Having owned ten motorcycles since age 16, I swore that I would NEVER be caught on a scooter. But not riding for twenty years and after financial setbacks, the idea of basic, simple transportation became appealing. I bought a used 2012 Like 200 and, thinking it would frequently be in the shop, bought a used 2013 as a spare. To my surprise, they only required basic service during the three years I owned them. My girlfriend and I called them our “little babies†and we rode everywhere within a 50-mile radius of our home in Mesa, Arizona.
I learned about the Iron Butt 1000 mile-in-24-hour challenge many years ago. Anyone doing that would have to be crazy, so I thought. Anyway, I couldn’t do it, having never ridden more than 300 miles in one day. About a year ago, I bought a 2015 Downtown 300. After its 3000-mile service I began to wonder if the DT 300 was capable of long distance riding. I wondered if I was. So, after researching the idea, picking a route, taking short practice rides, and planning the fuel stops I decided to go for it.
On September 17, 2016 I left Casa Grande, Arizona at 2:30 am, rode to Roswell, New Mexico and returned to Casa Grande shortly after midnight on the 18th, logging 1067 odometer miles (1054 actual). The route combined interstate and state highways, elevations up to 7,600 feet, a half dozen small towns, and about 50 miles of moderate rain. I averaged 66 MPG. The ride went off as planned, with no surprises. The bike ran perfectly. (The ride was recently audited and certified by the Iron Butt Association.)
Needless to say, I was tired and sore, but not excessively so. The mods were: cramp buster throttle assist, gel seat pad, Shad 29 trunk, 2-quart size fuel bottles, and a backpack with food, drinks and rain suit cargo netted to the passenger seat. I also had a tire repair kit, mini air compressor, and mini jump starter just in case. I took too much food and drink, and didn’t use the extra fuel.
A stock Downtown 300 is more than capable of ANY kind of ride. I am 5 foot 10 with 30-inch inseam. Someone taller might want to mod the seat. I thought of doing this and riding the 50-hour coast to coast Iron Butt challenge, but decided on something else.
I traded in the Like 200s for a 2016 Xciting 500 which I absolutely love. It is my “big beastâ€. Heavier on steering, a firmer ride, and harder to move around the garage compared to the Downtown; but more leg room, more power, better for 2-up riding, and more waves from sport bike riders.
I am totally sold on KYMCO scooters: straightforward CVT transmission, performance with economy of operation, good storage, good looks, and go anywhere-do anything reliability. My KYMCOs are maintained by Performance Scooter of Scottsdale, Arizona which does a great job.
My girlfriend has stepped up to the Downtown 300. Now, in our late sixties, we both look forward to many riding adventures on our capable machines.
