Kymco Prepares CV-X45, Adventure Scooter Challenger to Honda X-ADV

JAKARTA - Kymco has given a strong signal that it is preparing a new adventure scooter. The Taiwanese manufacturer filed a trademark for the name CV-X45, complete with a logo that leads to the production version of the CV-R5 concept.

According to a Cycle World report quoted on Thursday, June 18, the CV-X45 is most likely the highway version of the CV-R5 concept that appeared at EICMA 2024.

The clue is quite clear. The CV-X45 logo uses the same font style as the logo on the CV-R5 body. The number 45 is suspected to refer to the 450 cc engine class, because the CV-R5 concept uses a 427 cc engine. Meanwhile, the letter X is usually used for adventure-style models.

If it is true that it will go into production, the Kymco CV-X45 will face off directly with the Honda X-ADV, a model that has been a reference in the adventure scooter segment.

This scooter is estimated to use a suspension with a longer main distance, upside down front fork, 15-inch front wheel, 14-inch rear wheel, and a typical scooter driving position with a wide footrest.

Kymco is not a new player in its efforts to enter this segment. In 2023, the company introduced the CV-L6, a 550 cc two-cylinder adventure scooter. A year later, the CV-R5 concept with a 427 cc single-cylinder engine appeared.

Cycle World reported that if the CV-R5 concept specifications were brought to the production version, the CV-X45 would have several driving modes, a ride-by-wire system, around 34 hp of power, and 30 lb-ft of torque.

Ride-by-wire is an electronic throttle system. The throttle opening is no longer fully operated by a mechanical cable, but is controlled by sensors and a computer.

The weight is claimed to be around 210 kg. Not light for a scooter. However, the wheels are smaller than the usual adventure motorcycle, making it likely not as big as it looks in the photo.

The height of the seat is about 80 cm from the ground. This figure is still friendly enough for many riders.

The CV-R5 concept also carries a luggage under the seat that is enough for a full-face helmet, keyless system, traction control, TFT instrument panel with wireless connectivity, and tire pressure monitor.

These features are likely to be carried over to the production model.

Interestingly, the CV-R5 engine is mounted to the frame like a motorcycle, not sticking to the swingarm like a small scooter in general. This design shows that Kymco wants to make a more serious adventure scooter, not just an ordinary scooter with a dashing appearance.

The filing of the CV-X45 trademark rights in recent times indicates that its launch is likely to be imminent.

Kymco also filed the name in the United States. This means that this manufacturer seems to see opportunities in a market that Honda X-ADV has not worked on.

Honda does sell the ADV160 in the United States, but has not brought the X-ADV there.

Now the question is, is the market ready to accept a large-bodied adventure scooter with a mixed character between a daily scooter and a light touring motorcycle?