KymcoForum.com
Scooters - 125 to 300 => LIKE 200i => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on January 19, 2014, 06:15:16 PM
-
I was hoping we could encourage any LIKE200i owners to give us all a report on what they are finding needs replacement as they build up miles.
Any belts, bulbs, rollers, brake pads, parts, tires, etc. wearing out - and needing replacement?
How many miles on your LIKE when you had to replace something?
This will be of interest to all of us. (and to anyone looking in - before buying a LIKE 200i)
Stig replaced: Kendas off, replaced w/ Michelin City Grips @600 miles (due to recommendations from veterans - for wet weather commuting)
Thanks all, Stig
-
I'll play.
I passed 10,000k this past weekend, here's a run down on everything i've replaced or that has broken.
2012 Kymco Like 200i, i'm the second owner, purchased in Aprill of 2012 with 2k miles. Originally sold in October of 2011. The warranty transferred to me even though i've never had to use it.
Replaced the rear tire twice, both times due to nasty screws, but was able to patch roadside until replacements were found.
Front tire once, i'm currently running Micheline Power Pure SC's front and rear. Phenomenal tires, I highly suggest them. The stock front tire still had over half it's tread left at 9k miles, it now sits in the garage just in case.
Changed rollers to sliders around 9k miles. 3 of the rollers had semi flat spots that caused a little shudder on take off.
I was going to change the belt at 9k too, but it still has plenty of life left on it compared to a new one. I still may switch it out this spring before I take some long trips.
My brake fluid went bad like clockwork after two years, I purchased new pads at 8,500k planning on switching them out but they have well over 1/2 their pad left (almost as much as the new replacements) so I just bled the brakes for now. Feels like it did when it was new.
Other than that it's been routine maintenance, oil change, gear oil change, adjusting the valves every so often, once a month i'll splash a little sea foam in the tank.
I've never had a bulb blow out or a dead battery. I'm still using the original battery, the longest i've gone without riding is about 2-3 weeks during winter and it's always started right up.
The only two things that have broken is I put too much load on the power outlet once with an inflator (which i've replaced with a 1amp fuse, original was .5amp) and the plastic running below the foot board on the left hand side has a crack running from top to bottom, which I have no idea when it happened. Good thing it's not noticeable.
So that's my 10k mile report. Mine has been nothing but reliable. The most serious issues I've had were flat tires and brake fluid going bad, nothing you can blame on the scooter.
-
I'll play. idea when it happened. Good thing it's not noticeable.
So that's my 10k mile report. Mine has been nothing but reliable. The most serious issues I've had were flat tires and brake fluid going bad, nothing you can blame on the scooter.
Thanks a bunch Dolemite ! Good report!
How did you know the brake fluid was going bad? I noticed that mine was low in the right reservoir after purchasing. Didn't want to take it to the dealer for this - figured I needed to know how to do these kinds of things.
Learned how to get the plastic off to get at it and top it up....but not sure I'd know when it has gone bad.
Mine hasn't seen the dealer except to put on my Michelin City Grips.
4500 miles on the clock.
Stig
-
Yes Dolimite. Enjoyed your report. Good stuff!
-
two ways to tell your brake fluid is bad ,when the brakes drag after heavy use,. or they get spongey (soft )thats because brake fluid takes in water,. over time ,. so change the fluid every two years , and you should be good,.
-
two ways to tell your brake fluid is bad ,when the brakes drag after heavy use,. or they get spongey (soft )thats because brake fluid takes in water,. over time ,. so change the fluid every two years , and you should be good,.
