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.
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.
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 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