2012 compared to 2013

[Oldscoot]

My dealer just received a 2013 Xciting 500Ri ABS.  It's the same color as my 2012 500Ri ABS  so I parked them side-by-side to make an eyeball comparison.  Without the help of a micrometer and spec sheet my subjective observations lead me to conclude that the obvious differences are - the new double headlight front cowling, a different heat shield on the exhaust, a different rear grab bar - and possibly different rear side panels. Other than that they seem to be pretty much identical. I looked under the seat and did not see much difference in the underseat capacity or configuration.  The taillight seems the same (IMHO a good place to have made a change to a bigger light).  The look from the front is very "aggressive" (I think that is the term vehicle designers use) and good looking.  The motto of my scooter club is "de gustibus non est diputandum" which translates roughly to there is  no accounting for taste - and while I like the new look - I rode away just as happy with my 2012 which was a relief to my wallet.  Kymco was very conservative and seems to have made a few cosmetic changes - except for ABS is now standard.  I know this style has been around in Europe and other markets for awhile.               

[ScooterCommuter]

I'll let you know - I just today ordered one and it should be here in about 4 weeks

[sissy mary]

Wish the 400 was comming in. From what I have heard it has the new engine style like the 300 with needle bearings & such. Good power, almost same as 500, with better MPG, almost as high as 300. Sounds like the best of both worlds? I do like the tourque of the 500 for touring freeways, pulling 2 people up mountains etc.

[Oldscoot]

Wish the 400 was comming in. From what I have heard it has the new engine style like the 300 with needle bearings & such. Good power, almost same as 500, with better MPG, almost as high as 300. Sounds like the best of both worlds? I do like the tourque of the 500 for touring freeways, pulling 2 people up mountains etc.

I agree that the 400 would probably be really versatile.  I need to be able to get a little more stretched out because of abuse to my knees in the past.  The 300 configuration is just a little too short in leg room for me. If the 400 offers more leg room - and if it ever is imported to the U.S. - it would be very tempting.       

[sissy mary]

Yes, the 300 is to short in the leg dept for me, and the 500 is just about perfect for the long hall touring trip. If the 400 is just about the same size as the 500, then I would really have to take a good look at it before I made up my mind? It would have to have enough torque to ride 2 up at freeway speeds for me to purchase. But if it does? And the MPG is 5 miles or so better than the 500, then it would make the choice more easy for me. And it has dual head lights to boot.

[BigOrange]

Our dealer has the new 2013 Xciting 500 demo.  I took a ride. Great machine.  I am sure there are many differences. It felt the same when I was on it.

Next time I would like to have abs.  New light kits look mean.  I love my 2009 Xciting 500 Ri. 

[Oldscoot]

Sissy Mary -

I looked at the specs on the Kymco international site to compare the external dimensions of the 300, 400 and 500 bikes.

Length  300 (2200)  400 (2220)   500 (n/a) 

Width    300 (810)  400 (795)  500 (815)

Wheelbase 300 (1545) 400 (1565) 500 (1570)

Weight  300 (166) 400 (193)  500 (200)

It occurs to me that the 400 is not simply a 300 with a bigger engine.  It will be interesting to actually sit on one if they ever are imported into the States.

 

[sissy mary]

Yes oldscoot, I think the wheelbase is the most telling number. 300 wheelbase is 20 less than the 400, but the 400 is only 5 less than the 500. And look at the weight diff. Big diff between 300 & 400, and very little between 400 & 500. It looks like the 400 is very close to the 500. I just hope it can tour like the 500? To bad it may never be imported?