KYMCO, the good folks from Taiwan, have stepped up to challenge Kawasaki’s entry-level sportbike dominance with the introduction of the Quannon 150. KYMCO chose the recent IMS show in Long Beach to launch its all-new sportbike model.Powered by an air-cooled 149.3cc Single, the Quannon will debut in the US as a 2010 model. Sporting a 62 x 49.5mm bore and stroke, the air-cooled mill produces a claimed 14 horsepower. While the hp isn’t overwhelming, the beginner bike should enjoy phenomenal fuel efficiency (70-75 mpg claimed) with the four-valve engine and five-speed transmission. Combined with the 3.6-gallon tank, a rider can expect a range of over 250 miles on the little commuter/beginner motorcycle.A steel frame chassis is mated to a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock (no indication of adjustability on KYMCO press material). Stopping the 299-lb (claimed) bike comes via single discs, front and rear. The Quannon’s 17-inch wheels should help the little bike handle like a bigger machine, similar to the Ninja 250 it will always be compared with (which increased its wheel size to 17-inch with its 2008 redesign). Seat height is 31.5 inches (an inch taller than the Ninja).
KYMCO Quannon 150 Photo Gallery
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R has long been the unchallenged newbie-friendly sportbike, but the Quannon at $3449 actually bests its rival in MSRP, with a $550 price break (the Ninja saw a $500 price bump this year). And the little Quannon comes with a standard two-year warranty – as well as an optional four-year extended warranty available at the KYMCO dealer.Available in red and blue, the Quannon 150 maintains a true sportbike look and isn’t half bad in the styling department. As for the Quannon’s future success, there figures to be plenty of entry-level riders to go around (the Quannon would do well just poaching sales off dealer’s standing Ninja 250 waiting lists). Either way, another option is a good thing for the entry-level market.KYMCO Quannon 150 SpecificationsEngine: Air-cooled 4-valve SingleDisplacement: 149.3ccPower Claims: 14 HPBore/Stroke: 62 x 49.5mmCooling: Forced airIgnition: ElectricTransmission: Five-speedChassis: Steel frameFront Suspension: Telescopic forksRear Suspension: Mono shockFront Brake: Single discRear Brake: Single discFront Wheel/Tire: 110/80-17Rear Wheel/Tire: 140/70-17Dimensions (LxWxH): 81”x28.5”x46.2”Seat Height: 31.5 in.