in an environment that presents more challenges. Wish they made one with CARB certs (California Air Resources Board). The have different certs, and could care less about the U.S. which is too bad. I personally believe those you are in cahoots with (business for those of you in the UK) are less likely to fight. I am all in for honest business with the Russians. The Ural dealer is about 15 minutes from my house. Starting price is almost $11,000 for the base 1 wheel drive Ural-T 750. |
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Post by rockinez on Mar 20, 2014 4:09:59 GMT -5
OK.... so they won't sell here. Wacko expensive.
If you can buy a car or a scooter for the same price.... think about the car. Just a thought.
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Post by spandi on Mar 20, 2014 12:05:26 GMT -5
They build for toughness. They live in an environment that presents more challenges. Wish they made one with CARB certs (California Air Resources Board). The have different certs, and could care less about the U.S. which is too bad. I personally believe those you are in cahoots with (business for those of you in the UK) are less likely to fight. I am all in for honest business with the Russians. All the Russian stuff is (look at the T-34 tank that overwhelmed the Germans) Make it strong, simple, and reliable no matter what and forget about fit or finish. In the cold of Siberia all that matters is that it WORKS! |
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Post by brenz566 on Mar 20, 2014 20:37:57 GMT -5
Went to take another look at the Like 200i and Sportcity tonight. I'm not sure why, but I just didn't care for the Kymco Like. I liked the new 2009 Sportcity, but now they showed me another choice. They have a used 2009 Piaggio Fly 150 with  miles on it. I like the color (white) and the styling better than the Sportcity, but the smaller wheels and much shorter warranty are a bit of a concern. Is there anything in particular I should look for on the Piaggio? |
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miles on it. I like the color (white) and the styling better than the Sportcity, but the smaller wheels and much shorter warranty are a bit of a concern. Is there anything in particular I should look for on the Piaggio?