King Of The Maxi Scooters? The AX550 From Kymco Is Certainly Reigning High.
In the highly competitive scooter market, Maxi sales have boomed meaning that most bike manufacturers are producing one or more models. Kymco have several with the AK550 being their premium option and it is proving to be the model to beat. Towering above the opposition.
Maxi-Scooters, is the label given to machines that look and you ride like scooters. They have much higher CCs than the standard mopeds you see and hear whizzing around. For many years a Taiwanese firm, Kymco have been producing these larger machines and never getting the recognition they deserve. People will always name Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha and now even BMW when talking about buying a large CC scooter but they really need to have a ride on one of the Kymco models.
I had several weeks with the top of the range AK550i ABS and loved it for so many reasons.
It is very agile and can be thrown around easily, enabling great city travel as you can filter effortlessly and change direction quickly. Power is on tap right away as you just twist the throttle, getting an immediate response. The digital display keep you informed clearly of speed, tyre pressure, fuel level and so much more.
You can customise the display and link it to your smartphone for transfer of data and photos. Set your own gallery and be welcomed with a picture you love.
A great city bike.
Hold tight, this is a real Twister. Such a fun ride.
Gorgeous Premium Design
AK 550 sets the bar for the perfect integration of sport and premium designs with its utmost attention to every detail. From the streamlined gorgeous body with full LED lighting to the nicely sculptured emblems and multi-textured seating surfaces, it not only stands out from the crowd but also gives the rider the pride of ownership.
FEATURES
Strategic Center Of Gravity Placement
AK 550 has the lowest center of gravity in its class. All body components are engineered to give the vehicle a near 50/50 front to rear weight distribution for perfect balance. This strategic placement of the center of gravity provides the most solid foundation for AK 550 to pursue its ultimate handling capability.
Performance Oriented Chassis
AK 550 features upsidedown fork front suspension with dual disk Brembo caliper brakes. It keeps the vehicle agile and steady during cornering and delivers stunning stopping power whenever needed.
Powerful 550cc Dual Cylinder Engine
AK 550’s newly designed 550cc liquid-cooled dual-cylinder DOHC 8V engine is silky smooth and highly responsive. Its 39.3KW output generates powerful acceleration as well as impressive top speed. The power delivery is tuned to suit both spirited adventure as well as pleasant touring.
Customise your display, with photos from your phone.
Immediate power is on tap and the machine is pretty nippy.
The brakes are great and it benefits from the twin discs.
The 550 cc motor is easily capable of carrying two people plus gear and enable long touring trips.
The AK550 is a stylish looking machine. The fairing is functional and keeps both wind and rain off.
Great looks all round.
The AK550i ABS starts at £8,879 which fits in the price range of 550 cc motorbikes so you would not choose this Maxi-Scooter to save money. You would however choose it for many reasons, such as riding comfort, position and the great handling. The belt drive is smooth and power instant as you just twist the throttle and go. Great technology and specifications combined with the previous assets, mean it is definitely a viable choice as a commuter machine and you would also have a lot of fun riding it at the weekends. The comfy seats mean you could take a pillion and head off on a long tour very easily.
It has made me consider purcahsing one for getting in and out of London and avoiding the new ULEZ charge.