KymcoForum.com

Hi,

Great responses! When I said I "wanted to get it right" I meant in so far as getting something decent/not crazy on power (e.g. 1200cc as much as I wouldn't say no   ), etc.. and that is good for a "beginner" and general bike whilst being capable as I "grow" into it.

I noticed that people tend to own multiple bikes - I don't want to get ahead of myself.    I had considered getting a smaller 125 (cost considerations) but I think I'd be screwing myself for longer runs, which I do reasonably frequently (maybe 6 times a year), hence looking at the 300 instead.

Take a scooter or motorcycle safety training course before you buy.  The Beginning Courses furnish the motorcyle.
Check with the MSF for your state. (Motorcycle Safety Foundation).

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm in the UK. I have already been to talk to a training school, and I found out that I can basically take any bike as a beginner (I'm over 21) and do a "Direct Access" course, which would enable me to drive it after passing the relevant tests. As a result, getting a smaller bike looks less attractive (I was tempted to get a 125 for a while then change later, but I can save some hassle and go for a decent bike from the start, and have the advantage of learning to ride on it as well).

Get a bike that you can handle and that is comfortable for you.
Looking at specifications will not tell you all you need to know.
You have to sit on the bikes to see if they fit your frame.
And you have to ride them to see if they fit your state of mind.

Duly noted.

...the Downtown is still more comfortable in the long run then my Kawasaki ER6F...but I've been doing 100 mile days on a bicycle, so you can't count my opinion.

hehe - I can tolerate the hard ride of a sports car whilst many would run screaming so I might be OK!

The other problem may be weather. If you are only using this as alternative good weather vehicle then there may be no issue. Now if there is bad weather this could change things drastically. While I have done short runs caught in bad weather 350 miles to me would be unimaginable.....................

Why is this? Surely this is down to clothing?

I would buy another dt300 if something happened to this one.

Good to know!

The Xciting is much more comfortable, and all of the 3 mentioned japanese scoots
are a lot more comfortable for long distance.

I even found the People 300GTi to be more comfortable (both seat and suspension)
then the Downtown.

I'll have to see if I can find some way to try them. I can try the Burgman in the next week (sit on it anyway). I'll see what my local Kymco dealer has in stock to look at.

Any particular Kymco I should be looking at, in addition to the DT300i? I want something good for the motorway, which the DT300i seems to be.