Test of Kymco Super Dink GT 350: The Prodigal Maxi-Scooter Returns with More Dynamism and Better Pricing

The third best-selling brand in the Spanish motorcycle market, the Taiwanese company Kymco, is repositioning its range of scooters to strengthen itself against the Chinese invasion. Over the past 15 years, this firm has built a reputation and consolidated itself in the national sector with a formula of high quality/price ratio and careful adaptation to European needs and tastes.

However, times have changed, and the recent emergence of even cheaper and ultra-equipped Chinese brands is causing the main players in the segment to recalculate their course. In Kymco's case, returning to its original essence, that is, offering products of intermediate qualitative level and proven reliability, but with even more attractive prices: in the 2025 catalogue, we will find for the first time three models below 3,000 euros (Agility S 125 2,450€; Sky Town 125 2,750€; People S 125 2,950€), and the renewed Super Dink family significantly reduces its cost.

In the case of the 125cc version, it drops to 4,250€, but even more striking in its larger 300cc sister, completely renewed as we will see below, and at a price 1,000 euros lower than the previous generation. "It's the cheapest Super Dink 300 we've ever had," remarked Carlos Wang, general manager of Kymco Spain, during the model's presentation attended by this medium on the island of Menorca.

A whole statement of intent that also comes with a profound update of the model, which returns after three years missing from the catalogue. The new Super Dink GT 350 returns to the forefront with many of the arguments that made it successful in the mid-displacement maxi-scooter segment. However, the Asian company has redefined its personality: it maintains its GT morphology, but now it is less Touring and more Sport.

The changes mainly affect the cycle part, the engine, and the ergonomics, resulting in a substantial improvement in dynamic behaviour. We are facing the most agile and manageable Super Dink, and users will enjoy a slightly less comfortable ride but with a much more neutral, light, and resolved character. It is perceived from the first throttle twist...

This new more dynamic personality is also immediately conveyed by its silhouette, much more streamlined, with sharp lines and more compact volumes than the previous version retired in 2021. A "non-verbal" language that is proclaiming the metamorphosis of its attitude leaning towards sport. This bodywork is available in three colours: black, brown, and blue. The dimensions have also changed: it is now slightly shorter, narrower, and lower. And also lighter: the scale now marks 185 kg in running order, that is, 7 kg less than its predecessor.

On board, it remains a scooter with a wide central tunnel, with two side platforms of double position to accommodate the feet. The seat height increases to 825 mm (previously 810 mm). This type of vehicle is not as accessible as flat-floor ones, and the seat's width requires slightly arching the legs to reach the ground with the feet, but this structure generates a significant gain in the scooter's behaviour, in favour of stability.

The mechanics remain the same, a 321 cc single-cylinder, water-cooled, 4-stroke, now Euro 5+. It retains its power of 28 HP now reached at 7,250 rpm (previously at 7,500 rpm), so the delivery curve is somewhat flatter and the response in the mid-rev range improves slightly: the optimal engine response is reached at lower rpm. The torque does not vary and remains at 30 Nm at 5,750 rpm.

Fuel consumption seems to drop slightly, from 3.8 to 3.5 litres per 100 km. This engine is very linear at low and medium revs, ideal for urban stretches as its response from the first acceleration from a standstill is strong and progressive; and in interurban areas, with speeds between 80 and 120 km/h, it is full and maintains adequate performance without faltering; in the high zone of the speedometer, above those figures, it does not offer as much delivery but can maintain speed on the highway, up to 140 km/h, without problem. The autonomy declared by the brand is 357 km per tank.

The true transformation of the new Super Dink GT 350 is found in its cycle part. The chassis is the main cause of the overall slimming, as it has been renewed and lightened, a -2.5%. The suspensions have also been updated: 33 mm thick and 100 mm travel hydraulic telescopic fork, and double shock absorber with preload adjustable in 5 positions and 107 mm travel. The brakes, which function well, consist of a 260 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc. And the wheels, which grow an inch (the front from 14" to 15", the rear from 13" to 14") are one of the main keys to the dynamic gains of this new version, much -but much- more stable in the front end: a new weight distribution is perceived and now the front wheel grips the asphalt more firmly and the vehicle is more precise in the curves, more agile in direction changes and more obedient to the driver's commands. We could perceive it immediately on the roads of Menorca, in some curve area, enjoying a ride that leaves behind the slowness and now allows for a good pace with neutrality and fluidity.

The ergonomics have also been modified, on board the driver is more upright, less reclined than in the previous model. This new position is more dominant and aligns with the change in the bike's concept. Although it remains a very habitable and comfortable model, it loses some points in this aspect, especially because now the windscreen is low, accentuating the sporty style but offering less protection when travelling. In our opinion, it is the only point where it loses compared to its predecessor.

The equipment is very complete and logical: its new keyless ignition system stands out, full LED technology lighting, and its new floating digital screen, with all the necessary information and great visibility, thanks to its large digits and anti-reflective finish.

In favour of safety, we have Bosch's latest generation ABS systems, dual-channel, TCS (traction control), and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal), which alerts other users by flashing the brake lights in case of sudden braking (it activates at speeds above 50 km/h or when its ABS braking system is activated). The load capacity remains one of its main arguments, as it allows storing up to two full-face helmets under the seat and adds two large front glove compartments with the convenience of a USB type C port to recharge a smartphone.