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Xciting 500 / Re: Where did everyone go?
« on: March 29, 2009, 02:57:16 AM »
I guess the weather is breaking, at least here in the northeast. The temps are in the 50's and 60's and today was a good riding day that I took advantage of for about five hours.

I don't know where you're located Wingman but you're welcome to come to Pittsburgh for good riding weather (but not tomorrow, rain).

BTW apparently you have experience riding a 2009 500ri. My question is the same as several others on this forum. Did Kymco really lower the seat height on the '09 and if so by how much? My Internet search shows no change in seat height from 2007, 2008 or 2009 unless somebody forgot to issue the mfg. change and all sites - at least the ones I've visited - are using outdated information.

Somebody told me that seat height isn't a concern in Asia as riders step off (forward) when they come to a stop and come to think of it, I seem to remember seeing that when I was in Korea several years ago.

Observations/comments are welcome.

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Xciting 500 / Weight
« on: March 22, 2009, 10:58:20 PM »
I acknowledge that the weight of the 500 is not a new topic but I want to add another perspective; I keep hearing that the scoot is good AFTER an adjustment for its weight and I'm not sure I know what this means. I assume the writer is directing his comments from the perspective of moving from a lighter ride i.e., 175/250 etc. What about moving from HEAVIER ride?

I've had heavier bikes including a Yamaha Venture Royale and that is one heavy machine, Harley dressers - another heavyweight and others that are in that class. I ride a Suzuki Burgman 400 and am buying a 500ri ABS and the weight difference isn't overwhelming at an additional 45 lbs. ( The Suzuki is 440 lbs. and the 500ri ABS is 485 lbs.). Without ABS, the difference is even less at 473 or 12 fewer lbs.

I guess my point is that a potential 500 rider shouldn't be deterred by a heavier scoot. Riders with a good sense of balance and maybe a shaved seat shouldn't allow the weight of the scoot to be an issue.

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Xciting 500 / Seat Height
« on: March 18, 2009, 08:55:29 PM »
The 30.25 seat height on the 2009 500ri is a wee bit high for my 30" inseam. I can get my feet down but not flat-footed like I can on a 28" seat height on a Suzuki Burgman 400.

I called Kymco in Spartenburg and they recommend shaving the sides of the seat and possibly the top to get to an optimum height. My legs splay because of the width of the seat but I don't want to lose the seat's comfort. According to them, there is no way to lower the scoot.

Any suggestions other than shaving the sides and top of the seat?

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