Kymco Xciting 400i ABS

We see the same scenario in nearly every sub-segment in the scooter market and it is also true for maxi scooters. They all tend to look like each other. The Kymco Xciting 400i tries to break away from the conventional maxi scooter design trend by taking its inspiration from superbikes. This really comes to the fore with the front view. The twin headlamps are bubbled and recessed into the front apron. The massive and aerodynamically shaped windscreen makes it look like the business end of a superbike blown up to double its size. There are LED position lights sharing space with the indicators below the massive headlamps. The view from the sides is not as clean as the front. There are multiple layers overlapping each other in a mish-mash of textures, creases, and colors. The overall effect is still somewhat sporty and definitely modern. Especially thanks to the large and practical split rear grab rail, squared off muscular exhaust end can. The LED strip in the rear also adds to its modern appeal. There is still the issue of the rather large and intrusive central spine. The rider does get to use a very modern and easy to read multicolor LCD instrument panel that displays information like the battery voltage, ambient temperature, and average and instantaneous fuel consumption. The battery voltage indicator is necessary because the Kymco Xciting 400i is equipped with a 12V socket that can be used to charge devices. This is placed in a lockable compartment. The underseat storage has a 12L capacity but its shape somehow does not allow you to store two helmets at the same time. It does, however, open up with the help of hydraulics effortlessly. The fuel filler is also located under a flap in the front which does take some manual effort to open up. The dimensions of the scooter at 2220 mm (L) X 810 mm (W) X 1285 mm (H) also makes it a handful considering its weight. The front wheel is a 15” 5-spoke alloy wheel wrapped with a 120/70 tire and the rear has a 150/70 tire on the 14” wheel. There are 4 color options to choose from – red, grey, black and white.

The Kymco Xciting 400i weighs in at a hefty 191 kg. But you’d be hard pressed to tell. It uses a tubular underframe unlike many scooters in the class. The front is propped upon conventional telescopic forks while the rear uses a twin shock absorber setup. The wheelbase of 1565 mm and the steering geometry gives it nimble handling. Thanks to great lean angles, this scooter can often be mistaken for a more capable motorcycle by its rider. And this agility comes at no expense to the stability. The seating position is as relaxed as you’d expect from a maxi scooter. The only fault we can level at the scooter is that the space for the rider can get restrictive because of the backrest, especially for taller riders.

Kymco has been in the scooter game for a long time and it clearly shows. The Xciting 400i uses a 400cc 4 valve SOHC fuel-injected and liquid-cooled engine that produces a maximum power output of 35.5 hp at 7500 rpm and 37.7 Nm of torque at 6250 rpm. The engine is mated to a CVT automatic transmission. The power delivery is linear throughout the rev range and build nicely. This makes for comfortable cruising and even overtaking maneuvers are easily executed. The fuel tank has a generous 12.5-litre capacity which combined with a 25-28 kmpl fuel economy makes for decent range.

The anchors on the Kymco Xciting 400i are very capable. There are dual floating 280 mm discs in the front while the rear has a single 240 mm disc. The front is gripped by a radially mounted four-piston caliper setup. This is coupled with Bosch ABS on both ends. This makes stopping the nearly 200 kg scooter an effortless process. This also inspires a lot of confidence on tighter turns allowing the rider to use the scooter’s impressive handling prowess.

The Kymco Xciting 400i ABS E4 has everything you can ask for in a scooter like this. There is enough power, practicality, and pizzazz to satisfy even the most demanding customer. With the absence of the bigger Burgman from Suzuki, it is probably the only choice for someone looking for a scooter in this segment. And for the most part, they won’t be missing the Suzuki.