Xciting 500 ri 2008

[Rozz]

I am considering buying an Xciting 500 2008 model.  I am a little worried about making a mistake since I did just that last summer.  I purchased a Piaggio BV250 from a Vespa dealer for about 6500.00.  Since this model is not being imported in Canada this year, the bike is difficult to trade in or so I'm told.  I had an Vespa 150 for a few years before that.  I was afraid to move up to a larger bike last year, then outgrew my purchase after a few weeks of riding.  Now I find the frame on the 250 just too small.

My question: is the Xciting 500 enough to keep one happy touring along with someone on a "real" motorcycle?  I've seen plenty of good comments about this bike, yet a few about inaccurate speedo readings and gas mileage leave me worried that perhaps I should keep looking. 

I am an older rider (over sixty), I have some physical limitations that make me think that I should stick with a scooter.  Others have suggested that I would be better off on a real bike.

How does one figure this out?  Or is that an impossible questions.  I'd really appreciate some advice.

[winginman]

Ok, I'm in the 60 plus group.  I have a big bike a Goldwing 1800 and just purchased an 09 500Ri.  I bought my wife an 04 Scarabeo two years ago.  I found that this size scooter or should I say STM (Step Through Motocycle) is ideal.  Getting harder to throw that leg over and around town it's nice to not have the clutch or have to shift.  I put more miles on the scooter last year than the Goldwing and decided I had to have one of my own, since the wife likes to ride it as well. I did a lot of research and settled on the Kymco.  Parts and accessories are available and we have a good local dealer. You are going to have a tough time beating it for the money, or even more money for that matter.  So far it's lived up to my expectations.  The seat is comfy.  Power is plenty adequate, even two up.  Get the tall Givi windshield, it will keep the wind and bugs out of your face.  Unless you have short arms the riding position will allow you to sit upright.  I am considering pullbacks for the handlebars. I could use about an inch and a half and I would set out across the country on it.  I have been riding with the folks in various clubs around here and there is no problem with keeping up with anyone.  It handles very nice in the twisties, very nimble and easy to control.  It also handles well in the crosswind.

[Rozz]

Hi Jim,
I figured it out.  I hadn't logged in, that's why I couldn't post a reply on the forum.  So, now I'm good.  Well maybe not me personally, but I'm happy now that I have joined the gang as a happy Kymco owner.

[bongoman]

I have been more than pleased with my '07 500. Not f.i. Gone everywhere around Texas, from Austin to San Antonio & Houston. the longest trip was from San Antonio to New Orleans and back: total about 1200 miles in 4 days. And if you're familar with Louisiana, there's only interstate hiway from Texas border to The Big Easy. That scoot handled the trip great, no trouble passing big rigs, and it's heavy enough that crosswinds do not bother it.

As to the speedo inaccuracies, easy enough once you get a few miles and get familiar with the scoot.

I too am an older rider, pushing 70, and it is easier and more comfortable with more storage space and conveniences on a scoot. I am prejudiced towards the Kymco Xciting 500, thought I would state that for the record.

My scoot is barely a year old and she's clocked nearly 17,000 miles.

Hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed mine.

[Rozz]

Glad to hear the positive feedback since I committed to ordering mine this afternoon.  Now the Xcitement begins.  Maybe Saturday delivery.  Now if the weather warms up...we're in the Toronto Ontario area and our springlike weather is hovering around the low thirties right now.
Plenty of highways here and some nice back country roads too.

[bongoman]

I worked in Canada once, loved the country, the roads, diverse culture, but never got used to the weather. I am a central Texas cat and love the 9+months of riding weather. Light sprinkling rain in low 70's temps for the day. Up to 80 & cloudy tomorrow.

Of course our summers are fearsome unless one lives close to a river or swimming hole. I spend most afternoons in the cool, sacred water of Barton Springs. It gets hot. Lately, we've had several 99 to 103 degree summer days.

[Rozz]

We're in southern Ontario.  We're out on the bikes now and will run until November.  Some hardy souls will go year round except for snow.  We have great country roads.  The freeways are getting pretty rough in spots.  Lots of potholes.  Had a bad winter this year and that tends to heave the pavement.
Our summers get into the mid to high nineties and the humidity will kill you almost as quick as the cold.  Smog is a problem too.
Sometimes we trailer our bikes down to South Carolina in the winter.  We love that.
This year we will tour our own province.
I can't wait to get my new bike, maybe Friday.