xciting 500 vs burgman 400.

[thunderkat59]

I had an '08 400 Burgman and regret getting rid of it. There was nothing exciting about it, but it did everything well. When I lived in Florida, I had to ride sections of I-Deathrace 2000, or I-95 as it might otherwise be known, and it was perfectly manageable playing Moto-Frogger with Semi's and caroming Cadillac's at 75 or so. Riding sportily, it would drag stuff a little sooner than I would have liked, but that is not intent of that machine. I miss things like carpet in the trunk and little finishing touches like that.  Some of the 'Cons' for me was, a little cumbersome in urban traffic. I missed not being able to circumvent some traffic issues due to mass that I might on a smaller scooter. A little hard for me to wrestle up on the center-stand. (Im 155# and weak), and weirdly enough, it had sort of cruiser style 'layback' ergo's, so in extended urban traffic, it became very uncomfortable to keep putting my feel up down from floorboards to road at an angle that was not a good one for me, personally(33" inseam). You probably won't have that issue(?). Another oddity was how many rpm's it took to spool up before it would start to move, but no big deal.  I don't know about an X-Citing, but you cant really go  wrong with the Burgman  Best wishes for happy miles on whatever you decide . . .

[mrbios]

That was a good really Useful right up and from my limited rides on the Burgman 400 I would say it's right on target.

[guile]

Xciting 500 vs burgman 400.
I own(ed) both and more (T-max, Burgman 650)

It depends on your priority:
Xciting 500: cheap, comfortable and powerful
Burgman 400: reliable and comfortable

My two cents

[thunderkat59]

Xciting 500 vs burgman 400.
I own(ed) both and more (T-max, Burgman 650)

It depends on your priority:
Xciting 500: cheap, comfortable and powerful
Burgman 400: reliable and comfortable

My two cents

So no 'reliability' affirmation for the Xciting?
Might you elaborate?

I would agree on the Burgman . . . Zero issues with mine. Big mistake getting rid of it 

[guile]

My Xciting had quite some issues. It's made in 2006, has over 26000 miles on it:

Repairs:
- It always leaked cooling fluid, even after installing a new waterpump.
- Hosingclamps are of inferior quality so they will fail on you (leakage)
- The base gasket just recently broke which is a huge pita to repair
- Replaced rear breakcaliper (known issue)
- Issues with bearings in steering
- vital electronics are poorly protected (right side under saddle)
- saddle springs are broken so saddle won't stay open
- speedo broke
- fuelpump broke
- Radiator Thermo switch broke

Cons:
- very heavy
- On my 2006 model the rearviewmirrors are a joke; very fragile too
- On my 2006 model the fuel gauge is off by at least 30 miles
- the speedo is very fragile and prone to cheating and off by 7 miles
- Dual-breaking never worked properly, brake hose is too long so it will never give you a stiff break
- small tank (12,5 liters) combined with relatively poor mileage
- suspension is mediocre
- sparkplug very hard too reach
- saddle too high for smaller people (tiptoeing)
- breaklights are too weak
- clunky parking break design

Pro's:
- unbeatable price (half the price of a T-max)
- powerful engine
- fairings are reasonably solid
- turnlight audio signal
- very comfortable ride; solid feel
- large saddlespace
- clean design
- maintenance is relatively easy

[thunderkat59]

My Xciting had quite some issues. It's made in 2006, has over 26000 miles on it:

Repairs:
- It always leaked cooling fluid, even after installing a new waterpump.
- Hosingclamps are of inferior quality so they will fail on you (leakage)
- The base gasket just recently broke which is a huge pita to repair
- Replaced rear breakcaliper (known issue)
- Issues with bearings in steering wheel
- vital electronics are poorly protected (right side under saddle)
- saddle springs are broken so saddle won't stay open
- speedo broke
- fuelpump broke

