MotoGP – Australian GP – FP1 testing: Crutchlow opens hostilities in the rain –

Kymco Xciting S 400i ABS in the driving report (2018)

With the scooter on the Nurburgring

With the scooter on the Nurburgring? Not quite. The first test drive with the Kymco Xciting S 400i took place at the driving safety center of the same name next to the famous race track. How did the new scooter from the Taiwanese manufacturer fare in the test??

F.As is well known, prejudices thrive we know. Many motorcyclists, especially those who “would never sit on such a rocking chair”, divide scooters into two categories, regardless of their displacement and power: On the one hand, there is the lifestyle Vespa group, who mainly travel through the city and to the ice cream parlor cruist, and on the other hand the numerically not inconsiderable rest, which is often denigrated as a leisurely pensioner swing devoid of any dynamic driving attitude.

Kymco Xciting S 400i ABS in the driving report (2018)

With the scooter on the Nurburgring

Newly renovated middle class scooter

This view has been refuted at least since the appearance of the Yamaha Tmax 500 in 2000, but it persists. The Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco is also keen to get the power scooter segment (over 125 cubic meters) out of said corner. Last year the AK 550 was presented as a serious competitor in the large scooter segment, and when it was presented a few laps on the kart track were made – and the AK fought bravely. Nevertheless, it is surprising that the importer invites you to the vehicle presentation of the Kymco Xciting S 400i mid-range scooter, which was newly renovated this year, at the Nurburgring. They are really serious about sportiness, what?

Kymco

The Kymco Xciting S 400i changes hands for 6,599 euros.

Obviously, it’s not going to be that serious. Because next to the famous racetrack there is the driving safety center of the same name, a perfect area to check out vehicles of any kind. Good thing, because after all, the Taiwanese claim that, compared to the predecessor, not only have the lines of the body been tightened, but the chassis as well. In addition, the telescopic fork of the Kymco Xciting S 400i is guided by two instead of just one fork bridge, as is usual on a motorcycle, which significantly increases the rigidity and thus the driving stability.

Scooter

New scooters 2019

All new 50s, 125s, large and electric scooters

read more

Gentlemen, start your engines!

The 400 cubic single cylinder with four valves delivers with a maximum of 36 hp and 38 Nm sufficient steam for superior propulsion and has been taken over unchanged from its predecessor, apart from a modified variator setup and wider engine mounts. Cultivated and with a sonorous hum, he goes to work. Even under the not necessarily representative (racing) conditions on the narrow mountain and valley tracks, it cuts a fine figure. The same can be said of the braking system. The double disc at the front with radially hinged four-piston fixed calipers is characterized by constantly high decelerations with little manual force on the adjustable lever. A current Bosch ABS (type 9.1) monitors the wheels and ensures the best possible braking performance without locking. However, when anchoring hard, especially downhill, the Kymco Xciting S 400i becomes a bit restless and wobbles with its hindquarters. It’s not dangerous, but it takes some getting used to.

Kymco

Small box: the helmet compartment offers space for a full-face helmet.

You also have to get used to the astonishing handling of the Kymco Xciting S 400i. It turns in surprisingly easily, but is rather wobbly and requires a steady hand on the handlebars to drive a clean line. Once you have internalized this, the two-wheeler surprises you with its enormous freedom of lean angles, which is limited only late by attachments that gently crack over the asphalt. In dry conditions, the unspecified Maxxis tires also take on the wild cornering chase without hesitation. respect!

Workmanship and perceived value in order

During the subsequent trip through the Eifel, further details of the Kymco come to light: the windshield, which can be adjusted without tools, can be individually adjusted and offers good protection. Long-legged people want a little more space for their bones in the long run. A possible passenger, on the other hand, is happy to be able to look over the driver thanks to the high step in the two-part bench. The two-part division also has the advantage that any luggage does not have to be dismantled to get to the helmet compartment. Workmanship and perceived value are also okay, so that the Kymco Xciting S 400i is likely to shake many a worldview in the future.

Related articles

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *