KYMCO DOWNTOWN 300 (2010 - on) Review

Practicality and convenience are where today’s large capacity scooters come into their own. Such an example is Kymco’s new 300i Downtown – we say example because it is a new arrival in a growing populace of big-bore four-stroke scooters.
At £3999, the Kymco’s 300cc capacity sits performance-wise between Suzuki’s Burgman 200 and 400 machines, and matches Honda’s SH300i. What sets the Kymco apart numerically is its price. The Burgman 200 is the same £3999 list price, so you get more zip for your money with the Kymco. And the Honda version runs in at meaty £4388 – but you do get a small topbox included in this price!

The angle of the screen with a raised lip also does a good job of deflecting windblast. It’s just a shame the width of the fairing lower isn’t so wide, and that the feet boards don’t allow legs to be tucked further into the middle of the bike because jean bottoms get soaked with road spray. Perfectly placed handlebars and a sumptuous seat mean 80 miles in one stint isn’t a problem. Stability isn’t an issue even when flat out. No worrying wobbles or weaves that so often appear with long wheelbase scooters with small wheels. Mind you, at 14in the front wheel isn’t that small, and the rear 150/70 x 13in rear tyre is a perfect match. Ride quality is firm rather than the usual soft set-up deemed necessary for comfort. The twin rear shocks can cause kick-off over cat’s eyes and bumps. With their preload adjustment set at half way, a plusher ride is only a minute’s worth of tinkering.

Acceleration  up to 70mph is briskly and very smoothly done. The CVT system (Constant Variable Transmission) has no steps to talk of and always delivers smooth drive even after an emergency stop. The rising landscape of the Lincolnshire Wolds failed to dent the 60-70mph cruising speed, which pays testament to the strength of Kymco’s new 29bhp, four-valve SOHC single-cylinder, with fuel injection. Phew. And yes, with catalyser exhaust it also impressively clean and efficient. With barely run-in mileage showing the Downtown returned 47.8mpg, with better to come as the engine loosens up with mileage. Max speed is given as 90mph but 80mph is a saner, safer bet.

Kymco is fast growing a reputation for durability – and this extends in all areas, from engine through to component parts to its dealer network and spares back up. Funny how we all thought Chinese-made bikes would be a big threat to the main factories; from the window of MCN’s chicken coop it looks like the Taiwanese are the fist wavers.

Sat midway amongst strong and more popular competition, the Kymco is burning a very bright light for sensible purchases. It looks ultra-modern; rides in the same vein; and is suitably priced to appeal. Find a Kymco for sale.

Dual seats, of which are possibly more comfortable than a royal household toilet, serve as a lid to underseat storage that will hold two full-face helmets. Clocks are a mix of analogue and LCD and include a tyre pressure monitor. A point is lost because the analogue speedo reads KPH on the larger outer scale and MPH in the inner ring – the MPH numerals are coloured red and too small to see at a glance. Compare and buy parts for the Kymco 300 in the MCN Shop.