Kymco now has bragging rights for making the most powerful scooter available, the MyRoad 700i, introduced for model year 2014, and I had a chance to test ride it. The question I kept asking myself though, was why would someone purchase this big and powerful of a scooter when he or she could just get a mid-size motorcycle instead. Well, after I had a chance to ride the beast—and that is what it is in the scooter world—I now understand why.
There’s something refreshing about riding a scooter of this size. After spending a too-short half a day in the saddle of the large MyRoad 700i, I concluded that you can simply enjoy the ride at a different mental level than with a motorcycle. You don’t have to be “aware” of what gear you are in and think about when to upshift or downshift leaving more mental energy to enjoy the scenery. I was imagining all of the road trips I could take with this comfortable touring scooter.
The first thing I noticed sitting on the MyRoad was its “bigness”—the big seat, the big dash, the wide handlebars and the wide profile—it was much bigger than what you would envision with a scooter. Plus, I’m used to riding larger motorcycles, as I own a Harley-Davidson Street Glide. The MyRoad is in the same class as the BMW C 650 GT, the Suzuki Burgman and the Honda Silver Wing, three leading maxi-scooters. But, even those scooters feel small in comparison to the MyRoad.
I will admit I had to be very steady when stopping the MyRoad because I could only reach my tiptoes to the ground when seated. This made me skittish when riding on heavy gravel, which I had to do a few times while test riding the MyRoad in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Plus, the weight distribution felt clumsy; I had to be very careful maneuvering it around in a parking lot so as not to lean it too much in one direction should it dump beneath me.
Assessing its center of gravity, I’d say it’s moderate; definitely not as low as some of the big Harley-Davidson’s I’m used to riding, like my own Street Glide. That said, a 30-inch seat height and higher is standard for maxi-scooters.
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I spent a lot of words discussing size because for most women riders, and some men, seat height and the physical size of a scooter (or motorcycle) is the most important consideration. Can my feet reach the ground? How large is the scooter in relation to my size? Will I be able to handle it in all situations by myself?
| Did you know KYMCO stands for Kwang Yang Motor Co. |
Like all scooters, its simplicity makes the MyRoad an ideal commuter vehicle, but the MyRoad goes beyond that standard role, filling a void for single riders and couples that want to tour and travel on two wheels but are only into scooters. The MyRoad comfortably fits two people.
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The fuel tank capacity is four gallons. Due to my short test ride, I did not get to figure out miles per gallon. But, a four-gallon fuel tank ensures you can ride at least 150 miles or more before a fill-up.
The MyRoad is powered by a 699cc DOHC 4-stroke parallel twin 8-valve engine with electronic fuel injection. The transmission is CVT (continuously variable transmission), which means there is no shifting of gears. Kymco’s specs indicate the engine pumps out 59 horsepower at 7250 rpm with a torque rating of 46 foot pounds at 5500 rpm. So what does that mean in real world riding?
Well, the first thing I noticed when twisting the throttle was how much torque was available to me at the bottom end, that is, when it is moved from a stopped position. Using smaller scooters that have a lot of lag at first roll-on of the throttle as my reference point, I was impressed with how much oomph the MyRoad has coming off the line. It has to compete with other vehicles on the highway, and the MyRoad has no problem keeping up. It can easily travel at speeds exceeding 75 mph. Even passing a car, power and torque is available to you, more than you’d expect for a scooter.
Coming to a stop is smooth and strong. Four-piston radial mounted calipers up front clamp down on a two 280mm discs, while in back a two-piston caliper slows the 240 disc there. Suspension consists of 41mm telescopic forks and two coil-type shocks in the rear with electronic damping (three ride settings adjustable on the fly), which do an adequate job of keeping the ride smooth depending on your riding conditions.
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The 2014 MyRoad 700i comes in white only and sells for $9,699, with a two-year factory warranty—a fair price for all you get. Since 2001, Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco has done a commendable job at building its presence in the U.S. with a solid dealer network supporting its reputable products. If you want a low-hassle, easy to ride, two-wheeled vehicle that can take you on adventures beyond your state lines, consider the MyRoad 700i.
Specs At A Glance: 2014 MyRoad 700i
Displacement: 699.5cc
Seat Height: 30.7 inches
Weight: 608 pounds without fluids
Price: GT: $9,699
Colors: White
WRN Recommendation
The MyRoad 700i, just like its maxi scooter predecessors from Honda, Suzuki and BMW, is another game changer in how we traditionally think of scooters. No longer relegated to urban commuting and college campuses, the MyRoad 700i is bound to have adventure minded scooterists, and open-minded motorcyclists, hopping in its saddle for overnight journeys. Just be sure to test ride one to make sure its size is right for you.
Note: Kymco is offering low interest financing deals right now on its scooters and motorcycles. Click on the banner at the top of the page to get the details. If the ad is not showing, refresh your browser a few times.
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I would love to own a Scooter with 600cc or better but no one makes one for someone of my height. I own a Honda Shadow because of the seat. When are these companies going to get a clue? I would buy any that was powerful enough to drive freeway and long distances. Anyone gonna address the shorter person? I am 5 feet 1 inch tall. Please do.
I’ve heard through the grapevine that tall people like me can’t ride the bike because there is not enough leg room. Will they address this issue in the next year? I’m 6-foot-3 and there are only a few scooters that I can ride. One is the BMW C 650 GT and the maintenance cost is too much. Nice bike though.
The photo of the man and the woman on the MyRoad in my review gives you an idea of how cramped he is. Not enough leg room to move around on longer journeys. Kymco won’t reveal if they are “addressing” this or not in later models. The only way to address it really is to offer a seat that allows taller riders to sit farther away from the handlebars. As soon as we hear of something like that being offered, we will write about it.