Miles ahead of the rest: We have seen, more and more over the past 35 to 40 years, how especially in motorcycling terms, the "workshop of the world" has gravitated towards the Far East. Where once British bikes led the world, for the greater part of most riders' lifetimes the centre of gravity has been in Japan, China and other, smaller Far Eastern countries.
This has far from wiped out either European or North American manufacturers, indeed forced them to become more innovative and competitive. Nevertheless, increasingly, the Asia-Pacific region dominates motorcycle manufacture.
The reasons are not hard to find. With massive population, an abundant labour supply noted for ingenuity and hard work, lower wage rates, increasing affluence and, by Western standards, personal mobility still the exception rather than the rule, all the right ingredients are there.
Throw in the fact that as far as powered two wheel transport is concerned the raw material content is relatively low and the finished perceived value is high; the result is that we can expect to see more and more machines coming to Western markets.
A typical example is the Taiwanese manufacturer KYMCO. Small by comparison with the better-known Japanese manufacturers, they currently produce some 500,000 machines a year. They employ some 3,000 people and, importantly 250 of these employees are engaged in research and development. KYMCO is not content simply to concentrate on their home and nearby regional markets, they see Europe as especially attractive.
We recently tested the KYMCO "Miler" scooter. This is a single cylinder, four-stroke scooter with a high screen, large, comfortable seat with plenty of under-seat stowage space. It has proved to be one of the best sellers in most European markets.
In terms of looks, while conventional, it is attractive and well constructed. Closer inspection shows those small but important "we are trying harder" touches. You get a sidestand as well as a centre stand.
There is a passenger backrest and well-placed pillion grabrails as well as a rear carrier. Under the seat there is a light and provision for charging your mobile phone.
The rear mudguard extends low down and helps keep the machine cleaner. But for us the nicest touch of all are the very well-placed mirrors. Not only do they give a good rear view, they can be folded in at the touch of a button on the right hand grip.
Filtering through some of the worst of city gridlock we found they really come into their own. Simply by pressing a button the mirrors fold in, you can filter though tighter gaps with ease. Once past, a touch of the button and they click back into place. After a day in city traffic we would shortlist this machine on this feature alone.
The 125 cc, single-cylinder, two-valve, four-stroke engine is smooth and powerful. It produces 11.3 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Given an all-up weight of 140 kgs, the power output equates to 80 bhp per tonne.
Put another way, this engine is producing the equivalent of 90 hp per litre. Riding this machine it felt more powerful than we would expect from a 125cc displacement engine. It is lively, spirited and will give good acceleration, thanks to the continuously variable transmission, and a top speed of 70 mph.
This is quite sufficient in city, town, suburban and country roads, though not ideally suited to protracted motorway journeys.
The rest of the specification is well up to standard: twin hydraulic front forks, twin adjustable rear dampers, disc brakes front and rear, 12" alloy wheels, automatic choke, digital clock, electric and kick starters, digital clock and fuel gauge.
All in all we would rate the KYMCO 125cc Miler at least on a par with similar sized scooters from the larger manufacturers, and the comprehensive specification, especially the fold-in mirrors, give it a useful edge. And, at €4,250, it is competitively priced.
Tech spec
ENGINE: 124.6cc, two-valve, SOHC, 4-stroke. 11.3bhp at 7,500 rpm, 10Nm torque at 6,000 rpm. CVT transmission
FRAME: Tubular steel chassis, twin telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic rear dampers, disk brakes, 12" alloy wheels
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 780mm, weight 140 kgs, fuel capacity nine litres
INSURANCE: Group 2
PRICE: €4,250