Any of you new scooter owners get invited? I'm off to HQ in Bourne End tonight for a research meeting. I do intend to bring up the lack of ABS models - that includes on their motorcycles as well as the J300. Anything else you want me to feed back to them?

Doug

Now they are in bed with Kymco they could tweak the Myroad 700i in fetch it in to the UK. Just a thought.

DougL wrote:Any of you new scooter owners get invited? I'm off to HQ in Bourne End tonight for a research meeting. I do intend to bring up the lack of ABS models - that includes on their motorcycles as well as the J300. Anything else you want me to feed back to them?

Doug

the lack of the abs models has had a detrimental effect, the amount of money/time/effort in to promoting their first new scooter, only to find you cant get what you want to get from launch so either punters walked away or purchased the non abs instead, dealer demo stock is now the norm...
Not a concern of mine, but a lost sale to some, you have paid a lot of money, so should all be MPH speedo

Service intervals should be greatly improved

With regards to the actual purchase, the process and handover was exceptional and very well structured.

and whens a larger capacity scooter coming

Lack of shaft drive bikes.
A modern version of the GT550/750 would be ace, they could do a competitor for Honda's NC range.
Shaft drive would give it an edge over the NC and it would sell like hot cakes.

smeghead wrote:Now they are in bed with Kymco they could tweak the Myroad 700i in fetch it in to the UK. Just a thought.

I'll second that one - badged "Kawasaki" of course

gn2 wrote:Lack of shaft drive bikes.
A modern version of the GT550/750 would be ace, they could do a competitor for Honda's NC range.
Shaft drive would give it an edge over the NC and it would sell like hot cakes.

I'll try and remember that gn2... I'd better start writing stuff down!

I think Kawasaki are to be congratulated for holding these 'research meetings' and I think it's marvellous that they have spotted the contribution you will no doubt make DougL.

Kawasaki are a massive company and their portfolio is HUGE! Not just planes, trains and automobiles! See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Heavy_Industries" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Scoot industry will benefit now that they've finally reached the end of their agreement with Honda. The Scoot market (world-wide) is massive - bigger than motorcycles. There's kudos and profits to be made, although we should appreciate - in the grand scheme of things - it's mere chicken feed in comparison to their current Portfolio.

Tell them we're looking for a TMAX buster that costs less to buy than a DACIA Sandero (£5999)! It's gotta have ABS and MPH speedo markings.
If they can do that then they might be able to sell at least a 15 machines here in the UK alone - maybe!

They have all the infrastructure you could imagine to build the best Scooter ever! One that even GN2 would like!

Now, where's that 'Take my hat off' 'Smilie'...

anonstarter wrote:The Scoot industry will benefit now that they've finally reached the end of their agreement with Honda.

Tell me more....

Touring scoot

I know that the J300 is pretty much a first stab and a lot of it's features depend on the Kymco original. But I would like a "mk2" to:
- have longer service intervals, in line with what Piaggio or Honda can offer
- the front apron remodelled to allow for a bit of a feet forward position. Relocating the indicators would probably be needed.
- speedo mph.
Othewrwise, well done. It's a superb machine.

For other models?
- I am sure that a Tmax competitor is already planned. If not, it should be.
- do not dilute the sporty Kawasaki image and do a comfy cruiser like the Big Burger. Not for a while yet, anyway.
- if they intend to go smaller, ie a 125, make sure it has a full-fat engine (15hp) and ABS. Peugeot offered the latter on 125cc in 2002...
- Do not be tempted to go mega size, competing with the GP800. Scooters that big aren't - in my opinion - worth bothering with.
- electric motor would be fine. Range of 100miles, recharge time of 2 hours (to 80%) and max of at least 80mph, please.

And finally, the big ask. All scooter engines to have a flat or shallow torque curve, developing near-peak at about 3000rpm or maybe 4000rpm. Certainly not 6000rpm - the sports bikes can keep them, but scooters need a different approach. The benefits would be stronger acceleration, more mpg, less wear-and-tear on the engine, better emissions.