Hi to all the XT owners on the Forum. I posted a review of my scooter for a biking paper here in the UK and thought it might be of interest to put it on here too? Heading in the format set out in the paper's template, though I've dropped their star ratings as I'd gone 5* in all but one category!
Kymco X-Town 300i ABS Review
(Update comments are my ownership thoughts one year in)
Overall
The real plus on this bike after using a PCX125 for three years was the very welcome hike in power after the running in period. Maybe only another 15-20 mph top end, but the added mid-range and not running out of puff climbing hills was most welcome. Economy is in the 60-75 mpg range, but then I do cane it a bit. Which is easy given, the size of the tyres and suspension which encourages motorcycle-like angles of lean into the bends.
Update: One year in the balance of build quality vs price places the Kymco somewhere near the top of the middle weight maxi scooter market in my humble opinion. Power is good for what is basically a stretched 250 and 70+ mpg will bring a smile to your face and a sigh of relief to your bank balance.
Buying experience
Bought from a dealer locally who offered a fantastic deal on both price and trade-in value. (I paid under 4 grand for a machine which will stand comparison with most for a lot less £££.) I'd been looking at both the Honda Forza and the Kawasaki J300, but my dealer blew them both away on price.
Ride quality & brakes
200 mile day? Not a problem and in fact I'm sure it will do more in equal comfort. Front brake (ABS) occasionally needs a hand from the rear in panic stop situations, but for 95% of the time it's fine.
Update: No change to my previous report, though with familiarity I now tend to use the rear as well as the front for a more confident stop from speed.
Engine
Grab a handful at low speeds and you know it's a biggish single, but quickly smooths out until getting a bit buzzy over 70 mph. Maybe the latter will smooth out with added miles?
Update: Mentioned a 60-70 mph rough spot? Well I'm glad to say I was right, now the engine has been properly run in, this has all but gone and the scooter spins up to 70 mph noticeably quicker. OK, it'll never outrun an R1, but for what it is, I'm well impressed.
Reliability & build quality
Dropped a star here owing to a breakdown 750 miles into my ownership. Total loss of power and horrible smell like a fried clutch! Top marks though to the dealer, DK Motorcycles in Newcastle-under-Lyme, who picked the scooter up and transported it back to base for warranty claim and then repair. Top guys and absolutely no issues with Kymco UK after sales service. Turns out it was the variator nut not torqued up correctly at the factory - not something covered in anyone's PDI !
Update: See my previous review which explains the loss of one star. Since that eventful outing I have experienced Swiss watch-like reliability. Used in all weathers one year in I am pleased to report no visible signs of corrosion, unlike the Honda I owned before!
Servicing costs
First 500 mile service was £80 and I've just had the second which was £100. On top of that I junked the OEM Kenda rubber (lousy wet weather grip) for Michelin City Grip 2's. At around £100 for the pair, money so well spent!
Equipment
Storage (with optional Givi Blade top box) is second to none. Easily able to cope with a trip to the supermarket for mid-week top ups. It's now my main transport which means the Street Triple can stay in the garage over winter. Result. Instrumentation is great too with even a external temperature gauge built into the white LCD screen. Nice touch.
Update: OK it's not the very latest cutting-edge stuff, but what it has is good quality and works well. The only optional accessory I'm tempted by is a set of heated grips...
Be interested to hear other owners' views on this model.
