Down sizing...for age or convenience

As I usually get a new bike every year or so---will be 80 in May, Honda offers nothing new in US market that will work for me.

Still have my 2017 Honda CB300F---main bad feature=no centerstand. Also getting harder and harder to swing leg over, especially when loaded with luggage.   18,000 miles, no trouble and plan to sell it.

Now new purchase, after much study, Kymco Xtown 300I ABS.

Price well under $5000 out the door, everything paid.

Design=fine, even nut and screw valve adjust!! Oil capacity, one US Qt so in my experience oil changes should be necessary. Tires-Kenda bike is better in some  turns than my CB300F....strong frame?

Weight: a little over 400 lbs, heavy but works ok, Size about a little less than Suzuki Burgman 400.

Best feature:  this is my 10th maxi-scooter since 1990----AND with Puig touring windshield, no BUFFETING and  near silent ride.  Which means long days bearable.

Seat does not have adjustable back rest like SilverWing or Burgman 400. So far no trouble.

Performance: fine considering its 276cc displacement---better than Helix or Reflex.  over 65 mph some vibration can be felt---but I do not worry, 2 yr warranty. Reg gas/60-65 mpg.  Oil WalMart 10-40.z

Right now, have $40 Bestem box bolted directly to rear wing----Givi rack and Monokey plate ordered----my dog likes my Givi E-46 box better and he and my shaving kit fit in.

Riding plans with it:  2019 ride into/to 48 states and maybe Yellowknife in NW Territories in the fall.

Congratulations on your new scoot, Mr Grinsel.

Exciting news about your Yellowknife trip plans. Jeez, talk about riding to extremes. Hopefully too that ride will make up for you needing to scrub last year's James Bay ride.

Please keep us posted on your ride plans as well as how you get on with your Kymco

Tim

John, thanks for the good review with informative particulars. Have been looking at the Kymco option, too. But will take some time to wear out current SWing.

Good luck with the new ride, keep us up on how it's working. I might be considering down sizing to a somewhat smaller scooter in a year or so myself due to increasing arthritis.

Might add---James Bay road. Last year stopped at about 75 miles up the private road,pavement in such bad condition riding was no fun. 15-20 years ago when pavement in better condition rode the length to Radisson on BMW K-75.

Should add here two important features of the Kymco:

1. non linked brakes. Real balance aide for old fart at slow parking lot speeds.

2. Xtown 300i much better balanced at slow speeds than SilverWing. Not so top heavy. And for those who don't know what they are doing really goes up on centerstand easy.

I haven't regretted downsizing to one of the new Honda Forza 300’s last October, more for convenience than age, and being honest I got bored with my Silver Wing a long time ago. In fact my Silver Wing years are now just memories, a few digital photos, and all the paraphernalia I still have from eight years ownership.