Thoughts/opinions on G-Dink 250i?

[Dasein]

Hey gang,

I'm in the market for a mid-size scoot for commuting 30km to work one way, and among the models I'm considering is the "G-Dink 250i". One of the reasons I like it is that it's more compact than the Forza and Xmax, while putting out 19.9PS and having ample underseat storage. Oh, and ABS is another plus.

It's not listed in the "Scooters - 125 to 300" section of this forum, and there's very little info online. I'm wondering if it's marketed under a different name outside my country (Japan). For those who've ridden it and the Downtown 300, how does it compare?

Other Kymco models available here are the DownTown 350i and the K-XCT 300i. One advantage of 250cc scoots over 300cc and above is that there is no biennial inspection.

Thanks
Kurt

[AlexisStarlyn]

Kymco USA doesn’t have a 250, however it looks highly comparable to the XT 300 or DT 300


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[leomagnus]

I think the Dink 250 is listed next to the Xciting 400i topic area....OH WAIT, ITS STILL NOT LISTED YET>…/

[stuo]

My 2009 Grand Vista 250 is the same machine as the 2009 Grand Dink 250. The service manual has both GV250 and GD250 on the cover. I suspect that Kymco realized too late that "Dink" is not an attractive name here in the States. I guess the new GD250i is not being sold here as it would probably be named GV250i. Too bad; I really like the electrically retractable mirrors that let me lane split confidently. (It's legal in California.)

[stuo]

P.S. In answer to your question: I don't see much difference in acceleration from stop between my carbureted GV250 and my injected DT300i, although the DT is smoother running, quieter and has a higher top speed, around 80 vs 72 mph for the GV. I personally prefer the flat step-through floor and the seating position on the GV, but only after I removed the lumbar support so I could move back a bit. The DT is around 40 pounds heavier than the GV and at my age (81) it makes a difference when pushing it around. Both are about equal in wind flow/wind screen effectiveness. Both are fine machines and I'd bet the new fuel injected Grand Dink is a better machine than the old carbureted Grand Vista.

The DT300i has for some a very uncomfortable saddle and there are those who have spent a lot of money re-doing the saddle. I recently bought an air cushion for mine and it helped a lot.

Good luck. Let us know your choice.

[Dasein]

Thanks for the info, very helpful. OK, so this bike seems to be an updated, fuel-injected version of the Grand Vista 250.  As to the "Dink" moniker, motorscooterguide.net says...

In Asia, a “Grand Dink” is an affluent married individual with Double Income No Kids). 

Now I know...

After posting my question, I found the specs for this model and, just like the Grand Vista, the engine is a two-valve SOHC  that puts out 19.9PS/7,500rpm and 20.9Nm/6,500rpm, so clearly a budget model compared to the others in the lineup. This new version doesn't have electrically retractable mirrors, probably to keep the price down (The list price is nearly $2,000 less than the new Forza.)

I still like it though. From the photos online, seems less bulky than the Xmax/Forza, and there's more weather protection than the PCX. In a place like Tokyo where potholes are a rarity, the little 12"/13" wheels aren't really a problem. Glad to hear there isn't a huge difference in acceleration from the DT300i. Since this will be for commuting on surface streets, convenience/reliability trumps sheer performance numbers.

Anyway, I'm going to try and stop by the Kymco dealer in the next week or so and try to at least sit on the GDink 250i and the other models. Definitely need to see how much legroom there is with my 34" inseam.

[stuo]

I agree with your verdict for the Grand Dink rather than the Downtown. On surface streets the Dink is the clear winner: much more agile, yet with ample power.

Only after I removed the lumbar supports on my GV's could I get comfortable. I need space to move around...but hopefully the saddle will be fine for you, or easily adaptable.


Happy riding.