Motorcycle manufacturer, Kibo Africa has launched a new motorbike for urban dwellers, and the plan is to reduce their commute time. However, the company, which entered the Kenyan market back in 2017, says that it does not seek to resolve to address commute times solely: it has collaborated and will continue partnering with local logistics firms that use motorbikes for their services. To this end, the manufacturer has shared its technology within Kenya, enabling the local production of 38 bike components, with a goal of achieving a 30% production rate.
The said motorbike is named K160E-Evolution and has been created to provide comfort and power for city traffic, and it has a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly 160cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine. Its load capacity is 200kg, and it has a lower ride height that enhances stability on tarmac roads.
Data
Kenya’s motorcycle industry is expanding due to the increasing demand for convenient transportation. The Motorcycle Assemblers Association of Kenya states that local assembly produces 25,000 to 35,000 motorcycles every month, and the number of newly registered motorbikes grew by 15.6% from 2020 to 2021.
Kibo Africa currently produces 10,000 bikes per year and aims to raise this to 50,000 within three years. They’ve also passed on the technology to make 38 bike parts in Kenya, with a goal of 30% local component production during that time. Kibo intends to collaborate with local manufacturers to make crucial components like mufflers and exhaust by Q1 2024.
Specs
| Specification | Kibo K160E |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke SOHC ICE |
| Engine Displacement | 161.5cc |
| Maximum Output | 11.7hp at 6,500rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 13.9Nm at 5,400rpm |
| Chassis | Hybrid backbone cradle frame |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Dimensions | 2150mm x 815mm x 1170mm |
| Seat Height | 800mm |
| Ground Clearance | 175mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.8L / 10.4L |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic front fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin coil-over shocks |
| Front Brakes | Single disc, dual-piston |
| Rear Brakes | Single disc, dual-piston |
| Maximum Carrying Load | 200kg |
| Kerb Weight | 145kg |
To note, Kibo’s bikes are not electric, although Kenyans who want to purchase electric ones can actually access them from other motor-manufacturing firms operating locally. For instance, the Roam Air has been on sale since 2022 and can be bought for under KES 180K.
It is also not clear whether Kibo Africa will at one time in the future venture into EVs, as the market is slowly transitioning into clean energy.
READ MORE: State of Electric Vehicles in Kenya in 2022
Quotes
Speaking at the launch event, Kibo Africa CEO, Huib van de Grijspaarde, noted the value of motorcycling 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. Our mobility solutions are designed to fit into our customers’ lifestyles while maintaining affordability and allowing them to remain environmentally conscious.”
