I might add another scooter to my stable, your thoughts.

[grey.hound]

So I sold my Aprilia scooter over the weekend and there is an empty spot in my garage. I've been mulling over the possibilities. What would you do?

1. Piaggio BV350; I really like it, almost bought one instead of the C600 back in 2014. Now it has ABS and would make pretty much the perfect commuter for me. Actually, for 95% of my riding it would fit the bill. I'm sort of afraid I would neglect the BMW if I bought one.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/piaggio/2015-piaggio-bv350-e-review.html

2. Vespa 300 GTS Super. Classic looks will never go out of style; so it's the least likely to get traded in or sold. Plus the aftermarket and support is really great. The engine is the same as my Aprilia I sold. Would be a great contrast to the BMW.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/vespa/2014-vespa-gts-300-super-abs-review-first-ride.html

3. Aprilia Mana GT. The prices they are going for now puts it in the same range as the other two. I would probably use the C600 for commutes and two up rides. The Mana could be my fun ride. The big reason for going this route is simple: the opportunity for one of these is disappearing while the other two aren't going away anytime soon.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/aprilia/2014-aprilia-mana-850-gt-abs-review.html

4. Do nothing, enjoy the C600; which I love and don't spend any more money.

Thoughts?

 

[Snowdog]

Buy one of everything!!

 

[Skutorr]

My brother has access to a 2010 Mana GT ABS which I've ridden. A really nice bike, slick faux tank storage that you can open while seated, with great power and a WONDERFUL electrically-controlled CVT. Some reviewers like it better than Honda's DCT. And, the fit & finish is unsurpassed!

A recent ride with "his" Mana.

 

[JaimeC]

The only other scooter on the market that attracts my attention is the Piaggio MP3. Maybe because it's so "different" from everything else out there. This year's model now even has decent storage capacity.

 

[TN_Sooner]

I love my BV - for the money, it is a great bike, especially if you nose around for a low mileage used one.

However, I rarely walk out the door and choose it over my BMW or Chieftain. The BV is now short trips around town, especially when I might encounter some traffic. It is so easygoing to ride. 60+ mpg. But, the BMW does just fine in this situation too. BV is easy to load in the pickup and haul somewhere too - easy bike to add to an out of town trip.

A factor is the Bv seat - having spent the bucks for Corbin's on both other bikes, they are infinitely more comfortable for me.

 

[TN_Sooner]

Oh, I would add. More inventory in the stable is a good thing!��

 

[grey.hound]

I love my BV - for the money, it is a great bike, especially if you nose around for a low mileage used one.

However, I rarely walk out the door and choose it over my BMW or Chieftain. The BV is now short trips around town, especially when I might encounter some traffic. It is so easygoing to ride. 60+ mpg. But, the BMW does just fine in this situation too. BV is easy to load in the pickup and haul somewhere too - easy bike to add to an out of town trip.

A factor is the Bv seat - having spent the bucks for Corbin's on both other bikes, they are infinitely more comfortable for me.

Thanks. I see the BV as a natural replacement to the Aprilia Sportcity 250 I just sold. Though it's not quite as light as the Aprilia and slightly larger, it is very similar with a little more power and more safety features.

 

[grey.hound]

My brother has access to a 2010 Mana GT ABS which I've ridden. A really nice bike, slick faux tank storage that you can open while seated, with great power and a WONDERFUL electrically-controlled CVT. Some reviewers like it better than Honda's DCT. And, the fit & finish is unsurpassed!

Thanks. Would you buy one though?

 

[Skutorr]

The thought has crossed my mind. But then, I'd be at the mercy of very few, expensive dealers to service it, with parts from Italy...

 

[JaimeC]

The thought has crossed my mind. But then, I'd be at the mercy of very few, expensive dealers to service it, with parts from Italy...

And that's the one BIG negative regarding the MP3. Piaggio is the parent company of both Piaggio and Aprilia... and they have the WORST reputation when it comes to parts availability. Fortunately they do have a decent reputation for reliability.

 

[exavid]

I'd be careful with an electrically operated CVT. The usual weight driven systems are pretty bullet proof but electrically driven ones add a small electric motor, sensors, and rather delicate gearboxes to the system. Lots of complication and potential for failure. The Burgman 650 has an electrically operated CVT. When they have problems it's major league expensive to repair.

 

[grey.hound]

And that's the one BIG negative regarding the MP3. Piaggio is the parent company of both Piaggio and Aprilia... and they have the WORST reputation when it comes to parts availability. Fortunately they do have a decent reputation for reliability.

Af1 out of Austin is really good at getting stuff. My Aprilia scooter needed a kill switch about 18 months ago, they had it and I got it in about 3 days.
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/default.asp

Plus they host the Aprilia MC/Scooter forum and it's pretty active.

 

[grey.hound]

I'd be careful with an electrically operated CVT. The usual weight driven systems are pretty bullet proof but electrically driven ones add a small electric motor, sensors, and rather delicate gearboxes to the system. Lots of complication and potential for failure. The Burgman 650 has an electrically operated CVT. When they have problems it's major league expensive to repair.

It seems the CVT system on the Mana is reliable, but expensive to replace at 12,000 miles. There are some issues that pop up with the Mana though. Seems the later the model year, the fewer problems. But you're right, it is a fairly complex system overall.

 

[TN_Sooner]

I also rode an MP3 for 7 years (2+on a 250 and 4+ on a 500). Fabulously fun bike, but underpowered for its weight. GREAT twistie bike - can ride circles around most other bikes in the really tight twisties when you don't need the power.

Parts were never an issue for me. Pretty strong internet market across the US. But, if you need something today, you aren't able to go pick it up in most places in the US. But you can get it tomorrow or the next day for most everything.

 

[SteveADV]

The bigger the contrast the better. A big touring scooter and a smaller commuter sounds like a great plan to me. Of course, the Beemer is easily able to do both, but a sister bike that weighs a couple hundred pounds less might be good addition.

 

[Spiderwatts]

I had a Yamaha Zuma, 50cc two stroke, I rebuilt it while recovering from eye surgery. It could go 40mph and has almost the amount of storage under the seat as our BMW's. You cannot take it on highway but it's a hoot! And kickstart option too.
A very fun ride. They make it with a 125 four stroke now but not sure if it could ride on highway. Same frame etc though.

 

[grey.hound]

Bought it today. Piaggio BV350, for those who aren't familiar. Also rode a Vespa 300 GTS Super Sport, beautiful titanium gray with red accent. 5 minutes and I knew it wasn't for me. The BV350 on the other hand felt natural after my Aprilia.

 

[Gsheff]

I was at the dealer to trade my MP3 250 on one of those when I spotted the used 650GT that quickly changed my mind. Good choice gray.hound!

 

[Beerman]

Great looking scooter. Which will you ride more, do you think?

 

[grey.hound]

I plan on commuting and quick trips on the BV. Weekends and travel on the C600. Other than two up, they are both capable for what I do but the BV is really easy.

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