Nailed it. Mine got really spongy. I was having to pull way too hard on them, and after time I could feel it depressing in steps. It wasn't a smooth engagement from beginning to end, but it seemed to brake in steps. I used a one man bleeder tool from Advance Auto that I got for about $7. It made the process of bleeding the tiny reservoirs much easier. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Tools-Garage-and-Equipment/Brake-Bleeder/_/N-26qw?filterByKeyWord=brake+bleeder+kit&fromString=search (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Tools-Garage-and-Equipment/Brake-Bleeder/_/N-26qw?filterByKeyWord=brake+bleeder+kit&fromString=search)
-
UPDATE! So as for all that no worries at 10k miles. I've suffered my first issue and really haven't had a chance yet to sort it out. This past weekend I noticed a little bit of oil dripping down the side of my cvt. Engine oil, not gear oil. I was due for a change anyways, 1,200 since my last, I try to do it every 1k. No biggie, BUT I measured what came out and it was about .5L as opposed to the .9L that should have been in there. The last time I looked at my dip stick it was measuring up to the very bottom, low. ANYWHO, while I did the oil change I decided to tear some stuff apart and see if I could find where this leak is, and it appears to be on the top of the engine, by the starter and on top of the cvt case. I suspect I may have overfilled last oil change and blew a gasket in the starter. Hopefully it's not one of the head gaskets. Regardless I ruled out blow by from the valve cover, no oil in the air filter, all those hoses are bone dry. I have been using synthetic oil since about the 3k mile marker. I know some people claim they can seep through some seals but i'm just not sure.
So does anyone have any experience with blown gaskets in their starter? Mine does seem to sluggishly crank sometimes, somewhat like my battery is weak. Which it may be, it's still the original and i've never charged it other than riding it almost every day. Once I get a few hours to go pull it off i'll update.
-
UPDATE! So as for all that no worries at 10k miles. I've suffered my first issue and really haven't had a chance yet to sort it out. This past weekend I noticed a little bit of oil dripping down the side of my cvt. Engine oil, not gear oil. I was due for a change anyways, 1,200 since my last, I try to do it every 1k. No biggie, BUT I measured what came out and it was about .5L as opposed to the .9L that should have been in there. The last time I looked at my dip stick it was measuring up to the very bottom, low. ANYWHO, while I did the oil change I decided to tear some stuff apart and see if I could find where this leak is, and it appears to be on the top of the engine, by the starter and on top of the cvt case. I suspect I may have overfilled last oil change and blew a gasket in the starter. Hopefully it's not one of the head gaskets. Regardless I ruled out blow by from the valve cover, no oil in the air filter, all those hoses are bone dry. I have been using synthetic oil since about the 3k mile marker. I know some people claim they can seep through some seals but i'm just not sure.
So does anyone have any experience with blown gaskets in their starter? Mine does seem to sluggishly crank sometimes, somewhat like my battery is weak. Which it may be, it's still the original and i've never charged it other than riding it almost every day. Once I get a few hours to go pull it off i'll update.
I don't have an oil leak, but at almost 4k miles now I too have experienced the starter turning over kind of slow, especially when the motor is hot.
-
noticed a little bit of oil dripping down the side of my cvt. Engine oil, not gear oil.
Synthetic oil downside (https://youtu.be/nhoghTgX1pM?t=4m41s).
-
?? Synthetic oil .... or regular oil in a KYMCO scooter ??
OK, I just got off the phone with the service techs of 3 dealers who sell: Vespa, Piaggio, SYM and KYMCO scooters.
All three service techs recommend the use of synthetic oil, of the proper weight for the season, in scooters.
Vespa/Piaggio specifies the use of synthetic oils. SYM recommends the use of synthetic oil. The KYMCO tech 'swears by' AMSOIL's scooter-specific full synthetic oil, although the owner's manual does not specify the use of synthetic oil.
The KYMCO tech uses AMSOIL in his KYMCO scooter and in his motorcycles.
All 3 service techs chuckled when I argued that synthetic oil, compared to regular oil, creates - finds - or causes leaks in a scooter engine.
To paraphrase their responses: A leak is a leak. Synthetic oil is not smaller than other oils. Oil weight is oil weight. Use the proper weight for the riding season. The KYMCO/motorcycle rider technician suggested that if you routinely ride near your engine's red-line - then you need full synthetic oil. If you ride less hard, a synthetic blend is OK to use.
Lastly - they all recommend changing your oil "frequently". How often?
I will not open that can of beans....people who ride or drive or mow or blow or fly (I guess) with an engine have strong feelings about oil change intervals.
