OP
@truck_driver avatar
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UTC quote
Hey, how ya'll doing? As you can see by my user name, I drive a truck,
and I am looking for my first scooter. I have been doing a lot of research and it's been a fun learning experience. I know I want a scooter than can
get up and go. I like pep. I don't have any interest in riding on the freeways, however. I want something that can maintain 50 MPH on moderate hills. I am thinking a 150-200 is my perfect engine size.
I test-drove the 09 Genuine Buddy 150 and loveed it. It is so small and fun,
quick too. I also loved the Sym 200 HD. I would chose the SYM 200 HD over
the People S200 because of the SYMs higher horsepower. I would chose the
Aprilia Scarabeo 200 over the SYM 200 HD because the former has
liquid cooled technology, and a more impressive name brand. (better engine?) I recently stumbled upon a new entry: the Vespa GT200L. There is one for sale
by a private seller for $3500. It is a 2006 with 1200 miles on it (it also has "stabilizer bars" installed on it ??) How
does the GT200L match up with other 150-200 scooters? Are there any better choices
than the GT200L within my engine range? I dont' want to spend anymore than $3500, though. I will buy new or used, depending on circumstances. Your help is much apprecited.
@chetwynder avatar
UTC

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Baart-less
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@chetwynder avatar
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UTC quote
I tested the SYM HD200, RV250 and CityCom 300 back to back. The HD 200 won hands down for acceleration, comfort and overall ride-ability. A very entertaining bike and I doubt you could find much better bang for your buck anywhere. Throw some Dr. Pulley sliding weights in the variator and you're set. I love Vespa/Piaggio products but if I was in the market for a 150 - 200 cc machine the HD 200 would be it.

Dave
UTC

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'07 GT200
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UTC quote
I have the GT, and when compared to the other bikes, the bigger frame makes it a bit more comfortable and more substantial feeling. Vespas, with the metal body and Italian design, are tough to beat. But, as with so many things, it depends on what you are looking for... dollar for dollar, there are probably many other more economical options if you are just looking for transportation.

Mine has been reliable and even after coming off of 100+ hp MC's, it is still a fun ride. 50+ mph is not ever a problem - hills, headwinds, 2-up, etc. The deal you described on the used one sounds good; from a resale perspective, you would not do too badly.

On the other hand, if you lived in an urban area where security was a concern, economy might factor higher on the rating scale.
@nightwing avatar
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2007 LX 150 (memories)
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UTC quote
Stabilizer bars?
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I vote scarabeo 200. Every time I ride one I like it more.
OP
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wow that's awesome, the honest variety of answers. I assumed I forum
members would say GT200 was incomparable. I've been reading too many advertisements masquerading as scooter reviews and it makes
the GT200 sound like the best 200 scooter on the road. I am glad
my instincts weren't wrong when I test-drove the SYM 200HD and
thought it was a fun, quality scooter. I am pretty sure I want my
first scooter to be a small-wheeled scoot, 10-12 inches, they seem more nimble and fun. The 16 inch
feels too much like a motorcycle. So I think this will help me narrow
down my search. Is the GT200 unique in that it is a 200cc with small 12 inch wheels? Also you think a 150 would serve my purpose just as well
as a 200cc? That is, to be able to keep up with busy surface street
traffic even on inclines? I live in a major city. I plan to explore
the city, not really interested in doing errands, or commuting on my scooter.
@genie avatar
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Gobshite Shiva
Kymco Downtown 300i the 'Dolphin Noise'
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UTC quote
you'll notice a significant difference between a 150 and a 200cc scooter, even on city streets - it's got that bit more 'pep' which can be really handy when you want to overtake, or if you need to get out of a tight situation. i know you said you're not interested in freeway riding, but if you ever needed to do a short burst on the freeway the 200 would handle it easily, whereas you might have to really wring the neck of a 150 to keep up with the flow of traffic.

i don't have a vast amount of experience on different scooters but i know i prefer the metal body over plastic - they just feel more substantial.
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UTC quote
I am a Vespa lover from way back and although I have considered others and very nearly bought a Sym, I have to be honest and say my first love is a Vespa of almost any size. I vehemently dislike plastic scooters and totally agree with all that Genie said. The 150's are great ... but if you need that little burst of speed, the 200 is a good choice. I only wish I was big/strong enough to handle the 200. I'd get one in a heartbeat.

You might also want to consider a Stella if looking at the 150 range. NICE scooter!

