Kymco Xtown CT300i – Review

By motoph admin on February 25, 2021

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Ride Review of the KYMCO Xtown CT300i

The term “Moto Tourism” has been thrown around more often right after the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched their Motourismo Campaign late last year. I think it’s great that the government is now recognizing the significant contribution of motorcycle riders to local tourism because motorcycle touring has been in practice since the motorcycle industry boom in the mid-2000s. The DOT calls on their so-called “heroes” to go on trips to help jumpstart the economy amidst the slump brought on by the pandemic. If your sense of patriotism compels you to heed the call but you are new to this sort of thing, I suggest you start by choosing the right motorcycle for the job. Pro tip: Think comfort. Any type of discomfort while on a long-distance ride will take away all enjoyment and possible benefits of the whole exercise. It could also lead to distraction that will potentially cause accidents.

The KYMCO Xtown CT300i is a great ride for touring because when it comes to comfort, maxi scooters take the cake. The ergonomics allows for an upright riding posture with the grips raised to a level well within reach of the rider. While the high floor board places the legs of tall riders in a rather tight angle, there is still plenty of leg room. I am 5’11” and I found that placing my feet forward on the front step board was easier on the joints. The reason behind (or under) the high foot placement is the 12.5-liter fuel tank. The trade-off is a low center of gravity, which makes handling this 184-kilogram machine almost effortless. Add that wide cushy saddle to the mix to ensure a stress-free riding for hours on end. There’s also comfy seating for a passenger if you prefer to go on your journey with company.

Running on small 13-inch tires, the ride quality of this maxi scooter is surprisingly good. The 5-way adjustable rear shock absorbers effectively smooth out road imperfections. The wind screen, along with the front panels offer good protection from the elements. It would be better, though, if it was height adjustable. Taller riders might find it a bit low. On the up side, KYMCO did not skimp on safety, fitting front and rear brakes with Bosch ABS. If you ask me, this should already come as standard on all two-wheelers intended for road use.

The Xtown CT300i is propelled by a 276 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which produces 17.1 kilowatts and 22.5 newton-meters. That’s more than enough grunt for the intended purpose and it enables the rider to cruise at a safe pace on open roads. You can’t ride it on tollways, though, since its displacement is below the 400cc minimum requirement. As far as KYMCO Philippines is concerned, this shouldn’t be a major issue. They argued that most riders take the back roads for a more scenic route. Taking the tollway will help you get to your destination quickly but it somehow defeats the purpose of going on a trip in the first place. Besides, the displacement rule is only relevant to riders within the National Capital Region and neighboring provinces. They make a good point.

A good touring machine is never without some creature comfort features and the Xtown CT300i has them in abundance. The generous underseat compartment is accessed via the ignition switch and the seat is held open by a hydraulic lever so you can use both hands to sort through your stuff. It can fit a regular sized helmet with room to spare for other small items. There is also a 12-volt socket inside if you want to safely charge an electronic gadget on wet riding conditions. You can opt for the USB port under the KYMCO badge on the handle bar but you’ll have to place your gizmo in your own pocket, provided the cord is long enough. The front cubby hole couldn’t fit a smart phone of any kind. The good news is that you are unlikely to pull out your phone anyway because the Xtown CT300i is equipped with KYMCO’s Noodoe Interface System.

Simply put, Noodoe is like part navigation, part social media app. It enables the user to map a route or locate the nearest gas station or service center when needed. You can also keep track of your travels through the app and share your adventures to other Noodoe users around the globe. Yes, you can personalize the theme and wall paper of the digital display.

The Xtown CT300i is suitable entry-point for novice riders who want to get into the leisure riding lifestyle. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) makes it easy to use for riders of all skill level. Yet, it packs enough punch to keep seasoned riders from getting bored. It is equipped with useful amenities to make each trip less of a chore, road conditions notwithstanding. At P229,000 SRP, you get a whole lot of scooter for the price. #