Kymco DTX 360 Scooter Test: Bitumen Adventurer

Is SUV fashion winning the scooter segment? In any case, this is the success of the Honda ADV 350, whose sales have surpassed that of the Forza 350 and whose marketing strategy consists of targeting switches in tires that dream of getting away from it all.

Based on this observation, Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco launches the DTX 360 for 360° use. After a first DTX 360 equipped with a 125 cc engine, accessible for license B, Kymco offers a variant in the 350 category (the 321 cc cube engine) that is accessible for license A2 and A for greater versatility.

And it is on this ground that Kymco wants to convince, as this DTX is adorned with the attributes that make the adventurer look like: matte fairings, mixed tires with studs, handguards and TCS traction control. Is the frenzy worth the plumage? In any case, this Kymco stands at 5699 €, a price lower than that of the Honda ADV 350 (6299 €) which remains the only competitor for the time being.

This Kymco DTX 360 looks great with its original LED headlight signature and angular fairings. The overall design is meant to be relatively aggressive, with an interplay of edges and a muscular line. The small windscreen and minimalistic front mudguard contribute to the dynamic atmosphere.

To stand out, the DTX 360 mainly recovers codes from crossings with a mix of colored plastics and matte black. Handguards give the illusion of protection while driving of the road and especially the large studded CST tires (120/80/14 front and 150/70/13 rear) provide a silhouette that plays on the adventurous side. On the other hand, please note that the rack is only available as an option and a cross must be made about the possibility of adjusting the bubble. However, a high screen is available as an option.

With its 2.16 m long, 0.78 m wide and 1.28 m high, this Kymco DTX 360 clearly belongs to the maxi scooters. In addition, the service tunnel and especially the wheelbase of 1.55 m are there to remind him that he wants to be hospitable and give the pilot a good convenience when he faces the cockpit.

The saddle is wide enough, a little firm, but it provides a good base to face the instrumentation block. We are generally well set up and the low height of 785mm makes it easier to grip. The distance between the handles is also adjustable. Finally, note that there is space under the seat for a full-face helmet and a jet helmet.

The Kymco DTX 360’s digital LCD instruments are easy to read, with well-distributed information. In the middle, we have our eye on the tachometer and the tachometer; right the fuel gauge and the engine temperature. On the left is access to the total and partial mileage on two rides A and B.

Unfortunately, that’s all. We would have liked to find the average consumption, for example the travel time or even an estimate of the autonomy. Also note that Kymco ignores connectivity here. And even if this scooter has a claim of the road, we do not understand this choice. The manufacturer raises cost issues, but in our opinion a connected interface would have made it possible to increase versatility and above all to offer the equivalent of the ADV 350, which provides a Roadsync application for the HSVC voice control system that allows management of GPS, calls, messages and even music and weather reports. Still, in the course of 2022, Kymco has promised us some surprises to satisfy our technophile hunger.

In terms of equipment, there are also two USB ports, which is quite rare. One is located in the center of the steering wheel, hidden by a plastic cover with a somewhat fragile hinge and the other in the single storage compartment to the left of the dashboard. This allows you to charge your smartphone while driving, but unfortunately this storage compartment does not lock. A telephone holder is optionally available. The Kymco DTX 360 is equipped with a classic hydraulic fork (diam. 45 mm), two adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers, a single disc at the front (diam. 260 mm) and rear (diam. 240 mm) with ABS brakes.

This DTX introduces a new generation of contactless keys. So just keep it in your pocket. the keyless allows you to initialize the ignition, lock and unlock the steering wheel, open the trunk and the fuel filler flap. However, keep in mind that the starting procedure is a bit complicated as you must first turn on the contactor by pressing the brake and starter, wait for the command confirmation by a blue light and then start the engine. In the ray of idiosyncrasy, we also noticed a mysterious display of the TCS (Traction Control Service), as unlike what is done elsewhere, if the light is off, it means the TCS is not activated. † When the scooter is idling, TCS is activated, the light is orange and once underway it turns green. a priori the TCS is therefore not activated by default.

With its 321cc single-cylinder engine delivering 28.2 hp at 7,500 rpm and 29.3 Nm at 5,750 rpm, this DTX 360 is no slouch on the road. Its performance isn’t breathtaking, especially with a top speed of just over 130 km/h on the clock, but it shows plenty of power when opening the throttle and a good transmission, with no jerking or spinning at the rear wheel. The power build-up is gradual and we’ve found that the mid-range (between 70 and 110 km/h) has the best pick-up time. This single cylinder also doesn’t vibrate too much and is lively enough to travel back and forth between home and office without fuss.

Unfortunately, two points deteriorate the picture a bit: the protection is quite weak and after 110 km/h the airflow becomes annoying. Also, suspensions that are too firm lead to fracture of the lower back on slightly deteriorated roads. Shame, because directional stability is quite good and the chassis is quite healthy in the sequence of corners.

On the other hand, be wary in the rain with the CST branded mixed tires. However, they offer good grip in the dry and then allow to go through a rolling trail without any problem. Expect no more, the low ground clearance, low fork travel and suspension stiffness will curb your momentum. of the road† The manufacturer had warned us anyway and the emphasis is on the appearance. Why not.