Kymco XCiting 250Ri Scooter Review

by Victor
(Hinesville, Georgia)

Kymco XCiting 250Ri

This is my first scooter purchase. I live near Savannah, Georgia, and I had really wanted to buy a good quality used scooter first of about 150cc -- 250cc. Guess what, you can't find them.

Craigslist is full of either really cheap Chinese scooters with or without a name brand, and the other scooter you can find are mostly 50cc size Hondas and Yamahas.

So after searching for about 6 weeks, I decided to hit the dealers to see what they had. I had done my research first. Scooters of choice were going to be Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, or Kymco.

The first dealer I stopped at actually had the Kymco Xciting 250 and 500 scoots on display, which surprised me to no end. I had read some really good reviews about the Kymco XCiting models, so it was no time at all before I decided to buy the 250 model.

What I like -- it's got good pickup (I typically leave cars and even some motorcycles as the red light turns green). It gets up to highway speeds quickly enough, about 60mph without problems. Top speed is supposed to be in the 70s, but I haven't tested that out.

It holds me and my wife well, even better than some bigger motorcycles we've owned in the past. And it has adequate storage, with a glove box and underseat storage. I added significantly to the storage by adding on a Givi topbox, which set me back about $300 for box and adaptor plate, but I think it was well worth it.

My Kymco Xciting scooter runs very smoothly, but when idling is a bit choppy, and the muffler silences to a low rumble. It has trip odometer, fuel gauge, and temp indicator for the liquid cooling.

What I don't like -- the windshield. It's much too short and I get a lot of noise and wind buffeting at my helmet. Possible solution I am looking at is a Laminar-lip, which I am ordering tomorrow and (cross my fingers) hope it gives good results. I wish it had just a bit more power, but the 500 model is there for people who want to run faster than 70mph.

Overall, I really like this scooter and feel that I got a good model for the money.

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Kymco XCiting 250Ri Scooter Review

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Nov 27, 2011
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Great Review and Comments NEW
by: Steve

Victor: Thanks for your review and to everyone else for the comments. They all helped me make my scooter decision. Have not riden for many years, and then only 125-250 cc dirt bikes. Now, too much work for an old fat man. The 250 Ri fits me just right, and has enough power to push me to over 70 mph, although a bit into the red-line. I bought a new 2009 model last month and got a pretty good deal, and a full 2 year warranty. I only have about 300+ miles on her, but have loved every minute. The windscreen is too short and I have ordered the Givi tall screen, which I am told (from several sources) will fit the 2009. More on that when the installation is complete.

So far, no mechanical issues. I replaced the engine oil and transmission fluid at 200 miles, which is much easier than on any of my cars.

I recommend this scooter to anyone, particularly for those who do not fit on the new Downtowns. I loved the look of the 200 and 300 Downtowns, but I just did not fit as well.

Keep us up-to-date on your experiences with your scoot.

May 10, 2011
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RE: OIL AND LUBE CHANGES NEW
by: Victor

The Anonymous critique on oil and lube changes is wrong.

3000 mile oil changes are old AUTOMOBILE requirements. After the initial break-in, the Kymco 250cc scooter engine calls for oil changes every 1200 miles (it is only 1 qt oil), transmission gear oil changes every 2500 miles (about 200cc worth of oil). And the valve adjustments are every 2500 miles.

These specs are from the owners manual and the service tech manual.

May 10, 2011
Rating

am I the only one NEW
by: larry

I have a 2005 People 250... and I am sorry I bought it. I have less than 7,000 miles on it and it goes thru plugs and air filters very quickly. I would sell it in a second if someone offered me anything close to a reasonable price for it.. lol

Jan 31, 2011
Rating

OIL AND LUBE CHANGE NEW
by: Anonymous

I wanted to understand why would you change your oil and gear lube every 500 miles?

I thought it was every 3000 miles and with the new synthetic oils out of the factory 3000 mile oil cahnges are not unheard of. It seems you must have a lot of money to waste.

As far as gear lube, you should not have to change it until after 8000 miles.

Valve clearences on this 250 engine really do not need adjusting this early of a maintainence schedule. I think you should talk to your Kymco rep before you do something foolish and do ireverseable harm to your investment.

Mar 09, 2010
Rating

2009 Xciting review NEW
by: John

I have a 250cc Xciting, I have had it for about 9 months and have had no problems. I agree the windshield is to short. I bought a helmet with a full shield which helped. I live in Arizona so I don't mind getting the air especially in the summer. I change my own oil and gear lube, I change both every 500 miles. I should buy a top case but so far I can't see the extra $300. The speed indicator is off 5mph at 50 mph. I feel the quality of the build is good and I am hoping it stays problem free. I have had it to 85 which is around 75mph.

Oct 28, 2009
Rating

update NEW
by: Victor

It's been a few months since my initial review. So an update is due.

Wind noise. I ended up buying the laminar lip, which gave some improvement, but did not fix the problem. Last night I went ahead and ordered the Givi windshield, the D291ST model. Supposed to only be for the 2005 model, but lots of internet posts by users say it will fit the newer models. From all reports, this will fix my problem.

Maintenance. I've changed my oil twice and transmission fluid once. Not difficult at all. This model does not have a true oil filter, it has a screen that is pulled out and cleaned. I haven't inspected the valve clearances yet but its on my agenda. Over the next few months I will also order a new air filter. There is an online kymco parts dealer, stadiumyamaha.com who has a good online parts ordering system. According to their site, the air filter is only about $16.

Tires. I'm currently at 1300 miles. No significant tire wear at this point, but a lot of reports that the back tire at least will need replacement around the 4000 mile mark. At the rate I'm going that will be sometime late next year.

Problems to date. None. No warranty items, nothing has worn out, nothing has fallen off and it cranks every time. IMO the low windshield is a design flaw, but it's probably not a problem for everyone. The top speed I've ever run is still right at 70mph (indicated), and at that speed the tach is about red-lined. I could ride it on the interstate if I need to, but I would limit to essential portions. I haven't calculated MPG. My gut feel is that it is around 60 mpg, I only fill up about every couple weeks.

Hope this info is helpful for some of you scooter shoppers.

Oct 15, 2009
Rating

Excellent Review - Another new 250 RI owner NEW
by: Anonymous

Excellent Review. I agree with every one of your points.

I also have just gotten a new 2009 Xciting 250 RI (charcoal) for my first motorscooter. I love the look of the scooter. It rides very smoothly except over expansion joints which tend to cause an oscellation. Due to the big wheels, it does have storage issues and a trunk is a requirement.

For little me, 5'5" the seat is a high, but even at 407 lbs the scooter balances nicely and is manageable. I have found that high top hiking boots help by supporting my ankles.

I have just under 200 miles on the scooter and the only annoyance was the low windshield. I just replaced it with the GIVI D293ST. What a difference. No wind noise!!! It takes a bit of time to get used to looking through the plexiglass and I bump my helmet on the edge when I get off some times. However, riding at over 45 miles per hour is much more pleasant.

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Kymco XCiting 250Ri Scooter Review