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Post by guzziknight on Jun 6, 2013 11:29:19 GMT -5
The DN-01 looks really cool.... I wonder how a auto motorbike like that does on gas Guzzi, I'm in Smyrna / Marietta I would say lets do a ride sometime if we are close enough, but I got my license suspended so not anytime soon  Sorry to hear that!!! Keep safe, and maybe we'll meet up when you're back on the road! |
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 4, 2013 14:04:22 GMT -5
Thanks 'Kat!!
But:
Change of plans!! When we went to pick the Vespa up, it kept dying on me. Got 200 feet from his house, died and wouldn't start back up. It now has me a little concerned since it was just serviced.
Instead, we found a 2009 Buddy Blackjack 150 for the same price and are buying that instead. Wish it were the Vespa, but I've lost faith in that particular bike and feel we need something else. Maybe a new vespa down the line, we'll see. The other used Vespas were too much money for us right now.
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 3, 2013 16:47:47 GMT -5
You have probably already been there but a good community can be found here modernvespa.com/forum/I am on there with the same name though I rarely get out of the not so modern section Yep, I'm there myself as well, same user name. Pics will be coming soon! |
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 3, 2013 15:13:51 GMT -5
OK, we made the deal on the Vespa and will be picking it up tonight. We're both very excited about it. It'll go well with my Guzzi! I love the Italian styling, and while the Kymco fit my wife better, she just felt everything was nicer on the Vespa. We'll post pics when we get her home.
Thanks for everyone's help and input!!
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 3, 2013 8:47:45 GMT -5
$16,000 scooter that didn't sell well at all. The Honda Rider's Education center by me has about 10 they are trying get rid of at $6,000! You do know what DN-01 stands for, right? Do Not Own 1Seriously, probably a good bike, that never sold well, but I just don't like the looks. Also, probably too heavy for my wife right now. |
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 3, 2013 8:44:59 GMT -5
I was looking at a used 2009 Non-GT Mana with the Leo Vince exhaust for $5,000 and some change at the local dealer but it is not that clean and has been raced a bit and beat on. Yes the Honda is ugly but I am cheap and the budget usually comes first. The best deal ended this past fall when the Sport City 250 came off a 1+ year span being on a factory incentive for $2,999. The BV350 is a new engine design and the bike itself says quality from the seating to the paint along with that new boxed stroke wet clutch engine. It would probably have a better chance of keeping up with your Guzzi than a sub 250 scooter. If she keeps getting left in the dust by your bike the chances of her not liking the scooter will increase greatly. Right now, we aren't worried about her keeping up. She needs to learn to ride it, and get comfortable on the road. I'll be behind her, guarding her back from the idiot cagers here in Atlanta! Once she's ready, we'll upgrade it to something bigger that can keep up. |
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 2, 2013 12:16:38 GMT -5
You can get a used Mana for around $5K, sometimes less. Mileage isn't an issue, that's not why I would buy the bike. The Honda is ugly, in my opinion, so I wouldn't get that.
My wife really wants a motorcycle, which is why we looked at the Mana, because she wants an automatic. We're now looking at scooters because of the size issue. I'm hoping she loves it and wants to stick with scooters.
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 2, 2013 10:26:19 GMT -5
Don't forget, some hate within the group if you don't ride what they ride. I don't get waves from most Harley riders, some BMW and Goldwing riders as well.
Not sure what the problem is, ego maybe? Since I didn't spend nearly as much money on my Guzzi, maybe they feel cheated? Who knows? I really stopped caring. I wave at anyone on 2 wheels, if they wave back, fine. If not, no skin off my back.
I let my riding skills do the talking, and when a squid on a 150hp crotch rocket can't keep up with my 600lb "cruiser" in the twisties, that says more than anything.
Ride what you want, enjoy the ride, and don't worry about the haters, they aren't worth your time or energy.
