One step closer to a `23 AK550 from the factory

[An Orange Crush]

Hello friends, its been a while since I`ve posted. I have owned and happily operated a 2011 DT300 since 2012 and as of 24,000 miles there have been zero issues outside of one "I didnt torque the spark plug tight enough" incident but the Orange Crusher still got me home!
I`ve become a Kymco believer and fan and when I saw that they had a larger cruiser a few years back I inquired about it at my dealership where I got my DT300 and there were some issues, as in they dont stock them and theres a large fee to bring one over at that time, etc I think there were still Covid issues.
Fast forward to today and I have a couple money dumps coming at me and the second thing on my mind outside of some hunting property up north in Michigan is getting an AK550 underneath me.
This time my dealership responded positively and they can get me one from the factory in the color I want (Silver) I just need to put down some $$$, which is no problem.
The reason I want an AK550 is that its a more luxurious touring Scooter.
Looks like the AK is something with a good suspension and made for longer rides in comfort and because Kymco has done me so good with the DT300 theres no reason to look at other brands.
It only makes sense to move up a notch with the brand that has been so awesome to me since 2012 and thats Kymco.
My questions are - should I shoot for a 2023 or a 2024?
Anything I should know from those of you who are owners of the AK550? I dont expect everything to be perfect but if the AK is shaping up to be like the old Xiting 500 then I`d like to know.

[Ruffus]

@An Orange Crush,
 to compare an AK 550 with your DT 300 or a XC 500/i takes a little bit of consideration.

The AK 550 is a complete different motorcycle, be it motor, transmission, suspension or seat comfort, not bad at all but as said different from ...

A DT 300 or a XC 500 were concepted as "scooters" in layback sense of this word.
One cylinder, CVT with rollers and belt in one casing, suspension conventionell.

Kymco produces modern and state of the art motorcycles, which all, treated properly are very reliable.
The only way to find out whether this model AK 550 suits you, is to do a test ride. MJ ..23 or ..24 ist just a question of taste and money.

[rjs987]

Agree with Ruffus that the AK is very different than a conventional scooter. Just having the motor mounted in the frame instead of on the swing arm makes it different. I've ridden both types but of course only the bigger super scooters have the motor frame mounted so there's that.
I come from standard touring big motorcycles. I consider the AK to be more motorcycle than scooter just for that.

As to the 2023 or 2024 model... I haven't seen that the 2024 models are available yet in the USA. There is the promise from Kymco that they will be but just not yet. So it depends on what is available. Currently the 2023 is definitely available if your dealer has it or can get it. I haven't heard of any changes since my 2022 model. At least none that would be significant to notice.
I consider my 2022 AK 550 to be the best bike I've owned in my riding career. And that includes my old 1990 Gold Wing. I find it as comfortable for long trips as the most comfortable bike I've sat on for a long day of riding. More comfortable than most of them.

Of course no bike is perfect, but the AK is as close as any that is currently available. Comfort is naturally an individual matter so definitely try for a test ride. I didn't make up my mind until I had a test sit on one for over a half hour and later a test ride, 2 or 3 actually.

[An Orange Crush]

Well that does it, I just put my money down and ordered me a 2023 matte Silver to be delivered from the factory upon my dealers filing the paperwork so I`ll be a`Scootin in about 11 days on the new AK550.
So now at this point I`m wanting to ask- what was the price point for any of yall` who got  2023?
Not that I`m penny pinching, just wondering how many steak dinners I bought for my dealer lol....

[Iahawk]

congrats on the new scooter!

[Stig / Major Tom]

Well that does it, I just put my money down and ordered me a 2023 matte Silver to be delivered from the factory upon my dealers filing the paperwork so I`ll be a`Scootin in about 11 days on the new AK550.
So now at this point I`m wanting to ask- what was the price point for any of yall` who got  2023?
Not that I`m penny pinching, just wondering how many steak dinners I bought for my dealer lol....

Good for you.
Pictures when you get it please.
11 days from the "factory"?, in Taiwan? (are you in Asia?)
Or the Kymco warehouse jn the USA?
Stig

[randyo]

Agree with Ruffus that the AK is very different than a conventional scooter. [snip]

another in agreement, I compare my AK to a SV650 I once had, the fun factor in the twisties is similar if not better, add the Brembo brakes and better suspension, cargo in the whale belly, touring comfort. The Kymco AK550 is a reliable hidden treasure.

[An Orange Crush]

Good for you.
Pictures when you get it please.
11 days from the "factory"?, in Taiwan? (are you in Asia?)
Or the Kymco warehouse jn the USA?
Stig

Sorry I got that wrong, my guy didnt say from the factory, that was me misinterpreting what he told me.
He said between 11 to 14 days, obviously from the warehouse here, then the dealership will need to prep it, then they`ll deliver it to me.

[An Orange Crush]

Well after a very long and winding road to getting the $$$ to pay for the thing I finally got it this morning and it is as awesome as everyone said it`d be.