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Post by Skunk Shampoo on Oct 4, 2014 2:01:29 GMT -5
I'm looking to save up for something 250cc. Something that will take me around town but can also do long trips across the state. I've seen RV250's pop up on Craigslist for around $2000 and from what I've read, they seem like they would be quality bikes, but a friend of mine said he used to own one and couldn't find a replacement oil filter anywhere and to stay away from chinese bikes... Could he be thinking of a different scooter? SYM is a Taiwanese company, same as Kymco, right? Are parts hard to find for SYM scoots? On the other hand, I've also seen old 80's Honda Elite 250's pop up for $1000 or less. They don't really catch my eye in photos. Kind of a funky mess of awkward angles (like those Scion refridgerator boxes that mascarade as cars) but seeing one in person, it isn't bad... I feel a similar way about the Yamaha Zuma 150. In photos it looks alright, but in person it is a tank of a scooter. Big old chunky monkey. Ride that chunky monkey! It looks like a load of fun... But it doesn't go fast enough for freeway use.  But anyways, should I go for the SYM or could I save a few bucks and get something like the Elite250 and get along just as well? Oh, and this is an image for Kat. (not exactly a banana suit, but it had to do)  |
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Post by SylvreKat on Oct 4, 2014 8:16:22 GMT -5
I believe you were supposed to be riding your scooter wearing the banana suit. I will accept riding the scooter in the 'gator suit as a substitute. Esp if you get enough speed that the tail is blowing straight back.  As for 250s, hm. Chunky monkey or funky mess? How's about Italian Stallion instead?! That 'gator suit would look sweet on my Piggy's bigger brother....  >'Kat (edited to add, now I want a gator suit like that. But then, I collect alligators and their kin. So me wanting that suit isn't nearly as weird as it sounds. Honest it's not.) |
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Post by tarkus on Oct 4, 2014 8:22:19 GMT -5
I'm looking to save up for something 250cc. Something that will take me around town but can also do long trips across the state. I've seen RV250's pop up on Craigslist for around $2000 and from what I've read, they seem like they would be quality bikes, but a friend of mine said he used to own one and couldn't find a replacement oil filter anywhere and to stay away from chinese bikes... Could he be thinking of a different scooter? SYM is a Taiwanese company, same as Kymco, right? Are parts hard to find for SYM scoots? On the other hand, I've also seen old 80's Honda Elite 250's pop up for $1000 or less. They don't really catch my eye in photos. Kind of a funky mess of awkward angles (like those Scion refridgerator boxes that mascarade as cars) but seeing one in person, it isn't bad... I feel a similar way about the Yamaha Zuma 150. In photos it looks alright, but in person it is a tank of a scooter. Big old chunky monkey. Ride that chunky monkey! It looks like a load of fun... But it doesn't go fast enough for freeway use. But anyways, should I go for the SYM or could I save a few bucks and get something like the Elite250 and get along just as well? Oh, and this is an image for Kat. (not exactly a banana suit, but it had to do) Yes SYM is Taiwanese . Consumables for the RV 250 can be had thru any SYM dealer or here. www.scooterseals.com/SYM_RV250.htmlUnlike china scoots most parts must be bought thru a dealer. BTW there is no oil filter just the normal screen. scootergrisen.dk/scooterhjemmeside/download/sym_gts_servicemanual.pdf#page40The RV250 is a rock solid scooter |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 4, 2014 13:34:37 GMT -5
Skunk Shampoo,
When I decided I absolutely HAD to go bigger than a 150 to safely stay with traffic, I test-rode a LOT of different rides. Any good 250 on up would probably do you well. I did find though, that there are DIFFERENT sized 250 and larger models.
I truly wanted a "shorty" that would be similar in feel, and in-town handling to my old Chinese 150. That led me to the out-of-production Kymco Grandvista. It's VERY similar in all proportions to my old Chinese 150, but still runs 65-70mph very solidly.
