KYMCO DOWNTOWN 300 (2010 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £50 |
| Power: | 29 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (30.5 in / 775 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (395 lbs / 179 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesPracticality 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!
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe 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.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityAcceleration 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.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueKymco 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.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentSat 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.
Equipment
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.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 298cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled 4v SOHC four-stroke |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 12.5 litres |
| Seat height | 775mm |
| Bike weight | 179kg |
| Front suspension | Non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Preload adjustable |
| Front brake | 1 x 260mm front disc with single-piston sliding caliper |
| Rear brake | 240mm rear disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/80 x 14 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/80 x 13 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | 47.8 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £44 |
| Annual service cost | £50 |
| New price | £3,995 |
| Used price | £2,700 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 29 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 24 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 87 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 132 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2010: UK introduction of Kymco 300i Downtown
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the KYMCO DOWNTOWN 300 (2010 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their KYMCO DOWNTOWN 300 (2010 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KYMCO DOWNTOWN 300 (2010 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £50 |
Version: 300i Abs
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £50
It's a very good scooter. I am 5 ft 10 and it could do with a bit more room. It seems to be a lot lighter than my old xmax 400 and it actually feels like a copy of one. Outstanding fuel economy and very easy to work on. Quality is good on the bike too. One thing I don't like is the prominent display on the speedo is in kmh. Better learn the kmh to mph equivalents or get eyes like a sparrow hawk. I have fitted handguards and will soon fit heated grips. I think it also has a good look, the led side lights are smart. The ride is nice too but it does seem to be a bit of a sail in a side wind. I would definitely buy again.
Ride quality is good. The forks are well damped and the rear shock seem decent. It does have the typical kick off bumps syndrome just like any other scooter. Single disc is smooth and powerful. Nice touch is the adjustable levers. Seems comfy for 100 mile plus stints.
Decent engine power. Seems about as quick as my old xmax 400 but a lot lighter. Its smooth too but doesn't have a lot of power left after 70 kph.
It's well put together. The plastics are no worse than other Japanese manufacturers. I don't think their metal plating is quite up to honda standards as the front wheel spindle was seized when it was time to change the front tire.
Very cheap to run. Servicing is only every 3000 but its still very cheap. Excellent fuel economy. Over 200miles on a tank possible.
Power outlet is nice, under seat storage is decent but I can't seem to fit my full face arai in. A bit more dash storage would be nice. The light under the seat is useful also.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. It was a nice experience.
I bought this bike following reading up on the many very favourable reviews. On an '11 plate with 3000 miles on the clock £2,500 was a bargain discount to the new price of £4,200. The bike compares very favourably with the usual suspects of XMax, X9 and Burgman all of which I've owned before. You'd think it was a 400cc- this is a great engine. I don't know how the sub 50mpg was achieved by the reviewer as I get 75mpg all day long and that's with mixed riding. There are a couple of little moans- the hinge on the glovebox is a bit weedy and flexes, the cap on the fuel tank is a bit plasticky too but overall these are very minor problems. Any rider used to a good quality Piaggio or Suzuki wouldn't know this was from Taiwan (not to be confused with some of the questionable offerings of the Chinese factorys). Strong acceleration, very sure footed, comfy on a run of up to an hour, thereafter the seat configuration get a little cramped for anyone over 5'10. And a silly tip but spray the exhaust with High Temp BBQ paint to stop it rusting- works great and lasts years. All in all a very good bike very competitively priced- for those in the know (like Kawasaki who sell a re-badged version of this model)!