Cons:
- very heavy
- On my 2006 model the rearviewmirrors are a joke; very fragile too
- On my 2006 model the fuel gauge is off by at least 30 miles
- the speedo is very fragile and prone to cheating and off by 7 miles
- Dual-breaking never worked properly, brake hose is too long so it will never give you a stiff break
- small tank (12,5 liters) combined with relatively poor mileage
- suspension is mediocre
- sparkplug very hard too reach
- saddle too high for smaller people (tiptoeing)
- breaklights are too weak
- clunky parking break design

Pro's:
- unbeatable price (half the price of a T-max)
- powerful engine
- fairings are reasonably solid
- turnlight audio signal
- very comfortable ride; solid feel
- large saddlespace
- clean design
- maintenance is relatively easy

Wow . . . That's crazy!
I didn't think ANY bike could have that many problems in this day and age!
Did Kymco help at all?

I dunno, I might rethink this Xciting purchase. reading the stuff I have is not
inspiring confidence.

[MJR]

- Issues with bearings in steering wheel

Is that a one of a kind bike with a steering wheel?

[guile]

I did my best.
Cheers from the Netherlands 

[mrbios]

I did my best.
Cheers from the Netherlands 

You did more than 'your best' ... That was an awesome review!!! and is great information to others that have the xciting 500 because it helps them to know what to look for.

thunderkat59 - It looks like a lot of repairs and it is a LOT of repairs many of which should never have happened BUT.... at 6K miles he probably had almost no issues.  Most scooter riders in the USA hardly ride past a 5K miles or so.  The real test is for someone that uses the scoot like a car and keeps a careful log of repairs as the terror of repairs that are a PITA fade with time.  I look back at repair photos and I cringe!  I'm traumatized all over again!  But again it wears off.

Compared to my 2005 Grandvista / Grand Dink / B&W 250....  I currently have 19,500 miles or 31,382 km....
No coolant leaks ever and only changed the fluid once.
Exhaust cracked several times and I rewelded it - known issue.
Electronics - recently had to apply dielectric grease and had to clean contacts on light, signal, horn, power mirrors.  New designs protect the switches much better in some motorcycles.
Seat - spring is metal.  Still works perfect same as new, no wear and just lubed with WD40.
Electronics under seat, etc well protected no issues except recently cleaned contacts to spark plug coil etc and dielectric grease - starts perfect (for now).
Never changed the starter or relay etc.
Head light dim and gets brighter when applying the brake - corrosion on contacts.
Instrument panel back light inverter - went out around 10K miles, bought on ebay last year and need to install.
Plastic faded with power southern California sun - sanded and painted.

No problems with calipers, rotors etc ever.
Rear pad wears "fast" ~ 7K miles?

Recently, dissembled rear clutch & the shaft that the variator slides on in the rear - works better now than at any time since I bought the scooter in 2011 with 2600 miles.  Virtually perfect in my opinion.  Way better than burgman 400, silverwing 600 and just as good as vespa.   No more clutch squeal.  Also, original clutch and working perfect.

Currently, I ride it 5 days a week like a car and it is running perfect.

[guile]

Mine is if the first generation. It's very possible that newer models are better. Again, it's a lot of motorscooter fir the money.

[Stig / Major Tom]

At least in north america the DT300 seems the best choice of the Kymcos for all around use. Others can get a DT400. Xciting 500 cold start issues would scare me off. DT300 seems darn near bullet proof for daily commute. I go with bullet proof over exciting every time.....like to ride not fix problems. New DTs can be found at great prices.I own new Burgman 400 for 2up capabilities. ...a nice white or red kymco  DT or GT would be choice otherwise. ...or Honda SH300i!!
Shame about cold start issues with the xc500.
Stig

[mrbios]

..DT300 ...best choice of the Kymcos for all around use.

DT300 seems darn near bullet proof for daily commute. I go with bullet proof over exciting every time.......or Honda SH300i!!
Shame about cold start issues with the xc500.
Stig

Good info backed up by experience makes for a great shopping advice.