In a previous article, I told you about our presence at the Kymco Premium Experience and presented the AK550 Premium. Now it’s time to take a look at the CV3, the Taiwanese brand’s second – and most striking – proposal for its Premium segment. And the distinction is immediately obvious: the CV3 has two wheels on the front axle.
Kymco’s strong commitment to what it calls the Premium segment is evident in the development of this CV3 and the ambition that characterizes it. The first sales figures in the markets where it is already being sold are encouraging and prove the value of this bet.
The CV3 must be analyzed from two perspectives in parallel:
– firstly, the fundamental characteristics it must have in order to be considered a prestigious proposition, i.e. Premium in the brand’s lexicon;
– secondly, the specificity of its 3-wheel configuration.
A SOPHISTICATED BET
There are mandatory characteristics that any product must have if it wants to position itself at the top of the value scale, be it “Prestige”, “Gold”, “Privilege”, “High” or any other designation (the use of foreignisms is commonplace here…).
Kymco chose “Premium” and was obliged to comply with the specifications: induce confidence, demonstrate quality, have a distinctive design, be sophisticated. For its part, the customer for whom it is intended is willing to pay more for the privilege of having something that sets it apart from the ordinary.
The CV3 project was carried out at the same time as the AK550, taking advantage of the resulting synergies. The strategic positioning of both is similar, as are most of the mechanical and electronic components (apart from 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, our gaze will always be focused on the front of the CV3. The two wheels on the front axle are not yet a commonplace solution, the volumetry they induce gives the front of the bike a more massive appearance and, last but not least, the fully visible front rims are frankly beautiful!
2nd – it’s inevitable that when we appreciate the CV3 we won’t draw comparisons with its AK550 Premium sister. Not least to see how, starting from a common base, Kymco has made different interpretations of its concept.
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE MACHINE
As I said, the front catches your eye. So I’ll leave that part for later and start with the rear of the bike. The digital signature of the rear lights is more minimalist than that of the AK550. More classic if you like. The different structure of the seat is also evident from the outset. It’s divided between driver and passenger, each with lumbar support for greater comfort. In addition, the driver’s seat is adjustable to three positions. The handles are smaller but allow accessories such as side bags to be placed on the frame itself (which is exposed, made of aluminum and looks excellent). There’s no doubt about it! This is a bike for traveling. What’s more, you can remove the rear seat and put a top case in its place, keeping the weight distribution correct. Under the driver’s seat there is a space capable of carrying a full-face helmet. It’s not very roomy and we have our doubts as to whether larger hubcaps (like those on the modulars) will be able to fit. This space is illuminated and has a 12V socket.
The engine – a 550cc twin-cylinder – is placed in a central, lowered position. This helps to lower the center of gravity, increase stability and ensure a balanced weight distribution – 50% / 50% between front and rear. The exhaust on the right fits in perfectly with the lines of the bike and produces a pleasant bass sound: it shows it’s there without being intrusive.
We come to the front half where everything is different. Everything? No, because in terms of equipment this CV3 is on a par with the AK550. Which is significant. We only noticed the absence of electric adjustment for the front window (replaced by the possibility of adjusting it in two alternative positions 4 cm apart, using a tool) and the disappearance of the glove compartment with the possibility of charging a cell phone via USB.
In other words, there are
– 3 levels of handle heating, with control on the left handle and on-screen indicator
– 2 driving modes: Normal and Rain (Power/Rain). The control is on the left-hand grip and the 2 modes represent the application of different injection maps: power is reduced from 51.7 to 43.6 hp (and torque from 52 to 47 Nm).
– Keyless One Touch system – operates by simply pressing 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 handle or applying the brakes
The penetrating look of the LED front optics, with their striking light signature, define the “personality” of this machine. The angular lines of the fairing and its good aerodynamic protection also contribute. And then we come to the main thing: the front end.
CV3 – 3 WHEELS FOR SAFETY (KYMCO DIXIT)
It goes without saying that having three points of contact with the ground suggests greater safety. First of all, if the bike is stationary, we don’t even need to put our feet on the ground. But when moving, the very dynamics of the movement and the need to keep the 3 wheels glued to the road at all times, as opposed to the centrifugal and centripetal forces that are usually compensated for by the inclination of the bike and the rider, raise issues that require sophisticated solutions. Kymco has developed KALS – Kymco Advance Leaning Suspension – which, according to the brand, ensures better cornering stability and easier handling in different road conditions. At the same time, the greater steering angle allowed translates into a superior driving experience compared to the main competitors. The system, with two 13″ wheels, has a tilting front axle to which double forks are attached at each wheel.
