Need help to know what to buy.

[Kymco93]

Hey, I really wanna buy a Kymco, but i'm hesitating.
I don't know if i shoild buy a 500 ri or a 400.
Has anyone here owned both and could help me make up my mind ?
I'm looking for the one that will handle 2 guys on it the best / that will reach 50/70 kph the fastest.
Thanks !

[CROSSBOLT]

I would recommend you do a search for topics around the 500 after you consulted the section on the 500s. You already indicated two-up riding so that would limit your selection to no less than 300 cc. The getting to speed the quickest may be trickier since some of the larger engines have a weight penalty in their respective machines. You may have to get a different brand to reach your goal.

Karl

[Stig / Major Tom]

The 500 is the one Kymco scooter that I could not recommend.
Too many owners have not solved the 500's starting issues in even moderately cold weather....
Of course, some owners report no issues, or have found a work-around.
But when owners of one single model repeatedly report a problem with the same basic scooter function  >>> "won't start!"...I'd never recommend that scooter to a new customer.
I see other Kymcos as a sure thing - I do not see the 500 as a sure thing.

Stig

[CROSSBOLT]

Well put, Stig! Cryin' shame, too.

Karl

[Mr. Paul]

Hate to say it but it seems like a Honda Silver Wing would be the best tool for this job.

[Charlie P]

I've had a 2013 xciting RI since March 2014 (bought it used with less than 200 miles).  I live in the Fort Worth, TX area (generally mild temps year round- but scooter has sat in below and near freezing weather for a few hours while out riding) and have never had the hard starting problems except when battery gave out in August 2015 (heat kills my car batteries too).  Replacement battery (same type as original) is currently going strong but I always have the scooter on a battery maintainer when garaged.  I use Rotella T 15-40 oil.

All that said, I'm thinking that maybe those of us that haven't had any issues just haven't said anything on the forum. 

Those people with starting problems certainly can't be happy with a non-starter but are there really that many?

[Doc Wheezer]

I had a 2009 exciting ri abs.  Stored outside and never had a problem starting.  Even if I didn't start it weeks on end.  I would not hesitate to buy another.  The early models were subjected to an internal recall for a weak starter motor.  In other words you didn't get a replacement starter unless you complained about it not starting.

[sissymary]

We can not get the 400i in the USA? From what I have read, it is a great bike, and the engine is much more advanced in technology? Needle bearings in rockers and such. I own a 2007 X500, but would probably buy the 400 if I could get one. About the same HP etc, and far better MPG from what I have read? 

[AMAC1680]

I would recommend you do a search for topics around the 500 after you consulted the section on the 500s. You already indicated two-up riding so that would limit your selection to no less than 300 cc. The getting to speed the quickest may be trickier since some of the larger engines have a weight penalty in their respective machines. You may have to get a different brand to reach your goal.

Karl

Yepper some have had issues.
My biggest issue with the 500 is this.

498cc, 473 lbs at 38hp.

The downtown 300 comes in at 298cc, 374lbs at 30hp.
The 500 should have more ponies. Never understood why they didn't beef up the 500.
Instead they  castrated the downtown. Go figure.

AMAC