The longer-style scoots, like those from Honda, Yamaha, etc. will run the freeways even MORE solidly, but they are (at least for me) a little cumbersome in tight city traffic. Even my old Kymco, though a short 250, is as long as a Harley... The bigger touring scoots are longer yet. So it pays to try some out, to see which style you like best.
I did find during my search, that the Taiwanese scoots by Kymco and SYM seem to be made "extra-heavy-duty". They are very solid, and seem to hold up "forever"... My local dealer where I got my used Kymco is a dealer for Kymco, SYM and Genuine (Buddy and Stella). He has customers still riding the old Kymco and SYM scoots with over 50K miles on the clock, and no maintenance needed beyond batteries, brakes, tires and belts.
Just be sure to check out the different "sizes" because ease-of-handling (turn-radius, walking the bike into tight parking spots, etc.) varies considerably between them.
Enjoy! And ride safe!
Leo (REALLY happy with an old Kymco) in Texas
PS: Also, like Kat mentioned, don't ignore the Italian scoots! They are SUPERB and often are very affordable! Not bad! |
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Post by wheelbender6 on Oct 4, 2014 18:30:59 GMT -5
The Vespa 250 GTS has a shorter wheelbase, like a 150cc scoot, but $$$$$$$$$$$$$.
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Post by rockynv on Oct 4, 2014 20:08:17 GMT -5
The Aprilia 250cc scooters if you can find one are generally bargains compared to the Vespa. They use the same engines since about 2006, cost thousands less.and ride on 15" or 16" tires. My 2009 Aprilia Sport City 250 was $2,999 new and they should be available used for around $2,000. I know folks with 80,000 miles on them and its been belts, rollers, tires and oil changes.
My last long day was a 300+ mile ride in the country on 55 to 65 mph roads followed by a 250 mile round trip jaunt down the 75 mph Interstate to bring my daughter something she forgot.
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Post by Skunk Shampoo on Oct 5, 2014 3:59:46 GMT -5
@kat - My little 50cc isn't running now (I did something with the carbeurator), but I will have to get a photo sometime. I might have to go sans-helmet, but I will wear my boots.  I got the suit on Amazon if you are interested (The Godzilla/dinosaur suit was one of the manlier models, lol): www.amazon.com/gp/product//B00GICLT3G/They are Chinese imports, so the shipping takes about two weeks to a month. The sizing isn't normal for the US, but you can find out the actual sizing in the description. @leo - Yeah, maybe I should give handling more of a consideration. Going from my moped to a maxi is a big jump. Perhaps I should go with something more nimble and see if I still want to go bigger. rockynv - If I can find something comparable to a 250cc Vespa in the $2,000 range. That'd be a great deal. A quick search on Craigslist pulled up this guy... eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/4691264584.htmlAprilia Scarabeo 200 - $2,000 Would a 200cc work for freeway use and long trips? Say, somewhere up to 300 miles? |
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Post by flyangler on Oct 5, 2014 5:56:46 GMT -5
Skunk, the Aprilia Scarabeo 200 is the one motor that is different from the rest of the Piaggio line of motors. that motor is a 181cc with four valve and two cams with 12 to 1 compression putting out 19hp, it's a nice little motor, the BV 200 is a198cc putting out 21hp and is the same motor as the Vespa 200gt, that's the motor that Kat has in her bike and both are highway capable.
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Freshman Rider
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New scoot!
Posts: 71
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Joined: Feb 28, 2013 14:48:25 GMT -5
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Post by Skunk Shampoo on Oct 5, 2014 13:47:49 GMT -5
Nice! I will have to keep that in mind. I probably won't be able to afford the upgrade until next summer, but I've set my Craigslist app to notify me of any Piaggio, SYM, or Aprilia scoots that pop up under $2,000.
Any others I should add to my list?
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Post by Jarlaxle on Oct 5, 2014 16:02:30 GMT -5
Kymco...might even get an older Burgman 400 for that.