Me: Winter riding - I'm changing my synthetic oil every 500-600 miles.
In the summer - 600-1000 miles. Depending on how badly I'm needing to touch my scooter engine!
(Vespa guys are arm wrestling over figures like 2500 > 6000 miles)
I do remember when "gonna cause her to leak !" Mobil 1 came on the market a few decades ago.....
No comment....
I'm going to go wax my top case, relax and think about pretty scooters....
Stig
-
UPDATE! So as for all that no worries at 10k miles. I've suffered my first issue and really haven't had a chance yet to sort it out. This past weekend I noticed a little bit of oil dripping down the side of my cvt. Engine oil, not gear oil. I was due for a change anyways, 1,200 since my last, I try to do it every 1k. No biggie, BUT I measured what came out and it was about .5L as opposed to the .9L that should have been in there. The last time I looked at my dip stick it was measuring up to the very bottom, low. ANYWHO, while I did the oil change I decided to tear some stuff apart and see if I could find where this leak is, and it appears to be on the top of the engine, by the starter and on top of the cvt case. I suspect I may have overfilled last oil change and blew a gasket in the starter. Hopefully it's not one of the head gaskets. Regardless I ruled out blow by from the valve cover, no oil in the air filter, all those hoses are bone dry. I have been using synthetic oil since about the 3k mile marker. I know some people claim they can seep through some seals but i'm just not sure.
So does anyone have any experience with blown gaskets in their starter? Mine does seem to sluggishly crank sometimes, somewhat like my battery is weak. Which it may be, it's still the original and i've never charged it other than riding it almost every day. Once I get a few hours to go pull it off i'll update.
Thanks for your post.
My starter never fails to start - and I've got the battery on a tender - battery may be close to 2 yrs old (the manufact. date is close to 2yrs on the scoot -not sure how the dealers handle the batteries) and I get a hesitation on the start sometimes when stone cold, and a 2 sec crank when hot to start.
I'm using no oil between changes. No leaks under the engine. If you're still under warranty - will it go to the dealer?
Please do report what you find.
Stig
-
I seriously doubt that synthetic oil caused this leak. It goes against everything i've read, especially for the age of the scoot/milage and the care taken. I haven't been able to confirm where it's coming from yet, work has me too busy. I do change my oil every 1k miles religiously along with all other scheduled maintenance, and this only started no more than a few weeks before I noticed it. As for my warranty, that ran out this past October, I never had to use it. SNARF!
When I get to pull her apart this weekend i'll update and let you guys know what I find out. WE'VE GOT A BLACK LIKE DOWN! (Actually she still runs great but i'm not adding any unessesary stress unless I have to. I can borrow my girlfriends Buddy 125 if I need to go anywhere ;D )
-
I seriously doubt that synthetic oil caused this leak. It goes against everything i've read, especially for the age of the scoot/milage and the care taken. I haven't been able to confirm where it's coming from yet, work has me too busy. I do change my oil every 1k miles religiously along with all other scheduled maintenance, and this only started no more than a few weeks before I noticed it. As for my warranty, that ran out this past October, I never had to use it. SNARF!
When I get to pull her apart this weekend i'll update and let you guys know what I find out. WE'VE GOT A BLACK LIKE DOWN! (Actually she still runs great but i'm not adding any unessesary stress unless I have to. I can borrow my girlfriends Buddy 125 if I need to go anywhere ;D )
Thanks dolemite!
Cool to have a scooter for back-up......my back up is my wife's xB.....or the city bus! Get less flack from the bus driver - no, actually the Mrs. is pretty understanding and will to get up at 4:00AM to haul me to work when snow is coming.
Stig
-
Well push came to shove and I handed "The Panty Dropper" over to the only local scooter shop to investigate my leak, from what I could tell it's a head gasket. But being new to gy6 engines, hell, I don't know. I've worked on cars my whole life and have never had to bring a vehicle to a shop for anything more than tires, so this doesn't sit right with me. But i'd hate to start tearing apart the engine only to find it's something I overlooked, and besides my garage is in no shape to organize bolts right now. The guy I brought it to operates a fairly new scooter shop across the bay, so I like to give them all the business I can. I trust them not to rip me off, but still. At least I know it will get fixed right. Details to follow! Hopefully soon!