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 2, 2013 4:19:20 GMT -5
Good luck in the search from a fellow atlanta georgian ! What part of atl you comin' from?  We're currently in Dunwoody. Going to check out the Vespa in Midtown tonight, then checking out Kymco tomorrow. |
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 2, 2013 4:18:30 GMT -5
Wow. That is indeed a WHOLE lot more bike than what you're looking at! And reading your last sentence, that should make it a no-brainer, unless you really don't need/can't afford the extra scooter after upgrading. Get the Vespa. For $400 extra, and you wanting one, get it. They're good solid bikes. >'Kat Very true. She's ridden one, and likes it, but it's just too top heavy for her, especially since she's has little experience. We want to work up to it, but I'm kind of hoping she loves the scooter so much, she'll stick with that. |
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 1, 2013 12:43:22 GMT -5
I have to agree that if you KNOW you'll be getting rid of this one and buying a bigger bike fairly soon, then go for the cheapest used one you can find. That way you don't take as big a hit when you resell it. Then again, no reason why she can't keep this bike. I'm perfectly content with my 200cc. Strong enough to keep up with traffic, can even hit the highway if I was brave enough. >'Kat If I could find a true 200, or 250, I'd agree. Both bikes we're looking at, in our current price range, are really 150 and 163. Also, she has her heart set on getting an Aprilia Mana 850 at some point. She needs to build her confidence since the Mana is very big and powerful and a bit much for her at this point. Hence the short term ride with this scooter. If we get the Vespa, I may keep it when she's done since I've been wanting one to go along with my Moto Guzzi! |
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Post by guzziknight on Jun 1, 2013 8:58:16 GMT -5
You are in the price ranges of new Aprilia 200cc to 250cc scooters here. Piaggio, Vespa and Aprilia parts are easily obtainable as are the $50 worth of Buzetti tools for working on the CVT without requiring air tools. Check out AF1 Racing in New Bunsfeld Texas. One thing that the Piaggio engined bikes give you that are leaps and bounds ahead of the GY6 is an outer bearing on the clutch shaft that is supported by the CVT cover which takes most of the stress from any belt slap off the gear box along with a guide wheel between the clutch and variator that limits belt slap and prevents the belt from winding up in the clutch sheeve during decelleration. Plenty of servicing videos on the Piaggio engines too. Check out what is offered by Modern Vespa. Thanks for the advice. I have several goods shops by me for Vespa/Piaggio. The closest Aprilia dealer is 70 miles away. The biggest issue is price. Since it'll be her first bike, and in all probability be a short term ride, we want to spend as little as possible. Aside from the ET4 I've found, there isn't much in the Vespa line around that's in our price range. |
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Post by guzziknight on May 31, 2013 11:29:02 GMT -5
All decent bikes. I have always wanted a Guzzi. I rode a couple and they are sweet... We humbly request pics of the final decision... Will do. Hope to have it in hand within a week. Thanks for all the good info from everyone. These forums do make it easier! |
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Post by guzziknight on May 31, 2013 10:35:22 GMT -5
One more thing. The Vespa is the style the other 2 are trying to capture. In my opinion (quite biased opinion) only the Italians do Italian styling right. That ET4 at that price might go quickly... I'll agree with you there! I ride a Moto Guzzi, so I have a thing for Italian rides. I like the styling of the Like, not so much on the S200. Ultimately, it's my wife's call since it'll be her ride. We're going to look at the S200 on Monday, and the ET4 this weekend. I mainly wanted to make sure there aren't major issues with either that I need to be aware of. |
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Post by guzziknight on May 31, 2013 7:26:57 GMT -5
Hi all,
I'm looking for a first scooter for my wife and have possibly narrowed it down to the following:
New Kymco Like 200i, from dealer, $3600
2009 Kymco People S200, 5600 miles with trunk, asking $1800
2004 Vespa ET4, 2300 miles with trunk, asking $2200
Any preference? Any issues to be aware of? Any to avoid? Anyone have experience with either, or all of them?
I'm a motorcycle rider and have no real experience with scooters. Money is a factor since this will likely be a short term ride, I think she'll want to upgrade to a bigger one later this year or next.
I live in Atlanta, GA if that makes a difference.
Thanks!
Yaniv
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