Difference between revisions of "KYMCO Xciting 500i"

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{{Motorcycle
#Redirect [[Kymco Xciting 500i]]
|name            = KYMCO Xciting 500i
|photo=kymco-xciting-500-06-03.jpg
|aka              =
|manufacturer    = KYMCO
|parent_company  =
|production      = 2005 - 07
|model_year      =
|predecessor      =
|successor        =
|class            =
|engine          = Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves
|bore_stroke      =
|compression      = 10.6:1
|top_speed        = 153 km/h / 95 mph
|power            =
|torque          =
|fuel_system      =
|ignition        = CDI
|spark_plug      =
|battery          =
|transmission    = Automatic
|frame            = Tubular steal structure
|suspension      =Front: Hydraulic telescopic forks <br>
Rear: Hydraulic adjustable shock
|brakes          =Front: 2 x 260 mm disc <br>Rear: Single 240 mm disc
|front_tire      = {{tire|120/70 -15}}
|rear_tire    = {{tire|150/70 -14}}
|rake_trail      =
|wheelbase        =
|length          =
|width            =
|height          =
|seat_height      =
|dry_weight      = 220 kg / 485 lbs
|wet_weight      =
|fuel_capacity    = 12.5 Liters / 3.3 US gal
|oil_capacity    =
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius  =
|related          =
|competition      =
}}
 
It could reach a top speed of 153 km/h / 95 mph. 
 
==Engine==
The engine was a Liquid cooled cooled Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves. The engine featured a 10.6:1 [[compression ratio]]. 
 
==Chassis==
It came with a 120/70 -15 front [[tire]] and a 150/70 -14 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 2 x 260 mm disc in the front and a Single 240 mm disc in the rear. The front suspension was a  Hydraulic telescopic forks while the rear was equipped with a Hydraulic adjustable shock. The Xciting 500i was fitted with a 12.5 Liters / 3.3 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 220 kg / 485 lbs. 
== Photos ==
[[File:kymco-xciting-500-06-03.jpg|600px|KYMCO Xciting 500i]]
[[File:kymco-xciting-500-06-02.jpg|600px|KYMCO Xciting 500i]]
[[File:kymco-xciting-500-06-01.jpg|600px|KYMCO Xciting 500i]]
[[File:Kymco-Xciting-500.jpg|600px|KYMCO Xciting 500i]]
 
== Overview ==
 
Kymco
Xciting 500i
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Before anyone asks this is
not a Chinese scooter brand!
KYMCO is a
well reputed Taiwanese manufacturer established 1963, employing over 3000
people with 250 solely in R&D. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers
of scooters, ATV’s and motorcycles exporting to 73 countries worldwide. Until
approximately seven years ago motorcycle manufacturing giant Honda had a
significant share holding in KYMCO and made product under licence for Honda.
 
Clear branding on the Kymco Xciting 500i
The Xciting 500i
scooter oozes quality and luxury, on a par with the best the Japanese can
offer.
Let’s set the
scene for this new model from Kymco. This is a model development from the
previous Xciting 500 maxi-scooter which was a carburetted 498cc single. This
updated model, note the “i” upgrades the scooter with automatic fuel injection
which meets the Euro 3 standard.
 
Euro 3 compliant
There’s a
badge on the scooter proudly proclaiming this!
 
