Hi Jess!
I reread my thoughtless comments and worried that I had offended you
It's hard to tell on the Internet

For Wild Thing:
If you look at the ends of my handlebars, you can see the heavier barends that came with my top box
They are longer than the ones Jess has (which look like the stock ones that I had originally)

Jess's:


Mine (decals have changed since then):

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~~~~~ Linda ~~~~~

Think mine has weights! I thought those handgrips ends were awful fancy!!!!! Oh I just like using the smileys.

One of the main complaints about the Sportcity 250cc is it's tendency to have a front-end wobble. I agree that wheel size doesn't make much of a difference for wobbles or vibrations at speed.

It does make a big difference on rough roads, and some difference on wet pavement (IMO). Since my local streets are at least a decade behind on maintence and have more potholes, cracks, and bad patches than smooth road, that makes a big difference to me. If you have normally maintained roads, then you won't miss the bigger wheels. Handling is a bit different though, I've heard smaller wheeled scoots are more nimble at slower speed manuevering like going around a street corner. So be cautious while adjusting to your new scoot!

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Wow! That's really good to know. . . I'm getting ready to order some new tires to keep in my "stock" (because I have two GT's to shod) and I like the better cornering, etc. . . don't care that they are more expensive - it's cheaper than the painful repair I had to do on one of the GT's when it went down on wet asphalt!

I switched to a bigger scooter with bigger wheels. And am not getting the scary wobble or vibration that I got with the smaller 150 at higher speeds. The drawback is that the larger bike not as nimble at slower speeds. In hindsight I miss the manuverability of the smaller scooter.

Ok Gianna,
That brings on a new question. Just how much more difficult are bigger bikes to maneuver? And how big are you talking? I'm leaning toward the BV500 to stop the "upgrade" cycle and don't want to be disappointed by feeling a loss of control. I do love the handling and "lightness" of the Kymco. I have no trouble getting it on the center stand or rolling it around when it's not running. It also feels very nimble on the road. The only complaint I have with it (aside from the speedometer being WAY off) is the lack of speed.

Thanks for your input!

(Think Spring)

Andiamo Girl, one basic question I haven't seen answered yet is, what type of riding do you now plan to do?

Vespas are often dubbed the Cadillac of scooters, partly for their superb finishing touches and a lot due to the awesomely smooth ride. The SYM HD200 has larger wheels and the suspension is set more for a 'racing' attitude, which means you can feel the road quick well. I'm hoping to test ride a few this spring, once the snow melts, just to A-B test against my SYM.

Once you get into the Bergman-size of maxi-scooter - they're cruisers and good cross-town, highway transpo. Maneuvering through tight parking lots are not their strong suits, but watch any of those police gyn-kanna videos on youtube and they are proof that tight turns can be done - just takes lots of practice, guts to tip the bike over while turning, and effort.

q: handlbar weights: how many grams are we talking about for their weights? .5kg?

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winds blow past my face ... a waking dream of summer ... blue scooter sleep well

All the roads out the door of my house have speed limits of 55 or higher and as you know, that really means at least 60! Currently, I can't take the freeway (70mph) without feeling like a bug about to get flattened! So, to answer your question...I plan to do more touring than anything else.

Was that a posted speed limit of 70?

If so and you use it much, I would go with the BV500 and keep your current scooter for in-town riding
They are bringing a new Vespa 300 to the US that might work for that, too (maybe)

You'll need a lot of extra power so that you can accelerate and avoid dangers on a fast road like that

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~~~~~ Linda ~~~~~

[quote="Andiamo Girl"]Ok Gianna,
That brings on a new question. Just how much more difficult are bigger bikes to maneuver? And how big are you talking? I'm leaning toward the BV500 to stop the "upgrade" cycle and don't want to be disappointed by feeling a loss of control. I do love the handling and "lightness" of the Kymco. I have no trouble getting it on the center stand or rolling it around when it's not running. It also feels very nimble on the road. The only complaint I have with it (aside from the speedometer being WAY off) is the lack of speed.


Ahh....Excuse me then.The BV500 is a different story. Sorry. I pictured a bulky scooter like mine. The BV is supposed to be great in the city traffic as well as the highway. DH went to look at a new Burgman this weekend, but ended up deciding on a BV500. There was no contest. He's picking up his new BV in February.

Why not just go test ride? The Vespa Dealership didn't have a problem letting DH test ride one.

My BV500 handles extremely well. I do allot of varied riding and while I love my 30-40 mile commute on the state highway, I also love the "twisty turnys" through the back roads in the Catskills and I also enjoy the maneuverablity when I have to get out of a tight spot in the parking lot at the grocery store....The added weight did took some getting used to...but I think when ever you move up, if you will, you think WOW this is heavy. I fell in love with my GTS at first "sit" but I was really worried about handling the extra weight after the LX 150...after the first week I was like..weight?...fagetaboutit...

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Jess
PIAGGIO BV500 for sale!!!!

Gianna, about that test ride? I live in Minnesota, unfortunately , so a test ride is out of the question for a few months yet! But, I want to thank everyone for the good info! I've got lots of time to dream and decide (and save up some dough )!

An issue I have with small vs. large wheels is stability at speed when you hit a bump in the road. A larger wheel will be more stable. I happily drive a small wheel scooter around town and keep the speed down. I ride a 16" wheel bike out in the country and on long trips.

i have never driven anything else except 12" tires but the ones on my scooter does not give me any trouble, smooth as glass. and i live in what i laughingly refer to "pothole city". on the really bad ones i go over them really gentle. Don't want a busted tire there, LOL! or a busted fender either. Treat your scooter good and it will return the favor with either size tire you choose.