2011 piaggio bv tourer 300 or Aprillia sportcity 250

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2wheelNsanity
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2011 piaggio bv tourer 300 or Aprillia sportcity 250

Post by 2wheelNsanity »

Does anyone have one of these? If so could I get some feedback. I am looking for a scooter with good highway capabilities. Just curious to hear an unpaid opinion. Thnax. :~)
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Post by jrsjr »

The hot news over on Modern Vespa is that Piaggio have pre-announced the arrival of a 2012 Beverly with a new-design 350 motor and ABS. Piaggio is claiming 33 horsepower for the new motor! If I were recommending something, I'd recommend you wait and see that new scooter because, if the new motor is as strong as claimed, the new BV350 (Beverly in all the rest of the world) would be a whole lot more capable on the highway.
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Post by Dooglas »

jrsjr wrote:The hot news over on Modern Vespa is that Piaggio have pre-announced the arrival of a 2012 Beverly with a new-design 350 motor and ABS.
Well yes, but that is for introduction in Europe. Your guess is as good as anyone's if - or when - it would be imported to the US.
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have a SC250

Post by atlantaM3 »

depends on what you mean by highway. suburban 4 lane where running 65-70 is average speed - sure, no problem. a major multi-lane interstate in a city of 6 million where 80 is holding up traffic - no way.
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Post by jrsjr »

Dooglas wrote:Your guess is as good as anyone's if - or when - it would be imported to the US.
Actually, my guess is better than most, because I've gotten a lot of practice second guessing Piaggio since 2003. :twisted:

P.S. I'm kidding, of course. :wink:
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Post by ericalm »

There's a very good chance of this BV350 coming to the US. Piaggio is revamping the line and the new Sport Tourer is the first with the new engine.

When is something else altogether.

To the OP's question:
Both good scooters. Close in price. Only 34cc difference, not 50cc. You could ask about them on ModernVespa, but fact is most people own and have ridden one or the other, not both, and will vouch for whichever they have.
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Post by 2wheelNsanity »

My intended use would be mainly on 55 - 65mph 2-lane rural highways. However, the thought of just taking off and riding it across the western states sounds like a lot of fun. I never take interstates, even in my car, I usually find a 2-lane that goes through lots of towns, it takes longer but its more informative and alot less stressfull.

This is the route I took several years ago to go from Coffeyville, KS to Las Cruces, NM. It was 50 miles longer and a few hours longer but experiencing all the small towns and scenery along the way was awesome. I digress. Using a scooter to travel like this would be a hoot.
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Post by k1dude »

Why would Piaggio introduce a 350 when they already have a 300 and 500? Is there really that much difference in performance to split the 300 and 500? And if the answer is yes, why not make it a 400 to make it more even for marketing?
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Post by Lokky »

I had heard that supposedly a hybrid BV 500 was in the making and to be introduced to the US market, that's according to my dealer.
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Post by ericalm »

k1dude wrote:Why would Piaggio introduce a 350 when they already have a 300 and 500? Is there really that much difference in performance to split the 300 and 500? And if the answer is yes, why not make it a 400 to make it more even for marketing?
They wanted to boost performance but make it lighter and smaller. They've developed a new 350cc engine that puts out 33hp — power to rival 400cc engines. HUGE selling points overseas. The gist is, "All the benefits of a smaller engine with the power of a larger one."

This is reportedly the first in a new family of engines from Piaggio. I'm sure larger displacements will follow. I'm very much hoping that smaller displacements will as well.
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Post by k1dude »

ericalm wrote:
k1dude wrote:Why would Piaggio introduce a 350 when they already have a 300 and 500? Is there really that much difference in performance to split the 300 and 500? And if the answer is yes, why not make it a 400 to make it more even for marketing?
They wanted to boost performance but make it lighter and smaller. They've developed a new 350cc engine that puts out 33hp — power to rival 400cc engines. HUGE selling points overseas. The gist is, "All the benefits of a smaller engine with the power of a larger one."