Good luck with whatever you decide!
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UTC quote
I think they meant crash bars.
The Canadian motorcycle webzine recently tested the Kymco People, Honda SH150 and the Sym 200. They thought the Honda was the best of the bunch.
http://cmgonline.com/content/view/1594/266/
http://cmgonline.com/content/view/1599/266/

Having said that the GT is bigger, wider, and heavier but has more 'grunt' than the others you've tried. It kinda depends if you want light weight fun or a bit more pick-up in traffic.

Good luck with your choice!
Regards
Harvey
⚠️ Last edited by Harvey on UTC; edited 1 time
@bobovespa avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
21 75th Anniv. Primavera, 10 GTS Super 300, 64 Allstate, 61 VNB, 61 GL, 61 Lammy LI 125 Mahi Shriner, 57 Lammy LD125
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UTC quote
At that price, the Vespa GT is the way to go. It is a wonderful machine; I had one for a couple of trouble-free years. The Sym isn't bad either (nor is the Buddy) but they are more plastic and not Vespa-like in styling.

In addition, of the scooters that you are considering, the Vespa will also be the easiest to sell at a fair price if you don't like it or want to upgrade.
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UTC quote
Re: Is there a better choice for the money?
truck driver wrote:
it also has "stabilizer bars" installed on it ??
May also be referring to handle bar weights.
@fish avatar
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Hooked
(11)GTS300/(81)P177Vespa2/(61)ACMAtypeN'77rally200 powered
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UTC quote
+1
of course the GT200L is simply the best!
but that's not a partial say,
i love vespa, especially my GT200!

but i have to assume has i just red that:
drewteague wrote:
I vote scarabeo 200. Every time I ride one I like it more.
same as you but speaking about the first edition, even in 125cc with the rotax engine, a really good scooter
nice look, very original, good performances, secure with the fat tyres etc...

@ truck driver, i hope you'll enjoy your future scooter, for becoming a scooter driver!

enjoy your ride
@astromags avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
'80 P200E, '76 Primavera 125 ET3. '59 Vespa 150
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@astromags avatar
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UTC quote
I can't add much more to the positive comments that others have already mentioned about the GT200. I love mine and it's great for city and highway.

If I had to say one negative thing about it, I'd say the seat comfort leaves is not what I wish it was. I can only get in about an hour's worth of riding before I have to give my butt a rest.

I paid $3500 for my 2005 model a couple of years ago. I say go for it.
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Hooked
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UTC quote
The only thing I can chime in on, is avoid the scarabeo 200. I did my research, almost got one, but change my mind after hanging out in the aprilia forums for awhile. The consensus is too many issues and horrible support. Personally I won't by anything other than Piaggio or Vespa, but that's me.
@alice avatar
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Molto Verboso
ET4
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@alice avatar
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UTC quote
CanuckSkoot wrote:
The only thing I can chime in on, is avoid the scarabeo 200. I did my research, almost got one, but change my mind after hanging out in the aprilia forums for awhile. The consensus is too many issues and horrible support. Personally I won't by anything other than Piaggio or Vespa, but that's me.
It's not like Vespa is known for their sterling support. Availability of parts is an issue, too, and sometimes the wait is long and irritating.
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Piaggio BV500, Genuine Stella, P200e
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UTC quote
If it were me, the decision would come down to the Sym HD200 and the Vespa GT200, and the choice would boil down to where am I going to ride it.

The Sym has the larger wheels that make it a better fit for crappy roads.

The Vespa has the nimbleness of the small wheels that make it a better performer in tight spaces.

The Sym has the plastic body panels that are easily replaced when damaged.

The Vespa has the metal body (with some plastic) that can be repaired and repainted with relative ease.

Both are liquid cooled.

Both are carbureted, not EFI.

Both are great rides, and have better than bad supply channels.

The Vespa has more 3rd party support in parts and add ons

The Sym is cheaper at retail.

So it *really* comes down to preference and location. Take your pick, you will be happy either way.
@old_as_dirt avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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UTC quote
all that above and plus you'll get great help on anything and everything foe the vespa here on the forum, You meet the nicest people on a vespa/piaggio
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UTC quote
I got my 2008 Aprilia Sportcity with 300 miles for $3800. You might want to check around your area if anyone is selling one.

reviews on the Sportcity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRmUwakzGB0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhx5WADNGhg
@astromags avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
'80 P200E, '76 Primavera 125 ET3. '59 Vespa 150
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@astromags avatar
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UTC quote
Alice wrote:
CanuckSkoot wrote:
The only thing I can chime in on, is avoid the scarabeo 200. I did my research, almost got one, but change my mind after hanging out in the aprilia forums for awhile. The consensus is too many issues and horrible support. Personally I won't by anything other than Piaggio or Vespa, but that's me.
It's not like Vespa is known for their sterling support. Availability of parts is an issue, too, and sometimes the wait is long and irritating.
Perhaps this has to with the fact that Aprillia, Piagio and Vespa are all part of the same company.

