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Post by zippadeedudah on Nov 21, 2007 6:30:26 GMT -5
Yesterday I visited a Kymco dealer in Atlanta GA. I looked at the Kymco People 250cc scooter. I had read on this forum that they are of extremely high quality. After sitting on it I believe the feel is of high quality. However, conditions at the dealership caused me not to purchase it yesterday. The best offer he gave me was $2995.00 out the door, which included 7 percent sales tax for my county, an allowance of $1500.00 for my 2006 Yamaha Vino 125 with 200 miles on it and some dealership preparation fees. This arrangement was somewhat satisfactory to me at the time. What turned me off slowly was when he mentioned this two-tier service system they have. He said I should purchase a priority service contract for $700.00 and for two years I would be on a priority basis for service, whereas, if I did not get it there could be a backup in the service line of a week or more to get my bike back. The showroom was very cramped and I do not think they could have fitted one more scoot in that small place. They sold other upscale bikes such as Vespas, etc. The dealership is located in perhaps the most dense traffic point in Atlanta (Monroe at Ponce). I had to park in a small place in the back of the store. Back there it looked like a jungle. There were scoots under this huge tent which were crammed together and it did not look like there was anyone moving around with a sense of purpose at all. It was just a total turn off to me. Plus, the dealer is some 20 miles away from me and that was a negative factor too. Does anyone have positive/negative things to say either about the Kymco machines and or the service in their areas. Does anyone know another Kymco dealer near me that might be better organized? They showed me the maintenance schedule on the Kymco and my gosh, they want you back there every time you turn around. Has anyone heard of this two-tier service deal. BTW, I live out in the burbs of Atlanta and as I was driving down to the dealership I have never seen so many scoots on the streets of Atlanta. Everyone was whizzing every place it seemed. We do not yet have too many out here in the burbs. If you have time please give me your impressions and any guidance you may have about Kymco and your experience with service. I have also though about the SYM scooter which is said to be reliable? I test drove the Honda Reflex and was not at all impressed. Guidance please..... Yep, I'm lost! It appears to me that a person purchasing a scoot should expect a similar experience to purchasing a car and that when you take it in for service (especially a high end scoot) there should be sufficient mechanical staff to get you in and out at about the same rate as a new car dealership. Am I dreaming? Joe   |
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Post by Javarod on Nov 21, 2007 6:54:59 GMT -5
That dealer sounds like a bit of a jerk, and the fact that he carries Vespas explains it. Vespas are kinda the Mercedes Benz of scooters, they're not necessarily better than Japanese, Taiwanese or Korean scooters, at least not as much as their price would suggest, but they are a status symbol, and their dealer's try to cater to that mentality.
Kymcos on the other hand are good solid scooters, much like say a Toyota or a Chevy (hey, mine's good), as are their Taiwanese breathern. I'd definitely look for another Kymco dealer to see ifn they're more willing to work with you. You could also look at the other Taiwanese makes, Adly, TGB, Sym or PGO (sold here under the Genuine name) or the Koreans, they all make a good solid product that's worth the money.
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Post by georgiadawg on Nov 21, 2007 8:07:27 GMT -5
I'm familiar with the dealer in question. although I've had no personal experience with them. There are Kymco dealers listed for Lawrenceville and Cartersville. You might try Twist n Scoot on Piedmont. They carry Sym, Genuine, TGB and charge no dealer fees.
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Post by scooterollie on Nov 21, 2007 8:54:13 GMT -5
I agree, to pay extra in order to assure reliable service is a rip off! No dealer doing so, scoot or auto, would get my service. Sounds like another "Big City" rip off place, taking advantage of folks who don't know better or have too much cash.
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Post by 90GTVert on Nov 21, 2007 9:27:17 GMT -5
This dealer is a joke. Why would anyone pay a 15% premium for them to do their job!? Shop around.
