My new X500 should be arriving soon, what should I do to prepare?

[ctknow]

Hi Folks,

I just joined KymcoForum since the X500 I ordered should be arriving at my local dealership in a week or so (if no more delays), and I want to make sure I'm prepared.

Just a little about myself.  I used to own a Honda Elite 150 some 20 years ago, and loved riding it.  I was very interested in 2 wheelers through that time, but got distracted with other things in life.  Then one day I saw a huge scooter parked on the sidewalk.  Boy had things changed!  It recaptured my imagination as I kept seeing it for several weeks - turned out to be a Burgman 400.  Long story short, I spent time exploring and decided to get an 2013 X500.  Now I can't wait until it shows up!

Which brings me back to my question.  What should I do to prepare for it's arrival?  I live in the Northeast, so have already got appropriate winter jacket, overpants, gloves, and boots (and of course helmet).  I've begun looking at accessories, and there's a dizzying selection.  I probably will get a cover, and a disc brake soon.  Then at some point I'll get a top case - Shad seems to be officially supported).  Have I left anything important out?

And what about the scooter?  Will there be a break-in period?  What should I be aware of since I haven't ridden a scooter of this size before (aside from of course balancing a heavier machine)?  And what kind of maintenance should I expect to do?

I confess I've skimmed this forum several times in the past month or so as I have been waiting for the scooter, and this seems to be the place to be for Kymco owners.

Thanks for any comments for this newbie!

[MotoRandy123]

  Congratulations! That's a great scooter! If you park outside get the cover (nice if you park inside too
as bike gets less dirty!). I put a JC Whitney top box on mine (mostly because they were on sale for $50).
Givi makes some nice ones too. I find the largest I can get is the best as then you never run out of room!

  For break in you want to accelerate then chop the throttle a lot during the first 100 miles. This allows
both sides of the rings to machine themselves to the cylinder. Then just don't run a single speed/RPM
for long periods (like a 1 hour cruise at 60 MPH). You can vary the throttle while maintaining the same
speed or even better take it on some twisty roads so you have to vary the throttle a lot.

  I like to change the oil early (I did 140 miles on my Yager) and often. The first couple of changes get the
machined metal out of there (from break in). I used straight 30W as I've always heard it is best for breaking
in the top end. Pick up some oil and filters and change it yourself then bring it to the dealer for the first (real)
service at 600 miles. Then just go out and ride!

  This is a great forum, any questions just ask, someone will pop in with an answer.

[sissy mary]

Go light durring break in and vary speed. Also do not exceed 60 MPH for first 1,000 miles. Then change oil to synthetic. I use mobile one 15/50 year round.

[MaryK]

Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training.  They offer a beginning course for scooters as well as one for motorcycles.
Even if you have been riding, the course will teach you a lot.  There is a $ credit on your insurance too.
http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx

And if there is no scooter course near you, you can take the motorcycle training.... they furnish the motorcycle for the basic 2 day course.

Scoot Safely,

[ctknow]

Thanks to everyone for the tips.

I did a quick search on breaking in scooters, and saw how controversial a topic it is.  At least I'm aware now!

I'll be taking the MSF course.  Will welcome the refresher.

Oh, and the JC Whitney was a nice discovery, thanks MotoRandy1.  I selected the X500 as my scooter, and it filtered to whole site for compatible products (at least it seems so).  Can't imagine how much time that took.

[Vivo]

A security system maybe....

[sissy mary]

ebay has cheap parts such as filters, break pads ect. You can get a K&N style air filter and oil filters with a nut on the end there also. I would recommend a GIVI windshield if you are going to tour, and the large shad box with back rest if you will be riding 2 up. Leave everything else stock.

[BigOrange]

MSF course is a must. Biggest top case you can buy. I would buy one of the taller windscreens. The big Givi is too tall for many. I have the oem tall screen from 2009. I have ridden the 2012. It is a great machine. I think the windscreen is too short.  I am 6' 1 255 lbs.

[ctknow]

I did a search on this forum on Givi windshields, and see that this has been a highly discussed topic.  Is it common to have a rotation of windshields?  Perhaps Givi for winter and touring, ERMAX or some middle-sized one for regular commuting?

Doesn't sound like anyone likes the stock windshield, which seemed to get shorter over the years.  Maybe Kymco has tried to make the X500 LOOK sportier with each new model.  But it seems like it still PERFORMS more like an all-rounder, and clearly many people use it for touring.  Bit of a juggling act, and the windshield has paid the price.

[desliderman]

I did a search on this forum on Givi windshields, and see that this has been a highly discussed topic.  Is it common to have a rotation of windshields?  Perhaps Givi for winter and touring, ERMAX or some middle-sized one for regular commuting?

Doesn't sound like anyone likes the stock windshield, which seemed to get shorter over the years.  Maybe Kymco has tried to make the X500 LOOK sportier with each new model.  But it seems like it still PERFORMS more like an all-rounder, and clearly many people use it for touring.  Bit of a juggling act, and the windshield has paid the price.

Yes (for me, it is).

I rotate between the stock and the GIVI.  I tried to get my dealer to order me the OEM windscreen from the earlier models but they aren't available.  I'm getting pretty good at swapping them out.  I can get it done in about 5 minutes.

Go to your dealer and buy an extra set of the rubber inserts.  If I install the GIVI without those you'll run the risk of cracking it at the holes.

Don in KC>

[htcneil2]

I just put my givi (cut down) on today. It much quieter.

[jerry2]

I have the full sized Givi windshield.  It's the first time I've had a windshield on a bike that I didn't look over.  I might cut it down but I'm enjoying the full screen with the cooler weather.  I applied RainCoat today.  I think RainCoat is a necessity with a windshield you look through.