All the Tests – Test Xciting 400i: the Kymco scooter makes its maximum – MNC on the handlebars of the Xciting 400i

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Xciting 400i test: the Kymco scooter is at its best

All the Tests - Test Xciting 400i: the Kymco scooter makes its maximum - MNC on the handlebars of the Xciting 400i

The maxiscooter segment is booming and Kymco intends to take advantage of it with a brand new model, the Xciting 400i. With the best weight / power ratio in its category, it plays the sporting card … like a certain Yamaha Tmax ! Test.

MNC on the Xciting 400i

It is precisely once at the controls of the scooter that the disappointment points: the dashboard is certainly complete (see our technical sheet on the last page), but it is singularly lacking in character! Its plastic too raw of formwork swears with the much better finished one which frames the contactor.

Fortunately, the information relayed on the board is well organized and visible: the speed is roughly displayed in the tachometer, while the clock, fuel gauge and engine temperature can be monitored out of the corner of your eye. difficulty.

The use of the two buttons located under the digital screen would benefit from being simplified. Indeed, a simple pressure on one as on the other leads nowhere. By insisting for a few seconds, the "Mode" command modifies the units of measurement (miles / km), while "Adjust" allows you to juggle between the odometer and the partial trips A and B. The resetting of the latter takes place. performed by pressing both buttons simultaneously.

We can also guess on the right of the dashboard a light in the form of a telephone … Would the Xciting be equipped with a Bluetooth connection? Nay, it is simply a witness to the use of the bycatch.

The study of the commodos leads to an equally mixed results: some controls are ergonomic (switch-off, for example), others are ugly (yellow hazard lights on the right index finger) and still others have no place to be…

Because on a vehicle that wants to be modern – the trunk light is activated by a light sensor and not by a vulgar refrigerator door switch! -, the presence of pilot / sidelamp or main beam controls is as anachronistic as that of a starter would have been !

We also regret that the trunk, which opens easily via the switch, can only accommodate a single full face helmet while all of its competitors – Kymco recognizes – allow to embark a jet, or even an additional full.

No problem, of course, to transport the bulk of the locks. No alarm or coded key, but a burglar-proof shutter on the contactor that can be removed using the back of the key. "To tell the truth, the best "anti-theft device" for our scooter is the simple fact that it is not a Tmax", joke – half – Kymco officials.

The storage compartment placed at the driver’s left knee is not large enough to accommodate a large smartphone and the 12V socket, placed on its outer side, is not easy to use. We recognize here the more sporty character than GT of the Xciting 400.

On the other side of the apron is the parking brake, essential on any Maxiscooter. Its use is elementary: pull once to engage it, a second to release it. No automation like on the BMW C600Sport, or electric control like on the Peugeot Metropolis: simple like "Hello Kymco, hello tomorrow", for !

At the end of this inspection, a final and sharp disappointment awaits the owner on the subject of braking: the perforated crown attached to the front wheel is used to estimate the speed of the vehicle, and not to prove the presence of an ABS (non-existent, even optional).

"Note, however, that the crowns and sensor are identical on ABS vehicles since the function of this multi-position crown and its sensor, in addition to recording the speed, is also to detect any blockage of the wheel.", tell Site the technical team of Kymco Lux.

A Bosch ABS system is, however … "Bosch ABS is fitted as standard", tells us Kymco Lux, but"however, to date, we have no firm date on his arrival".

Kymco may have done its "maximum" on this Xciting 400i, Site has therefore noted some negative points (lack of space under the saddle, some "anachronisms" and imperfections, absence of ABS) to which is added a tank of limited capacity: 12.5 liters for the Kymco against minimum 14 for the competition.

We will also regret that Kymco Lux has not chosen one of the two warmer colors – some would say more "sexy" – offered by the parent company, by simply importing black or white models to us. "It is certain, the red and the yellow are very beautiful", nevertheless acknowledges the commercial director, Jean-Luc L’Hermine.

"These colors allow you to take beautiful images (and what images, Editor’s note!) but they are not leaving", he continues."We are unfortunately forced to rationalize".

Overall, the Xciting 400 passes the first Site exam with flying colors: posted at € 5,799, i.e. in the low end of the category, it gets a good extra point when it comes to the second phase of the test: the dynamic test. Ready? On to the next page !

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