Now personally, paying $4500 for a Kymco 250 would not appeal to me in the least. I'm confident you could find a new carry over Majesty 400 for probably around $500 more, and you will have a far better scooter with known track record and solid dealerships. JMHO. Stan
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Post by 12string on Nov 21, 2007 9:47:36 GMT -5
Look at used up scoots on Craig's list or ebay. I found a 2 year old Burgman 400 for 3 grand and it is like new. What a step up from the Eurojet 150i
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Post by zippadeedudah on Nov 21, 2007 16:07:33 GMT -5
Dawgs...... This is to advise that I went to the dealer I had complained about in my initial post today. There to greet me was the General Manager, Sales Manager and Service Manager. They took me on a tour of the premises front and back. I talked with all of the mechanics personally and it was very reassuring. All the vehicles under the tent were new vehicles which had just arrive plus some antique models they had accepted to restore. And, they indicated they are moving to more real estate sooner. The sales manager turned out to live in my vicinity and has a truck and promised to take my new Kmyco People Scooter 250 in when it needs service and drop it back off for what I consider a very nominal fee. So, I have it in my possession, have already taken it for a test drive before the rain arrives in the Atlanta and am quite pleased with it. In addition to the deal I cited in the initial post, they threw in a 3/4 white helmet with faceguard. So, corrected I stand! Gosh am I pleased with the spunk of the People 250. By the way the People 250 (gray in color) does not have an S in the model nomenclature. I had been forwarned not to buy the 250-S? Think they had been having electrical problems previously. My Yamaha Vino 125cc is history and has been traded in for this bike. Everyone wish me good luck with it ;D  . Joe ____________________________________________________ 2007 Kymco People 250cc (primary scoot) 2007 Tank, Urban Classic, 150cc (on consignment for sale) 2007 Tank, Urban Racer, 150cc (alternate/backup scoot) |
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Post by automattic on Nov 21, 2007 16:45:08 GMT -5
There were no electrical problems with the S 250's that I know of, just the smaller cc sizes like the People S 200. People S 250 is a solid scoot with a more powerful engine than the regular People 250.
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Post by scottfla on Nov 21, 2007 18:20:35 GMT -5
There is a local power sports shop that tries to sell the VIP maintenance. I laughed and told them I'd see them later  As for the 250S having a more powerful engine over the People, can you tell me where you got that info? Seems very dumb to make two very similar scoots and make one have a different engine, and I don't see why Kymco would make two very similar scoots and not use the exact same engine. And according to the Kymco website, they both have the same size engine, 249cc and have the same bore and stroke. The only difference is that the People is 20 pounds heavier. |
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Post by T W I S T E R on Nov 21, 2007 18:47:44 GMT -5
There is a local power sports shop that tries to sell the VIP maintenance. I laughed and told them I'd see them later As for the 250S having a more powerful engine over the People, can you tell me where you got that info? Seems very dumb to make two very similar scoots and make one have a different engine, and I don't see why Kymco would make two very similar scoots and not use the exact same engine. And according to the Kymco website, they both have the same size engine, 249cc and have the same bore and stroke. The only difference is that the People is 20 pounds heavier. S version has more horse power. also, the negative info on the S version I find is because they don't have one in stock so they push the old 250. nothing wrong with either version. I prefer the S version body style. |
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Post by scottfla on Nov 21, 2007 23:18:28 GMT -5
Where did you find horsepower ratings for the People and People S?
