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Post by lewtwo on Jun 1, 2007 16:34:23 GMT -5
OK .... I have been lusting over this machine for months. If I had know a year ago what I know today then I would have bought one instead of the Vespa .... water under the bridge. Was still undecided until ScooterTrap told me the 300CC upgrade would work on the P250.
Seems silly to replace most of the engine on a new machine. I was looking for a used machine ... figured I could find one for about $3K. Been checking ebay, craigs list, cycle trader, penny pincher for the last month with great religion. Last week there was a add in CycleTrader for a new Kymco People 250 for $2995. So I sent an email ... nothing. OK ... it was too good to be true. Then yesterday I got a response.
Called the people up and asked the question: "This is a NEW scooter ?".
Yep ... only has 7km on the odometer and comes with full warranty.
Next Question: "You do realize that is one thousand under list price ?".
Yes. We are a Yamaha dealer and purchased a Kymco dealer down the street. We are trying to move out last years models. The out the door price will include tax, tag, doc stamps, prep, yada yada ..... $3700.
Meanwhile I am running numbers in my head: Tag and tag would be about $300 even on used bike. So for $400 more I get a brand new bike. "OK ... I will take it ... by the way where are you located?"
.....
I am leaving for DR on Monday. I will fly back into North Havana (aka Miami) a week later. Catch a flight up to Tampa and ride it home.
.......
Let see: windshield, trunk, 300cc kit .... what else do I need (my head examined)?
;D ;D ;D
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Post by Aaron on Jun 1, 2007 17:11:28 GMT -5
Lewis that's great! I'm sure it will be everything you hoped. Which of your old scoots is getting the axe? You can mail the Vespa to me...LOL That's sweet it's within riding distance. You go man!
Aaron
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Post by automattic on Jun 1, 2007 18:14:04 GMT -5
I'm sure you will be pleased. I would like to hear how the 300cc kit works out if you get it. I personally would stay away from it b/c I wouldnt want to put any potential low quality parts (ecspecially engine parts) on a high quality scooter. Kind of like putting a 300cc kit by Wu Xi Chang on a Honda Reflex. But whose knows how good it is. MRP also has a pipe for the People 250. www.mrp-speed.com/store/product.php?productid=27307&cat=0&page=1 |
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 1, 2007 18:24:32 GMT -5
The 300cc kit is manufactured by ItalJet and distributed by MRP. I do not think that presents a quality problem.  Aaron: To answer your question, the Honda and the Vespa are going on the block after I get back. I still need to replace some screws in the Vespa ... so I will be waiting for parts before I sell it. You want me to send it COD ? ;D |
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Post by airnerd on Jun 1, 2007 18:26:51 GMT -5
HUHU yea send me the Vespa "COD"
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Post by automattic on Jun 1, 2007 21:10:22 GMT -5
Where did you hear the kit was made by Italjet?
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 1, 2007 22:34:12 GMT -5
>> Where did you hear the kit was made by Italjet? <<
Good point ... I read it somewhere but I can not find that reference now.
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Post by Andi on Jun 1, 2007 22:42:19 GMT -5
Congratulations lewtwo, that's big. Looking forward to your review, pics and most of all the pending 300cc upgrade review. I'm excited for you, wonder what the difference in performance will be.
Andi
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Post by 12string on Jun 2, 2007 8:19:49 GMT -5
lewtwo,
Where is the dealer in Tampa and what is there name? Wonder what else they have from last years stock? I live in Tampa and would be interested in seeing their shop and scoots they have to offer.
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 2, 2007 13:14:24 GMT -5
Cahill Yamaha of North Tampa www.cahills.com/These people are aggressive in their list prices: 2007 Kymco People S200 at $2495 Lee: Might be a good compromise for people looking for some a tad more than the 150 but not wanting to 250. Got any Kymco dealers sitting in the wings for reviews ?? |
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Post by johnnyscoots on Jun 2, 2007 18:53:52 GMT -5
Brother Lewis!