This is reportedly the first in a new family of engines from Piaggio. I'm sure larger displacements will follow. I'm very much hoping that smaller displacements will as well.
Cool. Thanks for the clarification. But I don't know if you've noticed the displacement creep in scooters seems to be just like motorcycles. Upward rather than downward. All the exciting new scoots coming out in Europe and Asia seem to be focused on the 700 to 850 range.
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Post by jrsjr »

ericalm wrote:
k1dude wrote:Why would Piaggio introduce a 350 when they already have a 300 and 500? Is there really that much difference in performance to split the 300 and 500? And if the answer is yes, why not make it a 400 to make it more even for marketing?
They wanted to boost performance but make it lighter and smaller. They've developed a new 350cc engine that puts out 33hp — power to rival 400cc engines. HUGE selling points overseas.
And to rival the Honda SH300i. :wink:

Seriously, the backstory to this engine is really interesting. Piaggio are trying to beat Honda in the intensely competitive Italian (and Eurozone) scooter market. Honda Italy ruled the Italian scooter market for years with their best-selling SH150 scooter and more recently with the SH300i. The motor in the SH300i was developed by Honda Italy from a CR-series Honda dirtbike motor. It's a winning power plant that's light, powerful, tractable, and reliable. Honda wrapped that great motor in a bike that looked like a SH150 on steroids, waved their magic Honda wand over it and had a huge win. So, Piaggio had strong motivation to come up with something new. They could have bored out their QUASAR motor (again), but another bore job would might have compromised the reliability of the QUASAR motor and it probably still wouldn't have been as light and powerful as the SH300i motor. As I say, it's an interesting story that is still a work in progress. IMHO YMMV
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Post by Alexbv200 »

Just got the order guide for Piaggio and at this time the BV is not available in either 300 or 350 for the first 3 months of 2012.
Me thinks that the 350 will be introduced in the States in the April/ May time frame.
At this time, there are no BV 300 left at the warehouse either.

There are a few SportCity 300 left around...
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Post by ericalm »

jrsjr wrote:
ericalm wrote:
k1dude wrote:Why would Piaggio introduce a 350 when they already have a 300 and 500? Is there really that much difference in performance to split the 300 and 500? And if the answer is yes, why not make it a 400 to make it more even for marketing?
They wanted to boost performance but make it lighter and smaller. They've developed a new 350cc engine that puts out 33hp — power to rival 400cc engines. HUGE selling points overseas.
And to rival the Honda SH300i. :wink:
Exactly that!

Say what you will about Piaggio, but they make some great engines and have steadily advanced since the LEADER's debut about 10 years ago. It's interesting (to me) to see how this plays out across their brands. I don't know about the motorcycles, but with scooters there are still some Piaggio brands with oddball-unique to them engines. I wonder how R&D works across their divisions now and how much is dictated by the mothership. (All just idle curiosity.)
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Post by peabody99 »

now the big question will be-will we get the magical genuine cruiser or the bv 350 first?
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Post by jrsjr »

ericalm wrote:Say what you will about Piaggio, but they make some great engines and have steadily advanced since the LEADER's debut about 10 years ago.
Totally agree. And I would add that the LEADER motors were great motors to begin with, but Honda Italy really stole a march on Piaggio with the SH300i. Now we get to see if Piaggio can finally one-up them. Truth, that 350 Beverly looks like what I've been saying for years that I wanted.
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Post by Syd »

The stated performance is really tempting, but I'm not sure about the seat with the bump up in it. I haven't found one to fit me well yet. (See People GT300)
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Post by ericalm »

Alexbv200 wrote:Just got the order guide for Piaggio and at this time the BV is not available in either 300 or 350 for the first 3 months of 2012.
Me thinks that the 350 will be introduced in the States in the April/ May time frame.
At this time, there are no BV 300 left at the warehouse either.

