Changing my Ride. Need some feedback.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:41 pm

To make a long story short I am selling my good friend of the last year and a half and going with the BV350. I have thoroughly enjoyed riding my B125 the last 18 months but I just need a bigger ride. Driving across the big city or going for distance in the mountains is simply not what it was designed for. Still, most of my driving will be still be in city (commute, grocer, P.O., local club rides, etc.) so going to a M/C would not work. I have been weighing my options since last September and 300cc/liquid cooled quickly became the sweet spot for me. I don't have the space or money to collect a stable so whatever I get is going to be "the one" for a long time.
I've done my homework and I feel pretty certain that I would be happy with the BV350, but the simple fact is you cannot find one for a test drive in the Denver area. Every one that comes here is either sold as soon as it goes to the showroom or is ordered by the eventual owner. I have sat on and ridden the BV500 and am told the ergs are the same but I am still a little concerned.
I've not heard a single bad word about the BV350 except that the glove box gets pretty warm on long rides (DUHH! Radiator right there.) but I am set to pull the trigger this Saturday and just order one. Before I did, I figured I would put it out there just in case. SO . . Any feedback out there on this? Any buyers remorse?
<I am also thinking of putting this out on the MV site but (frankly) I doubt their objectivity. Most of their membership seems to only have owned Vespa/Aprillia/Piaggio (or at least they hardly ever admit to other rides) and are quite vocal about its superiority.>

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 6:00 pm

Bob White, our local photographer and 'most interesting man in the world', bought one. You might see if you can get in touch with him (or if he shows up to the Misfits ride on Sat). He let me sit astride his, I found it to be very comfortable, and we're of comparable size. I didn't test ride it though.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 6:03 pm

Yeah, I was thinking of talking with him and am kinda psyched to actually see one in person.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 6:50 pm

It is pretty impressive! I'm more of a fan of the black than the silver, but the oxblood seat looks a lot better in person than online. Seems like a very well built beast. Bob wasn't convinced enough to give up both mp3's, but he did trade in his 250.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 6:53 pm

Agreed. I was seriously going for the silver but I put it on my desktop and it was was just *meh*. Tried that with the black and it clicked.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 6:58 pm

How tall (and in particular how long of leg) are you? At six-three/34" inseam, the seat is almost too short. I could ride it, and just might if the Unicorn doesn't come in, but it would be the slightest bit tight.

Have you looked at the SYM HD200? It doesn't have the ponies of the BV350, but it's very capable, similar in style, and boatload less $.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 7:17 pm

180 lbs 5'10" 33" inseam

I have sat on and test drove the Kymco 300 GTi (and which is supposedly an inch taller) and had no problems. Not flat footed but still easy to handle. Even if I flat footed on one side with the BV500 there was no problem.

I had considered the HD200 and it is a great scoot. I just don't think it has the power to get me through Eisenhower Tunnel and not be road pizza. Carb vs. EFI (altitude really sucks the top end out of a carb) and the lower horses were the deciding factors.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 7:27 pm

As an addendum, Angela is set to take her course on the 9th! Whee!

That should work out with the mid-month check (hopefully bonus too) in order to help with the costs buying your 125. I R excited.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 7:35 pm

Seriously psyched myself but suddenly having this "too good to be true" feeling. That and a one month wait time.

and <sigh>

Don't really know what I would do if it were here right now. I would want to learn how to handle a new bike in this weather. It's freaking snowing outside! and I rode to work! I might just end up walking the buddy home or riding really <really> slow.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 8:10 pm

heh. I'd lose my mind too.

I came up to Boulder today, via bus. No way I was going to brave 93 on Kym with snow in the forecast.

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 8:21 pm

Scooterboi wrote:180 lbs 5'10" 33" inseam

I have sat on and test drove the Kymco 300 GTi (and which is supposedly an inch taller) and had no problems. Not flat footed but still easy to handle. Even if I flat footed on one side with the BV500 there was no problem.

