A player in that field, freeway legal and offering all the amenities, is the Kymco Xciting 500. Kymco is the Kwang Yang Motor Company, a Taiwanese brand that first appeared in 1992, though its parent company has been around since 1963. Kymco also manufactures mobility scooters for the disabled, a 250cc V-twin cruiser called the Venox and many other scooters.

Powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a bore and stroke of 92.0 x 69.0mm the 499cc Xciting 500 is Kymco's largest displacement scooter and quite well appointed. It has that modern crisp, ironed-and-folded look so popular today, a laid-back easy chair on wheels -- with attitude. Its orange upper body (red and white are also available) looks clean and neat, nicely contrasting with its silver lower body.

The new Kymco lineup features a modern look with color mixed in with silver lowers, popular in the scooter market today.

Though it's carbureted, the choke is automatic and requires no fiddling. Turn the throttle and with its automatic clutch the Xciting 500 moves out smoothly and immediately, its CVT (constantly variable transmission) offering fuss-free riding. Acceleration is surprisingly sprightly off the line, even two-up, and its standard tachometer immediately swings (depending upon throttle setting) over to 4,000 to 7,000 rpm and holds mostly steady as the Xciting 500 accelerates with a determined purr. I found its power more than adequate for two-up scooting and even a bit dashing and sporty solo.

This big scooter carries its weight low and that, combined with its automatic clutch, shifting and step-through design, makes it extremely user friendly and non-intimidating in comparison with a motorcycle. Beyond that, however, scooter traits come into play. The rider sits on a soft seat in a slight slump with the feet on the floor. On turns it helps to splay the knees outward to avoid the wrists contacting knees. Judicious application of the throttle while dragging the brakes makes tight turns easy.

The Xciting 500 is also a blast to ride around town.

Around town the 500 Xciting is a joy with sprightly acceleration, no shifting and surprisingly powerful linked brakes -- if you provide the power for them. The left brake lever (it's where the clutch lever would be on a motorcycle) controls one front disc and is quite powerful, while the traditional right brake lever controls the other front disc and rear brake. It's a good thing that the triple disc brakes with twin-piston calipers are powerful because the Xciting's engine does not offer a great deal of engine braking. Secondly, as the bike slows to a stop the automatic clutch disengages at walking speed and the rider needs to be ready with the brakes. My only concern is that heavy braking requires a strong pull on the levers -- stronger than is usually required to stop a much heavier, more powerful motorcycle--which may be beyond the ability of younger or smaller riders. I would suggest that Kymco recalibrate its braking system to deliver more braking force with less lever effort.

Also, motorcycle riders who operate a clutch lever as second nature need to develop a healthy awareness of the 500's dual brake levers. Forgetting and pulling the "clutch" forcefully could result in heavy, unexpected braking, and possibly even a locked wheel.

A 62-inch wheelbase and telescopic front fork allow the scooter handle well on curves.

Out on the freeway the 500 rolls along on its 62-inch wheelbase suspended by a telescopic fork and a pair of rear shocks. Here the ride is choppy, as its 120/70-15 front tire and a 150/70-14 rear are slightly smaller than motorcycle wheels; its suspension kicks back on abrupt bumps. I would estimate actual top speed at around 80 mph. Above 65 mph the tachometer is reading more than 6,000 rpm and the engine begins to sound and feel strained, which does not lead to a relaxing ride. Redline is 7,500 rpm.

Stop, turn the key counterclockwise and the seat easily pivots upward to reveal a large partially flocked storage area that will hold a pair of open-face helmets, or one helmet with jacket -- or whatever. It offers impressive convenience.

One reason people buy scooters is for their perceived fuel economy, and the Kymco delivered about 45 mpg, which with its 3.4-gallon tank would provide a range of about 150 miles. That's not stellar, as it's the size and weight of a 500cc motorcycle. Also, I rode it largely in town on short hops or screaming along on the freeway; neither is conducive to good fuel economy.

With its high level of fit and finish, comfort, easy running (except for the high-effort brakes), agile handling and generous underseat storage the Kymco Xciting 500 is a joy around town for errands and short hops. Its ease of operation inspired me to go exploring the local streets and backroads of my town. However, its slightly twitchy handling at speed and straining engine beyond about 65 mph caused me to take the motorcycle for freeway jaunts. At $6,799 the Xciting 500 is affordable, stylish, fun and easy to ride, and its two-year warranty provides good backup.

New for 2009: The Kymco Xciting 500 is now new fuel-injected, and has an ABS brake option. This model now comes with a dark tinted, low profile windshield (shown in clear above), blacked out bits, race red brake calipers, an AC adapter cell phone charger, and a lowered seat height. Kymco has also taken a cue from Bill, and has improved the Xciting 500 with an 8 percent gain in horsepower over the 2007 version.

Specs at a Glance: 2009 Kymco Xciting 500
Engine Type: 498.5cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single
Seat Height: 30.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Curb Weight: 473 pounds, ABS: 488 pounds
Colors: Red, White; ABS: Red, Pewter
MSRP: $6,199, ABS: $6,799

SRN Recommendation
Kymco built a solid scooter that goes head to head in the maxi scooter category with models like the Suzuki Burgman and the Honda Silver Wing. The 2009 model is vastly improved over the older version reviewed here, however, if money is an issue, you can probably find a good used one around and still be a happy camper with the Xciting 500.