There are a few SportCity 300 left around...
I'll take a stab and ask—anything on the Aprilia SRV850? Lots of speculation on whether this will come to the US at all. Could be very interesting…
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Post by desmolicious »

k1dude wrote:Why would Piaggio introduce a 350 when they already have a 300 and 500? Is there really that much difference in performance to split the 300 and 500? And if the answer is yes, why not make it a 400 to make it more even for marketing?
The 350 makes 50% more power than the 300 (33 vs 22hp), but remains the same size.

A huge deal.
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Post by peabody99 »

Syd wrote:The stated performance is really tempting, but I'm not sure about the seat with the bump up in it. I haven't found one to fit me well yet. (See People GT300)
will it have the bump-EDIT- it appears so. I did find the specs on height. Converted to inches, it is 31.3. Outside of this height(for me) this is sounds like a really, really great bike! While I prefer more vintage styling, the BV is the nicest looking big wheel IMO. Maybe the seat can be shaved down some for shorter riders.
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Post by ericalm »

desmolicious wrote:
k1dude wrote:Why would Piaggio introduce a 350 when they already have a 300 and 500? Is there really that much difference in performance to split the 300 and 500? And if the answer is yes, why not make it a 400 to make it more even for marketing?
The 350 makes 50% more power than the 300 (33 vs 22hp), but remains the same size.

A huge deal.
Imagine if they could do that in a 150… :)
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Post by desmolicious »

ericalm wrote:
desmolicious wrote:
k1dude wrote:Why would Piaggio introduce a 350 when they already have a 300 and 500? Is there really that much difference in performance to split the 300 and 500? And if the answer is yes, why not make it a 400 to make it more even for marketing?
The 350 makes 50% more power than the 300 (33 vs 22hp), but remains the same size.

A huge deal.
Imagine if they could do that in a 150… :)
Great googly moogly!
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Post by jrsjr »

desmolicious wrote:
ericalm wrote:
desmolicious wrote: The 350 makes 50% more power than the 300 (33 vs 22hp), but remains the same size.

A huge deal.
Imagine if they could do that in a 150… :)
Great googly moogly!
I just checked and, for sure, that is the first time that "Great googly moogly" has been invoked on Modern Buddy. It's a solemn occasion, gentlefolks of the board. :shock:
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Post by 2wheelNsanity »

Well since everyone wants to talk about a scooter well never see here in the US, just like all the cool European cars, I went to the Piaggio Italy website and downloaded thier press release and had it translated (roughly). So here it is enjoy all! ;~).

P.S. Notice the pic where the rider is leaning the bike hard into a turn he is like a milimeter away from grounding the center kickstand.
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Post by Alexbv200 »

ericalm wrote:
Alexbv200 wrote:Just got the order guide for Piaggio and at this time the BV is not available in either 300 or 350 for the first 3 months of 2012.
Me thinks that the 350 will be introduced in the States in the April/ May time frame.
At this time, there are no BV 300 left at the warehouse either.

There are a few SportCity 300 left around...
I'll take a stab and ask—anything on the Aprilia SRV850? Lots of speculation on whether this will come to the US at all. Could be very interesting…
Haven't been told about that yet....
Although being badged as an Aprilia, you would think the chances would be greater, but even now, there has been no order sheet for any Aprilia scooters.....
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Post by k1dude »

If Piaggio brings the BV350 to the US, that might force Honda's hand to finally bring the SH300i here! I believe in unicorns!
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Post by Alexbv200 »

Except the Honda would be $$$$$$ seing how the SH150 is the same price as a LX 150 Vespa.
Still not so sure they really believe in the scooter market in the States.
Hell, 2 years ago, a Honda rep, yes a Honda rep, came to the Vespa store asking what I thought about selling Honda scooters.
They were thinking about spliting the scooters from the motorcycles because dealers don't seem to care much for them....
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Post by 2wheelNsanity »

