Just finished a 700 mile trip through desert, mountains, lots of rain, and even slush at elevation. The Kymco was stellar...mostly. The rain protection is very good. With a rain jacket, full helmet, rain pants, pressure suit, I was very comfortable and felt safe. The rain went around me and I didn't get pelted. I can't say the same for my riding partner. He got pummeled on his 1200 Suzuki Bandit. We traded off, you can't compare the two, they are too different, and weather protection is one. I got more wet and cold riding his bike for 15 minutes than I did in hours of rain on the Kymco. I was able to keep up, on the top side, but obviously it's not a crotch rocket and if he truly wanted to (at the risk of his license) he could loose me. However, it will out corner any cruiser, their were even a few corners I could see the Bandit start to waver. But then I've been riding motorcycles for 25 years and have owned or ridden a lot of bikes and he's only been riding street bikes for about a year. I didn't setup right for one turn and did drag the kick stand, which was a bit scary, a mistake I didn't repeat. (yes, me and my riding partner get twice as stupid together as we would be separate) It could hold 80 through the freeway parts. On the mountain passes 9k+ in elevation, the 300 started to really suck wind. Despite it, I don't have complaints. It was respectable, I bought it knowing I would sacrifice power for MPG. It's why I didn't get a tmax, although that would've been more of a riot for this ride. My one true gripe is the seat, or rather the lack of leg room. The seat comfort is fine. But I think it would be nice if Kymco would've taken an inch or two from the passenger seat and gave it to the driver. I don't think it would really detract from the passenger that much, but would mean tons for the rider. One last thing, on throttle wide open, be it going up the mountain, or on the flat, the mpg's get shot (55mpg) to the point a Tmax probably wouldn't have gotten worse ( the bandit only got 45mpgs at best). However, if I calmed down a bit and didn't push it, which is hard when your partner has a 1200cc, I got 70mpg. Their aren't many scooters that can do what I did and still get 70mpg for commuting. There is no better commuting scooter, or motorcycle, IMO. Although, I think when the Kymco 700i comes out, I'll add that to my stable for the longer rides and save the 300 for commuting and my wife...If I have the money, and she'll let me stable 3 motorcycles, but she's awesome so I don't think that will be a problem.
