| Author | Message | ||
     Jaimec |
First off, I want to thank those Badwebbers who suggested I get the Yamaha TMAX a couple of years ago. That was one FUN scooter. It doesn't have the arm-stretching acceleration of any of the midsize to larger sportbikes out there, but it had all of the handling characteristics I look for along with a reasonable "all-day" riding position and something NO sportbike has: STORAGE CAPACITY. However, Yamaha stopped importing the TMAX after 2011 and we never got to see their improved model here in the States. I just heard they're going to stop importing it to Canada next year, too. Time to move on. Yesterday, I traded in my Bumblebee for a brand new 2013 BMW C650GT. Initial impressions are that this is a worthy successor to the TMAX. Better acceleration, more pleasing exhaust tone, more storage, better wind protection, anti-lock brakes, heated grips, heated seat, electrically-adjusted windshield, better gas mileage, slightly higher fuel capacity and it sacrifices NONE of the handling of the TMAX. I think I'm in love!  | ||
| Two_seasons |
Nice looking scoot there Jaime. Better change your profile pic now  | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Thought you might have gone for the Gilera/Piaggio GP800. Dunno if they're available in the US though. | ||
| Jaimec |
I don't think they are. From what I've read about that beast, though... it's just an engine in a scooter frame. The handling was sub-par and it had precious little luggage capacity due to the need to make room for that tall V-Twin engine it has. I think that engine is better served in the Aprilia Mana than in a scooter. The big issue with ANY Piaggio product, however, is "Parts Availability." Their reputation is legendary (and NOT in a good way). | ||
| Strokizator |
So I have a question. On what occasions do you say to yourself that you're going to take the scoot instead of the other motorcycles you may have at your disposal? Is it for in-town errands or is there some particular mileage limit? I just read about the new KTM electric scooter that will be available soon. Looks like the perfect machine to hang off the back of the RV when I hit the road. | ||
| Jaimec |
Commuting back and forth to work, mostly. The K1200LT is a bit of overkill for that purpose. Also, some upstate runs in which I anticipate having to come back home in peak traffic on the bridges. I was looking at the new Zero, which would be more than enough for commuting back and forth to work (13 miles highway each direction) with an overnight charge; but the secondary function would be to back up the LT on those occasions I have a planned trip and the bike is in the shop for one reason or another. An electric bike wouldn't cut it as a backup for the LT. Two years ago the LT was in for routine service, but was waiting on a back-ordered part. I didn't have it back in time for a planned trip to Boston, so I was easily able to use the TMAX in that regard. The C650GT will be even better for that purpose. The GT will be even better than the TMAX for two-up trips, too. As passenger-friendly as the TMAX was, this is even more so. | ||
| Bbbob |
Jaime, Nice ride, I had the opportunity to ride several of the BMW scooters when they were introduced...other than shifting you're not giving up anything from a motorcycle. I can see where the scooter would be preferable in bumper-to-bumper traffic... | ||
| Jaimec |
Ya know, I've found this thing has one thing in common with every two-wheeled BMW I've ever owned (Full disclosure: I've never owned any other type of BMW. I hear they make cars though): You have NO idea how fast you're going unless you look at the speedometer. I could get into TROUBLE with this thing! | ||
| Trojan |
Nice scooter  There are some pretty nice accessories becoming available for this too.... http://www.rizoma.com/street/bmw/bmw-c-600-sport-c -600-sport-2011-13/en http://shop.ilmberger-carbon.de/carbonparts-motorc ycles/bmw-motorcycles/bmw-c-600-sport we can of course supply if you want to bling it up | ||
| Jaimec |
Cool, Matt! Thanks for letting me know. So far I only see stuff for the sport model. Don't they know us "touring guys" like bling too? (Message edited by jaimec on July 03, 2013) | ||
| Teeps |
Cool. I'm angling to get a Honda PCX150. Lots of short trips in town makes for an unhappy Uly, the PCX will fill the bill. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
http://blog.motorcycle.com/2013/07/03/manufacturer s/yamaha/yamaha-confirms-leaning-multi-wheeler-for -2014-will-the-tesseract-concept-finally-become-re ality/ Maybe this will be your next one? | ||
| Jaimec |
Piaggio already builds one of those. Of course, I have a hard time using the words "Reliable" and "Italian" in the same sentence. Besides, Piaggio parts availability is LEGENDARY (and not in a GOOD way). Might be interesting to see what the tuning forks folks come up with... |
