My first Impressions - Kymco Downtown 300i
I had a chance to see the new Kymco Downtown 300i at the Maxi-scoot Northwest rally in the gorge. I want to preface my thoughts with the disclamier that the ones I saw were demos. I don't know how close these were to the final US version, but I betting it isn't far off.
Styling
This is a great looking modern maxi scooter. It has a psudo two tone sport bike look. The colors I saw were black, grey, and burnt orange. I'm so happy to see the burnt orange. It not only looks good, but it is easier to see on the road. This is a welcome departure from the trend of black, white, and grey that the other manufacturers seem intent on making us drive.
The two tone effect comes from the black and grey accents. The overall look is sportbike. The headlights have a LED encircled headlamp with two additional highbeams. The dash has a gloss black center section with a very nice handle bar cover.
High Points
The overall look is wonderful. The seat looks like it would handle a days ride without a wimper. The gages are nice looking and easy to read. There are power points in the small dash box, on the handle bar cover, and under the seat. The one I saw had an unusual termination on the power point under the seat, but that may be for the demo only.
Low Points
The afore mentioned under seat power point should be standardized. Also, the light under the seat is at the bottom of the box. If you put anything in there, you cover it up. I noticed that the demo had an owners manual on top of it, totally negating the benefit.. The under seat box is also hard plastic. That's it, no pading. I would like to see the box lined to keep up with the competition in this class.
The box on the dash is rather small, big enough for a cell or MP3 player however. While the seat looks great, there is no driver back rest. As someone with a bad back, I would really like that as an option. The only other thing I found to pick on is the tail lights. Although they were great looking, the demo I saw didn't look very bright. This could be remedyed by some aftermarket LED's or add on lights.
Generally
This is a great bike. The overall finish is wonderful. Things are well thought out, much better than some of the more established brands. It weighs in about 100 pounds less than a Burgman 400. This is no small point when things get tight. Could some things be better? Sure, but that is why there is the aftermarket.
For a great on the rode impression check
http://www.soundrider.com/current/aug10/kymcoDowntown300i.htm Tom is a great guy and rides all sorts of bikes. After all the years he has put on the Gorge rally, I'd consider him a legend in northwest motorcycling. Please check the link. BTW: the pictures are from the rally, not promotional material. Yes, I highly recommend the rally.
Scott
