Rider RSS 2026 Kymco Downtown GT 350i Preview

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2026 Kymco Downtown GT 350i

The new Kymco Downtown GT 350i is a middleweight scooter designed for urban commuting. It’s a step up from the brand’s existing Downtown GT 125i, featuring more power and tech to handle serious commuting duties.


The Downtown GT 350i has a seat height of 31.9 inches and a dry weight of 437 lb.

Kymco, which stands for “Kwang Yang Motor Company,” is a Taiwanese manufacturer founded in 1964. Its U.S. operations are located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Kymco USA has a network of more than 500 dealers. The Downtown GT 350i is one of nine scooters offered, and the brand also offers ATVs and side-by-sides.



The Downtown GT 350i is designed for those commuting farther than a few city blocks and offers capabilities to handle longer distances and higher speeds. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 321cc engine producing 28.2 hp at 7,500 rpm and 32.1 lb-ft of torque at 7,500.



The scooter includes a two-up saddle, and under the seat is a storage compartment large enough to fit two full-face helmets. A glove box provides extra storage.


The under-seat storage compartment holds two full-face helmets.

Safety systems include ABS and traction control, as well as an emergency stop signal that flashes the taillights during sudden braking to warn following drivers. Keyless ignition and a USB port are standard. The dash features a 7-inch TFT display.

The Kymco Downtown GT 350i is available in Starry Night Blue, Flat Brown, or Black, and pricing starts at $6,599. See the Kymco website for more details.

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2026 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

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[Erdoc48]

A) Had no idea Kymco meant Kwang Yang Motor company so you learn something new every day.
B) Scooters in the US really get not a lot of respect (UK has a much greater selection than we get here in the US), and with owning one, this is unfortunate since they are a great way to get around and if the engine is strong enough (and a 300 cc single should be more than highway capable), they are very highly capable bikes. Not as fast as motorcycles so you have to plan your passes on the roads a little better, but quick enough for most jobs.

In a warmer climate (like where I am), I do see some midsize scooters from time to time (so likely Burgmans and TMax’s as well as a few Kymco’s).

 

[Daboo]

I had two Suzuki Burgman 400s. I bought the second one because I found a leftover a year newer and had quite a few miles on the first one...and could sell one and buy the other for an outlay of only a couple hundred dollars.

My 400 had 34 hp. Not a lot, but given enough time it got me up to 100 one day. That was indicated, but it was still accelerating at the time. It was perfect for commuting. The front fairing kept most of the direct rain and wind from my body. No side cases were needed. My work laptop backpack fit nicely in the 62 liter underseat storage.

I also had a 2006 Kymco Bet&Win. Pretty decent bike. Great quality. Kymco used to make Honda motorcycle engines, which gives you an indication of their quality.

For what they are designed to do, scooters are pretty decent rides.

Chris