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Post by SylvreKat on Oct 5, 2014 17:07:22 GMT -5
... that's the motor that Kat has in her bike and both are highway capable. Except you're probably never gonna' see 'Kat's bike on the highway. At least not with 'Kat driving it.  I will say that mine supposedly can get up to 70-something mph. Obviously, I'm taking folks' word on that. As for comfort, when I was still practicing up before feeling safe enough to hit rush hour super-traffic to work, I probably would drive for an hour or more at a time. Seat never got uncomfortable for me. I just did side streets and a nice 45 speed limit no stops road, and a 45 street with the hill that, depending on which way you take it, either shoots you to Heaven or goes straight down into lleH. Crazy stupid steep grade on it. Scared the snot outta' me, first time down! Took it once in my wagon and it wasn't much better. Like the Matterhorn, cut down to short size. But good ol' Peej puttered up it like a champ and even managed to gain a little speed. I do agree that with the Vespa side of Piaggio, you'll be paying more for the name to get the same engine. Stay with Piggys and Appys for Italians, unless you find a good good deal on a V. >'Kat |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 5, 2014 21:09:17 GMT -5
Kat,
For some strange reason, around my "hood" even Vespas turn up affordable. I think some of the well-to-do yuppies "get a Jones" for a scooter, thinking it's "green" and "environmentally-wonderful" and "politically-correct"... etc. And, of course, they will buy the big-name-brand. THEN they ride it a little and it scares the bejeebers out of them... LOL!
And the nearly-new $7,000 Vespa shows up on the front lawn, for $2,000. And our "green-thinking" guy or gal goes happily back to his or her 12-cylinder Beemer... So much for green... Yup...
Great deal for the scooter-lover though!
Deals ARE out there...
Leo
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Post by skyrider on Oct 5, 2014 22:36:05 GMT -5
I'm really happy with my Honda Reflex. Found a '07 Silverwing with 14,000 last spring for $2k.
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Post by rockynv on Oct 6, 2014 4:24:17 GMT -5
Kat,
For some strange reason, around my "hood" even Vespas turn up affordable. I think some of the well-to-do yuppies "get a Jones" for a scooter, thinking it's "green" and "environmentally-wonderful" and "politically-correct"... etc. And, of course, they will buy the big-name-brand. THEN they ride it a little and it scares the bejeebers out of them... LOL!
And the nearly-new $7,000 Vespa shows up on the front lawn, for $2,000. And our "green-thinking" guy or gal goes happily back to his or her 12-cylinder Beemer... So much for green... Yup... Great deal for the scooter-lover though!
Deals ARE out there...Leo A co-worker on his Vespa 300 GTS really had second thought after he won a $280 prize from the local police. He was just getting use to the bike and blipped the throttle for a moment and realized too late that while his 150 would just be at 25 mph dong that, the 300 was already past 45. He decided to keep it but then understood why the previous owner said it was too fast. People get the Italian 200+ cc bikes thinking putt putt and do not realize they are going to get motorcycle type performance that will compete well with the larger bikes on the roadway. Where I occasionally bring my bike for tires they had a woman making a comment about getting one like mine as a step up from her Honda 50 and the service adviser said understand that bike is scarey fast for a scooter and even compared to motorcycles with the same size motor. Note that after the first time I brought it in he won't ride it without a helmet, gloves and jacket treating it like a small sport bike. |
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Post by SylvreKat on Oct 6, 2014 6:38:35 GMT -5
rocky, where I take mine in for tune ups, I asked if he'd happened to go on the hwy and how fast is mine? He hadn't, but in the roughly 1/2 mile from the stop lights to their entrance, he said it really had some pick-up and he had to brake hard to make the turn! That was Peej's first visit there, and they hadn't really worked much on scooters. So I think they were maybe expecting a little 50cc putt-putt. >'Kat |
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