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Messages - Ball Four

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1
General Discussion / Re: Am I mistaken? The 550 priced same as Forza 750??
« on: November 05, 2021, 09:35:13 PM »
Quote from: rjs987 on November 05, 2021, 06:16:23 PM
If that is the case I think it is really more likely that Honda is trying to undercut the price of the AK 550 to take over the market. Honda has deep enough pockets they can under price something, for a little while, just to build a market for it.

I'd be tempted to look at the Forza 750 IF it were an option over here in the States, but it's not. Besides, in spite of how chain drives are not nearly as bad as they once were I still have a desire to avoid them. I know it's not logical but it is what it is. And if you think the AK 550 has less underseat storage than many other super scooters did you notice that the Forza only has 22L of storage? That's smaller yet. I haven't read the official storage space for the Kymco AK but I would guess it's closer to 40-45L. It is more motorcycle than scooter, even more than the AK is since it is based on the X-Adv which was based on the NC750 motorcycle. Has a higher step over. Shorter foot boards. Barely higher HP and slightly lower Torque so really not more powerful at all. Depends on the throttle bodies if it can out perform the AK, but with a fixed gear DCT compared with a CVT it may only be able to launch from a stop just a little tiny bit faster but lag behind overall.
(if HP and Torque are so close so as to be equivalent then engine size has less to do with the equation and only gains a little top end speed, once it gets there, IME).
The Forza front wheel may be 17 inch but the rear is the same 15 inch as any other good maxi scooter. And the gas tank at 13.2L is smaller than gas tank on the AK at 15L, depending who you read (some reviews put the AK tank at 12.5L but the Kymco UK web site still says 15L)... but definitely smaller than the USA version gas tank which is 15L. And the seat height is little taller too by about 1/4 inch.

The Forza 750 shows as £10,099 on the Honda UK web site and the AK 550 shows as £9899 on the Kymco UK web site.

So it was tempting to look at but didn't make my short list. Not even close. It's a nice ride to be sure, just didn't make my personal list in the end even if it were available here.

What he said. A very happy AK owner here.

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General Discussion / Re: AK550 and wind
« on: November 05, 2021, 09:29:40 PM »
Quote from: jermwars on October 29, 2021, 02:19:08 AM
Had an actual Wind Advisory today in my chunk-o-Texas. 40mph gusts. Strong/sustained winds. Normally i would have probably skipped delivering today...The AK just ate it up. The things a TANK I TELLS YAS!!! :D

Haven't had to deal with any high speed 2 lane oncoming gigantic fookin truck interactions yet but the intense crosswinds were BARELY shoving me around at all and thats with the added profile of the delivery bags

I bet that Honda 1300 sure is an impressive machine...quite a thing to look at to be sure

I'll 2nd Jerm here. Even with or maybe because of...the larger GIVI windscreen makes riding the AK almost a silent affair and winds from any direction become almost irrelevant.

3
General Discussion / Re: One close call
« on: November 05, 2021, 09:22:53 PM »
Quote from: aschrauth on October 31, 2021, 01:55:50 AM
So I was taking a joyride today, about halfway through my ride My phone slipped out of my pocket and landed face first on the highway, luckily the speed limit here is about 40 mph so I pulled on the side of the road hoping nobody would run it over. I was praying nobody would run it over Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough and a speeding truck got to it before I could rescue it,. 

I have a screen protector on and an otter box, I was pretty sure the screen was toast, I picked it up and sure enough it was cracked. I peeled the screen protector off and surprisingly the screen was still intact The case however  obtained minor scratches. Lesson of the day is to make sure you always secure your belongings before you go riding. Without my screen protector and case I probably would have had a very expensive phone repair bill.

Completely understandable that you wanted to save your phone. I would have done the same. Remember though, equipment can be replaced, we can't. Be careful out there!!

Ride safe ya'll.


4
General Discussion / Re: New 2022 Kymco AK 550
« on: November 05, 2021, 09:16:12 PM »
Quote from: rjs987 on November 05, 2021, 12:19:48 PM
Was just looking again at that pic of the angles and the pics the dealer sent to me. With the AK on the center stand the rear wheel is allowed to hang a bit lower... as would be expected. That makes the shock and the swing arm look like they are parallel to each other so the angles between them is not apparent and it is hard to see how the shock can do its job. Then I realized the feature that makes it all work. That rear mount for the shock being above the swing arm is all important. If you draw a line from the pivot point of the swing arm to the rear shock mount point it is at an angle to both the swing arm and also the front shock mount bolt. This angle between that line and the forward shock mount becomes even more as the rear wheel, and thus the swing arm, are loaded. This is what enables the horizontal shock to work. And because that angle is compounded the more the rear end is loaded it naturally progressively compresses the shock, which can be made stiffer for better results. More efficient than a simple vertical shock that simply compresses in a straight line up and down. At least that's how I currently understand it. It would make sense then that all the high dollar bikes seem to be going to something like this.

