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

T

TN_Sooner

Member
I think I'm going to trade my BV350 in on a Polaris ranger. It never bubbles to the top of my list to ride. Chieftain or the GT get the nod every time.
 
grey.hound

grey.hound

New member
Some progressions of my BV350:
Stock


I really wanted to like this set up, but it lasted for one short ride. Plus I really didn't like the look much:


If you didn't notice, the mounting plate for the topcase is very large and unattractive, but the case is very secure.

Added the Malossi windscreen, shorter, narrower, and a little more rake than stock. Decided to remove the mirrors again and try the bar ends. Still didn't like it.


Today it has the OEM topcase, Malossi windscreen and this little guy.


The OEM exhaust was just plain ugly to me. I wasn't sure I was going to spend the money but very glad I did. Both from a visual and auditory standpoint.

Here it is in all it's glory, one with the topcase, one without.




one more delivery on the way...
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
Yup, it's for me. But, you're right, I expect my daughter will get some time on it also. It is a little tall for her but I think she will be able to handle it. Her last bike (more correctly her only bike) was a Vulcan 500 so power to weight won't be an issue.

I am really looking forward to putting some miles on it. Thanks for the AF1 info. Any other tips? Did you do the evap canister fix?
 
Last edited:
grey.hound

grey.hound

New member
I didn't do the evap canister. Many are replacing hose clamps.
http://modernvespa.com/forum/topic139493

repair manual:
https://www.scribd.com/doc/129629543/Piaggio-BV-350-EN

Af1 links:
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=2655
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?24-Aprilia-and-Piaggio-150cc-350cc

Ordered my screen from them:
https://scooterpartsco.com/piaggio-...t=20a&page=2&zenid=h1hi6d87bs9lt5264bt664omt5

General scooting usually unbiased info here:
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/bv350-early-thoughts.876269/


Also, an italian facebook user group too.
 
grey.hound

grey.hound

New member
Your welcome.

Since this thread is sort of a catch all, I thought I'd update on my thoughts of "what if" on selling my C600 from my "for sale" post.
Potential replacements in no particular order and the pros and cons:

C650GT (2nd Gen) pretty much a better touring version of what I already have. Retail at about $11k, but gets you quite a package
BMW F800GT: Belt drive, more HP for riding two up, weighs less than either scooter. Retail about $14k, without luggage plus shifting with a pillion on board. I'd need lots of practice

Aprilia Mana GT eCVT, good HP/torque, final stock of new units going for about $7k plus it's Italian; cons It's Italian, dealer network. Service/repair may be hard due to rarity.
Aprilia Capo 1200. Well, new models going for around $12k. It's got everything set for touring. Problems, see above. Oh, and 125 HP, really? why? I hardly travel over 70mph, and I don't really "travel" at all.

Honda vfr1200x DCT shaft drive, DCT transmission (especially great for two-up), it's a honda. problems: it weighs over 600lbs and is tall. Also, new model at $16k without accessories.

ramble ramble ramble...
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
Personally, I like shifting. I think the 800GT is fantastic but also look at the Triumph Tiger 800.

That said, if you were allowed to only have one bike...the C650GT would be my choice.

Ain't this motorcycle stuff a GREAT hobby!!?!
 
grey.hound

grey.hound

New member
Drove 2 hours the other day to look at an Aprilia Mana GT (2012 used). They were asking less that $4000. Too good to pas up, don't even need it, but tell myself someday I might have to get me one of them. It was at a used car dealer (strike one!) they even had a C650GT. They were the only bikes they had. I show up, "No test rides" (strike two!) Lots of extras: Givi topcase rack, frame and axle sliders, PIAA horn. Starts right up, sound good, I let it run for about 5 or 10 minutes. Some messages on the dash etc. I make note. It's got a few scuffs, like it's been dropped. Take some pics and one thing catches my eye: How does this happen?


The Letters are coming off, but "I can deal with that."


Well, post my findings on the Aprilia forum and they tell me the messages on the screen are worrisome and confirming that the number plate is suspicious. Oh well.
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
Lots of weird body damage can happen with poorly placed transport straps. Maybe that contributed to some of those problems. Dashboard lights are a different matter, but those also could be mapping issues, etc. and maybe not super bad mechanical or computer issues. Of course maintenance (or lack thereof) probably has you concerned, but close-ups of my bike(s) would not look nearly so clean. Was it low mileage? I didn't bother to look it up but I guess under $4k is an exceptional price?
 
grey.hound

grey.hound

New member
This bike, similar to our scoots, has a big service at 12,000 miles so used models pop up before that. But again, it's not a very common bike in general. MSRP is $12k, leftovers are going for about $7 now. This one had about 8500 miles. Also, like our scooters the reliable ones are reliable, but when one has problems, it has too many to deal with. It was just a "wow!" let me go look.

BTW, I'll try to get pics of the nelson rigg bags on the BV for you.
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
My Bv350 deal fell through. Bot a 2012 kymco people gt 300i with less than 600 miles on it for $2.6k. The fact that Kymco builds the BMW C bikes was a factor. Plus it does things the way a bike weighing less than 400 lbs should. Tons of fun. Sitting at Starbucks with that thing outside. I feel very cosmopolitan.
 
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