The Kymco AK550 has been on the market since 2017, having sold globally over 20 thousand units. And if, until now, it was distinguished by presenting more sporty characteristics, the evolution for 2023 that was presented at the Kymco Premium Experience – held in Porto and attended by journalists and communicators from various European countries – shows a new direction: it is aimed at the market segment that it designates as PREMIUM.
By revising the lines and increasing the level of equipment, the Taiwanese brand is targeting a more demanding market segment: one that seeks confidence, that perceives quality, that identifies with the design and is willing to pay for it. In other words, the characteristics that define a Premium brand. Because it is not enough to just say that you are…
In reality, beyond the new Kymco AK550… Premium (of course), we were also presented with the innovative CV3, whose main characteristic lies in the front axle with 2 wheels but does not lack the aforementioned Premium features. But we will talk about this on another occasion.
The ambition mentioned in the title is not in vain. The investment is strong to the point that the presentation was presided over by the Chairman of Kymco himself, Mr. Chun Ping Ko, as well as by several leaders of the European structure and the represented countries. The concept that guided the development of this new AK550 Premium was summarized to us as follows: “compact like a fist, strong like a punch!”
The development of this generation began in 2021 (in parallel with the CV3). With elegant, simple lines in accordance with current fashion dictates, sharp edges, and a penetrating look, it has a double layer of fairings to increase aerodynamic protection. Shorter riders were not forgotten through improvements in ergonomics, it is clearly less sporty but the new equipment package makes it more mature and oriented towards a usage that prioritizes comfort and refinement.
Therefore, it was necessary to verify if the product lives up to what is expected of it. The margins of the Douro River, or rather, the roads that border it, were the chosen location. And with such a setting, we set off on our way!
A CLOSE LOOK
The “face” seduces. The front is aggressive enough without ceasing to be elegant. And the pattern remains when the gaze extends to the rest of the silhouette. The angular lines of the fairing that prioritize aerodynamic protection and continue in a slimmer form towards the rear are successful. The design is well achieved. If we look for detail, we see that the construction quality is there (both in appearance, in the touch of the plastics, and in their assembly).
The available equipment does not disappoint, on the contrary. Full LED lighting with a slim and subtle signature, both at the front and at the rear, electrically adjustable glass with a range of 8.5 cm, wide panel with multiple information and connectivity options through the NOODOE app.
In addition, it has heated grips in 3 levels and a new keyless system that can be activated with a single central button. The remaining functions – fuel tank opening, seat opening, trip adjustment, and steering lock – are located on a panel on the front fairing where there is also a large glove compartment equipped with a USB connection on the right side. Both levers are adjustable in 4 positions.
The two-level seat has lumbar support with 3 levels of adjustment and underneath it has illuminated space for a full-face helmet and still has room for some luggage. The passenger seat is not very spacious and the handles follow the elegant line of the rear.
If we look further down, we see the Brembo brake calipers (which shows that Kymco did not play around…). Associated with them is the AIBS (Advanced Intelligent Braking System), a BOSCH 9.1 braking system with curve ABS that works in conjunction with traction control.
It is worth mentioning that the AK550 has 2 driving modes, “Power” and “Rain”, with the second representing a reduction in available power and torque (7 hp and 5 Nm less respectively). In rain mode, it is not possible to turn off the traction control, but in normal mode, it is possible, with the curiosity that not only does the TCS indicator change color on the panel, but also the lights of the same.
Equipped with cruise control that operates between 45 and 130 km/h, its appeal as a traveler is evident. And with a lot of “class”, as desired in a… Premium model!
ON THE ROAD
The expectation was high. As I mentioned before, and also because of the emphasis given in the session where the AK550 was presented to us. I was mainly curious to see if the announced good dynamics corresponded to reality – more than 230kg for just over 50 hp left me with some doubts. In fact, the AK550 is not a “rocket” – the Premium target customer does not seek that level of performance – but it has a balanced behavior and good level recoveries, especially being very effective in putting the torque on the ground when exiting corners.
The chosen pace was fast and also allowed us to perceive the effectiveness of the braking system, giving total confidence in cornering, as well as the behavior of the very balanced frame. The suspensions have an excellent compromise between comfort, absorption of road irregularities, and the necessary precision for good cornering behavior, not forgetting the good performance of the Dunlop Sportmax GPR-100 tires.
Two notes that are not defects, but rather require some getting used to: the parking brake is placed on the handlebar in a lower position, and when activated, we tend to… touch the horn! On the other hand – and this is a personal observation – the windshield at its maximum position is right in the line of sight. Just lower it slightly… As I mentioned, these are details to which the regular user will easily adapt.
CONCLUSION
The Kymco AK550 does not have the agility in city traffic of lighter and smaller scooters – nor would that be the goal – but its good balance and maneuverability make it a good solution for those who want a motorcycle of this type to use on a daily basis and then, on weekends or vacations, venture out on the roads. And there, highways do not scare it, on the contrary, as it can maintain high speeds with comfort and safety.
The initial expectation was perfectly fulfilled. And that is the best compliment that can be given to an ambitious scooter.
It has all the components that I initially identified to fulfill its Premium purpose: being reliable, with quality and attractive image. We can add the extensive equipment and comfort that characterize it. And all with a lot of class.
The Premium-type customer to whom this machine is intended will be willing to pay for all these attributes. If so, the approximately 12 thousand euros will not scare him and he will be able to enjoy the full potential of this Kymco AK550 Premium.
KYMCO AK550 PREMIUM
ENGINE in-line 4-stroke twin-cylinder, 8-valve DOHC, liquid cooling
DISPLACEMENT 550.4 cc
POWER 50.9 hp @7,500 rpm
TORQUE 51.7 Nm @5,750 rpm
TRANSMISSION automatic – CVT
FRAME tubular aluminum alloy
TANK CAPACITY 14.5 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION 41 mm inverted telescopic fork, n.d. stroke
REAR SUSPENSION lateral mono-shock, n.d. stroke
FRONT BRAKE two discs n.d.
REAR BRAKE disc n.d.
FRONT TIRE 120/70-15
REAR TIRE 160/60-15
WHEELBASE 1,580 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 785 mm
WEIGHT 238 kg
RRP from 11,990 €
