KYMCO

Kymco CV3: the new sport trike from the Taiwanese brand tested

The brand had been announcing its entry into the sport trike segment for some time, but, for one reason or another, the launch was repeatedly delayed. The first generation made a timid appearance in Europe in 2021, although the Spanish branch preferred to wait. The strategy was clear: better to arrive late…but arrive better. And this second generation makes that clear from the first glance.

The CV3 is visually impressive. It's large, robust, and exudes solidity. It's not a discreet trike, nor does it intend to be. Its design prioritizes stability, balance, and an undeniably sporty image. The materials are top-notch, and the technology is up to the current high standards of the segment. Furthermore, its arrival is significant: Spain becomes the first European market to receive it.

Under the fairing lies a 574 cc twin-cylinder engine that offers impressive power. It boasts 51.1 hp and 54.4 Nm of torque, aiming not only for speed but also for smooth performance. The engine responds easily, the Kevlar belt drive works perfectly, and the multi-disc wet clutch completes the package. Everything has been designed for progressive and controllable power delivery, with traction control that monitors... but doesn't interfere.

Where the CV3 truly shines is in its chassis. A twin-spar aluminum frame, an engine with structural segments, and a visible monocoque subframe make it clear that this is about engineering, not just aesthetics. The rear swingarm is also made of aluminum and mounted directly to the engine, using a solution inherited from AK that separates the transmission from the engine. The result? Perfect 50/50 weight distribution. A clear demonstration of intent.

And then there's the front suspension. This is where Kymco truly shines. The patented KALS system combines two pairs of forks and a parallelogram linkage that allows a rake angle of up to 40 degrees. Quickly translating: it takes corners with more confidence than you would expect on a trike.

In terms of dimensions, it is similar to its main competitor, the Piaggio MP3 530, although it is slightly heavier, at 287 kg. It has 13-inch wheels at the front and 15-inch wheels at the rear, with a wheelbase that increases its stability while riding.

And how is it? Good. Very good, if you know what you're doing. The CV3 is stable, comfortable and surprisingly fun. The seat has an excellent design, the lumbar support is a plus and the Rain and Power modes allow you to adjust its behavior. That said, it's not a motorcycle: you need to anticipate entering corners and understand how the front end works. After that, the whole thing flows naturally.

The brake is reliable, although you need to press it with the same force as you accelerate. The pedal, however, is a real asset when you need to brake suddenly. The Maxxis tires that equip the car perform well on both dry and wet surfaces, but on wet surfaces, it's best not to push as hard as in the other two situations. During the test in Mallorca, with asphalt unworthy of such a spectacular landscape and remnants of a recent storm, driving was, at times, a real adventure.

The most interesting thing was taking it off-road...even if only a little. The CV3 had a lot of fun, as did I. The driving position helps, the suspension works perfectly, and the brakes, although not calibrated for it, performed as expected. Dear Kymco, how about we put on more suitable off-road tires and test it? Just a suggestion.

It's well-equipped: 7-inch TFT screen, cruise control, heated grips, adjustable windshield, tire pressure sensor, and keyless start. Connectivity leaves something to be desired, it's true, but what it offers is sufficient. It would be nice to have at least the option of screen mirroring from your phone to take advantage of Google Maps.

The Kymco CV3 isn't just here to decorate the playground. It's here to compete with the big players. And to do it seriously.

Mundoquatrorodas