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Post by zippadeedudah on Nov 22, 2007 5:39:12 GMT -5
Dawgs.... Well, I think the 2006 Yamaha Vino 125 would have been great for me had I lived in downtown Atlanta. I never had one complaint against it. I hope I did not leave that impression..not that anyone mentioned it above. It was comparatively quick off the line and responded very well on acceleration from 0 to 50 mph. I think the two considerations in getting rid of it were (1) I am 6'2" and weigh 227 pounds. My stature did not lend itself to the Vino, and (2) I live in a suburban neighborhood where we have quite a few open roads where the speed limit is posted at 55 mpg. Also, we have our share of hills. With the jump to the People 250 I feel that I can stay up with the flow of traffic better and at my age (67) it is a far more comfortable ride. I think either of the two scoots would have been reliable and that is really the foremost thing in my mind. It would seem that I got bum information about the S series 250cc, however, I would add this. What I did like about the plain People 250 (if you want to call it that) is that the floorboard is flat. I know I have read many different posts on here about those who prefer the hump in the middle of the floorboard and those who like their feet firmly planted with room to move. I could have well afforded the S series but the only one they had in stock also was a bright red one which I am not so sure would be commensurate with my advanced age...lol. I would have liked to have a tach. I did just order and have received an after market tach which I will mount at first chance. So, logical or illogical, I now have the 250cc
basic and so far I am happy. You guys are wonderful on this forum and it is a priceless reference to me. ;D 8-)Joe
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Post by T W I S T E R on Nov 22, 2007 7:41:08 GMT -5
This dealer is a joke. Why would anyone pay a 15% premium for them to do their job!? Shop around. Now personally, paying $4500 for a Kymco 250 would not appeal to me in the least. I'm confident you could find a new carry over Majesty 400 for probably around $500 more, and you will have a far better scooter with known track record and solid dealerships. JMHO. Stan there you go, knockin my Kymco. Never heard me knock a China Scoot did you ? ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by T W I S T E R on Nov 22, 2007 7:44:01 GMT -5
Where did you find horsepower ratings for the People and People S? In my owners manual. Otherwise, the dealer can fill you in. The 250-S has exceptional acceleration. 0 to 55 in a flash. Make sure you got a grip. Top end probably no better that the std 250. around 75 to 80. MPG is at 67. I don't know how the get more HP since most of the specs are the same. Maybe the valves. |
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Post by scottfla on Nov 22, 2007 9:02:06 GMT -5
Heh, I never looked at the owners manual for the S, how many horsepower does it have?
Regardless, a People (either S or not) is an excellent scooter. Zip, I think you made an excellent choice, my People 250 is red and I love it. I actually was planning on riding it to my parent's home 40 miles away today and have my family follow in the HHR, but it is too rainy.
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Post by 90GTVert on Nov 22, 2007 10:25:46 GMT -5
No, I'm not knocking the Kymco at all. But, if you can locate a new 400 cc Japanese scooter for 10-15% more than a 250 cc Chinese scooter (Yes I know it's Taiwan) wouldn't you consider that a much better deal? Kymco makes fine scooters, but I do feel they are over priced when compared to the known dependability and serviceability of the Japanese units. JMHO. Stan This dealer is a joke. Why would anyone pay a 15% premium for them to do their job!? Shop around. Now personally, paying $4500 for a Kymco 250 would not appeal to me in the least. I'm confident you could find a new carry over Majesty 400 for probably around $500 more, and you will have a far better scooter with known track record and solid dealerships. JMHO. Stan there you go, knockin my Kymco. Never heard me knock a China Scoot did you ? ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by T W I S T E R on Nov 22, 2007 16:31:09 GMT -5
No, I'm not knocking the Kymco at all. But, if you can locate a new 400 cc Japanese scooter for 10-15% more than a 250 cc Chinese scooter (Yes I know it's Taiwan) wouldn't you consider that a much better deal? Kymco makes fine scooters, but I do feel they are over priced when compared to the known dependability and serviceability of the Japanese units. JMHO. Stan there you go, knockin my Kymco. Never heard me knock a China Scoot did you ? ;D ;D ;D Love My KYMCO 250-S. It's worth the money. ;D |
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Post by T W I S T E R on Nov 22, 2007 18:30:52 GMT -5