Dude, you got a MAJOR great deal!!! The $1000 you saved off list means you can get the Italkit, the top box, the bell, the whistle...and still be under the new MSRP! Congratulations!
What color did ya get???
John
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 2, 2007 22:32:52 GMT -5
>> What color did ya get??? <<
Silver. Will post pictures in a week or so.
Top box and windshield will come pretty fast.
Will wait a bit on the 300cc kit to make sure there are infantile mortality problems.
The "break in" will be a 200 mile ride to get it home.
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 3, 2007 12:46:26 GMT -5
Automattic:
It is Italkit not ItalJet. My Bad ...
Frm the MRP site:
"This is a premium race cylinder kit made by Italkit. Made out of aluminum the big bore kit replaces the existing Bet and Win 250, Xciting 250, and Grand Vista 250 cylinder. It upgrades it to a 300cc unit. Perfect for those using the unit for everyday highway use or for racing."
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Post by automattic on Jun 3, 2007 18:16:03 GMT -5
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 3, 2007 23:06:55 GMT -5
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Post by automattic on Jun 4, 2007 16:28:23 GMT -5
In the description it says it doesnt work on the people.
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Post by johnnyscoots on Jun 4, 2007 18:35:05 GMT -5
automattic:
Matt C. from Scootertrap.com has emailed both me and lewtwo and has explained that the kit will indeed work on the People 250. All we really need is to have a good mechanic do the install. Now I need $400 for the kit and some extra dough for the install...
John
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Post by automattic on Jun 4, 2007 19:40:31 GMT -5
Good luck. Hope it works out well.
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Post by Andi on Jun 6, 2007 22:21:58 GMT -5
Good luck. Hope it works out well. Ditto  . Andi |
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Post by Andi on Jun 14, 2007 20:32:26 GMT -5
>> What color did ya get??? << Silver. Will post pictures in a week or so. Top box and windshield will come pretty fast. Will wait a bit on the 300cc kit to make sure there are infantile mortality problems. The "break in" will be a 200 mile ride to get it home. Any update yet? Andi |
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Post by Aaron on Jun 14, 2007 22:08:32 GMT -5
I got a PM from him Andi he's to busy riding...LOL
Aaron
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 14, 2007 23:20:12 GMT -5
OK .... I am just hitting 1000KM.
I went down to Ft. Lauderdale for a cup of coffee. I was headed home on the I-State a few minutes ago. Clicking along at 140KPH and smiling. Then a local sheriff's deputy passes me in the outside lane like I was standing still. I tell you "I get no respect."
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Post by Andi on Jun 15, 2007 9:30:13 GMT -5
OK .... I am just hitting 1000KM. I went down to Ft. Lauderdale for a cup of coffee. I was headed home on the I-State a few minutes ago. Clicking along at 140KPH and smiling. Then a local sheriff's deputy passes me in the outside lane like I was standing still. I tell you "I get no respect." I bet it took longer to drink that cup of coffee ... LOL. 140 KPH (87 MPH)  ..... wow .....  I would think all that pleasure (993 km logged) is due to one shiny new silver People 250? I'm dying to know, how does it compare to the Vespa? Don't forget  please. I got a PM from him Andi he's to busy riding...LOL Aaron At that speed, I would think he's got all kinds of time now .... LOL Andi |
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 17, 2007 7:53:39 GMT -5
I have been riding a Vespa GT200 for the past year as my primary transportation. While I can ride it on the Interstate the stability at 75mph leaves just a bit to be desired. The Kymco People 250 has a tad more weight and wheel base still has the classic scooter style. I have right at 1000KM on the new Kymco People 250 (note this is the 2006 model People 250 not the new “S” version) and it has seen its first (and last) dealer service.