Another thought, what about the 2012 Kymco People 300GT. I read a review stating it has 28.7hp, nice :~). I think this scoot might fit my needs. So when will this one be available? I looked everywhere on the net and couldn't find one for sale. No biggie I don't plan to upgrade to a bigger scoot until March or April next year.
Yea the Honda SH300i would be nice to see here in the States, but like all things Honda it would be expensive :~(.
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Post by Alexbv200 »

2wheelNsanity wrote:Another thought, what about the 2012 Kymco People 300GT. I read a review stating it has 28.7hp, nice :~). I think this scoot might fit my needs. So when will this one be available? I looked everywhere on the net and couldn't find one for sale. No biggie I don't plan to upgrade to a bigger scoot until March or April next year.
Yea the Honda SH300i would be nice to see here in the States, but like all things Honda it would be expensive :~(.
That Kymco is expensive and probably more than the BV will be; the current BV is $4,999.
Something weird about Kymco; their lower cc bikes are very inexpensive, but anything above 200cc is crazy expensive! :shock:
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Post by jrsjr »

2wheelNsanity wrote:Another thought, what about the 2012 Kymco People 300GT. I read a review stating it has 28.7hp, nice :~). I think this scoot might fit my needs. So when will this one be available? I looked everywhere on the net and couldn't find one for sale. No biggie I don't plan to upgrade to a bigger scoot until March or April next year.
Yea the Honda SH300i would be nice to see here in the States, but like all things Honda it would be expensive :~(.
They're available now. Check with your dealer. My Kymco dealer got them about two weeks ago. By all accounts, it's a very competent bike, but you should go look at one and see what you think of the looks. It's not bad or anything, but it is distinctive.

The SH300i thing is a shame as many have opined.
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Post by ericalm »

Alexbv200 wrote:Still not so sure they really believe in the scooter market in the States.
Hell, 2 years ago, a Honda rep, yes a Honda rep, came to the Vespa store asking what I thought about selling Honda scooters.
They were thinking about spliting the scooters from the motorcycles because dealers don't seem to care much for them....
Honda dealers seem to care about it around the time gas gets up to $5/gallon. Usually it's too late by then because they haven't scheduled enough production to meet demand. So in 2008 when they ran out of scooters mid-year, they kind of shrugged and decided that would be all until 2009. So when dealers care (which isn't often), the company still doesn't.

It's kind of maddening that they worked so hard to dominate the US market only to let their product lines languish for about 20 years and ultimately treat it as the red headed stepchild (so to speak, no offense gingers!) of their powersports business. They're in a better position than any company (yes, even Piaggio!) to sell scooters and grow the tiny US market. The bigger money's in motorcycles, though, which yield more profit for the same amount of effort from dealers. So… the more things change…
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h

Post by Southerner »

Has anybody noticed that the MSRP for the current BV300 is actually less than the new Kymco 300? Just thought that was pretty odd. Now if it had been the Honda 300 that we don't get, I wouldn't have been surprised.

I kinda wonder if Honda had indeed split the scooters off to scooter stores, and they subsequently began to take off when being sold by somebody with some actual enthusiasm, what sort of howl would emanate from the regular cycle shops then?

And if anything substantive ever comes up on this mythical Genuine touring scooter, somebody please post it with a big shout.
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Re: h

Post by ericalm »

Southerner wrote:Has anybody noticed that the MSRP for the current BV300 is actually less than the new Kymco 300? Just thought that was pretty odd. Now if it had been the Honda 300 that we don't get, I wouldn't have been surprised.

I kinda wonder if Honda had indeed split the scooters off to scooter stores, and they subsequently began to take off when being sold by somebody with some actual enthusiasm, what sort of howl would emanate from the regular cycle shops then?
It may not have worked well for Honda. A lot of scooter companies found that they were better off in general powersports or motorcycle shops because they were less likely to go under in '09/'10 thanks to having a more diverse stock and customer base. As the mom & pop scooter shops were closing from coast to coast, a lot of MC dealers took on scooter lines in their place.

