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Kymco enters the maxi scooter sector

Maxi.jpg

Taiwan scooter manufacturer is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching into the maxi-scooter sector with its AK 550 Anniversario Kymco.

There is no word yet on whether the flagship maxi scooter will be available in Australia where they sell 125cc and 200cc scooters.

The “K50 Concept” was unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Moto Show and the AK 550 production version was unveiled this week at INTERMOT in Cologne.

Kymco calls it Super Touring, but we call it maxi scooters and they are suitable for moderate touring out of the city boundaries.

This super tourer has a stunning array of features and capabilities. They include a streamlined body, full LED lighting, adjustable seats, grip warmers, tyre pressure monitors and an adjustable windscreen.

Kymco clams the maxi scooter’s lightweight aluminium frame gives it the lowest centre of gravity in its class with a near 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution.

At its maxi heart is a new Euro 4 compliant 550cc water-cooled two-cylinder DOHC 8V engine.

The twin has 39.3KW of power for “both spirited adventure as well as pleasant touring”. It features two power modes for wet roads and full power which yields a claimed top speed of 161.7km/h.Kymco AK 550 maxi scooter

A Cross Plane Crank Shaft System with two pistons moving in opposite directions helps reduce engine vibrations and pumping loss.

They even claim the maxi has a good exhaust note that is “full of energy and passion that is simply distinctive and intoxicating”.

Ride should also be pretty comfortable as it sits on wide 15-inch Metzler rubber and has upside-down forks and Horizontal Trailing Arm Rear Suspension.Kymco AK 550 maxi scooter

The rear suspension is claimed to separate the weight of the engine from the transmission to reduce unsprung weight.

The AK 550 also has dual-disc Brembo calliper brakes and Bosch 9.1 ABS, so they are serious about its stopping performance.

You can even store a full-face helmet and an open-face helmet under the seat and there are two glove compartments in front cowl.

It sounds like it will be a fairly competent and comfortable tourer.

Kymco AK 550 maxi scooterKymco AK 550 maxi scooter

  • Engine: 550.4cc, liquid-cooled, in-line, twin, DOHC, 8 valves
  • Power: 39.3kW @ 7500rpm
  • Torque: 55.64Nm @ 5500rpm
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Seat: 785mm
  • Weight: 226kg
  • Length: 2165mm
  • Width:  795mm
  • Height: 1400mm
  • Wheelbase: 1580mm
  • Suspension: 41mm USD forks, Horizontal Trailing Arm
  • Fuel tank: 15L
  • Tyres: 120/70-R15; 160/60-R15 Metzler
  • Brakes: Brembo floating 280mm discs, 260mm rear disc, ABS
  1. …”where they sell 125cc and 200cc scooters.”…

    This isn’t Kymco’s first Maxi. They also sell the Downtown 300i in Australia which is considered a pretty competent bike as well as 700cc and 500cc Maxis overseas.

    Reasonably priced, reliable full sized scoots around the 500-700cc mark are the best chance of getting car-driving commuters out of their cars and on to 2 wheels – and more bikes on the road is better for all bike riders.

    1. probably find most scooter riders are clocking up
      more ks than your average weekend worrier, and we
      need to be seen as more than just recreational users for those
      in power to take notice. i fail to see how cyclists appear to be treated
      more as a serious form of commuting over motorcyclists. when cycle
      paths seem to get most use on weekends and little during the week

  2. “Maxi scooter” is quite apt nomenclature. At 226kg the Kymco is in the ballpark of a bunch of 750 class bikes and just a few kg from a GPz900. I know which I would prefer to ride.

    1. The question though is “ride where?”.

      If the answer is “ride to work through peak-hour city traffic with a collar and tie under your jacket and a brief case under the seat” then a big scoot with its upright seating position, low centre of gravity and auto transmission (and all controls on the handlebars) is a better choice than a 750cc sports bike.

      On the other hand, if you’re thinking of a trip up the Oxley on a weekend then that’s a very different proposition.

      Scooters are made for a specific set of conditions and they suit those conditions well.

        1. Awesome! I didn’t realise you were so pro scooter.

          It might also be worth mentioning that Kymco supply engines to BMW. The BMW 650 C series Maxis and the BMW 450XT Enduro use Kymco engines, as does the i3 Hybrid car.

  3. I owned a 500cc Kymco and it was great until the Australian distributor took 6 months to supply parts.
    A new distributor might make a difference.

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