Why did KYMCO stop making/selling the 500i?

[Draco]

I just looked on KYMCO's website (the USA website) and the largest scooter made/sold now is the XCiting 400i.  Why did they drop the 500i?  Poor sales?  Problems?

[xsel777]

The 500 has the notorious cold start issue. And many have had the exhaust cam wearing out prematurely. Apart from the above, I suppose low sales due to the lower fuel price not driving people to look for more economical means of transportation, even though the xc500 was well priced for its cc capacity, a more powerful bike can be aquired for the same amount of cash. This analysis  and opinion piece is based on my ownership, and perusing of this forum over the years.

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[gwdoiron]

Also, if you're planning to introduce a bike that is 100lbs lighter and has the same engine power, for the same price, you might want to discontinue the bike and give the old ones a chance at clearing out.

[AMAC1680]

Also, if you're planning to introduce a bike that is 100lbs lighter and has the same engine power, for the same price, you might want to discontinue the bike and give the old ones a chance at clearing out.

Bingo.
That’s why most good dealers sold out the old 300 before bringing in the Xtown. Far less $$$ for the x.
Of course on the 300s they are less scoot for less money.

AMAC

[sissymary]

Because the idiot importers after several years finally started to import the 400i?

[Tom Moy]

I have owned a 2008 Kymko 500i scooter since 2009 and have never experienced any starting problems in the 9 years I have owned it.
I did replace the battery the second year of ownership and installed a sidecar that same season and I live in the north (Canada) in the Toronto area.
I generally ride until the end of October then winterize it and store for the winter in my garage. I do keep it plugged into a Deltran battery charger when
I am not riding so that may help eliminate the starting problem that I hear about on the scooter forums I am connected with.

I usually ride weekends with my wife in the side car to tour numerous backroads in southern Ontario.
You could say I love my Kymko 500i scooter which has been problem free for the past 9 years.

Tom Moy
Mississauga ON

[Stig / Major Tom]

I have owned a 2008 Kymko 500i scooter since 2009 and have never experienced any starting problems in the 9 years I have owned it.
I did replace the battery the second year of ownership and installed a sidecar that same season and I live in the north (Canada) in the Toronto area.
I generally ride until the end of October then winterize it and store for the winter in my garage. I do keep it plugged into a Deltran battery charger when
I am not riding so that may help eliminate the starting problem that I hear about on the scooter forums I am connected with.

I usually ride weekends with my wife in the side car to tour numerous backroads in southern Ontario.
You could say I love my Kymko 500i scooter which has been problem free for the past 9 years.

Tom Moy
Mississauga ON

We knew there had to be some running well out there! Squeaky wheel gets attention on forums....
That scooter had to be working for some.
Good for you!
Thanks for your post.
Stig

[xsel777]

I am very pleased to read a happy story about the xc500. Many more good rides for your future, sir.

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[bbfugitive]

I have owned a 2008 Kymko 500i scooter since 2009 and have never experienced any starting problems in the 9 years I have owned it.
I did replace the battery the second year of ownership and installed a sidecar that same season and I live in the north (Canada) in the Toronto area.
I generally ride until the end of October then winterize it and store for the winter in my garage. I do keep it plugged into a Deltran battery charger when
I am not riding so that may help eliminate the starting problem that I hear about on the scooter forums I am connected with.

I usually ride weekends with my wife in the side car to tour numerous backroads in southern Ontario.
You could say I love my Kymko 500i scooter which has been problem free for the past 9 years.

Tom Moy
Mississauga ON

Tom, great photos!  I love that sidecar setup also!  What brand is that?  I am only 1 month into Kymco ownership on my X-Town 300 and for the price I definitely made the right choice.

They don't sell anything larger than 300 cc right now in Florida but at $4k the X-Town is  a winner. 

So are there are any other goodies you have on your Grand Tourer ??

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[Viper254]

Have you got the AK550 in the US yet? That would be the replacement, I guess

[bbfugitive]

Have you got the AK550 in the US yet? That would be the replacement, I guess

Not yet, and my dealer doesn't know if or when they will bring it here.  I have too many young kids at home so I have no plans for LD riding.  The 300 is great across town.

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