Wanting to buy 250 or larger  By  bigskypc50 (Read 1,306 times)

I double-down on what wheelbender6 posted!

When I upped from a Chinese 150, early on, I decided to go with a used Japanese, Taiwanese or Italian scoot. I actually rode EVERYTHING I could find, and finally opted for a Taiwanese Kymco. They really ARE built like a tank...

Honestly, I still prefer a used model from one of the countries other than China, but that's just me. I'm sure newer China scoots are pretty good, but numerous posts still recount some of the mega-irritating wrenching-more-than-riding syndromes. My Kymco Grandvista has run FLAWLESSLY now for two seasons and several thousand miles and it was WELL-WORN with 16K miles on the clock when I got her.

Right or wrong, the general consensus is still that a good used non-Chinese 250/300 with 20K miles will still outlast a new Chinese ride. The older Asian or Euro scoot will also usually cost as much or a tad more than a new Chinese equivalent, but they give a lot for the money.

Fuel injection IS nice, but not necessary. My "Minnie Mouse" is a 2007 carbureted single-cam "workhorse" 250 with 19hp and will keep up with frisky traffic, and gives -mpg gas mileage averaged 3/4 city and 1/4 highway riding.  That's not much different from a new fuel-injected 300.

During my search, I test-rode 250's to 400's from Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Vespa, Piaggio, SYM and Kymco. All were well-used. All rode very nice. All were available from $1,800 to $2,500 two years back. They would be cheaper today.

I also test-rode one Chinese 250 from the dealer I got the Kymco from. It was just 2 years old, low miles and looked "minty". It was also only $1,200. However, it was slower, and did not have the confident, solid handling feel of the other much older higher-end scoots which were also double the cost.

Even with 5-7 years, and 15,000 or more miles, I'd still go with used higher-end scoots.

Do keep in mind, most 250's will top out around 70-75-mph on the level with no wind. In the real world of hills and wind, they are not going to cruise comfortably much over 65-68. If you need 80+ cruise to stay with traffic, you'll need something larger, or, one of the extra-speedy Italian 250's. If you REALLY like performance, the Italian scoots are amazing, and usually affordable.

Hope this may help some,

Leo in Texas

One thing I forgot to mention... The 250-and-up scoots come in more than one configuration. Small-wheel, large-wheel and both short and long wheelbases. I wanted something close in size and handling to a Chinese 150, but with 70-mph capability when I need it. So I went with the old Kymco Grandvista. It has a short wheelbase, flat-floor and 12" wheels. There are not too many choices with these features. In city traffic, this setup handles quick and nimble, but is still stable enough for 65+ cruising.

Maxi-scooters will usually have a longer wheelbase (longer than some full-sized motorcycles) and larger wheels. They also usually have a "semi-hump" in the floor, covering framework that makes them stiffer and more solid at high speed. This setup is great for fast, highway cruising, but is not as nimble as the "traditional" motor-scooter in tight traffic.

The "large-wheel" scooters come in MANY styles. Typical Italian designs do have a flat-floor which I like since I have a lot of arthritis. I've seen large-wheel models from Italy, Japan, Taiwan and probably China makes them too. They will have "motorcycle" sized wheels of 17" and larger which are great at high-speed, and, over rough terrain. Wheelbases vary, and large-wheel models can be found in both short and long styles, and in several weights.

I would advise you to decide what the majority of your riding will be, and choose a scooter best suited for that purpose and "make do" using it for other purposes.  All 250-300cc models I test-rode were a MAJOR upgrade from a Chinese 150 in terms of acceleration, cruising speed, comfort and all-round handling.  Like going from an economy compact car to a loaded, high-end mid-size sport-sedan...  Whatever you decide on, I'm betting you'll love it!

It's handy to know that a particular engine displacement class may be had in several sizes and wheel configurations.

Check 'em all out to find your best fit...

Whatever you choose, ride safe!

Leo in Texas

One needs to consider their physical abilities too. Some of the near to 500 lb Japanese 400 to 600 cc bikes are nice but are not as flickable and easy to deal with as the lighter 250 to 330 cc Italian bikes. For example the 330 cc BV 350 performs better than many 500 cc bikes yet is much lighter plus delivers 250 cc fuel economy.

Piaggio powered 326 lb Aprilia Sport City 250's are available locally for less than $2,000 with far less than 10,000 miles on them with the added plus that the standard maintenance schedule calls for 6,250 mile oil and filter changes while belt changes are every 12,000 miles. Top speed with a Puig Sport Fairing installed is almost 100 mph per gps. If you maintain them by the book you may end up handing them down to your grandchildren.

Not sure about that one. Just saw an Aprilia (Piaggio) Scooter for sale with the original motor and just scheduled maintenance on it that had almost 140,000 miles on it. I am not sure I won't be in a 4 wheeled electric scooter well before that.

I am dealing with progressively degenerative bone disease that was suppose to have me off my feet and in a wheel chair by 2003.

One can hope I'll make it far enough on 2 wheels to wear my Aprilia out first.


Thanks,

Rocky

And - 3 SYM models - 1 300, and 2 liquid-cooled 171's... 


www.alliancepowersports.com/models/citycomS.html


www.alliancepowersports.com/models/rv.html


www.alliancepowersports.com/models/hd.html










Enjoy again!