Launched in 2022, the DTX 360 is not only the latest model from leading Taiwanese scooter and lightweight motorcycle manufacturer Kymco, it’s also its most sophisticated and stylish so far and shows how close the marque has come to the best from Europe and Japan with brash style, slick tech, useful mid-size performance and a tempting price.
Usually known for more sedate or sensible commuters such as the X-Town 125 and Agility 50 (although Kymco does also produce the AK550 maxi-scooter), the DTX not only fills the currently popular mid-range scooter slot occupied by the likes of the Honda ADV350 and Yamaha XMAX 300, but also brings a slick ‘crossover’-inspired style with angular lines, bright colours and semi-knobbly tyres.
It pulls it off well too, with decent performance, lots of quality features such as keyless ignition and an impressive digital LCD dash. It may be a little garish and lacks the refinement and reputation of more premium offerings from the likes of BMW and Honda, but it’s versatile, effective, eye-catching, well equipped and beats all the more established players on price.
It’s powered by a 320.6cc SOHC four-valve single which is very similar to the powerplant found at the heart of Honda’s latest ADV350 and Forza 350 models. Ultimately, though, the Kymco’s not ‘quite’ as good, being 10cc and just over 1bhp down (although it’s arguably so close it’s barely worth a mention). It’s enough to make the DTX a more than adequate performer, happily cruising on motorways and with a top speed of 85mph, while also being sufficiently responsive around town and able to return an mpg figure in the mid-60s. Equally, it doesn’t really dazzle or stand out in any way. Braking is a similar story: comprising a single 280mm wavy front disc with a 260mm rear, both linked and assisted by ABS.
Handling, especially compared to Honda’s similar ADV350, is again adequate without being exceptional. Although not quite as large and lofty as the Honda, the DTX is still sizeable and, although the ride is plush in a straight line, when ridden sportily through a series of bends, the slightly basic suspension begins to reveal its shortcomings – although for most commuter riders that won’t be a problem. That steering vagueness is also compounded by having small-ish 14/13” wheels fitted with budget, blocky tread CTX tyres which offer little confidence.
For riders without an A2 motorcycle licence, there’s also a lower performance 125cc version which can be ridden on L plates after passing the compulsory basic training.
Comfort and practicality…
The DTX perfectly pulls off the ‘midi’-scooter stance with substantial but not over-bearing proportions, a natural placing of the handlebars, seat and even a small screen (although this, unfortunately, so tiny it doesn’t actually deflect much wind). And although the seat is a little firm, overall comfort is as good as any midi-scoot and as a result is happy to gobble up motorway miles, yet also not so cumbersome it hinders cutting through city traffic.
In terms of practicality, midi-scoots offer an ideal compromise between 125 scooter affordability with city practicality and maxi-scoot M-way ability, comfort and class, and as a result the DTX is very versatile. Its usefulness as a daily commuter is confirmed with a generous amount of underseat storage, which is big enough to store two full faced helmets when you’re parked up – or a couple of bags of shopping while you ride home.
It’s easy to ride, as at home on dual carriageways as cutting through town traffic, pleasingly equipped and affordable. On the slight downside, the starting protocol (requiring both brakes to be held on when the starter is pressed) is a bit of a faff, its flashy dash is distracting, that screen could be better and it’s not that much cheaper than the latest equivalent offerings from Honda – but it’s a very decent effort.
What’s it got and should I buy?
Along with a choice of two snazzy standard colours, orange or green with contrasting graphics, the DTX also comes with a large, colour reversed LCD dash, LED lights, keyless ignition, a USB charger and more.
Overall, if you’re after a midi-sized scooter and like the DTX’s style you won’t be disappointed, especially considering the slight saving in price it offers over its closest rivals. Kymco has built a solid reputation in recent years, although you should remember that their dealers aren’t as commonplace as the more familiar brands, its residuals are likely to be less good than some and the overall riding experience hasn’t quite the refinement and reassurance of some rivals either – but it’s a good, tempting commuter without any doubt.
Kymco DTX 360 – 320 specification
Price: £5,299
Engine: 320.6cc dingle OHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 28.2bhp (21kW) @ 7500rpm
Torque: 30Nm (22lb-ft) @ 5750rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
Frame: Tubular steel
Suspension: (F) Non-adjustable telescopic fork, (R) preload-adjustable twin shocks
Wheels: Cast aluminium, 14”/13”
Tyres: (F) 120/80 x 14, (R) 150/70 x 13
Brakes: (F) 280mm disc, three-piston caliper, (R) 260mm disc, single-piston caliper. ABS as standard equipment.
Weight: 194kg (dry)
Wheelbase: 1545mm
Seat height: 800mm
Fuel tank: 12.5 litres
Fuel consumption: 65mpg (claimed)
Service intervals: 6000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 36 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.kymco.co.uk
