 AUG 2007 - Taiwan Gets it right
Chris Pearson of MCN says the updated Kymco 500cc scoot is classy and smooth enough to take on Japan.
Big scooters are getting ever popular as the line between bike and scoot gets ever more faint. The latest offering from Kymco is one such machine, definitely scooter in it looks and riding position but every bit approachable by the biker looking for a good, cost effective and speedy way of commuting on a daily basis. The previous version of the Kymco Xciting 500 was a good machine but it did lack in a few key areas, the carburettor fed, single-cylinder, engine was a tad sluggish off the mark while the mirrors displayed little except your elbows making for a stressed and worrying ride particularly in traffic or when manoeuvring. The manufacturers have clearly listened to those few complaints however and the latest fuel injected model is here and ready to rock. Smooth and willing to go from low down in the rev range, the new system has also increased both torque and outright power by around 3%. By moving the mirrors back a shade, so they now sit on the handlebars, clear rearward vision has been restored while also tidying up the nose section of the bike no end. Also dropped for the 2007 model is the linked braking system, once again this will appeal to the biker rarely used to such devices, who will now enjoy total control over each end of the scoot without affecting the other.
At speed the Xciting feels sturdy and well built with just a hint of reluctance to dive into fast bends like a bike would do, this is mainly attributable to the way the CVT transmission is set up with little engine braking on tap in the first few seconds of closed throttle, effectively letting the rear free wheel for a while. If you set the scoot up well in advance however, then the ride is rock steady especially once back on the gas, ready for the corner exit, as the torquey engine gets to work again hauling the big scoot back up to its top speed, just a shade short of three figures.
Little touches add to the overall experience immeasurably; the under seat phone charger also tells the rider when an incoming call is occurring, via a baby alarm type listening device, which then illuminates a light on the dash. All you have to do is get stopped in a safe place, helmet off and seat up, ready to take the call before it stops ringing or failing that dash, at least you will be aware when you have just missed a call. There is just room for one full face helmet under the seat which is something of a surprise when comparing it to others in the super scoot class, most offer capacious holds in this area and there seems to be no apparent reason for this; the engine albeit a big single, is mounted horizontally so that shouldn’t be in the way so it is just down to the placing of other items like the battery and fuel tank. For those looking for extra on board storage, there is a sturdy alloy rack mounted to the rear, so adding a top box shouldn’t prove too difficult. At night the under seat area is lit, in the same manner as a car boot once the lid is up, allowing you to find the chips that have dropped out of your take away before they go cold or, that ringing phone before it stops again.
On board storage aside, there has clearly been a lot of thought and effort gone into the Kymco Xciting, from its user friendly engine and informative dash to the plush seats and laid back riding style. Add the two-year manufacturers warranty and sensible asking price it is well worth a gander.
For further information on the KYMCO Xciting 500i, please click here
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