Kymco focuses on long journeys with Ak 575 Premium and the Cv-R5

The desire for maxi-scooters is back at Kymco: the Taiwanese manufacturer takes the veil off two models with engines around half a litre.  

The first is the new Ak 575 Premium, which derives from the Ak 550 Premium of 2023, with respect to which it boasts a new Euro 5+ engine: the parallel twin-cylinder increases in displacement to 574.2 cc, confirms the peak of maximum power at 51 hp, but increases maximum torque to 55 Nm at 6,000 rpm (previously it was 53.2 Nm); values that allow the new Ak 575 to exceed 160 km/h top speed (there is also a 35 kW version for use with an A2 licence). The final transmission is still belt-driven, a solution that, compared to the chain, improves performance while reducing noise and the need for maintenance. Thanks to the new Ride by Wire throttle, three riding modes are available: two 'Sport' (with traction control on or off) and 'Rain' mode.

Ak 575 Premium

Unchanged, on the other hand, is the chassis, of a motorbike nature: the aluminium frame has the engine in the middle, as on motorbikes, and is linked to the hydraulic 41 mm double-plate telescopic fork with 120 mm travel at the front, and to a swinging double-arm swinging arm - also made of aluminium - which provides the rear wheel with ample travel; the light alloy wheels are 15". With the seat at 790 mm from the ground, it's quite easy to manage the 240 kg in running order. The vocation of the Kymco Ak 575 Premium is more touring, thanks to the large and protective shield, cruise control and electrically adjustable windscreen, not to mention the heated grips and Abs cornering. A new instrumentation makes its debut on the AK 575 Premium, combined with the Keyless system; a full-face helmet fits in the underseat and additional space for other small objects, while in the rear there is a drawer equipped with a USB socket.  

Cv-R5

The second novelty is the CV-R5, Kymco's first adventure maxi-scooter; its off-road vocation is betrayed by the high handlebar with hand guards, the upside-down fork coupled to the aluminium swingarm and the high exhaust. Propelling the new Kymco CV-R5 is a 427 cc single-cylinder engine, equipped with electronic fuel injection and multi-map ride-by-wire, capable of 34.4 hp and 40 Nm of torque, well managed by the CVT gearbox that transmits power to the rear wheel via a chain. The Cv-R5 also has a lot in common with motorbikes: the engine is inserted in the central part of the frame and not cantilevered over the rear, to the benefit of mass centralisation and riding pleasure. The upside-down fork offers good travel, designed to cope with the obstacles of light off-road riding, as does the rear monoshock, connected to the aluminium swingarm via multi-link and equipped with the new Ptm (Pivoting Torque Management) system, which ensures better stability for the scooter by managing the torque forces during acceleration. Braking the 210 kg in running order is the braking system with double front disc with radial mount calipers, and rear disc with twin piston caliper (acts as a parking brake). The aluminium alloy wheels (15" at the front and 14" at the rear) are fitted with semi-treaded tyres, designed to ensure the right level of grip even when leaving the asphalt for off-road use.