CARB Certifies Kymco K Pipe 125

Troy Siahaan
by Troy Siahaan

On January 21, 2016, Kymco was granted an executive order by the California Air Resources Board for the K Pipe 125, indicating its arrival on U.S. shores is imminent.

For those not in the know, the Taiwanese manufacturer has been producing the K Pipe 125 since 2013, where it has been available in other markets. Powered by a 124cc Single Kymco claims makes 8 hp and 6.3 lb-ft. of torque, the K Pipe also features a four-speed transmission.

With the success of the Honda Grom, it’s clear to see other manufacturers are trying to grab the attention of the hip youth market. Kawasaki made its intent known with the Z125 currently tapped for Asian markets, but expected to arrive in the U.S. someday.

With the K Pipe 125, Kymco is also joining the mini-bike fray – sorta. Its 17-inch wheels give it a “big-bike” feel unlike the 12-inchers seen on the Grom and Z125. Also, the Kymco has a longer wheelbase than the Honda (50.8 in. vs. 47.2 in.), and the K Pipe’s claimed dry weight of 264 lbs already eclipses the Honda’s claimed wet weight of 225 lbs. Stopping power is provided by a single front disc and rear drum setup.

Clearly, the Kymco K Pipe 125 is aimed at the youth market. Its minimalistic styling leaves much of the frame rails and engine exposed, while the bodywork that is there is angularly styled and aggressive. No official word yet from Kymco USA as to the K Pipe 125’s arrival date and price.

Troy Siahaan
Troy Siahaan

Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.

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