Posted here as the engine & transmission DNA of the DTX360 comes so clearly down from the Downtown 300 (and latterly the 350).
Right out of the traps we will all concede that no bike / scooter is perfect? For my purposes I think the DTX will come pretty close, but let’s get my personal cons out of the way before I tackle the much longer list of pros.
Mirrors: not great. They look good and give a clear view … of my elbows! I really have to twist my body to see what is going on behind me! I've bought a set of the mirror extenders (£30 from Oxford), but have yet to fit them.
Ambient temperature reading: there isn’t one. Boo. I liked that on my X-Town.
At around 500 miles I noticed a "surging" developed in the power deliver at 2,000 RPM or just above walking pace which makes manoeuvring at walking pace a real pain. Could well be FI mapping? Whatever, when it's in for its first 600 mile service I'll let the experts check it out. While they're at it, they can also check on dashboard lamps (Engine, TCS & ABS) staying where they shouldn't.
And that’s it so far. I’ve come back to edit this to add and if more rear their heads I'll do it again, but for now they’re the only niggles.
What is good / improved over my previous ride then?
Firstly power, it’s noticeably better on the DTX and was, even at running in speeds, with more oomph and I like it. Visibility of the dash information is very old codger-friendly! No excuses if I collect a ticket, the digital speedo digits are mahoosive! Clock is also readable without the need for glasses- for me at least. In fact, all the dash is easily legible although in bright sunlight (rare here!) the smaller icons are barely visible.
Keyless ignition. Bit of a Marmite* topic this, but I'm enjoying not having to search for my key when all togged up for a ride!
Handling is as good as my XT and bear in mind that benefited from YSS shocks. Semi knobbly tyres# grip well in the dry, to the point where the centre stand digs into the tarmac to remind me to back off! Experience in the wet has also been positive, with no moments yet. Wider handlebars may not be to everyone’s taste, but I like them. Low speed manoeuvres are a doddle, dodgy FI notwithstanding.
Storage with my 37L Shad top box is ample and I reckon the under seat space is, if anything, greater than the capacious X-Town! A real plus in any scooter, top marks Kymco.
Took my longest ride to date of about 80 miles in one hit yesterday and I have to say that, for me at least, the seat is no more comfortable than the X-Town's. At about 50 miles I started squirming and by 80 I was glad to take a break. On the upside, getting back on didn't put me right back there in the painful butt zone and I was able to complete my journey (15 miles) in relative comfort.
* A yeast extract spread for toast etc., called Vegemite in Oz "You either love it or hate it" - I love it!
# Could be a problem come replacement time? As of now completely unavailable here in the UK so may have to “Supermotard” it and fit City Grip 2s!
