2022 Kymco DT X360 Launch Review

Just when you thought we’d reached ‘peak categories’ in the Australian motorcycle and scooter market, along comes the 2022 Kymco DT X360.

It’s an ‘adventure crossover’ scooter, the Taiwanese giant tells us, and a concept that, on paper at least, appears well suited to Australia with its big distances and endless dirt roads.

Actually, it’s not a new idea. Honda first revealed its X-ADV, a 750cc adventure scooter, at EICMA in 2016, and the Honda ADV350 is a current model in Europe.

Neither of those models made it to Australia, however, and while we do get the lower-capacity ADV150, this Kymco DT X360 is launching as the only adventure-style maxi scooter on the Aussie market.

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Heading Downtown...

The Kymco DT X360 is based upon the Kymco Downtown 350i – same tubular steel chassis, alloy wheels, brakes and suspension, and the same 321cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine.

That fuel-injected engine is in the same state of tune, too, pumping out 28.4hp (21.2kW) at 7250rpm and 30Nm at 5750rpm, in a package weighing in at a claimed 194kg (wet). That’s actually 5kg heavier than the Downtown 350i (although exactly why it’s heavier remains a mystery), so instead of dwelling on the similarities let’s look at the differences…

Firstly, there’s new bodywork complemented by a smaller adventure-style screen. The lighting package is different too, although like the Downtown 350i it’s an all-LED affair, and the distinctive black and orange colour scheme is unique to the DT X360. Same colour LCD instrumentation though, encompassing what is possibly the world’s biggest digi speedo.

The Kymco DT X360 also has a higher, more commanding ride position – courtesy of a higher and wider handlebar for extra leverage, and a different seat which increases the saddle height from 775mm to 800mm.

And the DT X360’s 14-inch front/13-inch rear wheels are shod with dual-sport rubber from CST, which, like Maxxis, is owned by Taiwanese brand Cheng Shin.

As for tech, there’s the mandatory (Bosch) ABS plus switchable traction control, along with pushbutton starting thanks to the remote fob. But, unlike on some higher-spec Kymcos, there’s no ‘Noodoe’ display, so there’s no turn-by-turn navigation.

On the road

The Kymco DT X360’s cockpit is on the compact side. I was able to wedge my 188cm tall frame into it okay, and it won’t pose any issue for those of average height and below, but the rider’s bump-stop seating does lock you into position, and the legroom isn’t huge.

Weather protection is okay, although the compact adventure-style screen doesn’t offer the same protection as the Downtown 350i’s appreciably larger equivalent.

It’s a broad saddle, as is usually the case on bigger scooters, but for most it will be no big deal to get a foot down at the lights.

At 194kg it’s no featherweight but its bulk is carried low and in general it’s a very manageable package, both during low-speed maneuvering and for pushing it around in the drive.

The take-up of the CVT transmission is super smooth and from a standing start there’s reasonable pep from the single-cylinder engine – enough to see it safely out in front of mosts tin-tops from the lights, in any case, with brisk acceleration up to 80km/h. Top speed should be somewhere north of 130km/h.

We spent a day aboard the Kymco DT X360 for a media launch that saw the assembled press head down Victoria’s Great Ocean Road to Lorne, before looping north through the hills to take in some dirt. It was a varied route that showcased the scoot’s talents nicely, even if one section highlighted this scribe’s own shortcomings too (more on that little red-faced episode in a bit!).

Euro vision

Maxi scooters are a natural part of the two-wheeled landscape in Europe but they’ve never really gained traction here. That’s a pity, I reckon, because if you love the freedom of travelling and exploring on two wheels, they make sense on multiple levels.

They’re far more affordable that your typical touring motorcycle, they cost less to maintain, they’re manageable, they’re comfortable and they generally offer good wind and weather protection, along with all the practicality of that large underseat storage area. In the Kymco DT X360’s case the storage compartment isn’t huge, but it will fit one full-face helmet and a little extra gear.

Maxi scooters are generally pretty frugal too, and in our subject’s case we returned an average figure of 4.2L/100km when we filled up at Lorne, which equates with a safe range of around 275km from the 12.5-litre tank.

The DT X360 is actually a whole lot of fun on a winding road, with healthy cornering clearance and competent suspension and brakes delivering grins aplenty. Of course, with its relatively modest power-to-weight ratio, the emphasis is on late braking, corner speed, and getting on the gas as early as possible, but it’s an engaging ride where the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. It’s a laugh – and especially so in the company of others on the same model, when you’re all fighting for every last km/h.