In some shops this worked really well, in others not so much. Seems to depend on whether the shops have one or two dedicated "scooter guys" who really know the product, understand scooter buyers and are willing to sell scoots instead of other bikes, ATVs, whatevers.
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Post by 2wheelNsanity »

It seems we are chasing ghosts here which seems fitting seeing how Holloween is near. Granted from what I have read the Honda SH300i and the Piaggio BV350 are awesome scoots, but I kinda would like some info on the ones I can get here. I have narrowed it down to three scoots in terms of preference: Piaggio BV300, Kymco People 300GT, and the Aprillia Sportcity 250.

Well thanx for all the input so far.

Just another thought maybe we should start an online petition so that the people at Piaggio and Honda could see the U.S. can be a very strong market. Tee hee just a thought. :~).
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Post by jrsjr »

2wheelNsanity wrote:Just another thought maybe we should start an online petition so that the people at Piaggio and Honda could see the U.S. can be a very strong market.
The problem is that the execs at those companies can see the actual sales numbers in the US market and they are obviously not impressed. :(
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Post by scootavaran »

jrsjr wrote:
2wheelNsanity wrote:Just another thought maybe we should start an online petition so that the people at Piaggio and Honda could see the U.S. can be a very strong market.
The problem is that the execs at those companies can see the actual sales numbers in the US market and they are obviously not impressed. :(
Unfortunately very true.
Just look at the Sh150i, a fantastic bike but it just didnt sell well at all because of the price. (personally i think its worth every penny)
They're not even bringing the 11, or 2012 models to the states because they still have alot of 2010 SH models to burn through.

Scooters are one of Honda biggest money makers around the world. as for the states Honda is still trying and thats why the new PCX is here.

If your wondering the SH300I would run $8.000 to $9.000 here. thus is why it's not here.


8) I'd still buy one 8)
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Post by ericalm »

2wheelNsanity wrote:Just another thought maybe we should start an online petition so that the people at Piaggio and Honda could see the U.S. can be a very strong market. Tee hee just a thought. :~).
Petitions are great but sales are better!

North America accounts for under 2% of all Piaggio Group sales. That's Vespa, Piaggio, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia. :(
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Post by peabody99 »

yeah if you attach a $5500 money order with the petition, then maybe they'll think about it :lol: I am a little worried that this won't even make it over here. It seems Piaggio is less and less interested in the US market. They hate us almost as much as Honda! I am babying the heck out of my GTS b/c I am worried when I need another there won't be a replacement.
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Post by Southerner »

scootavaran wrote:................If your wondering the SH300I would run $8.000 to $9.000 here. thus is why it's not here.


8) I'd still buy one 8)
Whew! 8 to 9k? Seriously? Just can't see it. Heck, That's more than the Shadow 750s sell for, and they're bumping dangerously close to the price of a HD Sportster, at that.

And it's certainly higher than the price of a comparably-displaced MC. I don't get it.
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Post by 2wheelNsanity »

After searching several dealers for the BV300 I could only find the midnight blue one. Below are two pictures the one on the laft is what I thought was a BV300 (sweet huh?) but all I could find listed at the dealers here in the U.S. is the one on the right.

They both are listed as 2011 Piaggio BV300, so is the one on the left with the cool wheels, color and styling the European version? The one on the right isn't nearly as sleek or stylish.
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Post by Alexbv200 »

One on the right is the current BV300 in the States. (and has been available since 2003 with a few refresh throughout the years)
The one on the left came out earlier this year in Europe with the same engine and will now be offered as a 350.
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Post by desmolicious »

Alexbv200 wrote:One on the right is the current BV300 in the States. (and has been available since 2003 with a few refresh throughout the years)
The one on the left came out earlier this year in Europe with the same engine and will now be offered as a 350.
Yeah wait for the Euro version to make it here. It is much nicer than the one currently in the US.
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Post by desmolicious »

Southerner wrote:Whew! 8 to 9k? Seriously? Just can't see it. Heck, That's more than the Shadow 750s sell for, and they're bumping dangerously close to the price of a HD Sportster, at that.

