KymcoForum.com
Scooters - Big Bore => Xciting 500 => Topic started by: yoster on June 20, 2019, 11:14:42 PM
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Hey guys (and gals) - hoping you can help out here!
There's an xciting 500 (1st model year; carb'd) for sale for only 1500 bucks. It's been laid down once but doesn't look too bad. Has 6000 miles.
Test-drove it last weekend. Rode my 250cc China-scoot (Honda Reflex Clone) to go see it (I wanted to feel the difference.)
First impressions - the Xciting was definitely smoother. Also a lot heavier (expected). But, I was a little surprised by the speed. Everything I've read says these things go 80+ without breaking a sweat. I can confidently say that my 250cc china scoot felt muuuuch quicker all the way up to freeway speeds. Granted, I have 19g sliders in the CVT, but it's half the displacement! The Kymco didn't seem to want to go past 70mph.. Now, I didn't try for that long, to be fair, but wasn't like it was really heading to ~90mph (some claim 100mph on the 500cc kymco).
My first thought was... is this a re-badged 250cc xcite??? It was much too heavy for that though.
I want the scooter but afraid there's something wrong. Anyone have any ideas? Were my expectations just wrong?
It didn't seem to be mechanically broken in any way. Started instantly, idled smooth, accelerated smooth, all was really great. The overall power was just much, much less than I was expecting. I'm hoping someone here may have a simple "Oh check this, that's the problem" solution!
Also, I doubt this matter but worth mentioning, the LCD on the gauge cluster was broken. When you pushed the buttons you could KIND of get it to light up, but definitely not usable. Is that a cheap/expensive fix? I'm taking the owner's word on the mileage because of that.
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Please read several 500 posts here. See the issues. Also check out youtubes of this 500. Some can be good scooters, however the 500 is far and away Kymco's most troublesome model.
Stig
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What Stig said plus a Downtown 300i will be satisfying and more reliable than any 500 carb or EFI. But then I am prejudiced having had two! Well, I still have the second one and you can't have it at any price! There are other 300 cc scoots that will do as well if EFI.
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I bought a 2008 carbed version for $1400 in February. My LCD odometer and clock are shot and I had to change the left turn signal switch. A new meter assembly will cost about $193 and shouldn't be difficult to replace. I was kind of skeptical about buying a Chinese (actually Taiwanese) scooter, but read that Kymco's are pretty reliable. I'm enjoying this scooter and prefer to keep it under 65 mph. The previous owner maintained it pretty well and it's been reliable so far. I keep it garaged, so I haven't had any cold start problems. I'm about 6 feet tall so I took off the backrest pad, put on a memory foam car-seat cushion strapped down with an ATV seat pad (both available at Walmart) and it's now pretty comfortable.
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Thank you for the reply BigBlue.
Regarding searching, of course I used search. You know what those 500 threads are missing? Solutions! The owners post a problem, people talk about it, but then the owner doesn't return to close the loop. They just disappear (likely because their problem was solved.) As such you have a lot of threads about a lot of problems.
The problems related to power are consistently mentioned as exhaust valves, low compression (which I would chalk up to neglect.) Other issues are mentioned but slightly different than the symptoms I saw (no start issues, rough idle, cutting out.)
Again though specific to overall power, no resolutions mentioned. No one saying "Hey I replace my exhaust valve and the scooter only did 65 before and now she feels like a rocket!"
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When my exhaust valve was about to go, it only started slowing down in speed, roughly 3-4 days before I knew it was time to open my wallet again. Since it happened to me 4 times, I believe I have the experience to say that is what you can expect as a symptom for the exhaust cam issue.
After the cam job, speed was back to 85.
If top end is not quite there rollers or belt worn?
The 500 is more regal in acceleration than rocket like performance.
Factors to consider.
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You da man, thank you. I do recall hearing some squeeking upon takeoff so perhaps the belt was slipping, but if it was I think that was only from like 0-5mph.
I'll do some research to see how much this exhaust cam job would run.
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Rockwell test that cam before you install it! My opinion (regard based on cost!) that Kymco or its supplier failed to heat treat/harden properly so just getting a replacement cam is not the answer if the new one is soft like the original.
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I've owned both the Xciting 500 and Xciting 250 at the same time.
