current USA Kymco scooter lineup

[Iahawk]

Ruffus's post about the knockoff AK550 had me looking at the Kymco USA website for the first time in a long time. It lists the current scooters for sale and I was very surprised to see the 300cc class scoots not available.

50cc, 125, 150 and then the jump to the 550s.  A Downtown 125?? Big bike powered by a small motor?...seems like an odd choice.

[Iahawk]

reading some more about the new Downtown GT 125i...interesting tech for a 125cc.(at least here in the US).  ABS, traction control, TFT dash, liquid cooling and fuel injection.

I wonder if we are getting the model because it is also popular in other markets where a 125cc is more desirable? Isn't a 125cc one of the steps in licensing in other, more advanced markets than ours? 

It starts at $5000 USD...for a 125!

[Neil955i]

Isn't a 125cc one of the steps in licensing in other, more advanced markets than ours? 

It starts at $5000 USD...for a 125!

You're right Hawk.  Here in the UK (and I believe the EU), 125cc is the upper limit for a young learner until they pass their test to move up to an A2 licence.  Older riders can jump straight in to the A2 category.  Here's the complex rules & regs for getting a UK full bike licence*:

AI  summary - gaining a full UK bike licence

Gaining a full UK bike licence involves completing Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), passing a motorcycle theory test, and passing two practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2). Riders aged 24+ can take the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) for an unrestricted license, while younger riders (17-23) follow staged routes (A1/A2) based on age.

Step-by-Step Process to a Full Licence

    CBT (Compulsory Basic Training): Mandatory one-day course to enable riding a 125cc bike with L-plates.
    Motorcycle Theory Test: A specific test for bike riders (separate from car theory) required before practical tests.
    Module 1 Practical Test (Off-road): Manoeuvres in a safe, controlled site (slalom, U-turn, emergency stop, etc.).
    Module 2 Practical Test (On-road): A 40-minute road riding test covering traffic, speed, and hazard perception.

Licence Categories by Age

    Age 17-18 (A1 License): Light motorcycles up to 11kW.
    Age 19-23 (A2 License): Medium motorcycles up to 35kW.
    Age 24+ (DAS - Category A): Unrestricted, full power motorcycles.

Key Information

    DAS (Direct Access): The fastest way for those 24+ to ride any size bike by training on a 600cc+ machine.
    Validity: A CBT certificate is valid for two years.
    Test Machine Requirements: Module 1 & 2 must be taken on a bike with at least 595cc and a minimum power output of 53.6 bhp for a full DAS license.
    Training: While not strictly mandatory, professional training from schools is highly recommended to pass the modules.

* Back in my day (1968), learners could ride up to 250cc bikes with one test to shed number plates which then entitled you to ride any capacity bike and carry a pillion.  My test took 20 minutes and a full two thirds of it took place out of the sight of the examiner who stood by the roadside outside the test centre!  How I survived that first year post-test is still a source of amazement to me.

[randyo]

local dealer has an AK550 and 4 Super 8 50R in stock and several Kymco ATV's

I'm sure waiting for deliveries, haven't spoken with the owner since last fall, he sells more scooters at his other location, and more ATV & SxS's at his location near me, still mostly leftovers on the floor, truck was unloading Honda crates when I was there, looked like sportbikes inside em

[Stig / Major Tom]

Yes Hawk,
They've been selling the full bodied scooters with a 125 engine for some time in other parts of the world. Always seemed goofy to me.

OMG - $5000 for a plastic 125!
Walk 20 feet further and look at what $5000 will buy over in the used motorcycle area!
NO reason to pay that in the USA! - doubt KYMCO will sell many - but who can figure out American's thinking in the last 2 years!!??

I think I paid $230 OTD for my first new Honda in 1968, in Mass.
My mom followed me, driving with the guy from the BMV in the passenger seat - he radioed directions to me into my helmet.
It was a hoot - because my mother is deaf - had no idea what he was telling her to do!
I aced the riding test! (I'd been riding illegally out in SoCal for mos - had my one big moment out there in the San Gabriel mts. It was a beaut !

 Beetles were @ $1995.

Stig

[Neil955i]

Yes Hawk,
They've been selling the full bodied scooters with a 125 engine for some time in other parts of the world. Always seemed goofy to me.

Stig

The 125cc DTX360 is sold alongside my 320cc DTX360 here, price differential is £2,750 vs £4,500.

[Stig / Major Tom]

The 125cc DTX360 is sold alongside my 320cc DTX360 here, price differential is £2,750 vs £4,500.

That 125 Kymco , in the UK, looks to be about $300 to $400 more than a new Piaggio Liberty ABS with the 155cc engine.
Last count - Piaggio had built over 900,000 Liberty's in the same basic configuration.
Stig