KYMCO is a professional scooter manufacturer, which is a widely accepted fact. However, KYMCO is not satisfied with its status quo, trying to enter the field of standard models. This year, KYMCO launched the first 400cc dual-cylinder standard bike, KRIDER400, which carries a Kawasaki licensed ER4N engine.

General

The tested KRIDER400 was a white high-end version. The difference between the high-end version and the standard version lies in the tire brand, golden brake calipers, tire pressure induction and Swarovski rhinestone, and other configurations are the same.

KRIDER400 has a clear-cut tough body. The plastic plate is thick, with small clearance error between parts.

The fuel tank has a pearl finish with a KYMCO logo. The main color scheme follows the black and white mixture pattern which is commonly adopted on KYMCO models.

The headlights use an inverted triangle bionic design, with all LED lights to provide good lighting effect. The headlight follows the all-time-on standard. Once the electric lock is switched on, the headlight and taillights will be turned on.

The handlebar design is compact and cool, and the left and right plastic part  interfaces are smooth, which shows the good workmanship of KYMCO. A “MODE” switch button is added above the left overtaking light, which is not so convenient during actual riding. Three multi-function buttons are added on the right side for searching parameters in the instrument. The double flash button and the start button share a common module, simple and practical. Both the clutch and the front brake lever are made of aluminum horn with 4-gear adjustable. The handlebar is designed with shimmering Swarovski rhinestone counterweight.

The left side of the meter mainly displays the riding status, and the right side is a negative LED display, which shows the speed, rev, mileage, fuel consumption, etc. To show the front or rear tire pressure is up to the rider by selecting through the multi-function button. However, the gear position indication and the Noodoe networking information are not found in the meter.

The braided steel tube frame and the rear seagull type rocker arm shows the dynamics feature of ER4N, only the shape and material are slightly different. KRIDER400’s front damping system uses 52mm adjustable inverted hydraulic shock absorber. The rear shock absorber is of a single inverted hydraulic spring type, also 7-section adjustable. Compared with other 400cc model, KRIDER400 has outstanding configuration.

120/70/17 and 160/60/17 tires are respectively used at the front and back. The standard version adopts CST, and the high-end version has Metzeler tires. Both wheels are equipped with Bosch ABS. The front brake uses 300mm floating disc and two-way four-piston calipers. The golden front calipers are marked with the brand name “KYMCO”. The rear brake uses 240mm brake disc combined with large radius single piston caliper. The luxurious braking system not only provides better braking performance but also greatly improves the riding safety.

KRIDER400 on the road

Curve-passing and turning performance test: excellent mechanical structure, 150mm ground clearance and low center of gravity, moderate shock absorber adjustment.

Although the total weight of the bike is 205kg, it shows good performance at curves, the front and rear wheels response sensitively to the steering action, and the rider can make more bold operations.

The ER4N prototype engine has a 32KW/9500rpm power output, providing a good power source for KRIDER400. The acceleration performance during actual riding is good.

During the test ride, a professional accelerometer, D-BOX, was used to obtain the acceleration data of 100km: optimal 6.8s under normal riding mode and 6.32s under dynamic mode (test condition: 24→ during the day, with breeze, on straight paved road, and rider weight 54 kg).

The mature ER4N engine ensures good acceleration and a stable power system, but questions remain: the engine’s smoothness at first to third gear is not so good; slow response while stepping mildly on the accelerator; more abruption at low-gear riding; frequent control of the clutch is necessary while passing through congestion and complicated road conditions.

In addition, KRIDER400 uses short and straight pressure exhaust pipe. There is more burning and blasting inside the pipe when the engine runs at high speed, thus, the exhaust pipe’s life remains to be observed after being used for a period of time.

Fuel consumption per 100km

KRIDER400’s official fuel consumption data is 3.65L/100km, but the actually tested fuel consumption is 6.02L/100km (the reasons for this result: no long-distance riding; mainly on congested road in the city; 0-100 acceleration test requires full throttle). According to the rider’s experience, the fuel consumption should be about 4.5L with a good wearing-in status and at stable speed in complex road conditions.

To conclude

Pros: Good finish and workmanship;

High parts integration, solid assembly technology;

High-end shock absorbers and brakes with the highlight of electronic  tire pressure monitoring;

Excellent power, good acceleration, reliable ABS;

Good performance at curves, comfortable riding posture;

Cons: Unsatisfactory engine smoothness, obvious blasting inside the exhaust pipe;

Small fuel tank, relatively high fuel consumption;

Lacking Noodoe networking;

KRIDER400 is supported by true Kawasaki technology that demonstrates good comprehensive performance. The bike continues KYMCO’s high quality craftsmanship. KRIDER400 provides a more enjoyable riding experience. （Source:   WeChat: I-MOTOR）