I had considered the HD200 and it is a great scoot. I just don't think it has the power to get me through Eisenhower Tunnel and not be road pizza. Carb vs. EFI (altitude really sucks the top end out of a carb) and the lower horses were the deciding factors.

i have a 32in inseam and found the BV350 a bit cramped just sitting on it. i moved around and tried different foot positions, but to no avail. its a big scooter that didn't feel small, just not good enough leg / hip / knee ergos for me. i couldn't imagine feeling confident riding it at high speed or cornering. BUT when you ride body position changes, and a comfort zone can sometimes be found. so simply sitting on a stationary scoot can sometimes not be a good indicator. which is why yes, the "test ride" is always best imo. but not always possible, strangely enough. however i recall getting off the BV and shaking my head in disappointment, as it was just another big scoot to be scratched from my list and got me looking motorcycle

its not the reach of the feet to the ground that is ever a prob with longer inseam riders like us. its the reach to the foot board on a scoot and the pegs on a cycle that bother. the ground is easily reached, but how high the foot board is and how close the seat is what bothers most

i don't like my knees above my hips when i ride. as if i am sitting in a too short chair. i can fire off a list of big scoots, including maxi's, where this happens no matter where my ass is or my feet are placed. meh

you mentioned SYM. how about a CityCom? those are sweet and i am pretty sure seating will be good, as it is for myself

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 8:32 pm

Hadn't really taken a look at the CityCom 300i. Nice bike! The less horsepower doesn't bother me if it can do what I need at altitude. I can see some more reading ahead of me tonight. Thanks for the reccommendation!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:06 pm

for us here it would probably be more of an issue that few Syms are sold, and no local dealer. That doesn't make them bad (I've only heard good things), but it does mean we can get left high and dry. if the BV fits, then at least there are multiple dealers that can support it.

If I go bigger I might look at a motorcycle too, only because its similar priced to the bv350. depending on the model though, the MPG and storage on the scooter...mmmmm

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 9:39 pm

And the convenience in city! That I spend the overwhelming majority of my miles in city was the clincher for me.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:34 pm

Scooterboi wrote:180 lbs 5'10" 33" inseam

I have sat on and test drove the Kymco 300 GTi (and which is supposedly an inch taller) and had no problems. Not flat footed but still easy to handle. Even if I flat footed on one side with the BV500 there was no problem.

I had considered the HD200 and it is a great scoot. I just don't think it has the power to get me through Eisenhower Tunnel and not be road pizza. Carb vs. EFI (altitude really sucks the top end out of a carb) and the lower horses were the deciding factors.

The BV350 is a great scoot all around. I know a few happy owners around here.

But the ergonomics may be an issue for you. I'm 5' 11" but only have a 30" inseam and found the seating position a bit cramped and weird.

At the same time, riders often adapt to their rides. I know Buddy riders who are MUCH longer legged than I am and very comfy and happy to go long distances.

Pretty sure the newer SYM HD200 (the Evo) has EFI.

ravenlore · Post by **ravenlore** » Sat Feb 16, 2013 12:21 am

skully93 wrote:As an addendum, Angela is set to take her course on the 9th! Whee!

That should work out with the mid-month check (hopefully bonus too) in order to help with the costs buying your 125. I R excited.

Woot!

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Sat Feb 16, 2013 2:14 pm

Scooterboi wrote:To make a long story short I am selling my good friend of the last year and a half and going with the BV350. I have thoroughly enjoyed riding my B125 the last 18 months but I just need a bigger ride. Driving across the big city or going for distance in the mountains is simply not what it was designed for. Still, most of my driving will be still be in city (commute, grocer, P.O., local club rides, etc.) so going to a M/C would not work. I have been weighing my options since last September and 300cc/liquid cooled quickly became the sweet spot for me. I don't have the space or money to collect a stable so whatever I get is going to be "the one" for a long time.
I've done my homework and I feel pretty certain that I would be happy with the BV350, but the simple fact is you cannot find one for a test drive in the Denver area. Every one that comes here is either sold as soon as it goes to the showroom or is ordered by the eventual owner. I have sat on and ridden the BV500 and am told the ergs are the same but I am still a little concerned.
I've not heard a single bad word about the BV350 except that the glove box gets pretty warm on long rides (DUHH! Radiator right there.) but I am set to pull the trigger this Saturday and just order one. Before I did, I figured I would put it out there just in case. SO . . Any feedback out there on this? Any buyers remorse?
<I am also thinking of putting this out on the MV site but (frankly) I doubt their objectivity. Most of their membership seems to only have owned Vespa/Aprillia/Piaggio (or at least they hardly ever admit to other rides) and are quite vocal about its superiority.>

Ive had my BV-350 for a week. Just like the golden arches..."I'm lovin' it".

