Cool Taiwan scenery w/the AK

[Stig / Major Tom]

Pretty cool looking country to ride in!
But, you'd really have to just love a "twist-n-go" -- to ignore all the other motorcycles available from Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki for same or less than the AK's $9400+fees.

I once asked the son of the owner of my mega-brand dealer why scooters cost so much more than a comparable motorcycle. He said it was the CVT system. I've seen the innards of several CVT's - gotta say, don't see the expense in there!?



Stig

[CROSSBOLT]

Very exciting video! Kymco really knows how to touch a nerve!

[Kansas kymco]

Have to agree with you Stig on the cost and wh a t you could get motorcycle  wise for the same amount of money.  It seems the CVT system is not that complex compared to a 5 speed transmission and clutch .

[Iahawk]

impressive video..I don't think I've ever seen footage from Taiwan..it does look beautiful.

Great question about the cost / value of a scooter vs motorcycle. You get waaaay more bike in a motorcycle vs a scooter. I don't buy the cvt argument, either.

Then talk about a slightly used bike (of which there are always plenty) vs a new maxi scooter, or even slightly used maxi scooter (price doesn't seem to drop a ton)..bike always wins.

Is a scooter more complex to assemble?

[Neil955i]

Thanks for that little gem Stig, some stunning vistas there.  Makes me want to go touring!

[Kansas kymco]

Very exciting video! Kymco really knows how to touch a nerve!

)I beleive Kymco USA has touched more then one nerve.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Yeah, I can see why China wants to take that country!
Some things about Taiwan makes me think it is like a new Japan....the way Japan evolved decades ago as quality manufacturers.

Stig

[Kansas kymco]

Yeah, I can see why China wants to take that country!
Some things about Taiwan makes me think it is like a new Japan....the way Japan evolved decades ago as quality manufacturers.

Stig

Stig your spot on with your analogy of Taiwan. 

[Taichungman]

Thanks for that little gem Stig, some stunning vistas there.  Makes me want to go touring!

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It's easy to go touring in Taiwan; you don't need a 550 to do it. I have a Kymco 180 Racing King and have been all the places those 550's have been except the freeways. There is nothing to see of freeways anyway except thousands of car.  I used to have a 150cc and even that's big enough. Its easy to rent a scooter here also.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Welcome to the forum Taichungman!
Taiwan looks like a great place to own, run and ride a 150 bike!
More than once, as I ride along on my 155 & 163cc scooters,  I've found myself thinking - "Why would anyone want a bigger scooter than this?!"
Highways?....scooters were never intended for highway riding, IMHO.
That's the land of heavy, long wheelbase motorcycles.

Again, welcome here!
Stig
I agree - can't see anything when riding at speed on the highways. ..you better not be sightseeing!

[CROSSBOLT]

Welcome to the forum Taichungman!
Taiwan looks like a great place to own, run and ride a 150 bike!
More than once, as I ride along on my 155 & 163cc scooters,  I've found myself thinking - "Why would anyone want a bigger scooter than this?!"
Highways?....scooters were never intended for highway riding, IMHO.
That's the land of heavy, long wheelbase motorcycles.

Again, welcome here!
Stig
I agree - can't see anything when riding at speed on the highways. ..you better not be sightseeing!

I second that welcome! You, Taichungman, may be our only link to solving many problems with Kymcos in the US if you are willing and able!

[Taichungman]

I second that welcome! You, Taichungman, may be our only link to solving many problems with Kymcos in the US if you are willing and able!

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Thank Everyone for the welcomes. I'm always willing to help but being able, not so sure.
What seems to be the problems? Dealers, Supply or not enough demand for scooters in USA. I live in Texas about half the year and probably see a half dozen scooters out and about in 6 months. I think the demand is just not there and KYMCO is reluctant to jump in to deep, especially when they have such a big market in Asia and Europe.

Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have had a network set up with their big bikes for years, so much easier for them to market scooter with that pipeline.  Kymco's is mainly selling scooters with no infrastructure of their own and relying on independent shops to sell them. Might take a long while for things to improve. I think you can still get parts, service and new bikes but you have to  work harder for it.