KITOMI In Panama
Aug 25th, 2006 by Don Ray
While I was walking around the downtown area of David yesterday, I passed a store that had KITOMI motorcycles and scooters on display. Since I have seen several Yahoo questions lately on the availability of ATVs in Panama, I stopped and talked to the salesman. I asked him if they were from China and he said that they were from Korea. I thought this was interesting, so I picked up the flyer that you see above.
Being the curious type, I pulled up the company website and I see references to China, but none to Korea. Maybe the salesman needs to look at the website.
I did notice from the website, that KITOMI has set up a full logistics operation in the Colon Free Zone of the Republic of Panama to service customers in Panama, Latin America, and North America. And yes, they do have a line of ATVs. Maybe if I were not so risk adverse I would consider one of their scooters. 112 miles to a gallon sounds pretty good, but I doubt that the savings would offset the likely hospital bill I would have if I owned one.
And how easy it could be parking with a scooter! But perhaps it`s better leave it as you said!
Is your email working correctly?
Good weekend, Don !
Another concern I might have is wheter the scooter would be where I parked it when I returned.
Yes, email cshould be working correctly now. It was full yesterday and I might have missed a few messages.
Don,
Motor scooters have become very popular all over the US again (think Vespas in the 1960s) based upon a number of articles that I have read and my observations (I am in the home office in Colorado for awhile). I am thinking that they would be very handy in Panama for short trips where I don’t need a car. I suspect I would have to think more about the security aspect though…
Rob
I haven’t seen many used here. There are a lot for sale. With the price of gas, the daily expense would be nice.
Given the way that Panamanians drive, I don’t think I woul dhave the nerve to ride one of those!
It would require a defensive driving course.
I guess my thought is since I live in Coronado I can use it to run local errands (El Ray, local restaurants, etc). I guess I might have to watch for the golf carts though…
Rob
It should work well for that. You sure can’t beat the mileage.
As a owner of a scooter and founder of Panama Scooter Club here in Panama I must say that they do come in handy now with the continue state of energy crisis. As an expat and owner of a car here it is not easy so riding on two wheels has been my best option and even for scoots gas prices are starting to hit the wallet but not as strong as for the car. Defensive driving is a must here in Panama, specially around cabs and public buses. Sure you won’t see as many scoots as in Thailand or Japan but slowly but surely myself and our site are speading the word about scooters and small motorcycles.
Hi Ramon. Thanks for leaving a comment. Yes, you have to have nerves of steel and good reflexes if you want to survive on two wheels in panama.
We have a small 50cc Suzuki scooter. No defensive driving or theft worries on Bocas Del Toro. The good news is that with bad roads you can navigate around the pot holes (lakes) and get a smoother ride than in a car. The bad news is that I’ve gotten mired in mud and fallen (oh, so slowly) several times. I’m researching buying an ATV for a bit more stability and security. Can anyone recommend a dealer and brand? Thanks. Susan
I will let others answer.