insured

VITAL STATS
Engine:
Liquid-cooled single-cylinder SOHC
Capacity: 498.50cc
Bore stroke: 72.7x60mm
Power:
42.37@ 7500rpm
Torque:
32.5ft-lb @ 5500rpm
Transmission: CVT
Starter:
Electric
Frame:
Steel underslung cradle
Front suspension: Telescopic oil-damped forks
Rear suspension: Hydraulic shock absorbers
Front brake: Twin disc linked braking system
(ABS option)
Rear brake: Single disc linked to left front disc
Front wheel: 120-70 x 15
Rear wheel: 150-70 x 14
Length:
2250 mm
Width:
810mm
Dry weight: 200kg
Colours: Silver
RRP:
£3899 inc two-year warranty
Contact: Tel 01743 761107. www.kymco.co.uk
what you’d expect from the big 500cc
thumper four-stroke engine hidden
away behind those panels. There is a
handbrake fitted (presumably for
parking on uneven ground), so check
this hasn’t been applied before setting
off, because you can guarantee
someone in the know will be looking
and taking notes.
The first thing you notice (once a
little gas is applied and the scoot is
moving) is the balance. From the very
start of your journey, it’s feet up and
enjoy the ride. The Xciting can be
U-turned in the road without a
cautionary foot down. It really is that
good. Travelling in heavy city centre
traffic is a doddle. None of this constant
stopping and starting, just cruise along
under walking pace feet-up and in
control (just don’t forget to put a foot
down when you eventually do stop)!
The weight (over 200 kilos of it), has
been kept low down and consequently
is unobtrusive. You never notice the fact
that you are on a large scoot at all as
the feel is that of a very small one
indeed. That is until you apply a bit
more throttle, then the full size of the
engine gives you a nudge just to remind
everyone it’s a powerful thing.
On the gas the engine is fast and
responsive, easily beating the fourwheeled
brigade at any task thrown its
way, with speedy acceleration all the way
up to its near-treble-figure top speed. At
speed the screen is a delight, deflecting
the entire blast of the wind so effectively
that you can quickly find yourself 20mph
over the national speed limit without
feeling a thing – until the fine drops
through your letter box. So easy is it to
get a move on that the ride could be
compared to that of a small car. You are
sat very comfortably and securely, the
elements are mostly kept at bay. Seating
is on the sumptuous side of comfortable
and long distance rides would be a
breeze with the big KYMCO. Just sit back
and enjoy the smooth ride. Keep well
informed via the comprehensive dash
readout supplying all of the relevant info
on speed, fuel level and distance
travelled plus much more.
Packing a 42bhp punch at full chat,
the Xciting can lift its skirts and get on
with the job in hand extremely well.
When accelerating, great results can be
had by not letting the engine rev too
freely (so around three-quarter throttle
NOVEMBER 05 23