I'm 5'8"ish and have no issues with the ergos. Or the power. Or the braking. I'm seriously wondering if I'll ever ride my Vespa GTS250 again. The BV feels like you could have it take you anywhere regardless of how far. We will be riding ours into Utah this late summer. Oh, my wife bought one too. Her GT200L is now chilling in the garage. (It's been very reliable in comparison to the GTS)

I only hope my BV proves to be more reliable than my GTS...which has been finicky and expensive to keep on the road since I bought it new in '06. Yes, its a very early model. I'm pretty certain it will be though. Like you, Ive not heard a disparaging word about the BV-350 anywhere and I've looked.

Enjoy it, I know I will!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Feb 17, 2013 1:06 am

a local club member let Scooterboi and I ride his.

Nothing short of a really darn good feelin'!

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Sun Feb 17, 2013 2:13 pm

DID!

I was able to flat foot while it was on the stand with a little stretch. On the ride, I was able to put both feet down comfortably solid.

Different (more stable) feel than the little guy once it got faster than around 20 mph. At low speeds it was not quite as agile, but what do you expect from a 16" front wheel vs. 10". Still, with only a little more effort I was able to swing that extra foot diameter where I wanted, no problem. The weirdest part was not being able to put my feet together like I can on the Buddy. Not bad weird, just different and I can definitely get used to it!

Put the down on the black one after our club ride yesterday and just got off Amazon this morning ordering the GPS mount, horn, and other "bling." "Jet" will here in about a month which is a good thing. March is our heaviest snow month and I don't want to be adjusting to a new bike on bad roads. Regardless, at our next club ride it is very likely I will have a few more horses to play with! (YAY!)

BTW, a very large THANK YOU to Bob for letting us ride his two week old precious. And not even past the break in period!

And thank you, MB, for the great response (as usual.) Without all the information and knowledgeable membership on this site I would still be searching rather than anticipating the new ride.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Sun Feb 17, 2013 2:26 pm

One of the things I asked Sportique (Englewood) to do is give me an estimate on what it would take to hook up the Euro turn signals. My plan is to have both work.

That and I am going with a Shad 48 topcase.

Yes, I know. Report and pics as it happens . . .

I have a serious case of "permagrin" and it's not even here yet!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Feb 17, 2013 11:41 pm

There are some longer rides planned for the season, and we've discussed that not every ride will be 50cc friendly. lots of different trips.

We still might trailer some down for Amerivespa, you should go too

.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Mon Feb 18, 2013 3:47 am

I don't think you'll be disappointed. My spouse test road both the bv 250, 500 and rode my gts quite a bit. When he test rode the 350 it was all over. It was the best of the bunch hands down in his opinion. He loves it. the displacement is perfect for his freeway commute, and it is narrow enough for urban lane splitting. I have not gotten the nerve to ride it yet, because it is tall and heavy for me. I have an insanely short inseam

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Mon Feb 18, 2013 3:13 pm

peabody99 wrote: I have not gotten the nerve to ride it yet, because it is tall and heavy for me. I have an insanely short inseam

Dont sell yourself short....my wife and I just got ours a week ago. She has adopted a mount/disomount method for her BV using the sidestand which makes for secure, confident use.

She deploys the sidestand before pushing her BV off the centerstand , then leans it over on the sidestand. Then she mounts the BV without having to obsess on supporting the weight. This method also lets her more carefully guide her boot through the sorta cramped footwell, (which is much smaller than that of her Vespa GT200L) and she feels very much in control of the BV when getting onto, or off of it.

She reverses the process at ride's end (sets the sidestand down, gets off and then puts the BV onto its centerstand for more security)

Oh, she loves her one-of-kind green BV-350, and handles it well. She's not a large gal either.

Give it a try...it's quite a nice scooter you may become a convert!

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Tue Feb 19, 2013 1:22 pm

skully93 wrote:There are some longer rides planned for the season, and we've discussed that not every ride will be 50cc friendly. lots of different trips.

We still might trailer some down for Amerivespa, you should go too .

I just might. And right. One of the reasons I was getting a bigger scoot was to go on a highway ride and not freak out.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Tue Feb 19, 2013 1:24 pm

mattgordon wrote: . . .
Give it a try...it's quite a nice scooter you may become a convert!

I have and I am. Thanks

Ls40095 · Post by **Ls40095** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 2:47 am

JHScoot wrote:
Scooterboi wrote:180 lbs 5'10" 33" inseam

I have sat on and test drove the Kymco 300 GTi (and which is supposedly an inch taller) and had no problems. Not flat footed but still easy to handle. Even if I flat footed on one side with the BV500 there was no problem.