They could definitely work on it.
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UTC quote
No, its not the same at least here in Canada. Far far more Piaggios and vespas around compared to the aprilia. Also the scarabeo 200 is a new model for here, only 2nd year now and still I get warned away from them. See my question here:

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181845

And here see many other threads about problems. I dont see ANYTHING like this on modernvespa with regards to vespas and piaggios (Flys and MP3s), so I stand by my first post, AVOID.

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182016

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180472

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182033

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181835
@mogeewogee avatar
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Beer Fairy
GTS-"Cannonball Bettie" Member Iron Butt Association
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UTC quote
dru_ wrote:
If it were me, the decision would come down to the Sym HD200 and the Vespa GT200, and the choice would boil down to where am I going to ride it.

The Sym has the larger wheels that make it a better fit for crappy roads.

The Vespa has the nimbleness of the small wheels that make it a better performer in tight spaces.

The Sym has the plastic body panels that are easily replaced when damaged.

The Vespa has the metal body (with some plastic) that can be repaired and repainted with relative ease.

Both are liquid cooled.

Both are carbureted, not EFI.

Both are great rides, and have better than bad supply channels.

The Vespa has more 3rd party support in parts and add ons

The Sym is cheaper at retail.

So it *really* comes down to preference and location. Take your pick, you will be happy either way.
I would have to +1 on all of these From watching Pistol Pete Jockey his SYM HD200 along on day 10 of Cannonball ( I rode along day 10 to cheer and beer! ) I was impressed with the SYM re: following him at 70 mph plus out side of DC.
My wife has the GT and I have to say
BUY BOTH ! Laughing emoticon Laughing emoticon Laughing emoticon
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Piaggio Fly 150
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UTC quote
Re: Is there a better choice for the money?
truck driver wrote:
I am looking for my first scooter. I have been doing a lot of research and it's been a fun learning experience. I know I want a scooter than can get up and go. I like pep. I don't have any interest in riding on the freeways, however. I want something that can maintain 50 MPH on moderate hills.
I <just> bought my first scooter. Piaggio Fly 150, 2006 w/under 3,000 miles for $1,000. I also have no interest in freeway riding ( I have a 1.8 liter 6cyl Goldwind for that). My concerns was getting something just slow enough to get me squashed on a posted 45 mph roadway (where everyone runs an indicated 50+mph) while hugging the right shoulder.

My Fly 150 is perfect. It easily maintains an indicated 55 mph if necessary. With 12 inch wheels it is nimble but not darty. The previous owner dropped it on the side and for a whopping $116 shipped I replaced the floorboard and underpan (called a 'spoiler' go figure!). Buy a 150, they are cheap and will do <exactly> what you need. You can ALWAYS upgrade if the bug bites..Good luck!
OP
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Hi thanks for all your replies. I can't wait to get MY scooter, whichever scooter that may be. I am seriously considering, as one person suggested,
buying a small scoot and a bigger scooter. I have savings in the bank,
screw the down payment on the house. I am more interested in scooting
than I am being tied down with a mortgage and home repairs. I am currently a renter, happily.
I am going to try and attach a couple of pics of the GT200 I plan to buy on Friday (two days from now). The owner said he will hold it for me
until then. I think Amadora is correct about the stabilizer bars being something to do with weight on the handlebar, that sounds about like
what the owner of the Vespa described to me. He said it also has floor mats
whatever that is. A few other things pertaining to your replies. I test-
rode the new SH150i Honda and it seemed fun and quick. But it
paled next to my test drive of the Sym HD 200. However, I test drove
the latter on a beautiful Saturday morning when I had the whole day
ahead of me for scooter shopping, and it was in the downtown of
my city so what I'm saying is, the circumstances were different and my mood was different. I haven't looked at the Stella 150 yet. I have noticed it, though, and planned to eventually get around to researching it. It is a two-stroke
150cc which is intriguing. On the aforementioned Saturday, I also test-rode a freakish little scooter called the Rattler 110. That little thing
was so darn fast, which can be attributed to its two stroke engine.
So I wonder how fast a two-stroke 150cc might be? I also notice the
Stella has a shift transmission. What's that all about? Not until tonight have I realized there is a discernable difference between the plastic
scooters and the metal scooters, I guess an appreciation for metal is
something that comes from being a Vespa lover. I would have never
considered it prior to tonight. I can't wait to
test drive the GT200. I hope I'm not disappointed. Someone's description of the GT as being bigger wider heavier worries me a bit. My test drive
experiences thus far have been on the plastic scoots. I hope you are able to view my pictures. He wants $3500 for it, which includes the
floor mats (whatever that is), and the storage case. It has 1200 miles.
He is the second owner. Thanks.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@boulty avatar
UTC

