Kymco discontinues Xciting 500 in Europe???

[alyn 7777]

I was just trolling for some info on the European Xciting 500ri and I see that they have been delisted from the Kymco Germany, Luxemburg, Spain and UK websites.  Appears the Xciting 400i has taken its place over there. Sad. Wonder how long before they are discontinued here and in Canada?

[Vivo]

It all has to do with market performance, demand, etc.   I would prefer the 400 because that's all I need... and price is also a factor...

[sissy mary]

I would like the 400 myself. It has the new engine design (needle/roller bearings & such). It has almost the same power as the 500, but with (what I have heard), much better gas mileage. People with the Yamaha & Suzuki 400's often report MPG in the mid 60's, and can cruise at freeway speeds all day? My 2007 carbed X500 has dropped down to about 50 with only me riding it? 2 up is in mid to hi 40's? May be due to a winter gas change? But someone with a Suzuki 400 (2008), I know, is at least in the low 60's. That MPG would be nice. And I have heard nothing but good reports about the X400.  

[BigOrange]

I am bummed out.  I dig the geometry of the XC500.  The 400 looks smaller.

[alyn 7777]

Actually they're similar in size with the 400i a couple inches shorter --

l/w/h in metric:

500 - 2330 x 830 x 1510
400 - 2205/820/1285

Tire size is exactly the same. 120/70-15 150/70-14

Peak HP:
500 - 38.4 at 7000k
400 - 35.5 at 7500k

Weight:

500 w/o ABS - 473 lbs
400 w/o ABS - 440 lbs

Power to weight is probably pretty close

We'll have to wait on real mpg figures.  The 400 tail pipe doesn't lend itself to side luggage.  As far as pricing it ain't cheap. It is 5800 euros in France w/o ABS.  Have no idea what it will list for here or how long it will take to get it. Personally I like the 'touring' look of the 500 better, but then again I like the old style fairing of the 500 better than the twin headlight 500 fairing so I'm prejudiced. 

The 400i is pretty quick. Max speed video here:

Kymco Luxemburg 400 site with promo video here: http://www.kymcolux.com/site/catalogue_detail.php?produit_id=1017&groupe_id=35

[sissy mary]

I agree, I like the looks of the old 500 better. But I do like the dual lights of the new X400 & 500.

[alyn 7777]

The 400i reviews in Italy are mixed.  There's already been a recall on the motor mount and it seems the fan is on a lot more than the 500.  Some guys feel the suspension is too stiff and now due to discounts the 400 is actually selling in Europe for MORE than the 500.  They seem to love the braking on the 400.  I've read of MPG in the range of 20km/L to 28km/L which is about 47-63mpg. Quite a spread.  Some 500 purists over there seem to miss the size/protection offered by the 500.  I personally don't feel any 'pull' towards the 400, I do covet the 700 but the seat looks uncomfortable as hell and it's damn pricey.

Bing Translated user review interchange from the Italian Xciting club here:

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http%3A%2F%2Flnx.xcitingclub.com%2Fforum%2Fviewtopic.php%3Ff%3D113%26t%3D9673%26sid%3D2a3a0cfb7593a0fbc8afcb7bfcd3ae0b