2004 Kymco Vitality Review

Kymco first built the Vitality and introduced it to the U.S. market in 2004, where it sold through 2009. It debuted in the Canadian markets in 2007, three years after its U.S. debut. Although it is a sporty looking vehicle, the Vitality was made for a broader audience, unlike its Super 8 and Super 9 brothers, which were actually made specifically with the sport scooter market in mind. The Vitality’s clean lines and slight physique meets the expectations of a wider audience looking for a classy but reliable vehicle.

Because Kymco employs the same motor across many of its lines, the Vitality uses an identical motor to the one used in the Super 8 and Super 9, which is incidentally the same motor as Honda’s AF18E, used in its two-stroke vehicles. This maneuver was possible because before the late 1990s, Kymco and Honda were part of the same company, and only later separated. After the split, Kymco still used the same motor as Honda did in its 50cc scooters. A four-stroke model of the Vitality was never sold in the U.S., but the Canadian market offers a choice of either the two-stroke or the four-stroke for 2009.

The four-stroke engine in the Vitality lends the scooter superior mileage and better, more efficient emissions. The two-stroke model, on the other hand, offers greater power. A restricted version of the two-stroke Vitality offers 10 percent more horsepower than the four-stroke and the derestricted version allows for even more. The four-stroke achieves between 80 and 90 mpg fuel economy, compared to the two-stroke, which gets only about 65 to 70 mpg. For those drivers searching for low operational costs and low emissions, the four-stroke is a better option. However, those speed-daemons out for a faster ride will have a more enjoyable experience on the two-stroke Vitality, especially a derestricted version.

In terms of aesthetics, the Kymco Vitality offers a moderate amount of storage space beneath the driver’s seat. Considering the limitations set by its large vertical motor design, one could say that the storage space is surprisingly large. Small helmets might fit inside of the under-seat compartment, whereas larger, full-face bucket helmets may be too large to stow underneath the seat. The lack of a glove compartment adds to the storage conundrum. However, aftermarket storage parts, like a top case, can be purchased for an additional cost. Another shortcoming of the Vitality is that the vertical motor forces the seat height upwards, making it less comfortable to ride for shorter drivers. Some positive features, though, include a rear rack that comes standard on all of the Vitality models, in addition to a side stand. Lastly, a neat commodity included in the standard Vitality is a clock with gauges. Seemingly trivial, this addition becomes an invaluably useful convenience when using the scooter for a morning commute to work or school, or while in a rush to get anywhere.

With its clean, stylistic features; ample storage with regard to size; and reliable two- or four-stroke motors, the Vitality offers much for the value. Though most buyers tend to drift towards sport scooters, there is certainly a niche in the market for a versatile vehicle like the Kymco Vitality, especially when price is a major consideration.