There most likely isn’t another bikemaker on the earth that’s extra synonymous with scooters than Kymco. It ranks proper up there amongst high world scooter manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, and Piaggio/Vespa. Even within the USA, it’s comparatively well-known, regardless of its small vendor footprint when in comparison with these different manufacturers.
That, nevertheless, hasn’t stopped the Kwang Yang Motor Co. Ltd – to make use of its full moniker – from launching what’s its ninth scooter within the US. I didn’t even know Kymco was providing this many choices for the American market, and that’s along with its ATV and Facet x Facet choices.
So, what’s particular concerning the Downtown GT 350i? Though the press materials calls it a middleweight, my motorbike mind refuses to do the identical. There’s no approach I’m addressing a 320-something cc two-wheeler as middleweight.
That’s proper, the 350 in its identify is a little bit of a stretch. The engine is a liquid-cooled 321cc unit producing 28.2 hp at 7,500 rpm and 32.1 lb.ft (43.5 Nm) of torque at 7,500 rpm.
Kymco
Kymco stresses that the engine is designed for rather more than simply commuting by city, providing the aptitude to deal with severe touring at (sustained) larger speeds. And even that needs to be a breeze because of the automated CVT transmission with a correct Traction Management System (TCS) that helps preserve traction in slippery circumstances by adjusting the ability by itself.
That engine sits on a 2.5% lighter body than earlier than, which seats two way more comfortably than many modern-day bikes. There’s an excellent quantity of foot house in there, in addition to under-seat storage, which is roomy sufficient to retailer two full-size helmets.
So far as underpinnings are involved, most of it appears stable – hydraulic telescopic fork with a single-sided swingarm with adjustable swing preload deal with suspension. Stopping energy is the job of disc braking at each back and front, with the wheels rolling on 120/70-15 and 140/70-14 tires at the back and front, respectively.
The Downtown GT 350i boasts a wheelbase of 61.2 inches (1,554 mm), a seat top of 31.9 in (810 mm), a gas capability of three.3 gallons (12.5 liters), and a dry weight of 436.5 lb (198 kg). The final bit is my solely gripe in right here. A dry weight of just about 440 lb is approach an excessive amount of for a scoot.
Good factor it’s not meant to leap any obstacles. Touring, nevertheless, shouldn’t be an issue.
Kymco
Along with TCS, Kymco has additionally fitted the touring scoot with Emergency Cease Sign (ESS), which mainly mechanically flashes back lights throughout sudden, onerous braking to alert the visitors behind. You get full-LED lighting, after all, alongside a 7-inch TFT display screen. Extras embody keyless ignition, a built-in glove field, and a USB port.
By way of styling, the Downtown GT 350i roughly nails it. Proportions look good, with chunky bodywork and neat strains in there. Undoubtedly on par with most ‘GT’ scooters. Not dangerous for a corporation that started its journey as a components provider for Honda till 1970.
You will get it in a selection of three colours: Starry Night time Blue, Flat Brown, and Black. Kymco has priced it at US$6,599, which places it in a candy spot; way more reasonably priced than the likes of the $8,800 Suzuki Burgman 400 and $8,445 BMW C 400 GT.
Kymco
However the query hanging over it isn’t whether or not it’s good, however whether or not the US market even is aware of what to do with it. As a result of in Europe or Taiwan, a GT scooter like this makes excellent sense – snug, sensible, weather-friendly, straightforward to experience, and surprisingly succesful on lengthy freeway stretches.
Within the US, although, scooters nonetheless must battle a picture downside. For lots of riders stateside, two-wheelers are both large cruisers, journey bikes, or liter-class toys for the weekend. Sitting someplace within the center with step-through practicality and touring intentions feels nearly culturally misplaced.
Which, in my humble opinion, is ironic. As a result of there are few locations higher suited to one thing like than than US roads. A contemporary GT scooter can commute, tour, filter by visitors, swallow baggage, and return gas financial system most trendy bikes can solely dream of, all with out demanding superbike-level dedication from the rider.
Kymco
However then once more, practicality has by no means actually been an enormous promoting level for bikes within the US. And that’s the uphill battle Kymco faces. It would not have to persuade US riders that the scooter works, the corporate must attempt to persuade them that they need to truly need it.
Supply: Kymco
