Kymco chose EICMA to launch a brand new electric superbike amongst other updates and additions to their current range. Their impressive stand was a hive of activity during the first two pre-public days of the show as the Taiwanese scooter giants celebrated their 55th Birthday with a host of innovative machinery.
AK550 Special Edition
First up is a special limited edition AK550. With just 550 units being released globally the 55th Special Edition will get plenty of goodies thrown in with it, including a numbered metal nameplate, Special Edition logos on the keyless keyfob, oil reservoir cap and handbrake lever. The paintwork is also Special Edition in burgundy and black and the AK also sports a redesigned front screen, designed to lower wind resistance at speed. There’s also an option to add an Akrapovic exhaust if you want to spec the scooter up even further and there’s Ohlins suspension if you really want to go to town. The UK importer may well be adding these two items anyway, turning your AK into a very Special Edition. As standard, the AK already comes with Brembo brakes and Bosch ABS. The model will also get a Dual Power Mode switch, with modes for Rain and Power and of course Noodoe connectivity.
With only 550 models worldwide you’d better get your name down on one. If you want to know what we thought of the Kymco AK550 you can read our road test here and a back to back with the Yamaha TMAX here.
Like S 125
The retro-inspired Like has been given a makeover, in the flesh, it really looks very sharp and classy (it’s also the first Ionex EV model to hit the roads, petrol also available). Aside from plenty of styling enhancements the new Like S also gets Noodoe – Kymco’s infotainment/navigation system. The new 4-valve engine should also boost performance, reduce fuel consumption and provide a smoother ride. The Like S is well worth a look at your local Kymco dealer if you’re in the market for a decent 125. We’ll be road testing one soon.
Ionex
Kymco were also proud to welcome Ionex to EICMA, after its recent launch at Intermot in Cologne. Ionex is their neat commercial and private electric vehicle solution. Fitted into various Kymco models, including the Like, their EV range will grow massively over the next few years. Kymco aims to have Ionex Energy Stations all around the world so you can swap the 5kg removable battery for a freshly charged one, Ionex equipped scooters will also have a core battery that will allow the scooter to be ridden short distances with a flat battery, or even with the main battery removed. The Like EV is the first machine to come with patented Biactron® power technology and its energy saving 3,200 watt brushless motor will produce plenty of power and 124Nm of torque.
“This is an inflexion point for businesses and governments to make a big impact in modern transportation,” said Chairman Allen Ko, who points out that today 150 million scooters are estimated to be roaming the streets worldwide, and 5 million of them are used for commercial purposes. Every day they travel on average 7 times the distance of their consumer counterparts. They are replaced 2 times more frequently than consumer vehicles. They represent 20 per cent of total energy consumption.
Agility 125 Carry
As the name suggests, the Agility Carry is big on carrying capacity. With large front and rear racks, plus a carrier inside the legshields and a flat floor this is made to pack a load. The Agilty has always been the Kymco entry level machine, this takes things up a notch and makes it much more useful. This will most likely replace the standard Agility model in the UK for 2019.
SuperNEX Electric Supersport Motorcycle
Ok this isn’t in any way, shape or form a scooter (well spotted) and it’s not even a twist & go but the launch of this revolutionary new electric bike shows just how committed to the future of two wheels Kymco are. This is a big project and the exciting part is that this is not just ‘another’ soulless electric machine with no character.
This is a superbike with a six-speed manual gearshift and a 0-155mph speed of just 10.9 seconds. Furthermore, SuperNex comes with an Active Acoustic Motor, a world first. Designed to give back the sense of riding, the soundtrack, the heartbeat of the machine. The motor has a multi frequency sound generator to reconstruct the sound of a motor, giving riders feedback on load, gear changes and providing a much more authentic experience. Kymco has also developed FEP, an advanced performance management system to provide the perfect launch, keep wheelies under control, prevent slides, and rear wheel lifting during hard braking. Naturally, this system can be adjusted or turned off depending on the riders experience level or needs. Whoever said electric vehicles had to be boring?
New products always in development…
I like the look and specs of this machine. More economical than a maxi-scooter and lighter, but with enough power and features to tour and cheaper than the opposition to boot.
And as an added bonus it doesn’t have a “smart key”. Top stuff!