In other words, a system with 4 shock absorbers. The many advantages advertised are:
– less feeling of weight
– better weight distribution
– more comfortable with 13″ wheels
– maintenance-free system
– great stability on inclines
– trajectory maintenance under braking
– greater agility at low speeds
– handlebars 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 actuates the front brakes, the left the rear and the pedal on the right actuates the entire system. The parking brake located on the left side of the handlebar activates one of the rear brake pistons. The rims are adjustable to 4 positions. The existence of a brake pedal means that this bike can be ridden with a car license!
– Electric Tilt Lock System, operated via a switch on the right handle (within easy reach of the right thumb) locks the tilt function. Operates below 13 km/h and at speeds below 2,000 rpm. Automatically unlocks when accelerating above 2km/h and revving above 2,200rpm. Allows you to stop without having to put your feet on the ground.
ON THE GO
As Fernando Pessoa would say, “first you get strange, then you get intrigued”. I confess that I haven’t fully reached the second stage…
However, it’s soon easy to recognize that for a less experienced rider (for example, one who has evolved from cars to motorcycles) or one whose self-confidence in their balancing skills is lower, this solution is an excellent alternative. And if you can do it with class and a good level of technological sophistication… there’s an obvious solution here.
For my height (1.82m), I didn’t feel as comfortable as I did with the AK550 Premium. I felt like I was sitting closer to the handlebars, which meant I had to sit more upright and with less legroom (not least because the brake pedal is on the right). What’s more, the useful lumbar backrest reduces the “room to maneuver”, making it impossible to try to stretch out…
If I had reservations about the weight/power ratio with the AK, they were even greater here: the CV3 weighs (dry) 265kg! But as I said in the AK test, the engine doesn’t let you down. Of course, it doesn’t have the lightness of any 125 scooter, but it makes up for it with a full engine at low and medium revs, allowing for good recuperation, while on the highway we can maintain a pace that guarantees a good – and expensive – image in the photos…
But it’s in the bends that everything happens! The CV3 allows you to take corners worthy of any Marquez (and without going to the mat) in perfect safety and with absolutely incredible levels of fun and adrenaline. You have to get used to it because the limits are far beyond what your instincts are used to.
There’s no beauty without a catch. Despite the fact that the brand announces a 50/50 mass split and guarantees that the system adopted for the front axle ensures greater lightness, you never cease to feel that the front is heavier than that of a normal bike – and it is heavier, obviously – and you also get the feeling that you have to “pull” the bike into the corner.
It’s not a fluid movement like we’re used to, but we do need to “communicate” to the bike that this is the way to go. It’s a small price to pay for the high level of fun provided when you’re at the apex of the bend and realize that the road is just around the corner… and safely.
Another aspect that I think the potential driver should be aware of is that the laws of physics are what they are. And greater weight corresponds to greater inertia. And that has an impact on braking distances. Obviously, the sophisticated braking system plays its part. It’s there for that!
Finally, the suspensions: they guarantee a very comfortable ride as long as the road surface is in reasonable or good condition. When the asphalt degrades or we face the uneven cobbles of our roads, the shorter travel (not least because of the configuration, with 4 shock absorbers working together) is reflected in greater rigidity, some discomfort and an increase in vibrations in the handlebars.
Speaking of the handlebars, just like on the AK, applying the parking brake results in a honk… until you get used to it!
On the other hand, when you stop at a traffic light, for example, the simple touch of the button on the right-hand grip, which blocks the tilt system, means that you’re comfortably settled waiting for the “green” without having to put your feet on the ground.
IN CONCLUSION
The whole experience of riding a 3-wheel scooter is completely different. The behavior is specific, routines have to be adapted and new ones emerge, it has advantages and it also has disadvantages. Many of them have already been mentioned.
I have no doubt that this can be an excellent companion on journeys that go far beyond the daily or weekend commute. It’s comfortable and pleasant to drive, providing the safety and confidence needed to tackle longer distances.
In a city environment, it lacks some agility (especially if the aim is to “beat” the traffic queues) but it will certainly deliver. And that ease of stopping without your feet on the ground is a good help…
The Kymco CV3 is a very sophisticated motorcycle (read scooter). Both in technological terms due to its three-wheeled specificity and the extensive equipment package, as well as in terms of its looks. It’s classy, it doesn’t go unnoticed, but it’s not ostentatious. It’s premium. Kymco is to be congratulated because in this area it has achieved its goal.
The way this scooter is viewed legally in terms of access is not insignificant: you can drive it with a light car license – the ordinary B class. Courtesy of the brake pedal…
If potential buyers agree, it will be easier for them to fork out the 13,000 euros needed to take one home. I’m sure their friends and neighbors will notice… with envy?
