NEW FROM KYMCO ABS BRAKES..KYMCO DOWNTOWN 300IE The long awaited premium scoot from Kymco Murray I was lucky enough to fly to Taiwan to test ride this exciting new scoot in mid 2009 when it was just a test bike with Kymcos very thorough R and D team. We rode it for the day around the Kymco test facility, and gave the scoot an absolute hiding along the way. The top speed was over 130kmph, but the real surprise was the agile handling making this scoot and ideal machine for that daily commute.
The test facility was an eye opener, and included a high speed section along with a minefield of suspension testing bumps and ruts that would have pointed out any potential flaws straight away. While all of this bumping and bouncing proved the compliance of the excellent suspension, it was the skid pan area that really excited me. The Downtowns innovative ABS braking system is a break through in scooter technology that I was very keen to experience. At first it takes a while to get your head around jumping on the brakes so hard, but once I did get it in my head that I wasn't going to lock up, I did get to experience the benefits of anti lock braking in and emergency situation. Basically, the system is awesome. I tried it on the normal tar race track section and it was awesome, then I tried it on the slippery smooth skid pan section and once again it was just awesome. Its a huge step forward.
On a more day to day level, the under seat storage is huge and can accept two helmets comfortably. The headlights are strong and the 'face' of the scoot is sharp and aggressive. Its a cracker of a scoot and I'm glad that it made it from the drawing board, to the R and D team, and now finally into production.
If you get the chance to pop in and ride it, all I can say if do it... Its a winner
STOP PRESS..................
Motorcycle.com (www.motorcycle.com) has voted the Kymco Downtown 300i scooter the ‘2010 Scooter
of the Year.’ This prestigious award is another feather in Kymco’s cap- and another example of the
superior engineering and quality of the Kymco brand.
The Downtown 300i has a fuel injected 300cc 4-Stroke, 4 Valve Motor with superb Kymco engine quality
that is complemented with CVT transmission. The liquid-cooled EFI fuel injected system enhances the
horsepower and performance of this exciting modern scooter.
Motorcycle.com says ‘The Downtown 300i excels in so many categories with its engaging aesthetics and
masterfully balanced handling, there is little room for improvement.’
The Kymco Downtown 300i scooter combines the fun and freedom of a fast-riding scooter with the
convenience, comfort and storage of a family sedan. The Downtown 300i exudes a luxurious modern
city lifestyle, with a fashion savvy exterior and high-performance interior. The practical application and
friendly technology behind Kymco’s Downtown 300i makes this scooter an impressive, powerful, reliable
and efficient vehicle!
National Sales and Marketing Manager for Kymco Australia and New Zealand Alan Collins says, ‘The
Downtown 300i is proving to be a fantastic seller in Australia, and with so many outstanding features we
are not surprised.’
‘Not only does the Downtown 300i have the power to cruise the road, it has the agility and precision to
be a city commuter and with the option of ABS Braking, this is definitely a front runner in the powerful
scooter category.’
The Downtown 300i is a top of the range sport tourer that ticks all the boxes. With front and rear disc
brakes, Kymco has ensured ultimate stopping power and safety to any passenger of the Downtown 300i.
The dual rear suspension in the Downtown 300i also helps turn the bumpiest ride into smooth,
comfortable driving.
‘The Downtown 300i is sporting an entirely new, true 300cc fuel-injected engine that takes to the
highways with conviction,’ says Motorcycle.com.
published 22/04/2010 |