A few things said here which I would like to respond to. First, what Kymco USA has done is release info on a few early release models for 2021. These models are a bit early because Kymco inventory both at Kymco USA and the dealer levels are low. The other models, like 150, 200, the 300 and or 400, will likely be released later. Why? Inventories are still plentiful at dealers and KUS. To think that KUS would discontinue models such as the like 150/200, the most popular models, is silly. The like 200 may not return as the like 150 is more popular.
Mr.Lousy Tech is well, absolutely disgruntled. The fact that I nor over 25 other KUS former employees don’t know him shows that he was not there that long. He also said his goal was not to throw KUS under the bus but he did just that. To let the cat out of the bag, most of you probably figured it out already, I was a DSM, District Sales Manager for KUS, for Ca & NV, for 7 1/2 years.I have been in the motorcycle industry since 1980. I currently work at a Kymco dealership which I set up as a dealer when I was at KUS.
Comments about KUS not supplying proper technical training is debatable. KUS developed, along with cyclepedia, a extremely extensive tech training program. Whether techs took/take advantage of it is up to them. Its free to the tech and there are incentives for the dealer if they have techs that completed the courses. Another comment about warranty work was made, dealers basically pay techs 3 ways, either by standard hourly, hourly plus commission or straight commission. Warranty flat rate times paid by the OEM, no matter who the OEM is, are slim. An hourly tech doesn’t care how long he takes, he’s paid no matter (until he’s fired for lack of production), an hourly plus commission tech will get paid to be there, likely min wage, but will get a portion of the hourly rate, very lucrative if you produce.straight commission is for the rockstars that consistently Bill 40 plus hours a week with no come-backs. These techs can beat flat rate 90% of the time. With regard to the AK, KUS will likely bring in, no more that 500 units for the USA for the first year. They will likely sell through at the 8999.00 price, fairly reasonable considering the technology within.
In the past, a lot of the models came to the USA with much input by the sales and technical staff at KUS. Several models that Kymco produced in other markets were offered to KUS.
Some were accepted like the KPipe along with specific color choices for the USA market. The Spade was specifically built with the US in mind. Input from the US was a factor in bringing the Like 150 to fruition.
I could go on but it’s late and you are likely bored by now.
Cjs
