KYMCO SUPER 8 50 / 150
The logical name for the replacement of the Super 9 might have be the Super 10, but perhaps Super 8 rolls off the tongue a little nicer. In any case, the Super 8 scooters are nice rides. Kymco gave these scooters a very sporty look reminiscent of Aprilia’s SR50, which is quite a compliment because the SR50 is an extremely sharp scooter.
Motors
Over its run, the Super 8 has been sold with a choice of three motors, none of which are particularly new or advanced but that’s not to say they aren’t nice reliable mills. When the Super 8 was introduced in the USA for 2009, buyers had a choice between a 4-stroke 50cc or 4-stroke 150cc motor. For 2010, Americans were offered the same two choices while Canadians were offered the Super 8 for the first time with a choice between a peppy 2-stroke 50cc engine (the same one as the Super 9) or a 4-stroke 150cc. In the USA for 2009 and 2010, the Super 8 50 looked a lot faster than it actually was. The 4-stroke 50cc motor was fine, but its non-restricted 35-40 mph top speed doesn’t exactly perform as well as the racing leather press photos implied.
For 2011 Kymco added the Super 8 50 in a 2-stroke version and for 2012 the 4-stroke 50 model disappeared entirely. The 2-stroke version uses Kymco’s clone of Honda’s AF18/AF16 motor that dates back to the mid 90’s. This motor is a basic design (air cooled, 2-valves, carburated) but its reliable and has a lot of performance potential. A derestricted Super 8 is capable of 45-50mph and these motors can easily be modified to 70mph and beyond. The ’94 - ’01 Honda Elite SR shares the same basic motor as the 2-stroke Super 8 (with some small differences) so many aftermarket parts for that scooter can be used including big bore kits. You can learn a bit more about this motor and derestricting it at the Super 9 page.
Fuel economy for the Super 8 ranges from about 70mpg (2-stroke 50cc), to 75mph (4-stroke 150) to 80-90mpg (4-stroke 50). You can expect quite a bit less from your 2-stroke 50cc if highly modified. 45mph is fairly normal once you toss in a big bore kit and large carb. Fuel milages isn’t class leading but it’s pretty good. A derestricted 2-stroke Super 8 is capable of close to 50mph, so buyers should choose carefully between the 150cc model and the 2-stroke 50. The 150 model is a bit faster still (about 60mph) but the insurance costs are likely to be quite a bit lower if you opt for the 2-stroke 50cc.
The Super 8 scooters are physically a bit larger than the average 50cc scooter. The Super 8 has a 53.7” wheelbase and a higher than average weight of 233 lbs (50cc) or 258 lbs (150cc). These larger dimensions make the Super 8 a good fit larger/taller riders. Other practical considerations include moderate underseat storage but no glove box
The Super 8 features some nice styling touches including an edgier look than the departed Super 9, and superlative 14” blacked out six spoke rims. Kymco could have toned down the graphics a bit, but any owners concurring can use a hair drier to remove any decals they deem overkill.
The style of the Super 8 works really well from front to back and the whole rear end flows nicely to a sport bike inspired pointed tail. Kymco has done a great job with this design, but enthusiasts may want to trade a bit of spray protection for cleaner lines by tidying up the large rear fender.
Discussion
Overall, the Super 8 is quite a nice scooter. It’s got sharp sporty styling and the 2-stroke has the performance potential to compete with scooters like Yamaha’s BWs 50 and Aprila’s SR50. The low price of the Super 8 is likely going to be enough to convince many buyers that it’s worth accepting simpler engine technology while competitors like Aprilia’s SR50 are using amazing liquid cooled, direct injected, fuel injected motors. Like its competitors, the Super 8 has a front disc brake and reasonable underseat storage. Aprilia does take it a step further with a glovebox and a rear disc brake, but you do pay a large premium for that. The Super 8 is a more affordable entry into the high performance scooter scene, so it will appeal to a lot of people based on that and because it’s less common and easier to work on than some of those other scooters.
Please consider adding an owner review of your Super 8 . It greatly benefits other readers and improves this site.
OWNER REVIEWS - Browse the Kymco Super 8 50 / 150 Owner Reviews
Pros:
- Sharp styling
- Lots of parts and performance potential for 2-stroke 50cc
- Front disc brake
- Sweet rims
- Low MSRP
Cons:
- High seat height
- Aging engine designs
Links:
Submit Review - Own this scooter? Add your thoughts to this site.
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forums on this site to chat about this scoot.
KymcoForum.com - A good place to learn more about Kymco's
Variator Restriction Removal - Learn how to get full performance out of your 2-stroke Kymco
CMG Review - Nice test of the 2-stroke 50cc Super 8 by CMG
OEM Kymco Parts Look Up - Nice for viewing exploded diagrams and ordering parts.
Key Specs - Super 8:
* Engine: Air cooled, 49cc 4-stroke or 2-stroke, OR Air cooled, 149cc 4-stroke
* Transmission: CVT
* Bore & Stroke: 39mm x 41.4mm (50cc), 52.4mm x 57.8mm (150cc)
* Compression Ratio: 7.2:1 (50cc 2-stroke)
* Fuel Delivery: Carb with Auto Choke
* Drive: Belt
* Wheelbase: 53.7”
* Weight: 233.5 lbs (50cc), 258 lbs (150cc)
* Starter: Electric and Kick
* Seat height: 31"
* Fuel Tank: 1.3 gallons / 5 Liters
* Brakes: Single Piston Disc (Front), Drum (Rear)
* Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
* Rear Suspension: Adjustable Single Shock (50cc), Dual Shock (150cc)
* Tires: 100/80-14 (Front), 120/80-14 (Rear)
* 2-Stroke 50 Years Sold: 2011 - Present (USA), 2010 - Present (Canada)
* 4-Stroke 50 Years Sold: 2009 - 2011 (USA)
* 4-Stroke 150 Years Sold: 2009 - Present (USA), 2010 - Present (Canada)
* MSRP: $1999 (50cc 4-stroke), $2199 (2013, 50cc 2-stroke), $2499 (2013, 150cc)
Colors:
2010 - Red/Black, Green/Black, Yellow/Blue
2011 - Red/Black, Green/Black, Yellow/Blue
2012 - Red/White, Blue/White, Black/Silver
2013 - Red/White, Blue/White, Black/Silver