No, I'm not knocking the Kymco at all. But, if you can locate a new 400 cc Japanese scooter for 10-15% more than a 250 cc Chinese scooter (Yes I know it's Taiwan) wouldn't you consider that a much better deal? Kymco makes fine scooters, but I do feel they are over priced when compared to the known dependability and serviceability of the Japanese units. JMHO. Stan Love My KYMCO 250-S. It's worth the money. ;D The weakest link in the Kymco Scoots in my opinion is the lack of dealers and quality dealers. I have only two within reach. 60 miles and 90 miles. the 60 mile dealer won't last long. the 90 mile dealer in Cleveland is exceptional. I'm stuck with trailering it up there for service. I'm retired now so it's a days fun for me. |
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Post by automattic on Nov 22, 2007 21:26:36 GMT -5
Where did you find horsepower ratings for the People and People S? Straight out of the Service manual. People 250 Power: 18.3ps @ 7000 rpm Torque: 2.0 kg.m @ 5500 rpm People S 250 Power: 20.1ps @ 7500 rpm Torque: 2.1 kg.m @ 6500 rpm I have hit 90 mph on my People S 250. The bike is no slouch. Acceleration is fast and the engine lays the power down smoothly. Also the S version has dual front disc while the regular has a single. There are other subtle difference besides the obvious looks. The name is not the only difference. |
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Post by automattic on Nov 22, 2007 21:36:09 GMT -5
No, I'm not knocking the Kymco at all. But, if you can locate a new 400 cc Japanese scooter for 10-15% more than a 250 cc Chinese scooter (Yes I know it's Taiwan) wouldn't you consider that a much better deal? Kymco makes fine scooters, but I do feel they are over priced when compared to the known dependability and serviceability of the Japanese units. JMHO. Stan Opinions are like *ahem* belly buttons, everybody has one. Are you sure you know the difference between a Taiwanese scooter and a mainland China scooter? |
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Post by T W I S T E R on Nov 22, 2007 21:49:53 GMT -5
I'm sure Stan knows a hell of alot more about these scooters than we do.
I DO NOT QUESTION THE GURU.
don't hex my Kymco Stan, OK? Forgive Automattic for he knows not what he implies.
be afraid, be very afraid.
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Post by zippadeedudah on Nov 23, 2007 5:07:53 GMT -5
My Gosh, did I start all this....lol. :'(Joe |
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Post by T W I S T E R on Nov 23, 2007 8:42:53 GMT -5
My Gosh, did I start all this....lol. :'(Joe NO, I'm just agitatin again. |
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Post by johnnyscoots on Nov 25, 2007 22:42:27 GMT -5
Howdy Zippa!
Uh, I have the standard Kymco People 250, in grey. The title listed it at 18 horsepower, the S makes about 21, but the dealer only had the "Normal" People. The dealership had to fix a failed crankshaft journal (they just replaced the whole crankshaft) under warranty, they took only a day to replace it, but took a month to wait for the danged crank 'cause a Kymco crank never failed before.
They insisted that I take it to them for the first service at 1000km...same day service. In at 10am done by 2pm. They also said that I could do all the normal service (engine and gear oil changes, belt and roller weight changes) myself, or, if I felt like dropping the cash, they would do it. All 3 gentlemen at the dealership are sales AND service, so you are never wanting for a mechanic.
Other than the crankshaft, the bike has been great. Live in NJ but wander the states of PA and NJ (I'm always visiting friends in Harrisburg) and I just spent Thanksgiving weekend there in Harrisburg. I bought the bike new in May of 2007 and just turned the 15,000km mark today (9300 miles). I average about 65mpg at 65mph, I can touch 70+mpg if I can keep it under 55 (which I cannot because of the freeway 65mph speedlimit). A large majority of my scoot friends have Vespas, and they are quite intrigued with the Kymco...for one, it is significantly larger than any Vespa 250, and its 16 inch wheels make freeway trips a necessity...I feel comfortable and quite safe!
I have added a Binetto 45 liter detachable topcase and am going to add some saddlebags soon...with a Givi windscreen to replace the standard Kymco screen. If I could find one gripe, it would be the seat. It's ok for trips around town, but 2+ hour freeway trips are torture.
Yer gonna enjoy your scoot!
John
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Post by zippadeedudah on Nov 26, 2007 7:12:05 GMT -5
Hey, thank you John for an impartial review. I have only had one ride on the scoot on secondary roads because about thirty minutes after it arrived at my house (delivered by the dealer) it started to rain so in the garage it went. I have not ridden it since because, (a) had family in from all over the world for Thanksgiving and (b)then it rained, and (c) now I have the doggone flu! I have been following many of your posts and I want to commend you on the comprehensiveness of what you write. You are always thorough and get right to the specificity of any matter. So, take this Karma my fellow Dawg, and a Karma I am told, will add 1 mpg to each gallon...lol. Joe
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. Joe