A
luxury maxi-scooter - the Kymco Xciting 500i
This is a
physically large scooter, weighing 221kg, and with a length of 2,255mm and a
width of 810mm it somewhat takes you aback with its presence. However don’t
let the bare statistic’s put you off, if this were a sports touring motorcycle
those figures would be perfectly acceptable. Herein lies something to answer
what sort of scooter the Xciting 500i is? It’s a luxury maxi-scooter, able to
cope with long distance commuting as well as the trip down to the shops and
dare I say it, even some serious touring.
Motorcycle or
Scooter?
My test model
was finished in the standard but very smart silver. The front end of the
Xciting is very much like a motorcycle in appearance, with a raked body
fairing housing a built in halogen headlight, side lights and white glass
style indicators, topped off by a large screen. An even larger, taller touring
accessory screen is available. Already you can see this scooter has touring
potential.
The bike, oops
I mean scooter, has standard hydraulic forks up front, but more typical
scooter twin chrome shrouded adjustable dampers at the rear. The stylish 15”
alloy front wheel is equipped with twin ventilated discs each with a twin
piston caliper and the rear 14” alloy wheel has a single ventilated disc with
single piston. Both have steel braided brake hoses, a nice quality touch.
The quality
continues as soon as you step aboard the Xciting 500i. With the stainless
steel bar ends, the comprehensive instrument panel and span adjustable levers.
For the most part the instrument panel is excellent with the three chrome
bevelled instruments displays one, housing an analogue rev counter, one an
analogue speed and one a fuel gauge and water temperature gauge. Plus there’s
a digital mileometer and trip meter and clock and two panels of the standard
range of warning lights.
 
The comprehensive instrument panel
However one
minor niggle is apparent with the speedo. When riding the Xciting, the clear
white figures are in fact kph, whereas the smaller dull red on black figures
are mph. I found the mph figures somewhat difficult to read, particularly if
the sun was behind me, shining onto the clear plastic instrument cover.
One big
surprise is the bike has a separate parking brake (like a car), which can be a
boon when parking up on steep incline and just for the added piece of mind
that the bike won’t roll off its side or centre stand.
 
Plenty of storage!
There’s small
lockable glove box in the front fairing, a cubby hole in the front of the seat
and then there’s the large amount of storage space under the seat which opens
via the multifunction dashboard ignition lock and rises cleanly on a gas
strut. The ignition lock also serves to open the car style petrol filler in
the front dash and acts as a steering lock. I did find myself inadvertently
opening the petrol cap several times though. Adding to the luxury touches
there is an under seat mobile phone charger socket.
The well
padded king and queen style seat is wide and comfortable and cushions your
posterior from the worst of the British “pot hole ridden” roads and the
outstretched legs riding position, soon have you feeling like your sitting
in a comfy armchair rather than on board a large maxi scooter.
 