Suspension:
The scooter has 16 inch rims front and rear (made in Italy by the way). People credit larger wheels with handling bumps and uneven pavement better than smaller wheels. Seems Kymco is out to prove them wrong. The People 250 will transmit ever small change in the road surface straight to the rider. One will even know when crossing over the thermoplastic paint lines in the road. If one hits a larger bump or hole then one had better not be wearing dentures because they will have to be retrieved off the roadway. This is with the rear shocks set to the “softest” setting.
Stability:
Rock stable at all speeds. I have traveled behind and beside several tractor trailer rigs and did not notice any tendency of the scooter to “wobble” due to dirty air. I was coming across Florida on hiway 60 in some high crosswinds without any steering problems (just had to hang on tight). Take you hands off the handle bars and it continues on its merry way (the vepsa will not pass this test).
Brakes:
There are no ABS brakes. It does have front and rear disk brakes that can lock up both tires however there is inadequate rubber on the road for emergency stops. I have slid halfway through several “orange lights” intersections already.
Muffler:
This thing has a BIG muffler! It is 16 inches long and 6 inches in diameter. However is loud and has a tinny sound.
Fuel Gauge:
Seems the fuel tank was an afterthought. The main fuel tank is under the floorboard but the capacity is so small that Kymco added a tank inline with the filler spout behind the legshield. This gets the total capacity up to two gallons. However the fuel gauge is in the lower tank. Thus the needle remains on full until you are down to under a gallon and then starts to drop like a rock! It also has a yellow LED that comes on when you are running on fumes. I call it the “push” LED. I ran 150 Kilometers before the needle came off full. I got another 50 Kilometers before the yellow “push” LED came on.
Speedometer:
Kymco is trying to force backwards countries like the United States to move to the metric system. The odometer and speedometer are calibrated in Kilometers. Then again using the word calibrated with reference to the speedometer is somewhat of a poor joke. Top speed is 140 Kilometer per hour but via GPS this is 77.5 Miles per hour: an error of 9 miles an hour. Maybe someone should send these people a electronic calculator … obviously they have not mastered the abacus yet (could explain the inadequate fuel tank as well).
One Key Does all:
The ignition switch is multi-function.
1) One click right to run.
2) All the way right to open the fuel cap
3) One click left to open the “Met-In” box.
4) Push and all the way left for the steering lock.
And there is a “safety” switch on the kick stand (to be removed soon) that will shut off the ignition.
Storage Space:
For some reason Kymco calls the underseat storage (aka pet carrier) the “Met-In” box. It is large and does not seem to get as hot as other scooters I have ridden (it has insulation material under it). It is large enough to fit my open face helmet and rain suit with room left over. I was also able to place a full face helmet under the seat. There is no glove box. The bag hook is too low for even the smallest bag. I fail to see why they could not locate it another 8 to 10 inches higher.
In the bottom of the “Met-In” box is a removable panel that allows excellent access to the top of the engine and the carburetor. A panel in back of the “Met-In” box gives access to the battery. The spare fuses are located here as well … but to get to the real fuses one must remove the “Met-In” box. There are four nuts holding the “Met-In” box and seat assembly in place. After the fasteners you must also disconnect the interior light (no problem) and remove the aux cell power plug (big problem). All this just to get to the fuse box? Yep. The aux plug has been permanently removed.
I have ordered a Shad 37 liter trunk for the rear to supplement the underseat storage.
Windshield:
The bike came with the standard Kymco People windshield. It is well mounted to brackets that fit under the mirrors and attach to the bottom of the handle bar assembly. It comes up to just below my eye level. It is narrow and a bit flimsy. The top tens to vibrate a lot witch can make it difficult to see through especially at night or in the rain. It does an adequate job of fending off the “luv-bugs” at moderate speeds but at higher speeds the face shield still gets it full share.
