Motorcycle manufacturer, Kibo Africa, on Thursday launched its K160E- Evolution, that is engineered for maximum comfort and power, and boasts of an improved fuel economy.
The environmentally friendly motorbike come with a 160cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, a load weight of 200kg, and a lower ride height for better stability on tarmac roads.
Speaking during the launch at a Nairobi hotel, Kibo Africa CEO Huib van de Grijspaarde indicated that the value of motorcycling is in improving mobility for urban residents.
“We took the K160E as an opportunity to better help young Kenyans do more by saving a lot of time on their commutes and expressing their spirit of adventure through how they move,” said Grijspaarde.
He added, “Our mobility solutions are designed to fit into our customers’ lifestyles while maintaining affordability and allowing them to remain environmentally conscious.”
According to the Motorcycle Assemblers Association of Kenya, there are between 25,000 and 35,000 motorcycles assembled locally each month and the number of newly registered motorbikes rose by 15.6 per cent between 2020 and 2021.
Grijsparde revealed that the new K160E is the next step in the company’s growth projections as it works to better respond to the needs of the Kenyan urban dweller.
“Our customers benefit from the market-leading products, and our employees and partners grow from having local assembly and distribution networks,” he stated.
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Kibo Africa currently assembles 10,000 bikes annually in Kenya and it plans to increase this capacity to 50,000 bikes per year within the next three years.
The CEO says they have successfully transferred technology locally to manufacture 38 components of its bikes in Kenya and also eyes 30 per cent localisation within three years.
To realise this ambitious plan, Kibo is intending to partner with local manufacturers to transfer the manufacturing of key components like mufflers and exhaust by Q1 of 2024.
Investments, Trade and Industry PS Dr Juma Mukhwana, in his address read by Industries Deputy Director Gideon Oele, lauded Kibo Africa for localizing production of motorcycles.
“This is a significant step towards improving the capacity and quality of local engineering teams and will contribute to the growth of the manufacturing industry in Kenya,” said Dr Mukhwana.
He added, “Besides, Kibo’s vision to unlock opportunities by providing access to safe and reliable mobility for all people, by challenging the market with an entrepreneurial spirit that delivers trusted quality is commendable.”
Kibo Africa ventured into the Kenyan market in 2017 and now employs 82 direct employees and has partnered with a number of logistics companies to enhance its market linkages.
It seeks to grow its direct employees to 400 and indirect jobs to 1,000 by the end of 2025.
Kibo K160E Specifications:
• Engine Type: 4 stroke SOHC Internal Combustion Engine
• Bore and Stroke: 62.0x53.5mm
• Compressions Ratio: 9.6:1
• Maximum Output: 11.7hp at 6,500rpm
• Maximum Torque: 13.9Nm at 5,400rpm
• Engine Displacement: 161.5cc
• Chassis: Hybrid backbone cradle frame
• Ignition System: CDI
• Starter: Electric starter and kick starter
• Transmission: 5 speed constant mesh
• Dimensions: 2150mm x 815mm x 1170mm
• Wheel Base: 1450mm
• Seat Height: 800mm
• Ground Clearance: 175mm
• Fuel Capacity: 6.8 litres / 10.4 litres
• Front Tyres: 110/90 – 17 inch, 70/30 On/Off Road Tubeless type
• Rear Tyres: 130/70 – 17 inch, 70/30 On/Off Road Tubeless type
• Front Suspension: Telescopic front fork, 192mm travel
• Rear Suspension: Twin coil-over shocks 140mm travel
• Front Brakes: Single disc, dual piston brake, floating calliper
• Rear Brakes: Single disc, dual piston brake, floating calliper
• Maximum Carrying Load: 200kg
• Kerb Weight: 145kg
• 50/50 tire upgrade available
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