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

I am a little worried the BV will steal some weekend saddle time from the C600. Of course I will do my best to ride them equally.

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JaimeC said:
For commuting and quick trips I'm looking at the Zero S with 13 kWh battery...
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Spent a pretty good deal of time with the Zero people at a show in Florida last fall. Their bikes are really interesting. The quiet takes some getting used to as does the instant torque. (And don't rev at the light.;).) Looks like a great bike for commuting in and around the Big Apple.
 
grey.hound said:
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.



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Nice looking bike Piaggio makes some nice stuff I have a MP3 500 (2010) bought it as a new left over in 2012, parts are a little pricey but if you own a BMW than that doesn't mean anything. I also have a 2015 Honda Ctx 700 with the dct transmission
 
Think you've bought the perfect bike for you. The issue I'm wrestling with is - the C650 is a fantastic machine...but if BMW produced a 400cc version, how much better for most people would that be? I suggest...significantly.

Beerman
 
SteveADV said:
Would you take your BV on the highway? How much storage?
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It wouldn't be as stable as the C600 but under the right conditions, yes. A 3,4, or 5 lane freeway during rush hour and people doing 75mph, I would avoid. Most of the roads I ride are one and two lane state highways so I wouldn't fret. The thing that I am concerned about is comfort for my legs. I've gotten used the many foot positions of the BMW but the BV they are pretty much locked in. If you look at the top picture, the floorboard is slightly slanted forward and it feels like the feet get locked in, but not in a bad way. Same with the butt stop. It's more intrusive than the BMW. So, my riding position is pretty static. Not a bad thing I bet when the road starts to get twisty. It has a 16" front tire and 60"+ wheelbase so it's pretty stable at speed. It's got some good get up to it also.

As for underseat storage, not deep enough for a full face helmet, but still pretty deep. It's also long. So, in reality, maybe better than the C600. Hard to tell right now really. But my first thought was, "Wow, that's nice". I'll add a 36liter top case and be good to go.

I'll get some pics in the daylight of the storage and the glove box.

It's not "das machine" like the BMW, but more like a sporty hatchback. Think, Mazda 3 hatchback, but with Italian finish and flair.
 
Update: I was informed that my helmet would fit under the seat. It does, laying on it's side and the lid closes with just a tiny bit of resistance.

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My daughter is a new rider (couple years...less than 20k) and she is thinking about trading her first bike, a Vulcan 500, for something a little easier to handle. I suggested a scooter for multiple reasons but the BMW C bikes are too big for her.

So, I was thinking about the Burgman 200 or the BV350. Both can be bought for significantly less than $4k and look like great all around bikes. I know G bought the BV as a second bike, but it sounds like it could be a primary for many people.

In as much as this is a "Your Thoughts" thread, I thought I would get some ideas and tell her..."Well, the gang on the BMW scooter forum suggests....."
 
Steve, in my opinion, the BV350 is a fabulous bike for the money - you can find low mileage used for $3k to $3.5k. Power plant is a ball of fire - plenty of acceleration from 0 up thru about 50. After that, it slows a bit, but it'll cruise all day at 70 with my fat butt at the controls.

My biggest issues with the bike may not be issues for your daughter. I don't like the seat at all. Have removed the "bolster" and added footpegs to make it just tolerable. I have taken the bike deep into the carolinas (~400 miles one way) and trailered it to Colorado and ridden several hundred miles in the mountains, but it is an uncomfortable saddle for me. Secondly is the windscreen is too short. Easily solved for me with a Laminer Lip. Otherwise, a great "little" bike.
 
That pretty much sums it up. I think it would be perfect for your daughter. Hell, it's just about perfect for me.

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Cycletrader has a 2009 Sym Citycom 300 with less than 3k miles for $1,800 that is not too far for us. Also, found several BV350s that look good (newer and more $). Before I bought the BMW I test rode a used BV500 and almost bought it but the engine light was always on (dealer told me it was no big deal and not to worry about it.....right).

I think either would be great and would not be surprised if I ended up with one or the other regardless of what my daughter does. Also sat on a Burgman 200 today and while I probably wouldn't take it cross country, it seemed comfortable enough for a quick light get up and go ride.

But I am getting the impression that you guys think a 200cc might not have enough power. So, we'll be looking at the somewhat bigger bikes.

How much do I have to worry about parts and service on used BVs or SYMs?
 
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=2655
Af1 out of Austin Texas is the place for Aprilia/Piaggio stuff. Af1 is fast with service too, and quick to respond with email. They also host the Aprilia forum which has some BV350 talk, not as much as modern vespa. I almost bought an Aprilia Mana GT from them instead of the BV350. shipped to my door for under $6500. Can't say enough about them. I didn't buy it because it just wasn't the right bike right now, but at almost 50% off, it was hard to resist.

Also, Scooterwest out in San Diego, CA
http://www.scooterwest.com/items/?_pageCCS=t#page=/pv_items/Piaggio-BV-350/global/263

Plus, scooterwest has a few videos on youtube for the BV350.

Repair manual:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/129629543/Piaggio-BV-350-EN
 
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