I had considered the HD200 and it is a great scoot. I just don't think it has the power to get me through Eisenhower Tunnel and not be road pizza. Carb vs. EFI (altitude really sucks the top end out of a carb) and the lower horses were the deciding factors.
i have a 32in inseam and found the BV350 a bit cramped just sitting on it. i moved around and tried different foot positions, but to no avail. its a big scooter that didn't feel small, just not good enough leg / hip / knee ergos for me. i couldn't imagine feeling confident riding it at high speed or cornering. BUT when you ride body position changes, and a comfort zone can sometimes be found. so simply sitting on a stationary scoot can sometimes not be a good indicator. which is why yes, the "test ride" is always best imo. but not always possible, strangely enough. however i recall getting off the BV and shaking my head in disappointment, as it was just another big scoot to be scratched from my list and got me looking motorcycle

its not the reach of the feet to the ground that is ever a prob with longer inseam riders like us. its the reach to the foot board on a scoot and the pegs on a cycle that bother. the ground is easily reached, but how high the foot board is and how close the seat is what bothers most

i don't like my knees above my hips when i ride. as if i am sitting in a too short chair. i can fire off a list of big scoots, including maxi's, where this happens no matter where my ass is or my feet are placed. meh

you mentioned SYM. how about a CityCom? those are sweet and i am pretty sure seating will be good, as it is for myself

I just bought a 2013 bv 350 last week and after 150 miles of driving, that seat is like crouching down on a stool. Very uncomfortable. I'm 6ft, 220 with a 32inseam

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 5:49 am

Ls40095 wrote:
JHScoot wrote:
Scooterboi wrote:180 lbs 5'10" 33" inseam

I have sat on and test drove the Kymco 300 GTi (and which is supposedly an inch taller) and had no problems. Not flat footed but still easy to handle. Even if I flat footed on one side with the BV500 there was no problem.

I had considered the HD200 and it is a great scoot. I just don't think it has the power to get me through Eisenhower Tunnel and not be road pizza. Carb vs. EFI (altitude really sucks the top end out of a carb) and the lower horses were the deciding factors.
i have a 32in inseam and found the BV350 a bit cramped just sitting on it. i moved around and tried different foot positions, but to no avail. its a big scooter that didn't feel small, just not good enough leg / hip / knee ergos for me. i couldn't imagine feeling confident riding it at high speed or cornering. BUT when you ride body position changes, and a comfort zone can sometimes be found. so simply sitting on a stationary scoot can sometimes not be a good indicator. which is why yes, the "test ride" is always best imo. but not always possible, strangely enough. however i recall getting off the BV and shaking my head in disappointment, as it was just another big scoot to be scratched from my list and got me looking motorcycle

its not the reach of the feet to the ground that is ever a prob with longer inseam riders like us. its the reach to the foot board on a scoot and the pegs on a cycle that bother. the ground is easily reached, but how high the foot board is and how close the seat is what bothers most

i don't like my knees above my hips when i ride. as if i am sitting in a too short chair. i can fire off a list of big scoots, including maxi's, where this happens no matter where my ass is or my feet are placed. meh

you mentioned SYM. how about a CityCom? those are sweet and i am pretty sure seating will be good, as it is for myself
I just bought a 2013 bv 350 last week and after 150 miles of driving, that seat is like crouching down on a stool. Very uncomfortable. I'm 6ft, 220 with a 32inseam

The only mistake Piaggio made on that scooter is the dammed seat, IMO. I'm on revision #3 on mine and I finally think its gonna work for me.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Mon Aug 12, 2013 3:53 pm

mattgordon wrote:
Ls40095 wrote:I just bought a 2013 bv 350 last week and after 150 miles of driving, that seat is like crouching down on a stool. Very uncomfortable. I'm 6ft, 220 with a 32inseam
The only mistake Piaggio made on that scooter is the dammed seat, IMO. I'm on revision #3 on mine and I finally think its gonna work for me.

And that is very much a function of the size of the rider. I have a 30" inseam and find the seat quite comfortable. I have put several 300 mile days on it with no complaints (and I used to own an MP3 which really does have the seat from hell, no matter the size of the rider, so I know a lousy seat when I sit on one

)

Modern Buddy

Changing my Ride. Need some feedback.

Changing my Ride. Need some feedback.

Re: Changing my Ride. Need some feedback.

That frikkin' seat!