2011 Kymco Downtown Review

Intro

Well-known for their economical and quality-built scooters, Kymco attempts to appeal to a different segment of the market with this new scooter. The Kymco Downtown debuts for 2011 offering all the speed and agility buyers are looking for in a midsize maxi-scooter. The successor to the Grand Vista 250, the Downtown features a unique and modern front end design with stylish, dual beam, quartz halogen headlights. Blacked out, five-spoke rims adorn the Downtown, which add an elegant touch to the scooter’s design. Crisp lines contribute to an overall look that is far edgier than Kymco’s former design attempts.

The Downtown features a large, tinted windscreen that protects the driver from wind shear and road debris. The seat is large and comfortable and includes enough support for longer road trips. The seat is ample enough to fit a passenger comfortably as well, and the Downtown is also equipped with standard integrated passenger pegs and grips. A lighted storage compartment is located under the seat that is large enough to accommodate to full face helmets and a watertight, mini glove-box with a 12V cigarette-lighter style charger offers lots of convenience at the driver’s fingertips. An optional top case provides even more storage and the daily commute now becomes a weekend getaway. Taller passengers, however, might find the knee space a little tight for longer trips.

The Downtown’s performance is excellent, delivering a fun ride with tight cornering in the city. Light and responsive steering adds more enjoyment to the ride, and its small turning circle is excellent for tight maneuvering in urban areas or squeezing into just about any parking space. Its lighter weight than the average maxi-scooter also contributes to its light and easy handling. Having both front and rear disc brakes, the Downtown comes to a firm stop. The Downtown’s 298.9-cc, four-stroke engine offers good acceleration, making it ideal for driving on the highway or for long, sweeping country roads. The Downtown offers some top-notch versatility for a scooter, with good fuel economy compared to other similar vehicles in its segment. With the Downtown, Kymco rises to the occasion, heralding in an outstanding maxi-scooter that delivers a great performance in the city or on the highway at a more affordable price than its major competitors. A solid list of standard accessories elevates this scooter from the bargain bin variety that is usually associated with the brand. As the name implies, the Downtown is intended to bring a bit of power and some style to the city streets, though it is more than capable of holding its own on the highway as well. Kymco strives and succeeds in bringing a touch of class to their line of scooters while still offering a relatively modest price tag compared to its rivals.

New For 2011

  • An all-new model, the 2011 Kymco Downtown is equipped with a new four-valve Electronic Fuel-Injected engine
  • Responsive, lightweight dual cradle, steel chassis

2011 Kymco Downtown Specs

  • Model: 2011 Kymco Agility
  • Engine Type: 298.9-cc, one-cylinder, four-stroke
  • Bore and Stroke: 2.86 inches x 2.83 inches
  • Compression ratio: 10.8:1v
  • Valve Train: Single overhead camshaft
  • Induction: Liquid cooled
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
  • Final Drive: Beltv
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 69 mpg
  • Brakes (Front): Dual hydraulic disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Hydraulic disc
  • Suspension (Front): Telescopic fork
  • Suspension (Rear): Twin sided swing arm
  • Wheelbase: 60.8 inches
  • Rake: N/A
  • Trail: N/A
  • Seat Height: 30.5 inches
  • Curb Weight: 367 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 120/80-14
  • Tires (Rear): 150/70-13

Accessories

  • Available trim packages in three colors : burnt orange, pearl white, and silver
  • Lighted under-seat storage with enough space for two full face helmets
  • Integrated passenger grips
  • Watertight console compartment equipped with a 12V accessory outlet for charging a phone
  • Locking gas cap
  • Large flip-out hook on the front dash for helmets or other cargo to sit between the driver's legs
  • Optional rear top case
  • Integrated passenger pegs
  • Five-position adjustable rear shocks

Key Competitors For The 2011 Kymco Downtown

  • Vespa GTS 300
  • Piaggio BV Tourer 250
  • Schwinn Augusta 300
  • Yamaha Majesty
  • Honda Forza