Rear view of the Kymco Xciting 500i
Turning to the
rear of the bike the upswept clear tail light and indicators blend perfectly
with the rakish styling and the large silencer in grey with the unusual
gattling gun style all sit together to produce a visually appealing package.
Scoot or
luxury ride?
First thing to
remember this is a “twist and go”, no clutch to slip, there’s almost instant
power and acceleration on tap and this is no 50cc scooter there’s a whole
500cc to play with. So safety is paramount, you can’t start the bike using the
electric star button unless the stands are up and a brake lever is applied.
What an
altogether pleasant and relaxing experience riding the Xciting 500i is. The
power on offer is more than adequate, the 498cc single water cooled DOHC
engine produces 28.2Kw at 7000 rpm and is fairley torquey (as you would expect
a single to be); producing 40.6Nm at 5,500 rpm. Cruising at legal permissible
speeds is well within its gambit and the automatic CVT transmission means that
the engine is generally always giving of its best. The automatic transmission
operates seamlessly and adds to the smooth ride. Attempts to redline the
scooter are futile as the CVT constantly adapts the ratios, I think I managed
a heady 7,000 RPM, the scooter redlines at 8,000rpm and it’s only at this
point the merest modicum of vibration sets in; for 99% of the time you won’t
be revving your Xciting this high. Performance is surprising, the Xciting
picks up quickly and smoothly and the upgrade to fuel injection has not
produced any of the low throttle hesitancy or flat spots that could be
expected. Once on the move, overtaking traffic on the open road was a fuss
free affair. Whilst the big fairing and screen cosset you from the worst of
the wind blast and provide a modicum of protection from light rain.
Those who are
not used to riding scooters, will be surprised at how well this maxi scooter
handles, I found myself very quickly gaining full confidence in its handling,
enabling me to hustle it along and around fairly tight corners, with an ease
that surprised me. Plus when I looked down at the speedo the average speeds
and cornering speeds being achieved where a surprise. I would almost say the
handling was spirited or is it even exciting? Top speed is claimed as 95mph,
but I would say this is an under estimate given my riding of the Xciting. The
wide tires (120/70–15 front & 150/70-14 rear) and firm suspension produce taut
handling that does not dive or pitch. The scooter is very stable under most
conditions, however one down side of the taut suspension (which I have to add
in its defence was not set up for my weight, but someone 4 stone lighter) is
it can lead to a “jiggly” ride on the poorest of road surfaces.
The brakes are
excellent, very firm and provide plenty of feedback, but some care is needed
when just applying the rear brake which can be a little aggressive in its
application, but you soon get used to it.
The Xciting is
very manoeuvrable at low speeds and 360 degree turns with its tight turning
circle can be achieved without putting a foot down This is a big scooter and
you need to be fully aware of its size when in traffic, though the excellent
manoeuvrability really helps.
It’s the
comfort levels, the non contorted riding position, the taut handling and
spirited performance that actually tend me to think, that you could in fact
tour on this maxi scooter. It’s far more than a pop down the shops or ride
into work machine. You could pack the necessary essentials aboard and go away
for a few days touring on this scooter, confident in the fact you’ll arrive
feeling comfortable and having covered the distances possibly no less quick
than on many a touring motorcycle.
Affordable
luxury
Where the
Xciting 500i scores highly is its price and running costs. I didn’t have the
Xciting on test long enough to run absolute MPG tests but the UK importers
tell me it will do about 65MPG. Servicing is in the region of £80* for an
interim service and £125* for a major service. The service interval is 6,000
KM or six months. However it’s the purchase price which is the clincher the
Suggested Retail Price is only £4299**, which compares favourably with the
prices of the leading Japanese maxi scooters. Plus there is a two year
unlimited mileage warranty.
 
Conclusion
So in
conclusion it does seem you can have you cake and eat it; the KYMCO Xciting
500i is a luxury maxi scooter which it would seem is also at an affordable
price.
Source
 
 
 
 
 
{|  class="wikitable"
|-
!Make Model
|Kymco Xciting 500i
|-
!Year
|2005 - 07
|-
!Engine Type
|Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves
|-
!Displacement
|498.5 cc / 30.42 cub in
|-
!Bore X Stroke
|92 x 75 mm
|-
!Compression
|10.6:1
|-
!Cooling System
|Liquid cooled
|-
!Induction
|35mm Keihin CV
|-
!Ignition
|CDI
|-
!Starting
|Electric
|-
!Max Power
|27.7 kW / 37.1 hp @ 7500 rpm
|-
!Max Torque
|40.5 Nm / 4.1 kgf-m / 29.7 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm
|-
!Transmission
|Automatic
|-
!Final Drive
|Belt
|-
!Frame
|Tubular steal structure
|-
!Dimensions
|Length: 2250 mm / 88.6 in Width: 810 mm / 31.9 in Height: 1450 mm / 57.1 in
|-
!Front Suspension
|Hydraulic telescopic forks
|-
!Rear Suspension
|Hydraulic adjustable shock
|-
!Front Brakes
|2 x 260 mm disc
|-
!Rear Brakes
|Single 240 mm disc
|-
!Front Tire
|120/70 -15
|-
!Rear Tire
|150/70 -14
|-
!Dry Weight
|220 kg / 485 lbs
|-
!Fuel Capacity
|12.5 Liters / 3.3 US gal
|-
!Top Speed
|153 km/h / 95 mph
|-
!Reviews
|Motorcycle-USA / Inter-bike.co.uk
 
|}
== External Links ==
* http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/roadtest_arch.asp?id=50
* http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=4572&Page=1
 
[[Category:Kymco motorcycles]]

Latest revision as of 15:04, 1 December 2019

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