Sir,
My friends tell me I'm mechanically declined. And why reading your quote above gave me a headache, which is NOT to say you are incorrect. I'm sure you are right and will remember to contact you if I ever need advice like this. And, Congratulations again on your new ride!!

5
General Discussion / Re: 2022 AK550 Mileage
« on: October 26, 2021, 12:02:07 AM »
Quote from: rjs987 on October 01, 2021, 01:29:57 AM
Precisely why my first recommendation is to go ahead and fill the tank to find out how much is needed to fill it.
As Stig stated do make sure you actually fill the tank.

I do not recommend running it dry just to find out how far it will go. The only reason I did go so many miles, and have once or twice before, it because I have learned my scooter and what it is capable of doing for mileage. I also learned what the gauge is actually telling me but still rely on the miles traveled and know how it is running to be able to go any distance. That takes time and experience with it.

I know I'm late chiming in here...

I'm a conservative rider and watch my miles after a fill up. This past Saturday, I was coming up on 135 miles and still had 2 bars showing. It's a new bike and far from being broken in. So, I'm very happy with my mpg and potential range for the riding I do. Next year, a longer trip on my bucket list, the range may fall short somewhat. But, for me anyway, the 550's many advantages far outweigh a few extra gas stops.

Ride safe everyone.

6
General Discussion / AK550 cruise control options?
« on: October 25, 2021, 11:41:03 PM »
Never had a bike that does so many things perfectly - Interstate, back roads, in town - doesn't matter. The bike is a joy to own and ride Everywhere! Fast, uber-comfortable, quiet, fantastic brakes, good mpg's, the list goes on. Almost perfect. I say almost because there's no cruise control. IMHO, a no-excuse oversight on this bike, what it was designed for, what an owner would reasonably expect.

Asking for CC recommendations, what to purchase so I don't go down the expensive try this, try that route. I'l spend the $ but would like to get it right the first time. If options have already been posted, sorry, I couldn't find but 1 and that 1 wasn't recommended...a bit unsafe actually.

Thanks..much appreciated.

7
General Discussion / Re: '22 Burgman's $9,000 MSRP !!
« on: October 25, 2021, 11:19:26 PM »
Quote from: Clampett on October 25, 2021, 08:09:46 PM
Skipped one year. 2022 models will be shipping next month (November). It's a great bike.

All the bashing doesn't change my mind. Happy AK camper here:


I'm with you Clampett. I'm 75 & I absolutely love my 550.

8
General Discussion / Re: Third annual Maggie Valley "Beat the Heat" Scooter Gathering
« on: September 17, 2021, 10:40:47 PM »
Quote from: klaviator on September 17, 2021, 07:54:31 PM
You did miss this year's event but there is another scooter event organized on Modern Vespa in a couple of weeks in Maggie Valley.  Maggie Valley is an awesome place to ride out of.

OK......thanks for the correction and heads up. I may still ride over there...see if they'll have me.  8)

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General Discussion / Re: Finding a New AK550 Somewhere on The East Coast ?
« on: September 17, 2021, 10:37:07 PM »
Quote from: Stig / Major Tom on September 17, 2021, 08:30:00 PM
Hello Danny,
Just very curious - what was your out the door price on your 2022 550 scooter?
Has anyone actually gotten one of these home for under $9K?

Stig

Hey Stig,

Sorry - The exact numbers are in my wife's office and she's out of town. They were asking $9,300 for the bike and I know there were a few add ons but nothing excessive. Everyone at the dealership has a great attitude, they all put the work in to take care of their customers. I've bought multiple bikes there over the years and can vouch for every department's competent service.

Danny

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General Discussion / Re: Finding a New AK550 Somewhere on The East Coast ?
« on: September 17, 2021, 06:49:31 PM »
All,

Sorry I'm late posting here - I recently took delivery of my 2022 550 AK. I live in Hendersonville NC and am blessed to have an outstanding dealership nearby. Hunter Power Sports, Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville. << Hope I'm OK posting that??

Today is Friday, Sept 17, 2021 and, as of this morning, there is another 2022 550 AK in their showroom. At 75 yo, I've owned a ton of motorcycles and nothing even comes close to what this bike delivers.

Hope this helps someone.

Ride safe ya'll.