And it's certainly higher than the price of a comparably-displaced MC. I don't get it.
1/ The cheapest Harley Sportster already is cheaper than some Shadow 750s. And the Harley comes with a bigger engine, better finish and a belt drive.

2/ We already are seeing that. You can get a Honda CBR250 (a really nice bike) for $4K. That is just a couple o hundred bux more than a Stella 4T, less than a SH 150, less than many 250/300 cc scooters.
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Post by ericalm »

The one on the left looks kind of weird in that pic. Here's a better shot of the BV350 Sport Touring:
http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-content/u ... ring-2.jpg

Are you looking for a sportier looking scooter?
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Post by atlantaM3 »

I found my 09 SC250 for $2999 new, which was most of the reason I bought it. overall have been very happy with it. Ride it now more than my other bikes (mc's varying from touring to superbike).
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Post by 2wheelNsanity »

ericalm asked: [Are you looking for a sportier looking scooter?]

What I'm looking for is a scooter capable of cruising 55-60 comfortably and have good city manners. My current scooter (Buddy 170i) is great for in town but is a little light, both in weight and hp, plus the short wheelbase and 10" wheels don't exactly instill confidence at 55-60. So with that, I figured a scoot somewhere in the 300cc range with larger wheels and a longer wheelbase would satisfy my needs. Looks, although important, are not the deciding factor. I love the Vespa GTS 300 but 6K+ for a scoot! My price goal was to keep it at 5K or less.

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scootavaran
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Post by scootavaran »

2wheelNsanity wrote:ericalm asked: [Are you looking for a sportier looking scooter?]

What I'm looking for is a scooter capable of cruising 55-60 comfortably and have good city manners. My current scooter (Buddy 170i) is great for in town but is a little light, both in weight and hp, plus the short wheelbase and 10" wheels don't exactly instill confidence at 55-60. So with that, I figured a scoot somewhere in the 300cc range with larger wheels and a longer wheelbase would satisfy my needs. Looks, although important, are not the deciding factor. I love the Vespa GTS 300 but 6K+ for a scoot! My price goal was to keep it at 5K or less.
[/quote]

How bout the Kymco Downtown 200i?
Your choses are kinda slim when looking for a good, reliable scooter that is over 300cc but thats also under $5 grand.
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2wheelNsanity
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Post by 2wheelNsanity »

Well the three scooters I have ,somewhat, narrowed it down to go and test drive are: Kymco People 300GT ($5,400), Piaggio BV 300 ($4,999) and the Aprillia Sportcity 250 ($4,699).
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SYMbionic Duo
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Post by SYMbionic Duo »

I have a lot of experience with rural highways. My advice is that anything 250cc and above will do 55-65 all day long. There are a number of 200cc scoots that will do the same.

Ride wise, they are pretty similar, it mostly comes down to the step-through vs the cutouts, and styling. Both are capable.

Only thing I have hear about the sportcity that is negative, is that it has an odd rear tire size, so there are few choices for replacements.

I think that you can get a better deal on the Aprilia, if you get an older model that has been sitting on a dealer's floor for a while. Check motocycle shops, few scooter dealers that i have visited carry Aprilia, cuz they don't want to carry the motorcycles, but the motorcycle shops are willing to carry a scoot or two.

-duo
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Syd
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Post by Syd »

What's the parts and repair situation like on the Aprilias? I've heard they needed more repair than a Piaggio, with parts harder to get than for a SYM in 2010?
The majority is always sane - Nessus
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