-
Well push came to shove and I handed "The Panty Dropper" over to the only local scooter shop to investigate my leak, from what I could tell it's a head gasket. But being new to gy6 engines, hell, I don't know. I've worked on cars my whole life and have never had to bring a vehicle to a shop for anything more than tires, so this doesn't sit right with me. But i'd hate to start tearing apart the engine only to find it's something I overlooked, and besides my garage is in no shape to organize bolts right now. The guy I brought it to operates a fairly new scooter shop across the bay, so I like to give them all the business I can. I trust them not to rip me off, but still. At least I know it will get fixed right. Details to follow! Hopefully soon!
Thanks for the update - we'll be watching for your report.
What did you think of the sliders you put in at 9000 miles?
Really interested in this subject - I've got a set of Dr Pulleys and a scoot sitting in the garage waiting on the snow.....I can't keep changing the oils without riding it!
What sliders did you put in (brand and weight?) - and what did you think of the results?
Let's hope it is a simple leak to fix....
Thanks abunch, Stig
-
Stig, I installed Dr. Pulley sliders, whichever were listed as the stock weights for the Like, I think they're the same as a Buddy 125. They're a great upgrade, take off is noticeably quicker, top end not so much. It does reduce the amount of engine braking that occurs when you release the throttle which is kinda cool, it gives the feel that you're coasting when you're at speed. It was easy to do with an impact wrench to remove the variator nut.
As for my repairs all I know is the guy i'm using only charges $40 labor per hour, so no matter the outcome I won't be too out of pocket. Fingers crossed it's something stupid I overlooked. I once brought my old 84' Crown Vic to a tranny shop because I couldn't for the life of me figure out why it wouldn't shift out of 2nd. 10 minutes later the guy says "give me $20", I did... he "temporarily" fixed it with a paper clip, a C clamp on the linkage broke but when in park looked like it was in place. Sooo... yeah, here's hoping. I'd like to think these engines are built of tougher stuff like everyone says, we'll see.
-
Stig, I installed Dr. Pulley sliders, whichever were listed as the stock weights for the Like, I think they're the same as a Buddy 125. They're a great upgrade, take off is noticeably quicker, top end not so much. It does reduce the amount of engine braking that occurs when you release the throttle which is kinda cool, it gives the feel that you're coasting when you're at speed. It was easy to do with an impact wrench to remove the variator nut.
As for my repairs all I know is the guy i'm using only charges $40 labor per hour, so no matter the outcome I won't be too out of pocket. Fingers crossed it's something stupid I overlooked. I once brought my old 84' Crown Vic to a tranny shop because I couldn't for the life of me figure out why it wouldn't shift out of 2nd. 10 minutes later the guy says "give me $20", I did... he "temporarily" fixed it with a paper clip, a C clamp on the linkage broke but when in park looked like it was in place. Sooo... yeah, here's hoping. I'd like to think these engines are built of tougher stuff like everyone says, we'll see.
Thanks for your reply,
Yep, the first time I did the full-monty tune up my VW Beetle - it wouldn't start. Towed it to the dealer - the mechanic came out stuck a matchbook between the new points - cleaned off the stuff they came packed in. Fired right up.
Good luck
Stig
-
With 6,200 miles on the Like I've done primarily routine maintenance following the owners manual intervals and recommendations. Replaced two defective batteries under warranty the dealer finally gave up and gave me a Yausa that has worked flawlessly over a year now. I'm getting ready to replace the brake fluid as soon as my brother returns my Mityvac. Original tires have plenty of thread. Brake pads are at 4mm thickness so another 2mm to go. Replaced the spark plug at around 4,800. It was clean and light golden brown. Even so I replaced it. My rollers all have flat spots so I will replace the rollers with Dr Pulley sliders and replace the rubber dampers on the ramp with ones from Dr Pulley. The belt is within tolerance, but since I'll be opening up the case and removing the variator I might as well replace the belt. When I had the mechanic check the rollers since I didn't have a universal tool to assist removal of the variator he said he noticed a slight leak in the seal behind the variator. That will be fixed under warranty if in fact there is a leak.