Overall:
Fit and Finish is excellent as to be expected. One look at the frame and forged steel hanger for the engine reveals this is quality machine. However there are several irritating “short sited” design flaws such as the fuel tank size, fuse location. Pickup and acceleration is good but does not compare to my Vespa GT200 (2 more HP and 60 less pounds). This will be cured as I have already ordered the MRP’s 300cc ItalKit from ScooterTrap. This is actually more like 290cc as it uses a 78mm piston. I guess ItalKit feels that they can not sell this product without misrepresenting it. I plan on sending the head, valves, cylinder and piston out for coating before installation. Probably means I will have to rejet or replace the carb as well.
Compared to Vespa:
Quality of construction is par. The Kymco has the advantages of a bit more size and stability for the hiway for less money. The Vespa has the power to weight ratio advantage and demonstrates it nicely . Between the two I would choose the Vespa for around town but the Kymco definitely gets the nod for the hiway. The Kymco also has the advantage of the 290cc bigbore kit available. There is one for the GT but ti is supposed to be a PIA and only 210cc.
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Post by automattic on Jun 17, 2007 13:05:36 GMT -5
You sound almost like you dont like your People. Can't wait to hear the results of the bigbore kit.
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Post by Andi on Jun 17, 2007 13:22:36 GMT -5
Well anticipated and very interesting review. Smaller wheels don't necessarily mean a harsher ride, its all in the suspension then, which seems to be superb on the Vespa, although at speed the larger wheels mean more stability, if I read you correctly? I wonder how the Bet & Win 250 would compare, might offer the same handling advantage around town like the Vespa, but also lack the highway stability. Interestingly enough I found a review of the People 250 S the other day and it was very similar to yours, comparing a People 250, People 250 S and Vespa GTS. It seems the S version with dual disc brakes up, front fixed the braking problem. The fuel tank issue may have been resolved as well, with a little more capacity, access to the filler at the floor, but at the sacrifice of a flat floor. Following is the link if interested. justgottascoot.com/people250s.htm\Looking at all the variables, how do you like it for those longer (highway) rides compared to your Rebel 450? I would guess better protection to the elements, more storage, better fuel mileage, more fun, but less power? The cylinder upgrade may change that a bit. Looking forward to your 300cc (well OK 290cc) upgrade review. Now to the bigger decision which is the keeper, sounds like the Vespa is the all around favorite. Best of luck. Andi P.S. All those negatives of course is why I purchased a Road Runner Race 250, best power to weight ratio .... Ha ...... LOL |
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 17, 2007 14:21:35 GMT -5
>> You sound almost like you don't like your People. <<
Not the case. I just call 'em like I see 'em. I looked at the People 250 a year ago when I purchased the Vespa. In the end I bought the Vespa because of the name and resale value (both mistakes). This is my primary daily transportation. I need something that is going to be OK on the hiway: People 250/290.
> Looking at all the variables, how do you like it for those longer (highway) rides compared to your Rebel 450? I would guess better protection to the elements, more storage, better fuel mileage, more fun, but less power? <
You nailed it. I am gettign old and lazy. The Honda is OK but I tire of stirring the six speed close ratio tranny .... it is fun at the top end though.
With regards to the S 250:
"The front windscreen is small". Yep.
"The seat is even better than the standard People 250".
"The seat on the People 250 'S' was superior to the standard People."
I disagree with him on this point, but that is why they have chocolate and vanilla.
The Kymco is the keeper.
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Post by MLN on Jun 17, 2007 15:23:27 GMT -5
although at speed the larger wheels mean more stability, if I read you correctly? The much taller 16' tires will have a lot more gyroscopic effect. That will provide stabilization at speed. It takes more to knock them of course. |
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Post by johnnyscoots on Jun 17, 2007 15:45:16 GMT -5
Lewtwo:
Looking forward to the review of the Italkit Project! Wonder if someone could swap the Xciting 500 engine into the P250...
John
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Post by lewtwo on Jun 18, 2007 3:55:19 GMT -5
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? Thoughts ?
.