2023 & 2024 Kymco AK550

[Dale]

Do either of these scooters have electronic cruise control? The wording they use in some of the features is hard to understand. I think they do....

[randyo]

not sure about '24, but for '23, yes in some countries, but not the US

[rjs987]

The standard AK 550 does not have electronic cruise control in any country. ONLY the AK 550 PREMIUM has it. That model has not come to the USA yet.
Kymcousa.com still only shows the 2023 models. In fact, the initial photo of the AK on that web site shows the AK with the protective plastic sheet still covering the gas door! (just looked).

The Premium models have slightly modified body work, and different piano keys instead of the keyless rotary knob, and electronic cruise control, and electrically adjusting windshield, and heated seats to go with the standard heated grips. I can't remember if there are any other added features or changes. But as I said, we don't have that model in the USA. There is/was a rumor that it would be coming here this year but no indication of when that might be.

I did send an email to Kymcousa.com a few months ago asking if the 2024 models would be coming and also the Premium model. They did reply right away that there is talk from Global Kymco of getting both of those over here but no word on when.

[Dale]

Thanks guy's... I did finally read that the premium had electronic cruise control but did not know that we can't even get it. Why does it have to be so difficult to dig up information. I did ask my dealer to recommend a good manual cruise control and he said sorry, liability issues.

[randyo]

Thanks guy's... I did finally read that the premium had electronic cruise control but did not know that we can't even get it. Why does it have to be so difficult to dig up information. I did ask my dealer to recommend a good manual cruise control and he said sorry, liability issues.

I'd just use a wrist rest/cramp buster or similar instead of a throttle lock, for real cruise control, the aftermarket options are Rostra (electronic) and Murph's CS100 (vacuum)

[rjs987]

Sounds like that dealer is really paranoid about liability... more than most.

I also use Cramp Buster almost all the time. When I travel LD I also sometimes use a GoCruise2 CNC aluminum version throttle lock for short distances. But the CB keeps my hand relaxed enough that I only rarely use the GoCruise lock. I also avoid Interstate highways and other controlled access highways designed for fast travel in a short time. Too much crazy stuff happen on those roads. I keep to lesser highways and paved county highways and roads that require frequent speed adjustments and more involved control that would prevent me from using a true cruise control for very long. I had a CC on my GW many years ago and didn't really use it very much so I don't miss that feature not being on any of my bikes since the GW.

[Dale]

Good information on the throttle locks thanks. I also stay off the 4 lanes as hardly anyone drives the speed limit anymore. The road along the Mississippi River has cool scenery but you always have to be on the lookout for deer. Today just as I was heading into the  trees towards Montrose, one was in the middle of the road. I was 10 feet from it going slow as a lot of times there are more than one before it took off into the trees. The real bad areas I usually have my hands hanging over the brake lever. Last year a guy with a new cruiser (no protective gear) was hit by a large buck. Myself and another rider found him in the ditch. He didn't make it. Doesn't keep us from riding though, does it.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Good information on the throttle locks thanks. I also stay off the 4 lanes as hardly anyone drives the speed limit anymore. The road along the Mississippi River has cool scenery but you always have to be on the lookout for deer. Today just as I was heading into the  trees towards Montrose, one was in the middle of the road. I was 10 feet from it going slow as a lot of times there are more than one before it took off into the trees. The real bad areas I usually have my hands hanging over the brake lever. Last year a guy with a new cruiser (no protective gear) was hit by a large buck. Myself and another rider found him in the ditch. He didn't make it. Doesn't keep us from riding though, does it.

I ride out before the sunrise - which means I'm coming home with a very low sun! Going from sunshine into the dark of tree shadows is a major concern. I really give it a look while I'm still some distance away - to give myself a chance if there is a deer standing just inside that shadow. 2 years ago there was!
My saving thing is that I'm never going anything like as fast as 99% of riders here. No one buys a 550 or a 300 to bobble along at 35 through the countryside.
Stig

[randyo]

I ride out before the sunrise - which means I'm coming home with a very low sun! Going from sunshine into the dark of tree shadows is a major concern. I really give it a look while I'm still some distance away - to give myself a chance if there is a deer standing just inside that shadow. 2 years ago there was!
My saving thing is that I'm never going anything like as fast as 99% of riders here. No one buys a 550 or a 300 to bobble along at 35 through the countryside.
Stig

rakes
I dunno, I'd prefer to see a deer @45 on my AK550 with Brembo brakes over 35 on my K-pipe with a step above Flintstone brakes

[rjs987]

rakes
I dunno, I'd prefer to see a deer @45 on my AK550 with Brembo brakes over 35 on my K-pipe with a step above Flintstone brakes

Same here. I feel most comfortable on 45-55 mph, and maybe open 60 mph, roads. I used to live in Keokuk, IA so am familiar with the river road in that area. I also lived in Dubuque, IA so stayed near the river road up there as well. Really nice riding in both areas but not fast. I enjoy riding those roads at the slower pace even on my AK 550. The most enjoyable part of owning the 550 is having the ability to easily and comfortably ride at 35 mph and enjoy those roads that only allow that speed or step it up to any highway speed, including the super slab speeds, when on those roads as needed. And still be comfortable there.