You can't really tell the difference between the two bikes until you get past 55mph, they are pretty much identical before that. The 250 really starts losing oomf at around 60 and struggles to reach 70, but the 500 will keep on going up to 90 (which is the fastest I took mine, well into the red line @10K rpm, but I could tell there was a little more available if I was willing to risk the engine). They are both geared to have their powerband in highway speeds.
The quick check is to pop open the seat and look at the underseat storage. If there is a carburetor access hatch and an air filter access hatch under the seat, it's a 500. If you see no such ports its a 250. Your statement about not wanting to get past 70mph leads me to believe you were driving a 250. If it is a 500, it is definitely having issues.
I had to replace the stator on both bikes (and replaced the regulator and battery at the same time as insurance).
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Thank you for the reply BigBlue.
Regarding searching, of course I used search. You know what those 500 threads are missing? Solutions! The owners post a problem, people talk about it, but then the owner doesn't return to close the loop. They just disappear (likely because their problem was solved.) As such you have a lot of threads about a lot of problems.
The problems related to power are consistently mentioned as exhaust valves, low compression (which I would chalk up to neglect.) Other issues are mentioned but slightly different than the symptoms I saw (no start issues, rough idle, cutting out.)
Again though specific to overall power, no resolutions mentioned. No one saying "Hey I replace my exhaust valve and the scooter only did 65 before and now she feels like a rocket!"
You noticed that, too? Not closing the loop? Mostly with 50 cc posts with "HELP!" on either or both ends!
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I had a 2007 carbed 500 and loved it. No mechanical issues and it would go strong up to about just over 80mph. Then it slowed down, but did still keep climbing until I let off just before 90mph. I just sold it last Thursday on the Fourth and I'm already missing it; however, last night I brought home a used but new to me Vulcan 1500. It's going to take a while to get used to the weight and the massive acceleration, lol.
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You noticed that, too? Not closing the loop? Mostly with 50 cc posts with "HELP!" on either or both ends!
I noticed that too. And it’s not just with Scooters and mechanical things. On Facebook’s amputee support group, someone will ask what to do about a sore, painful fit, best prosthesis choice, etc. a bunch of suggestions will be given. But the person will Not report back.
Same with the diabetes group. Someone will post an abnormally high number, share a medical complication, etc., and ask what to do. Again many suggestions will be given. But we get no follow up. I often wonder Did their problem get fixed? Are they still sick? Did they DIE? I think it’s RUDE to not follow up after asking a question, and people took the time to try to help. [emoji2369]
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Yeah, well, Jesus cured 10 lepers and only one came back to thank him.....
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I've owned both the Xciting 500 and Xciting 250 at the same time.
You can't really tell the difference between the two bikes until you get past 55mph, they are pretty much identical before that. The 250 really starts losing oomf at around 60 and struggles to reach 70, but the 500 will keep on going up to 90 (which is the fastest I took mine, well into the red line @10K rpm, but I could tell there was a little more available if I was willing to risk the engine). They are both geared to have their powerband in highway speeds.
The quick check is to pop open the seat and look at the underseat storage. If there is a carburetor access hatch and an air filter access hatch under the seat, it's a 500. If you see no such ports its a 250. Your statement about not wanting to get past 70mph leads me to believe you were driving a 250. If it is a 500, it is definitely having issues.
I had to replace the stator on both bikes (and replaced the regulator and battery at the same time as insurance).
I too have a 2009 250 I and a 2006 500 carb xciting and your spot on about acceleration.
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Yeah, well, Jesus cured 10 lepers and only one came back to thank him.....
I think you might have hit the nail on the head! Too many receive what they want or need and just go on their way as if the respondents were obligated to give it to them.
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I know you are not displaying offense, just commenting on human behaviour.
I long ago arrived at peace regarding comeback.
It is human nature, cant be changed in most cases, so I try not to get offended, but I still find myself having to let it go, on numerous occasions.
I notice I do it too, unless I remember to respond the way I would like to be treated.
Then, there is that other thing ; life just gets in the way....... [emoji3].
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I think some people give up on solving their problems, like this guy. I'm thinking of taking a trailer over and checking it out.
https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/mcy/d/albuquerque-2009-kymco-xciting-500/6938609040.html (https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/mcy/d/albuquerque-2009-kymco-xciting-500/6938609040.html)
The ad didn't last long. It was a red 2009 500RI with wiring problems and being sold as parts for $200.