Then again, if you’re not in a sporting frame of mind, you can always sit back, lope along and admire the scenery, not that on this day the dark clouds and intermittent downpours were showing the Great Ocean Road in its best light.

At 100km/h the DT X360’s engine is spinning at 5000rpm, so it’s relaxed enough for distance work. Redline is indicated at 8000rpm, not that the CVT auto will ever let you get there – this scoot spends the bulk of its time humming along between 5000 to 7000rpm.

Actually, ‘humming’ isn’t accurate – the Kymco DT X360 is silky smooth, with minimal vibration at any engine speed. The mirrors remain quite clear too, although their 'bar-mounted stalks are too short. They position the lenses low and too close to the rider, giving you a great view of your chest and arms and little else.

Down and dirty

After tackling some twisties around Lorne, we pushed up into the hills and onto the dirt. Now I’ve said many a time that when it comes to adventure-style bikes, the term ‘adventure’ is entirely subjective. And that’s still the case here.

The Kymco DT X360 is perfectly fine on a dirt road – a whole lot of fun, even – and its ABS is actually very nicely calibrated, maintaining the bike’s composure while allowing decent braking force over a range of crappy surfaces.

The traction control can be switched on or off provided you’re at a standstill, although oddly the TCS symbol lights up green when the system is inactive, and orange when it is (the opposite of the normal protocol).

But, at the end the day, this is a maxi scooter, not a motocross bike, and best intentions will always play second fiddle to the laws of physics. This was highlighted to me when, while running down a wet and slippery section of track for the cameras, I lost the front end and made an unceremonious low-speed get-off. Turns out these Kymcos slide a lot better than I do – cue my first hospital trip in 25 years of reviewing bikes, and one busted shoulder!

It was just one of those awkward, slow-speed stuff-ups, where wet conditions, a moment’s hesitation, and gravity combined to remind me of just how hard the ground can be.

In any case, this little misadventure was through no direct fault of the scooter, and we doubt many owners will deliberately seek out muddy tracks straight after a downpour. Bottom line? The Kymco DT X360 is perfectly fine for decent dirt roads and will even tackle more challenging terrain when conditions permit, but there are very good reasons why dedicated dirt bikes have large-diameter wheels, knobbies, and long-travel suspension…

Overall, however, this is a competent package. The LCD instrumentation is clear and easy to read, the keyless starting system with multi-function ignition switch works well, and there’s a USB charger hidden under a cover in the centre of the dash (although the cover has a cutout for a charging cable, while the nearby glove compartment does not). The centrestand works well but it’s a pity there’s no park brake – it would make sense to have one, especially on a scooter with an adventure angle.

But the Kymco DT X360’s price of $8790 plus on-roads seems the money, pardon the pun. While it stands alone in Australia as a (deep breath) ‘maxi scooter adventure crossover’, in the ballpark are purely road-focused alternatives such as its stablemate, the Kymco Downtown 350i ($8290 plus ORC), the Yamaha XMAX 300 ($9149 ride away), and the Honda Forza 350 ($10,564 ride away).

The verdict

Provided you keep your off-road aspirations realistic, the 2022 Kymco DT X360 is a practical, comfortable, and thoroughly competent package that will handle both city commutes and interstate tours with ease, as well as some light off-road work. If the idea of an ‘adventure crossover maxi scooter’ appeals, it’s a handy tool that offers a surprisingly broad scope of ability for a real-world price.

Specifications: Kymco DT X360

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-valve, SOHC, single-cylinder
Capacity: 321cc
Bore x stroke: 75.3mm x 72mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel system: EFI

PERFORMANCE
Power: 28.4hp (21.2kW) at 7250rpm
Torque: 30Nm at 5750rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Clutch: Automatic

CHASSIS & RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel tube
Front suspension: 37mm fork, 110mm travel
Rear suspension: Twin shocks with preload adjustment, 108mm travel
Front brakes: 260mm discs with three-piston floating calipers, Bosch ABS
Rear brake: 240mm rear disc with twin-piston caliper, Bosch ABS

WHEELS & TYRES
Wheels: 14-inch (f), 13-inch (r)
Tyres: CST, 120/80-14 (f), 150/70-13 (r)

DIMENSIONS & CAPACITIES
Length: 2165mm
Width: 780mm
Height: 1290mm
Wheelbase: 1545mm
Seat height: 800mm
Wet weight:194kg
Fuel capacity: 12.5 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $8790 plus on-road costs
Colour: Black/orange
Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilometres
Web: www.kymco.com.au