Hey, the People is back & as a 150!

[Stig / Major Tom]

https://kymcousa.com/2021-scooters/2021-people-s150/

3 years ago when I was hunting a big/wheel step/thru and was wanting to try one of these - but they were being sold everywhere except in N. America!
I took home a new Piaggio Liberty150i - but sure would have liked to try on this Kymco.

Compared with the Liberty this Kymco is $500 more, looks to be about 30lbs heavier, 6" longer, has an extra valve and an extra rear shock, two discs, ABS both ends, LEDs both ends; the same warranty and wheel sizes; pretty much the same HP, torque, MPG's - and is fitted with the same type econo quality tires. (read change 'em out!)
To my eye the design (even if the People's un-sleek screen and case were removed) is a no contest winner for the Italian drawn & detailed Liberty.
 The People also suffers from unimaginative color choices - lacking both white and a 'scooter red'! Unimaginative color choices being an ongoing problem with Kymco.
My dealer might have one in 18mos or so, and I'll go have a look.

Stig

[souzamoto]

Imaginative colors don't sell

[Kansas kymco]

https://kymcousa.com/2021-scooters/2021-people-s150/

3 years ago when I was hunting a big/wheel step/thru and was wanting to try one of these - but they were being sold everywhere except in N. America!
I took home a new Piaggio Liberty150i - but sure would have liked to try on this Kymco.

Compared with the Liberty this Kymco is $500 more, looks to be about 30lbs heavier, 6" longer, has an extra cylinder and an extra rear shock, two discs, ABS both ends, LEDs both ends; the same warranty and wheel sizes; pretty much the same HP, torque, MPG's - and is fitted with the same type econo quality tires. (read change 'em out!)
To my eye the design (even if the People's un-sleek screen and case were removed) is a no contest winner for the Italian drawn & detailed Liberty.
 The People also suffers from unimaginative color choices - lacking both white and a 'scooter red'! Unimaginative color choices being an ongoing problem with Kymco.
My dealer might have one in 18mos or so, and I'll go have a look.

Stig

My guess is they want to differentiate between the People and Agility series by color but what do I know.  Two of my Kymco's are gold color talking about a imaginative color and don't forget Orange.

[CROSSBOLT]

Some years back a rider here repainted his Downtown bright yellow and it was spectacular! I found it preferable to "matte grey."

Not too impressed with Kymco's version of ABS so far....but the rest of the bike sounds great!

[Stig / Major Tom]

Imaginative colors don't sell

Tell that to Vespa.
Stig

[Neil955i]

I’m with you Stig, the Liberty is a far better looker!

And another thing, what is it with Kymco and their colour schemes? It’s the only thing I dislike about my X-Town.  Who thought matt grey was a great (or even safe) look for a country whose weather is predominantly grey?


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[monkeybongos]

Scooter riders by nature tend have a footloose and fancy free, "out of the box" mentality, so I don't understand the lack of creative--not to mention highly visible--colors.

As far as scoots coming w econo tires, don't understand that, either.  A set of good tires costs ?$50 more, barely noticeable on a price of $3000 or more.  Why would a manufacturer not want their scooter to handle as well as possible, especially for such an insignificant price increase?

[Neil955i]

Couldn’t agree more re tyres MB!  Makes no sense at all to me.


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[john grinsel]

Bad/cheap tire may be caused by people(decision makers) in industry not being regular daily riders! Or having any interest other than making money.  Good Heidenau Tires on  my XTown 300i turned it from foul handling pig into enjoyable riding/handling scooter period.

[Stig / Major Tom]

A lot of Piaggio/Vespa scoots come with City Grips. The new electric Vespa has Angels installed!
Auto makers dumb down the tires on too many new cars as well.
I have Michelins on the LIKE200iLX, and a set of Angels waiting in my closet for the Liberty.
Stig

[Iahawk]

the cheap tires decision all comes down to cost for the manufacturers...if they can save $50 per scoot x 500000 scoots produced = $2.5M added to their bottom line.

But HOORAY for a new People S model! I'm jealous of the 4 valve head, fuel injection, LED headlight, ABS and rear disc. I think it's a good looking bike. I may be a little biased, though.

[monkeybongos]

Why not increase the price by $50?  For a better handling, nicer ride, seems like a no brainer.
Nothing affects the ride more than the tires, why compromise it for a $50 savings on a $3000+ scooter?

Tire quality is the LAST place I'd look to cut costs.  On any vehicle.

[Kansas kymco]

the cheap tires decision all comes down to cost for the manufacturers...if they can save $50 per scoot x 500000 scoots produced = $2.5M added to their bottom line.

But HOORAY for a new People S model! I'm jealous of the 4 valve head, fuel injection, LED headlight, ABS and rear disc. I think it's a good looking bike. I may be a little biased, though.

I like the looks as well and your correct about bottom line. Look,at the price difference between a Vespa and a equivalent Kymco. 

I beleive the flood of cheap Chinese scooters has put a crimp in Kymco sales. Most people shop bottom line not quality hence the success of Wallyworld.

I scan Craigslist all the time and the listing's for cheap new Chinese scooters dominant the listings at a fraction of the price.

[Iahawk]

I agree, Kansas Kymco. It seems a mid level manufacturer like Kymco is in a tough place. Super cheap Chinese scooters at the bottom end of the market and premium priced Japanese and Italian scooters at the top end.

I also can't believe the number of no name Chinese scooters for sale in Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, lately.

[Iahawk]

was just on Kymco USA website...and saw new for 2021 model, A Town? Picture shows a front DRUM brake...

https://kymcousa.com/2021-scooters/a-town/