OT Taiwanese SMAX

[wheelbender6]

That is what they are calling the Kymco KRV.
It is slated for dealers in the Philippines. No info if we will get it in the states.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yhtpHr ... e=youtu.be

[babblefish]

Nice looking scoot but I doubt that we'll see it in the States. If it don't look like an old Vespa or Lambretta then it doesn't stand a chance. The majority of modern scoots don't make it here in the land of scooter dark ages. That being said, I see my fair share of modern scooters (those that are available anyway) here in San Francisco because we're a pretty big melting pot of people from other parts of the world so the demand is there. Unfortunately, SF is just one city and not enough for companies to want to import the good stuff.

[DeeDee]

Onboard computer that stops power going to the rear wheel in case it senses too much movement there, ignition that starts without a key.... How do you fix this thing when it won't start one morning? Give me a Buddy 125 any day of the week.

[wheelbender6]

Good point. There are many days that I would have not been able to ride if my Buddy didn't have a kick starter.

[PNWbuddy]

Pending ride reports, based on specs, I want one. Traction control is switchable but I agree about keyless ignition, maybe a theft deterrent though. I'd probably be satisfied with my Buddy 125 (BBK 161) if top speed was 60+ as many claim but mine tops out at <55 GPS (as opposed to the imaginary "indicated" top of of 60+). Two wheel abs would be welcome also.

[PNWbuddy]

SMAX doesn't compare well with KRV on paper. 30# heavier, coup!e HP weaker, no ABS and some other stuff.

[babblefish]

Pending ride reports, based on specs, I want one. Traction control is switchable but I agree about keyless ignition, maybe a theft deterrent though. I'd probably be satisfied with my Buddy 125 (BBK 161) if top speed was 60+ as many claim but mine tops out at <55 GPS (as opposed to the imaginary "indicated" top of of 60+). Two wheel abs would be welcome also.

I guess 25cc makes a big difference because my Buddy 150 can do a little over 65 mph, GPS. This is only on level ground though. On declines I can just about hit 70 but don't like to because it's scary on 10" wheels plus my front tire (Michelin S1) is only rated for 60 mph.

[PNWbuddy]

I guess 25cc makes a big difference because my Buddy 150 can do a little over 65 mph, GPS. This is only on level ground though. On declines I can just about hit 70 but don't like to because it's scary on 10" wheels plus my front tire (Michelin S1) is only rated for 60 mph.

Buddy 150 has 11cc less than my 125 with the 161BBK. The difference appears to be lower gearing of the 125 vs 150 or 170i. I ordered taller gearing from a seller who advertised it to fit on the Buddy but it didn't and I wasn't able to easily source 150/170i gears. With the BBK acceleration is excellent but top speed is limited by rpm. It will pull wheelies on pavement. FWIW I tested top speed with the BBK along with stock carb and manifold, with 26mm carb and stock manifold (tried different jets with both carbs), with stock head and with NCY big valve head, with 26mm carb and larger NCY 26mm manifold, with stock air box/filter, with snorkel removed, with airbox divider removed, with additional holes in plastic of air filter (holes covered by UNI filter foam sheet). Also tried new stock wt rollers as well as 13g Dr Pulley sliders, with old belt (still in spec) and new belt. With and without windscreen. Even tried a "performance" unrestricted CDI. Virtually no difference with any of these interventions. I've given up on breaking 55mph gps with it and I've read of others who top speed experience with the stock 125 as well as with the 161 BBK was the similar to mine. I'm running Shinko SR425 tires, 130/70 in the rear, 110/80 in the front at 30psi.

If anyone in the Portland/Vancouver area is looking for a quick city scooter, cheap, let me know.

[PNWbuddy]

Oh, no increased top speed on downhill runs either. You can see from my pictures the terrain I ride in, plenty of steep descents. I might do an oil change and go from 15w-40 to 5w-40 synthetic to see if that makes a difference.