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I know you are not displaying offense, just commenting on human behaviour.
I long ago arrived at peace regarding comeback.
It is human nature, cant be changed in most cases, so I try not to get offended, but I still find myself having to let it go, on numerous occasions.
I notice I do it too, unless I remember to respond the way I would like to be treated.
Then, there is that other thing ; life just gets in the way....... [emoji3].
Sent from my Mi Max using Tapatalk
Great attitude to live by.
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Im selling my like new 2009 xciting 500 for 2300. Im in Michigan though. New tires,like new. 7,800 miles. Hard times makes me need to sell. Very sad to let it go.
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You could always look at a new Xciting 400i. I have had one for 2 years and virtually no problems. Its quick, nimble and decent on gas about 60-70 mpg. I have seen some sales for between 4-5k US dollars.
Dean
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Do not check this forum very often! Thought I would give you my thoughts as a long time owner of a 2008 Kymco RI500 which I bought in summer of 2009.
Thus I have owned my Kymco for 10 years and am completely happy with this scooter. Two years after I purchased the bike I had a "Cosy" sidecar rig permanently installed so I could get my wife to ride with me on summer trips.
Now I read that many people have had starting issues with this scooter brand due to cold weather. Wel I live in Mississauga Ontario Canada where it gets pretty cold in winter and I can say that I have never had a problem starting mu Kymco any November day I chose to do so. Also the only major parts I have ever had to replace on my scooter has been the battery. I had to replace the battery after the first year I owned the bike. This was before I bought a battery Deltran battery charger to which the scooter is plugged to when I am not riding the bike. I just replaced that battery this spring so I guess you should be able to get 8 plus years on a battery if it is hooked to a trickle charge when you are not riding.
We don't use miles per hour in Canada but the first year I owned the scooter I did once push the speed up to 150- kilometers per hours on a nice straight strech of highway. Also even with a sidecar setup I have more that once come down Highway 403 off the Niagara escarpment where I had to maintain 130 km to keep up with traffic so there is great power available with the Kymco 500ri scooter.
I do have the oil changed every spring as well as replacing the oil filter so the only other thing I do is I use premium gas in all its fill ups.
I would say I am one of the most pleased Kymco 500ri scooter owners. So if you wished to hear experiences of a long team Kymco owner I would recommend this scooter. The thing is that if you keep any scooter well maintained and cared for it should perform well for its owner under normal situations.
I hope you enjoy your ride once you get it back into full running shape.
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Thanks for your feedback!
Truly.
Interesting scooter. When it is good - it is very good.
Overall - and from owner feedback here and on youtube - it gets the vote as Kymco's most problematic scooter...but do wonder what the % is. The squeaky wheel always get the most attention.
Glad it's working for you, and hope it continues to for a long time.
However, when asked, I cannot recommend it.
Stig
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If you have a pin hole leak in the carb diaphragm, it will suck air and not go very fast. The bike is old, it has never been changed, take my word on this. Order a new one, pop off the carb top under plastic cap-under the seat. 3 screws or 4 (don't remember), and lid lifts off. Beware not to lose spring. Put needle jet and plastic piece back in, in correct order with spring in same position it was in when you took it apart. Really very easy to do. You may need to smear a little grease on the lip of the new diaphragm to make it stay down inside the recessed area before placing spring with top-cap back on, but once you push lip in groove of top of carb you will know if you need the grease or not. Also, adjust the valves. They tend to loosen up over time/miles. Loose valves = a slow bike that sucks gas. Good luck.
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I am new here, and this is my 1st post. I've owned a lot of bikes, from almost every major manufacturer, but never a scoot until now. I've had from 250 singles up to an 1100 Suzuki, and am aware of superbike speed. I am impressed with the speed of my 2010 Kymco 500. It hits 70 fast without breaking a sweat and doesn't feel busy doing it. I got it for 1500 with 20,400 miles on it. I think it's a hoot, and the seat fits my short 5'7" frame well. I'm hoping for not too many issues.
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I bought a 2013 500 ri this spring have put 1000 kms on it only problem was dirty fuel injector and running cleaner through fix this. It is fun to ride only other complaint is that seat is like sitting on cement. I am going to buy an air hawk seat cushion.