All Reader Essays – Opportunity makes the thief – Occasions KYMCO

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Opportunity makes the thief

All Reader Essays - Opportunity makes the thief - Occasions KYMCO

A scooter ? And why not ! I have never had the opportunity to try this type of trestle and in addition, even if I look like a yuppie, I can fit all my stuff as a Parisian computer scientist! Or when a convinced motorcyclist gets on a scooter…

A scooter ? And why not ! I have never had the opportunity to try this type of trestle and in addition, even if I look like a yuppie, I can fit all my stuff as a Parisian computer scientist! In short, the occasion is the thief, or when a convinced biker tries a scooter…

Luxury…
At first glance it looks good, this Kymco 125 Grand Dink enthroned on its center stand. It’s a big build, normal for the GT model in the range. Two-tier saddle, midnight blue metallic or metallic silver dress, pretty counters, large optics with complex geometry, polished finish, neatly assembled plastics: everything is there to recall the "luxury marketing" positioning.

With warnings, mirrors with complex surfaces to eliminate blind spots, the warning light, the powerful horn, the temperature and fuel level gauges, the steering lock on the switch, the tachometer and the kicker help, you might think that the Taiwanese took lessons from Honda! It just lacks a partial trip. On the dashboard, an unknown indicator calls out to the neophyte: information taken, it is in fact a reminder to charge the cell phone! Indeed, a specific location and a cigarette lighter socket under the saddle allow you to charge a phone … When the standard GPS ?

Contact, parking position, opening of the fuel flap on the apron, opening of the saddle which reminds you of its presence by means of a red light: all these operations are possible without having to take the key out of the switch! Is that 007’s scooter or what? When the saddle is opened, a night light comes on to illuminate the storage space: a complete rain suit, overboots, an elastic net and a small backpack fit effortlessly. A full-face helmet also fits, as long as you put it upside down. The laptop will travel outside, hooked up to the retractable luggage rack in the middle. With a large top-case, it would be a Megane Scenic as the amount of equipment is bluffing !

…calm…
The name GT does not seem usurped as the amount of equipment is bluffing … Contact. The engine instantly begins to purr at 3000 rpm thanks to the automatic choke. Its discretion, probably linked to liquid cooling and good balancing, is very appreciable: the machine does not risk waking the neighbors when leaving the garage! I get on the saddle and immediately hit my shin on the passenger handles: you don’t get on a scooter like on a motorcycle! So I "sit" on the saddle and kick out the control unit with the impression of having a bike in my hands as the center of gravity is low.

… and lack of pleasure !
Road, here I am! I accelerate. At 4000 rpm, the clutch shifts smoothly. I walk down the sidewalk and the bad surprise arrives: the saddle is not comfortable. Worse yet: the rear damping is as dry as a cudgel … Where did the GT name go? Big lack of taste Mr. Kymco, especially if your back is a bit fragile !

On the way !
At the pump, no need to get out: I open the hatch, pick up the SP 95 pistol, fill up with 6.5 liters (?!?) And go to pay without even taking off my gloves. Foot ! Like Gerard Lambert, I set off for 45 km at night, the cold and humidity of the early winter … The ideal conditions to assess the road capabilities of this canasson! The least we can say is that the engine is going strong. Beyond the feeling of not accelerating from the variator, I realize that the 100 km / h barrier is crossed very quickly, even in town. Lacking benchmarks, I feel like I’m sitting on a sluggish trestle, but the first red light reminds me to order: I’m coming too fast! Time to take the brakes and I was stopped in the blink of an eye. Mazette! Two discs, that’s just the right amount of brakes. Almost too much, especially as regards the rear, which of course tends to be confused with a clutch handle! Two fingers on the levers are enough to stop dead, the only limit being the poor quality of the shock absorbers which must have been made of hazel wood … Nothing dangerous, but it’s still bitchy !

National 20
With the help of insurance, I made my first foray into the lines of cars: CLAC !!! Calm. The mirrors, placed exactly at the level of those of the checkouts, charge for the excellent visibility they offer by tapping on everything that passes nearby … Fortunately I come across a calm that is content to give me the big eyes, but be careful, it could end badly! At least they are bendable, which greatly limits the damage !

Peripheral
The periph ’… And during rush hour, please! Once the width of the mirrors assimilated, the maneuverability provided by the low weight and small wheels works wonders. Quick change of direction, quick brake, good pick-up: I’m having fun! The bitumen fittings do not deviate the course too much and the warnings coupled with the powerful horn are a precious assistance. Whatever time I could spend managing the gear changes on the motorcycle, I am using it here to concentrate on driving. I ride useful and quite comfortably despite the shock absorbers.

Highway
The A3 is clear, I’m hot, so is the engine: gas !!! 100, 110, 120, 125! Imperial. No vibration, no noise. I cruise around 115 km / h meter. The machine is stable and what the shock absorber does not offer in comfort, it makes for handling. Really, I am pleasantly surprised.

In the garage
In front of the door I try to crutch the side. Very playful, it takes pleasure in retracting as soon as I let go and reminds me of some red Italian motorcycles … After the shock absorbers, it is a second saving of candlelight. Finally crutched but slightly downhill: vlan, I miss the sprain by catching the fall! Clearly, the use of the center stand – fortunately very easy – is mandatory, except on flat and very stable ground !

In short
For urban and peri-urban use, this scooter is undeniably well positioned. Quantity of equipment, finish, performance, protection, nothing is missing. The only downsides are the poor quality of the suspensions and the side stand. As a steadfast biker, I’m not yet ready to step into the dark side of strength, but it doesn’t take much … Blame it on the lack of feeling. Maybe the 250cc model, fitted with adaptable shock absorbers? On the other hand, as a machine for a pressed frame, license B in the pocket, it is almost ideal. Easy, useful, rewarding and efficient. And for the price, it would be inappropriate to ask for more! Thanks to for the loan of the scooter !

Tariff and insurance

  • With retro manuals: 2,995 euros

  • With electric folding mirrors (!) 3,295 euros

  • Comprehensive insurance: 400 euros (without bonus / penalty, without background research)

Options

  • Top case Shad 42 liters black (99 €)

  • Option: Fournales shock absorber (around 300 €)

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