Moderator Australis
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, 2014 Vespa 150 Primavera (sold) 2003 Vespa GT200 (sold)
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Moderator Australis
@boulty avatar
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, 2014 Vespa 150 Primavera (sold) 2003 Vespa GT200 (sold)
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UTC quote
I bought a 2nd hand mint condition GT200 with 8000 km on the clock four years ago. She is still in mint cond, runs like a dream and has 30k up.

Check the condition of the floor boards and paintwork under the rubber floor mat.
Good luck with your purchase.
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UTC quote
GT 200 the only scooter you will ever need, I like the green colour too. better resale the only advantage of the scarbaro is the larger wheels (possible better handling??) I saw one in Rome several years ago with matching hard saddle bags,top box and windshield in a gold copper like finish. It looked real smart.
@genie avatar
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Kymco Downtown 300i the 'Dolphin Noise'
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UTC quote
unless you're a very tiny person i wouldn't worry about the extra weight of the GT200. i weigh about 125lbs and i have no trouble at all handling my GT. in fact i prefer the extra weight, it makes the scooter less prone to getting blown all over the place on windy days.

general (well, almost general) concensus on the floor mat is that they are not as handy an addition as they might appear. dirt and grit can get trapped underneath them and ground into the paintwork - i know several people who have tried them and taken them off after a short time. personally i also think they spoil the look of the scooter.

+1 on the GT being the only scooter you will ever need.... i use mine to commute to work through heavy central london traffic (where it is nimble and quick), to cruise on motorways (where it will happily hold 120-130km/h for the whole day) and to ride like an idiot through winding country lanes (where it is just blinding good fun - but if it comes with Sava tyres make sure you swap them for Heidenaus or Pirellis first )
@benito avatar
UTC

Moderator
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
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@benito avatar
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UTC quote
OK, I know that this is a Vespa forum and that you will assume that my comments are very biased, however, my opinion is that the GT 200 is an awesome scooter and one that you will be happy with for many many years. The small wheels will give it the nimbleness that will offset any perceived weight and width disadvantage that it may or may not have. The engine makes excellent grunt for both city and highway riding. The design is just a gorgeous Italian modern classic, how can you not love it.

The Honda SH 150 I have test ridden. It is smooth and starts easily with its fuel injected engine. The large wheels help with big pot holes as all the bigger scooter's wheels do. They do detract from the nimbleness though. I have spoken with many people who tell me that they regret going from the smaller wheeled scooters to the large wheeled ones when they have to ride in the city so keep that nimbleness in mind. I personally feel that the nimbleness is one of the things that make riding scooters fun. I would miss the nimbleness that having small wheels gives you. Now, on the other hand, if nearly all my riding was on the highway, I would consider having a big wheeled scooter for that purpose. It isn't that the small wheeled scooters don't handle the highway well, in fact they do and I use the highway very frequently, it is just that the bigger wheels gives you a more comfortable ride on the highway in my opinion.
@astromags avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
'80 P200E, '76 Primavera 125 ET3. '59 Vespa 150
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@astromags avatar
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UTC quote
Others may disagree, but I must tell you, VINTAGE GREEN IS THE FASTEST COLOR!
@fish avatar
UTC

Hooked
(11)GTS300/(81)P177Vespa2/(61)ACMAtypeN'77rally200 powered
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Location: Paris, France
 
Hooked
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UTC quote
hi again,
go for the gt, the one you show seems to be in great conditions,
look under the floor mat,
& when it will be yours, throw it, it is one crap plastic stuff that is unusual (from my point of view)
then the weight on the handlebar are nice if you ride with a top case, more when you charge it.
go for the gt200 you'll love it for shure!

