In a previous text, I spoke to you about the presence at the Kymco Premium Experience and introduced the AK550 Premium. Now it’s time to look at the CV3, the second – and most striking – proposal from the Taiwanese brand for its Premium segment. And the distinction is immediately evident: the CV3 has 2 wheels on the front axle.
Kymco’s strong commitment to what it designated as the Premium segment is evident in the development of this CV3 and the ambition that characterizes it. The numbers of the first sales in the markets where it is already being commercialized are encouraging and prove the worth of this commitment.
The CV3 must be analyzed from two parallel perspectives:
– first, the fundamental characteristics it must have to be considered a prestigious proposal, i.e. Premium in the brand’s lexicon;
– second, the specificity of its 3-wheel configuration.
A SOPHISTICATED COMMITMENT
There are mandatory characteristics that any product must have in order to position itself at the top of the value scale, whether it is called “Prestige,” “Gold,” “Privilege,” “High,” or any other designation (the use of foreign words is common here…).
Kymco chose “Premium” and was obliged to fulfill this set of requirements: inspire confidence, demonstrate quality, have distinctive design, be sophisticated. On the other hand, the Customer to whom it is intended is willing to pay more for the privilege of having something that distinguishes him from the ordinary.
The CV3 project took place simultaneously with the AK550, taking advantage of the resulting synergies. The strategic positioning of both is similar, as are the majority of mechanical and electronic components (except those that are characteristic of each configuration).
Let’s move on to the analysis, with two preliminary notes:
1st – whether we like it or not, the focus will always be on the front of the CV3. The two wheels on the front axle are still not a common solution, the volume they induce gives a more massive appearance to the front of the bike and, last but not least, the fully visible front rims are frankly beautiful!
2nd – it is inevitable that when we appreciate the CV3 we make some comparisons with its sister AK550 Premium. Even to understand how, starting from a common base, Kymco made different interpretations of its concept.
LET’S APPRECIATE THE MACHINE
As I said, the front captures our attention. So I will leave that part for later and start with the rear of the bike. The signature of the rear lights is more minimalist than that of the AK550. More classic, if you will. And it is immediately evident the different structure of the seat. Which is divided between the rider and the passenger, each with lumbar support for greater comfort. In addition, the rider’s support is adjustable in 3 positions. The handles are smaller but allow the placement of accessories on the frame itself (which is exposed, is made of aluminum and has an excellent appearance), such as side bags. There is no doubt! This is a bike designed for traveling. In addition, it is possible to remove the rear seat and replace it with a top case, maintaining a correct weight distribution. Under the rider’s seat there is a space capable of carrying a full-face helmet. It is not very spacious and we have doubts if larger helmets (such as modular ones) will fit there. This space is illuminated and equipped with a 12V socket.
The engine – a 550cc twin-cylinder – is placed in a central and lowered position. This contributes to lowering the center of gravity, increasing stability, and ensuring a balanced weight distribution – 50% / 50% between the front and the rear. The exhaust located on the right is perfectly integrated into the lines of the bike and produces a pleasant deep sound: it shows that it is there without being intrusive.
We have reached the front half where everything is different. Everything? Not quite, because in terms of equipment, this CV3 is on par with the AK550. Which is significant. We only noticed the absence of electric regulation for the front window (replaced by the possibility of adjustment in two alternative positions, 4 cm apart, with the use of a tool) and the disappearance of the glove compartment with the possibility of charging a mobile phone via USB.
In other words, there are:
– 3 levels of handlebar heating, with a control on the left handlebar and an indicator on the screen
– 2 driving modes: Normal and Rain (Power/Rain). The control is on the left handlebar and the 2 modes represent the application of different injection maps: the power is reduced from 51.7 to 43.6 hp (and the torque from 52 to 47 Nm)
– Keyless One Touch system – operates with a simple touch on the central button. The system detects the remote control up to a distance of 3.5m
– Cruise control operational between 45 and 130 km/h, instantly deactivated by pressing the button on the left handlebar or applying the brakes
The piercing look of the front headlights, with LED technology and a distinctive lighting signature, define the “personality” of this machine. This is also contributed by the angular lines of the fairing and its good aerodynamic protection. And now we come to the main point: the front suspension.
CV3 – 3 WHEELS FOR SAFETY (KYMCO DIXIT)
It is evident that having 3 points of contact with the ground suggests greater safety. First of all, because if the motorcycle is immobilized, we don’t even need to put our feet on the ground. But, while in motion, the dynamics of the movement itself and the need to always keep the 3 wheels glued to the road, counterbalancing the centrifugal and centripetal forces that are generally compensated with the tilt of the motorcycle and the rider, raise questions that require sophisticated solutions. Kymco has developed the KALS – Kymco Advance Leaning Suspension – which, according to the brand, ensures better stability in curves and easier driving in different road conditions. At the same time, the greater turning angle allowed translates into a superior driving experience compared to the main competitors. The system, with 2 13″ wheels, has a tilting front axle to which double forks are associated with each wheel.
