Complete set of instruments
As we can expect from a scooter in this price range, the instrument cluster includes all the usual displays and gauges we need. I would have liked the mirrors to be a little further forward, but I appreciated the fact that their oval shape widens your field of vision and thus reduces the size of the blind spots. Kymco’s speedometer tends to exaggerate a little too much though, reporting speeds of 120 km/h when you’re only doing 100. Erring of the side of caution and safety is all well and good, but a 20% margin seems a bit over the top.

The long and narrow seat is good news for the stockier among us, but puts some constraints on the size and shape of objects you can stow under it. (Photo: Philippe Champouc/Moto123.com)

On the road
In the city, the 500i holds its own quite well, even though the stiff front suspension affects your comfort over bumps and cracks – which is everywhere in our part of the world! Things get better when we leave the city, where smoother surfaces raise the comfort level to more livable.

At a standstill and low speeds, you can keep the 500i upright without too much effort despite its impressive girth – a sign that the centre of gravity has been lowered to its absolute minimum. The bike’s balance allows you to ride in confidence and to easily position the machine correctly when cornering, without having to struggle with its weight.

The 499cc engine delivers more than adequate performance, even if the CVT clutch feels lazy at a standing start. Give a lick of anticipatory throttle as the light turns green, and the clutch bites quickly and the thing fairly takes off - we clocked the 0-100 km/h sprint in 12 seconds. What’s more, going from 80 to 120 km/h takes 8 seconds, a safe number for me.

Aggressive brakes
Kymco didn’t hold back when it came to brakes. The Xciting 500Ri has enlisted the services of two perforated discs up front and one in back, all squeezed by twin-piston calipers. Braking doesn’t require a huge effort and the emergency stopping distances from 100 km/h (120 on the speedo) varied from 33.9 to 35.5 m, with very little skidding or deviation from the chosen path. The more cautious among us will certainly opt for the optional ABS system available for $500, a small price to pay to save your life some day.

The hand brake, very useful for locking the wheels when parked on a hill, disengages with a simple flick of the wrist.

Instruments as they should be: complete, clear and easy to read.  (Photo: Philippe Champouc/Moto123.com)