2016 Kymco K-Pipe 125 | First Look Review

The 2016 Kymco K-Pipe 125 is a lightweight, affordable motorcycle for around-town riding.
The 2016 Kymco K-Pipe 125 is a lightweight, affordable motorcycle for around-town riding.

Competition is heating up in the pocket bike category. First came the Honda Grom, then the Kawasaki Z125 Pro, and now Kymco is rolling out the K-Pipe 125, which is the steal of the bunch at just $1,999.

The K-Pipe 125's claimed wet weight is less than 225 lbs. and its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 70 mpg.
The K-Pipe 125’s claimed wet weight is less than 225 lbs. and its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 70 mpg.

Like the Honda and Kawi, the Kymco is powered by a 125cc (123.7, to be precise) air-cooled single with SOHC and two valves, and a square 54mm bore and stroke. Engine output is on par with your average lawnmower—a claimed 8 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 6.3 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. Whereas the Japanese bikes are fuel-injected, the Taiwanese K-Pipe kicks it old school with a carburetor. And take your pick—thumb the electric starter or toe the kickstarter.

The K-Pipe has a 4-speed transmission, chain final drive, non-adjustable suspension, front disc and rear drum brakes, and a 31-inch seat height. Whereas the Grom and Z125 Pro have chunky 12-inch wheels, the K-Pipe rolls on 17-inchers. Claimed dry weight is 224.4 lbs., fuel capacity is 1.2 gallons and EPA estimated fuel economy is 70 mpg. Kymco’s new tiddler comes in Red, Pearl White or Black and is backed by a 2-year warranty. For more info, visit kymcousa.com.

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2016 Kymco K-Pipe 125 Specifications
Base Price: $1,999
Warranty: 2 yrs.
Website: kymcousa.com

The K-Pipe 125 has a carburetor AND a kickstarter! (It has an electric starter, too.)
The K-Pipe 125 has a carburetor AND a kickstarter! (It has an electric starter, too.)

Engine
Type: Air-cooled single
Displacement: 123.7cc
Bore x Stroke: 54 x 54mm
Compression Ratio: 8.6:1
Valve Train: SOHC w/ 2 valves
Fuel Delivery: Carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Ignition: Electric/kickstarter

Digital meter includes a speedometer, clock, fuel gauge, odometer/tripmeter and a tachometer.
Digital meter includes a speedometer, clock, fuel gauge, odometer/tripmeter and a tachometer.

Chassis
Frame: Tubular steel
Wheelbase: 50.8 in.
Rake/Trail: NA
Seat Height: 31 in.
Suspension, Front: Telescopic fork, no adj.
Rear: Single shock, no adj.
Brakes, Front: Single 276mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
Rear: Drum
Wheels, Front: Cast, 17 in.
Rear: Cast, 17 in.
Tires, Front: 2.75-17
Rear: 3.50-17
Claimed Wet Weight: 224.4 lbs.

Performance
Fuel Capacity: 1.2 gals.
Claimed MPG: 70 (EPA est.)
Estimated Range: 84 miles

3 COMMENTS

  1. Looked at a K-Pipe at my local dealer yesterday and while it’s bigger than a Grom or Z125, it’s not a whole lot bigger. I’m about a half-inch shy of 6-foot tall, and I felt as though I was sitting on a BMX bike. A few of the components were a bit crude-looking (such as the foot controls), but overall it seemed decently well put together. My local dealer had it tagged at $300 over the MSRP. One oddity: I was told that the shift pattern is not the standard 1-N-2-3-4, but is 4-3-2-1-N, a holdover from the original auto-clutch version sold overseas.

    • “I was told that the shift pattern is not the standard 1-N-2-3-4, but is 4-3-2-1-N”

      And that is why all 476 units brought to the USA so far have now been recalled.
      Federal law dictates 1-N-2-3-4… (down for 1st, up for the rest) as part of standardized controls.
      I hope it’s a simple fix or this bike may disappear more rapidly than it appeared in the US.

  2. well as for me it is a scooter right ita,like a big moped well you cant expect it will be the as the usual bikes any way its just a simple unusual gear shift its can be shifted still better than it cant be shifted. well thats only my opinion. its a unique bike and more fun to ride not to race.

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