In other words, a system with 4 shock absorbers. The many advantages announced are:
– less sensation of weight
– better weight distribution
– more comfortable with 13″ wheels
– maintenance-free system
– great stability in tilting
– maintaining trajectory during braking
– greater agility at low speed
– handlebar mounted on silent blocks to reduce vibrations
Two other specific components of this CV3 are:
– BOSCH 9.1 ABS braking system (according to L5e homologation). The right brake lever activates the front brakes, the left one activates the rear brake, and the pedal located on the right side activates the entire system. The parking brake located on the left side of the handlebar activates one of the pistons of the rear brake. The levers are adjustable in 4 positions. The presence of the brake pedal allows this motorcycle to be driven with a car driving license!
– Electric Tilt Locking System, activated by a switch on the right handle (within reach of the right thumb), locks the tilt function. It operates below 13 km/h and with rotation below 2,000 rpm. It unlocks automatically by accelerating above 2 km/h and rotation above 2,200 rpm. It allows stopping without the need to put your feet on the ground.
WHILE IN MOTION
As Fernando Pessoa would say, “first it seems strange, then it becomes familiar.” I confess that I did not fully reach the second phase…
However, it is immediately easy to recognize that for a less experienced driver (for example, someone who transitions from a car to the world of motorcycles) or someone whose self-confidence in their balancing abilities is lower, this solution is an excellent alternative. And if you can do it with class and a good level of technological sophistication… you have an obvious solution here.
For my height (1.82m), I did not feel as comfortable as with the AK550 Premium. I had the feeling that I was sitting closer to the handlebars, which required a more upright position, and with less leg space (especially since the brake pedal is located on the right). In addition, the useful lumbar support reduces the “maneuvering space,” making it impossible to stretch…
If I had some reservations about the weight/power ratio with the AK, they were even greater here: the CV3 weighs (dry) 265kg! But as I mentioned in the AK review, the engine does not let us down. It is evident that it does not have the lightness of any 125cc scooter, but it compensates with a strong engine at low and medium revs, allowing for good recoveries, while on the highway we can maintain speeds that guarantee a good – and expensive – image in photos…
But it is in the curves that everything happens! The CV3 allows for lean angles worthy of any Marquez (without hitting the ground) in perfect safety and with levels of fun and adrenaline that are absolutely incredible. We need to get used to it because the limits are far beyond what our instincts are accustomed to.
There is no beauty without a flaw. Although the brand announces a 50/50 weight distribution and guarantees that the system adopted on the front axle ensures greater lightness, we still feel that the front is heavier than that of a normal motorcycle – and it is heavier, obviously – and we have the sensation that we need to “pull” the motorcycle into the curve.
It is not a fluid movement as we are used to, but rather, we need to “communicate” to the bike that the path is there. A small price to pay for the high level of fun provided when we are at the apex of the curve and realize that the road is right there… and safely.
Another aspect that I believe deserves the attention of potential drivers is that the laws of physics are what they are. And with greater weight comes greater inertia. And that impacts braking distances. Obviously, the sophisticated braking system does its job. It’s there for that!
Finally, the suspensions: they guarantee a very high level of comfort in driving as long as the road is in reasonable or good condition. When the asphalt deteriorates or we face the irregular cobblestones of our roads, the shorter travel (which is not unrelated to the configuration, with 4 shock absorbers working together) results in greater rigidity, some discomfort, and an increasing amount of vibrations in the handlebars.
Speaking of handlebars, just like in the AK, activating the parking brake results in a honk… until you get used to it!
On the contrary, when we stop at a traffic light, for example, a simple touch on the button on the right handlebar that locks the tilt system allows us to comfortably wait for the “green” without needing to put our feet on the ground.
IN CONCLUSION
The entire driving experience of a 3-wheel scooter is completely different. The behavior is specific, routines have to be adapted and new ones emerge, it has advantages and disadvantages. Many of them have already been mentioned above.
I have no doubt that this can be an excellent companion on trips whose limit goes far beyond the daily or weekend route. With comfort and a pleasant driving experience that provides the necessary safety and confidence to face longer distances.
In an urban environment, it will lack some agility (especially if the goal is to “cut” through traffic queues) but it will undoubtedly fulfill its purpose. And the ability to stop without putting your feet on the ground is a good help…
The Kymco CV3 is a very sophisticated motorcycle (or scooter, if you will). Both in technological terms due to its specificity of 3 wheels and the wide range of equipment, as well as its appearance. It has class, it doesn’t go unnoticed but it’s not ostentatious. It’s premium. Kymco deserves congratulations because they have achieved their goal in this regard.
It is not irrelevant to mention how this scooter is legally viewed in terms of access: it is possible to drive it with a regular car license – the common class B. Thanks to the brake pedal…
If potential buyers agree, it will be easier for them to spend the approximately 13 thousand euros necessary to take one home. With the certainty that friends and neighbors will notice… with envy?
KYMCO CV3
ENGINE twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT 550 cc
POWER 50.2 hp @ 7,500 rpm
TORQUE 52 Nm @ 5,750 rpm
TRANSMISSION automatic – CVT
FRAME steel tubular
TANK 15.5 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION two double telescopic forks
REAR SUSPENSION mono-shock
FRONT BRAKE 2 discs of 270 mm
REAR BRAKE 1 disc of 260 mm
FRONT TIRE 2 x 110/70-13
REAR TIRE 160/60-15
WHEELBASE 1,580 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 795 mm
WEIGHT 282 kg
MSRP (starting from) 12,990 €
