Kymco/Bug Xciting 500 R
May we live in Xciting times...500 cc, fuel injection and racing lines all for only $7990 + orc
Words by JEREMY BOWDLER, photography courtesy BUG SCOOTERS
The world needs more maxi-scooters. No question. Other sorts of scooters may be perfect for inner city use and commuting and doing all the daily errands that once demanded a car or a bus pass but for intercity - as opposed to inner city - riding, you canít beat a maxi.
And now Kymco has joined the fray with the impressive Xciting, now fuel injected as opposed to the earlier, carbed version. And it is a maxi, positioned at the upper end of the capacity classes, with only the Suzuki Burgman 650 and the Honda Silverwing out-gunning it. Obviously itís not all about engine capacity, though the 498.5cc single-cylinder engine is claimed to produce some 27.5kW at 7500rpm with 37.1Nm of torque at 5000rpm, which should see the scooter capable of around 150km/h and of around 200km at highway speeds.
The large frontal area and screen look as if they will provide good weather protection, though taller riders may get some buffeting from the tall screen. A test ride will make it clear ( In Scooter 15 on sale 19 Dec 2007 ) . In any case, seating looks luxurious, with good pillion accommodation including fold-out footpegs, and an adjustable lumbar support for the rider. Adjustable brake levers add to the rider-friendly set-up.
The ignition switch is multi-purpose, operating the ignition as well as the seat latch and fuel cap (situated on the lower half of the dash, just ahead of the riderís right knee). There is a lockable glovebox on the left, as well as an underseat storage area complete with 12V power supply and mobile phone mounting clip. Get a Bluetooth-equipped helmet and chat your way across the country.
In terms of handling dynamics, the maths work out quite well. A dry weight of 215kg is manageable and the 1570mm wheelbase should make the Xciting stable up to its top speed, while widish íbars should compensate to make it if not nimble then manoeuvrable at lower speeds. Itís no nifty 50, though. Telescopic front suspension is matched to twin spring-dampers at the back end to smooth out the ride. Interestingly, and in line with some other maxi scooters, especially from Japan, the engine does not form part of the swingarm (as is normal scooter practice), but is solidly mounted to the frame.
This reduces the amount of unsprung weight, giving the suspension an easier time though the effect is perhaps minimised due to the large transmission attached to the rear wheel...
Triple discs (two front and a single rear - Wavey) take care of the braking, which is a linked system where the right-hand brake lever operates a single disc at the front, while the left-hand lever operates both the remaining front and the rear disc at the same time. It is a system that has been used in motorcycling for some time and is fairly well received, once a rider understands and gets used to it.
Familiarity breeds control and all that.
Source : www.scootersales.com.au
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