Danny

11
General Discussion / Re: Third annual Maggie Valley "Beat the Heat" Scooter Gathering
« on: September 17, 2021, 06:28:28 PM »
Quote from: Ball Four on September 14, 2021, 01:54:14 AM
Am sorry I missed this years event. If any of you folks would like some company on the BRP, let me know. I'm older - ride conservatively - Kymco 550 AK.

Thanks.

It seems my prescription for correct reading isn't working. It appears I haven't missed this year's event. Really looking forward to meeting new folks at MV.

Ride safe ya'll.

Danny

12
General Discussion / Re: 2022 550 AK windshield
« on: September 17, 2021, 06:23:00 PM »
Quote from: john grinsel on September 16, 2021, 02:18:43 PM
If Givi making screen ----you can probably order with part number direct from supplier in Italy.   Warning from experience---Givi non adjustable screens run tall and probably need to be cut for safe see over!!   Big scooter market here in US/N America is dead so finding something can be hard.


Ideal----Givi Adjustable if made for 550----they work---I have near 200,000 miles experience with them on 2 new SilverWings and 2 new Burgman 400's.

UPDATE - 550AK - GIVI Touring Windshield...
Understandably, everyone rides the bike of their choice for their own reasons. Me? I am in absolute AWE of this machine. Loved the bike at purchase but could not tolerate the OEM screen. Wind blast was fierce (for me). After some serious research and some help here (thank you!!) I found and replaced the factory screen.

To say the difference is helpful is a huge understatement. The new screen does exactly what I was hoping it would. The ride is now Q-U-I-E-T. Calm. Again, for me, the old screen took out a LOT of fun in riding this bike. Took a chance on the new screen and can not be happier. Yes, I now have to look thru the screen, will take some getting used to. I could shorten the height but won't, risking the ride I have now.

YMMV. It's probably just me...I hate wind blast and noise when I am riding. Can't do it! I recommend the new GIVI D6110ST screen highly for anyone who suffers similarly.

Thank you again for your help.

Ride safe ya'll.

Danny

13
General Discussion / Re: 2022 550 AK windshield
« on: September 16, 2021, 12:53:03 AM »

Followed your link (thank you again), called Givi, found the screen, ordered same, here very soon according to Givi.

Read all 34 pages on ADV - glad I purchased my 550. A bit disheartening more riders are, can I say this respectfully (?), scooter illiterate. So many great advantages, almost too many to list. What a nice machine. All the many benefits of what we call a motorcycle, and more. Still learning not to pull in the shift lever, VERY much enjoying not having to change gears all the time. YMMV I'm sure. I'm pretty much computer / electronics challenged but love the 3 screens on my bike. Informative and so useful. Light years ahead of the (too) many bikes I've owned in the past.

Ride safe ya'll.

Danny

14
General Discussion / Re: 2022 550 AK windshield
« on: September 14, 2021, 01:55:55 AM »
Quote from: rjs987 on September 14, 2021, 01:36:55 AM
Check out the thread on the AK 550 on the ADV forum. A member named Scootertime has the AK 550 and has the larger Givi shield.
In this post he shows a picture of it and gives the Givi part number in that post. He also shows his own AK with the Givi shield a few posts after this one.
https://advrider.com/f/threads/kymco-ak550-in-the-usa-for-2021.1470001/page-19#post-41958479

You can read the several pages before and after where this link takes you to see photos of him sitting on his AK and also of his Dr Pulley sliders kit he bought for it. He likes to post lots of photos of his AK 550. There are a number of members on that forum who have the AK 550. There are at least 2 other threads on the ADV forum about the AK 550.

There is also a lot of talk on the AK on the BurgmanUSA.com forum as well as a newly created (just yesterday in fact) subforum just for the AK 550.

Hope this helps.

THANKS. Much obliged.

15
General Discussion / Re: Third annual Maggie Valley "Beat the Heat" Scooter Gathering
« on: September 14, 2021, 01:54:14 AM »
Quote from: klaviator on August 18, 2021, 10:53:05 PM
Quote from: Iahawk on August 18, 2021, 10:27:48 PM
Klav - I just saw your post over on ADV Rider...wow..over 17,000 views, 22 pages and 400+ replies! Now THAT'S an active forum!!
[/quote


My ride report thread has over 441,000 views, 257 pages and 5,134 replies.  A lot of those replies and views came from people who where on some of the rides in the thread.  Many of the people who participate in my threads are more than just internet strangers.  I may have met them through the internet but now they are friends who I have met in person and ridden with.

Am sorry I missed this years event. If any of you folks would like some company on the BRP, let me know. I'm older - ride conservatively - Kymco 550 AK.

Thanks.

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