Kymco Downtown 300i long-termer
We will be putting the new maxi scooter under the pump for the next few months to see how it stacks up with its Japanese and Italian rivals
The Bikesales Network has taken delivery of a new Kymco Downtown 300i ABS scooter for long-term test, a 300cc maxi scooter that makes a very positive first impression.
Not only does the Downtown 300i look good, its sharp front fairing a nice change from all the cutesy scooter designs we've been seeing of late, but it feels good too. The 298.9cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder OHC engine revs cleanly and delivers impressive bite off the line with only a touch of CVT slip. And a reasonable engine capacity means it's not confined to urban duties either.
We plan on taking the fuel-injected Downtown 300i out on some longer rides, to see how it fares on the open road out in the country, and we'll also conduct some two-up pillion riding to see how it fares with an extra 70kg on the back.
It boasts a tall screen, which has already proved its worth during a commute home in heavy rain and the switchgear and instrumentation have a suitably modern look, yet the red backlighting helps makes the twin analogue dials easy-to-read in low light conditions.
Offered in two colours, pearly white and bright silver (we're riding the former), the scooter features electric start, a centrestand plus sidestand, and an easy-to-mount 775mm seat height, a 12.5-litre fuel capacity, 12V socket in the sealed glovebox -- good for MP3 players or phones -- and twin halogen projector beams that throw a good spread of light after dark.
Priced at $7490 ($6990 for the non-ABS version) the maxi scooter represents good value, and is effortless to ride thanks to good fuelling and a responsive CVT (no major lag...) but it's the level of fit and finish and classy fittings that have made the strongest impression thus far.
Indeed, there's a real sense of quality about this scooter, so much so that if the badges were covered up you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a Japanese product. From the LED daytime riding lights to the way the panels fit together, even the mutliple helmet-sized underseat storage, this scooter has a remarkable amount of appeal.
I've only ridden the Downtown 300i for two days now, but it's already proven to be comfortable and capable. The seat, for one, is contoured in such a way that it almost feels like sitting down in Lazy Boy, and the suspension is not so harsh that you fear to traverse train line crossings.
The Downtown 300i is genuinely zippy off the line, its 26Nm of torque shifting its 166kg dry mass with ease, and after putting about 150km on the clock it's used stuff all fuel.
Though it's early days in our long-term test, the Kwang Yang Motor Company (aka Kymco) appears to have delivered a very good package in the form of the Downtown 300i. Time will tell if this continues to be the case.
SPECS: KYMCO DOWNTOWN 300i
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder
Capacity: 298cc
Bore x stroke: 72.7 x 72mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Fuel system: EFI
Chassis and running gear
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Welded-steel, dual cradle
Front suspension: Telescopic fork, non-adjustable
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, adjustable for preload
Front Brake: 260mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS
Rear brake: 240mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS
Tyres: Front 120/80-14, rear 150/70-13
Seat height: 775mm
Fuel capacity: 12.5 litres
PERFORMANCE
Max power: 29hp (21.3kW) at 8500rpm
Max torque: 26.5Nm at 6500rpm
OTHER STUFF
Price: $7490 with ABS ($6990 without ABS)
Bike supplied by: Kymco Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres
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