@ benito:
why do you support devil scooter? you know them?
they have a great place in marseille,
they do restorations & projects very nice on vintage sccoters
have you ever been there? i've planed to go to visit them with the GT this summer, also to the vulcan meeting in perpignan 14th, 15th 16th of august, i'll report with pics. It's full of vintage vespa, race projects etc...

regards
@fish avatar
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Hooked
(11)GTS300/(81)P177Vespa2/(61)ACMAtypeN'77rally200 powered
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Location: Paris, France
 
Hooked
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UTC quote
+1
astromags wrote:
Others may disagree, but I must tell you, VINTAGE GREEN IS THE FASTEST COLOR!
under my mat black hornet survive a vintage green GT
@ken_photo avatar
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Hooked
'07 Vespa GTS250ie
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UTC quote
I have just read recently (don't recall which scoot website) that it is very , very hard to get parts for the Sym. And supposedly the distributor in the US, Carter Bros may be gong out of business. Not sure how much this is a reality versus rumours but something to consider.
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UTC quote
Carter Brothers going out of business? That is interesting news. Can anyone confirm this or find the actual web site where it was referenced?
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Hooked
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Hooked
@ken_photo avatar
'07 Vespa GTS250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 298
UTC quote
TonyF wrote:
Carter Brothers going out of business? That is interesting news. Can anyone confirm this or find the actual web site where it was referenced?
This is not where I first saw it this week. The opriginal article spoke how people were waiting two months for parts but here some other discussion on it:
Quote:
SYM USA distributor, Carter Bros. Mfg., is reportedly "almost" out of business.
I called my local SYM dealer today, twice, and was told both times that Carter was broke and was shutting down. They are hoping SYM will find another dist. in US but, will be difficult in this economy most likely.
Quote:
It is true. Carter is broke according to my contacts therre. They are hoping to make it until end of month. Seems they went too heavy on scooters errantly thinking gas would be at last summer's prices and now have only scooters.... parts scarce. Have very few staff remaining to even take a call or provide service.

Hopefully rumor of SYM becoming direct US distributor is true. SYM is good product but, current dist. is poor.
http://www.scooterwiki.com/forum/sym-gas-moped-motor-scooters/560-sym-usa-scooters.html
@benito avatar
UTC

Moderator
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16296
Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
 
Moderator
@benito avatar
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16296
Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
UTC quote
fish wrote:
@ benito:
why do you support devil scooter? you know them?
they have a great place in marseille,
they do restorations & projects very nice on vintage sccoters
have you ever been there? i've planed to go to visit them with the GT this summer, also to the vulcan meeting in perpignan 14th, 15th 16th of august, i'll report with pics. It's full of vintage vespa, race projects etc...

regards
No, I don't know devil scoot, one of the other moderators was playing around with my signature and put that link there. I'm just to lazy to change it.
OP
@truck_driver avatar
UTC

Member
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10
 
Member
@truck_driver avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10
UTC quote
Hey thanks for your replies. I feel much better now about the weight of the
GT200 not being a detriment to its nimbleness. In fact, I am starting to see the weight as a positive now. Nothing worse than being blown around
on a bike. I have a dilemma suddently. Last night I found another
GT200 on Craigslist. I offered the seller via email (who is a young married woman)
$600 less than her asking price, and she accepted my offer. So now I have two GT200 scooters to consider and both are almost identical. They are both the same green color. They both have the same
green carrying case mounted on the back of the bike. The scooter I found last night is a 2005, where as the other scooter is a 2006.
The 2005 has 1000 miles on the odom. The 2006 has 1200 miles.
She will take $3200 for the 2005. He will take $3500 for the 2006.
The book value (retail) for the scooters is 3570 and 3880, respectively.
It's not like I can go and see them both since each scooter is about
25 miles away in opposite directions. Both are reportedly in perfect
condition and I have no reason to suspect otherwise. Both are adult owned. My thinking is, it would be better to get the 2005 and save a few
hundred dollars since there probably isn't any difference between
the 2005 and 2006 model years. Do you have any thoughts on this?
I have already gone to the bank today and withdrawn the cash for
the purchase tomorrow. I am ready to be a scooter owner, or a Vespa
owner.
(ps.. the 2006 has the stabilizer bar advantage)
@tochaman avatar
UTC

Hooked
2007 GT200 "Midnight Special"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 453
Location: Portland, OR
 
Hooked
@tochaman avatar
2007 GT200 "Midnight Special"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 453
Location: Portland, OR
UTC quote
Save the few hundred and use it to get yourself some good safety gear.

You are gonna love the GT, like myself and most of the other GT owners chiming in here.

And if you can handle a truck, the bigger weight and solidity of the GT will feel right at home to you as opposed to the smaller frame scoots.

Have fun... and ride safe.

And post some pics of you and your new ride when you get it. We'll be waitin'.
@hotboxdeluxe avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
'09 S50, '79 V50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
 
Ossessionato
@hotboxdeluxe avatar
'09 S50, '79 V50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2105
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
UTC quote
Enjoy your GT truck driver 8)

Don't forget to get some of these for it so you feel at home:
External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

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