Kymco 2015 Downtown 300i and Xciting 500i

[SECoda]

My brother was just shopping for a larger scooter and his Kymco dealer is telling him that you still cannot get the ABS brake option in the US even though they are standard elsewhere. They also didn't have information on the next version when the engine goes to 350. A Downtown 350i with ABS may force Honda's hand for a change on the Forza IMO. Apparently, Kymco is also introducing a Xciting 500i sleek looking scooter to fit in between the 300 and the 700.

Anyone have more information on these? My dealer didn't know anymore than I did.

[iceman]

It seems in europe, anything over 125cc will have to have ABS circa 2015 (from info in similar discussions).

[SECoda]

Right. Here they won't do that for all models unless the statistics support it and they don't right now for many smaller models. Since Europe is a much larger scooter market it may force it here by default. It seems ludicrous but for Forza's in the US where there is a lot of data the ABS braked models here had a bit higher fatality rate than without. I think that is because the drivers may be bolder knowing he can depend on ABS brakes or maybe the ABS buyers live in more urban high traffic areas and felt they need it more there. Who knows.

[dkazzed]

The XCiting 500i has been available in Canada since 2008. Someone in a local scooter club has one, as well as a GSX650 and VStrom 650. He's owned a Reflex and a Bet & Win 250 before, and he says by far the 2008 XCiting 500i is his favourite grocery getter.

ABS is listed as an option. The 3.4 gallon tank is a bit limiting for the thirstier 499cc engine that gets about 50 mpg. There's an 08 Xciting 500Ri for sale for $3k.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/mcd/4835304502.html

I hope they redesign the Downtown's fairing foot rest. The one in the Xciting is more standard.

[Mel46]

My Burgman 400 looked very much like the one pictured above. The new versions of it come with abs. You might want to consider one of those if the KYMCO doesn't work out. I would consider the Burgman as the Cadillac of affordable scooters. BMW has one that is more comfortable, but the maintenance would put you in the poor house. Thus, the Burgman is the most comfortable and trouble free of the modern scooters.

[gn2]

It seems ludicrous but for Forza's in the US where there is a lot of data the ABS braked models here had a bit higher fatality rate than without.

Err, I think your memory might be playing tricks on you.

The new Downtown 350 won't exert any influence on Honda, Kymco sales figures are pathetic.

[skuuter]

In my opinion, and having owned all kinds of Scooters and Brands of Scooters from 50cc to 650cc, the Forza300 has no competition.....

[gn2]

the Forza300 has no competition.....

Maybe not in the states, but in Europe there's a few, (in no particular order) Peugeot Satelis 300, Yamaha Xmax 250, Daelim 250, Piaggio X10 350, Piaggio ST350, Piaggio Yourban 300, Kymco Downtown 300, Kymco Xciting 400, Kawasaki J300, Sym Joymax 300, Sym Citycom 300, Sym Maxsym 400, Rieju Cityline 300, TGB Xmotion 300.

So far my Forza has had three warranty repairs and one recall.
Four faults developing in the first year isn't that great and along with the crankcase stand lug issue on my old PCX I'm no longer at all impressed with Thai built Hondas.
My Forza went in on Tuesday for waterpump seal repair, fuel pump recall and 16,000 mile service.
The job couldn't be completed because they didn't have brake pads in stock and had to get them in.
Fortunately the saved the day by providing excellent customer service, I've had their NC750S demonstrator on loan since Tuesday and will get to keep it till my Forza is ready.

[sendler2112]

The Kymco Downtown has cramped legroom and the running boards are useless for trying to get the foot forward position that the PCX has. The Yamaha Majesty is very nice as are the Burgmans. I haven't ridden the Forza yet but it will kill any other mid sized maxi scooter on fuel consumption.

[gn2]

The Majesty is discontinued, replaced by the (fugly) Xmax 400.

http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/ ... ax400.aspx#

[sendler2112]

They did screw up the running boards on the XMax400 just like the Downtown. The USA web site still shows the 2014 Majesty400.
.
http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/models/majesty
.
PS. I just bought a used 2005 Majesty for $2,000 but haven't brought it home yet.

[gn2]

Those USA ones will probably be unsold stock, AFAIK it has gone out of production.
Which is a shame because it was a nice looking scooter.

[dkazzed]

The XMax looks nice me, more sporty like the Downtown. But a shame they screwed up the fairing footrests as well.

[Monty1952]

Unless I missed it, nobody has mentioned the TMAX (especially the new 2015) which may be the best power to weight scoot on the road bar none. I don't think BMW or Burgman are as city friendly for sure. Forza is the largest scoot Honda brings to Canada if we forget the NM4 which I looked at again in the store yesterday. It's just freaking weird.

[SECoda]

I have yet to figure out who the NM4 would appeal to. Batman? I guess with 15M bikes a year you can test the markets.

[gn2]

I have yet to figure out who the NM4 would appeal to. Batman?

Or maybe Judge Dredd.

[Lancer525]

My brother was looking online at the Downtown 300i, but he was worried about the "cramped footrests" that he kept seeing in online reviews.

He's 5'-10" and (if he can be believed) about 210 (although I think he's closer to 240! lol) and isn't sure whether or not he'll have enough legroom. He's been on my PCX, and said that it "almost had too much foot room" and felt too lightweight to suit him.

I keep telling him that he's going to have to go find a Kymco and sit on it to tell how comfortable it is, but he's not the smart one in the family...

[gn2]

You can't sit feet forward on a Downtown but if you sit with your feet in the correct position its not cramped at all.

[dkazzed]

Yup, the floor with the standard scooter seating position is fine for 6'-1" me with 32" inseam. The foot forward position is dumb. Similar to driving a car but then you raise the centre of gravity of the bike so high, making it a little unstable at high speeds.

[gn2]

Those raised footrest areas on the Downtown are intended for use by a child sitting in front of the rider.