My oil of choice is BMW MC synthetic. No issues. I do wish Kymco made our scooters with a canister filter. The screen they use doesn't give me much confidence in removing contaminates.
So far the Kymco is running great. Except for the problems with the two defective batteries it's been a reliable scooter.
-
With 6,200 miles on the Like
So far the Kymco is running great. Except for the problems with the two defective batteries it's been a reliable scooter.
Thanks a bunch TroutBum !
These reports give us good info.
Sounds like KYMCO used to install their own batteries - the few new ones I've seen all had a Yuasa battery in them. Kinda surprised to see that was an American battery co. - sounded Asian to my ears. Vivo said they were good batteries - so I'm sold.
Still waiting on the cold to depart - my Xmas present Bestem w/lights is still in the box! Too cold to be sitting out there staring at wires and screws and plastic bits. (new flooring and carpet - so the Mrs. declined my invitation to bring the scoot in the house. ) Things are looking good for 2 days hence, then more snow - but rain and 40's next week. I'll take it!! I am enjoying the folks I'm meeting on the city bus. Interesting bunch....
Still, will be good to scoot again.
Stig
-
Stig,
Not to rub it in, but living in Cali means riding year round. It's not to late to move out west. You'd have an instant riding buddy. Lots of backroads to explorer. Open invitation. :)"
-
UPDATE! My mechanic called me today. He says he can't find a leak, and suggested I might have just overfilled it on the last oil change. I usually put the whole .9L in and that shows as "FULL" on the dipstick, I think i'll start putting a little less and just have it go up 1/2 on the checkered portion of the stick. He cleaned it up and put it through it's paces and said everything is torqued properly and none of the gaskets are showing signs of leaking. He's got her ready for me to pick up and suggests I just keep an eye on it for a while, but he thinks nothing is wrong. AND that there's nothing wrong when it comes to using synthetics, which seems to be the consensus amongst most mechanics. I'm not sure where all the naysay is coming from.
He even said I didn't owe him anything because he couldn't find a problem to fix, regardless I talked him into letting me pay him for his time which is only $65.
So here's hoping he's right and nothing is wrong. I will be changing my oil filling practices after this. No more "topping off" on oil for a while.
-
UPDATE! My mechanic called me today. He says he can't find a leak, and suggested I might have just overfilled it on the last oil change. I usually put the whole .9L in and that shows as "FULL" on the dipstick, I think i'll start putting a little less and just have it go up 1/2 on the checkered portion of the stick. He cleaned it up and put it through it's paces and said everything is torqued properly and none of the gaskets are showing signs of leaking. He's got her ready for me to pick up and suggests I just keep an eye on it for a while, but he thinks nothing is wrong. AND that there's nothing wrong when it comes to using synthetics, which seems to be the consensus amongst most mechanics. I'm not sure where all the naysay is coming from.
He even said I didn't owe him anything because he couldn't find a problem to fix, regardless I talked him into letting me pay him for his time which is only $65.
So here's hoping he's right and nothing is wrong. I will be changing my oil filling practices after this. No more "topping off" on oil for a while.
Good deal!! It sounds like you've got a good mechanic!
I never fill mine up all the way. In racing, it is common for cars to smoke or leak oil if it is filled all the way. I keep mine in the middle of the hash marks, and at about 800 miles on the oil I add a bit of oil to put it back in the middle of the hash marks.
On an unrelated note, but relative to the thread, I rode my Like for the first time in about a week today and heard something weird. I started looking closer and this is what I found;
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/91CavGT/0212141708_zps8a31c653.jpg) (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/91CavGT/media/0212141708_zps8a31c653.jpg.html)
My muffler is cracked. My Like currently has 3850 miles on it.
-
Stig,
Not to rub it in, but living in Cali means riding year round. It's not to late to move out west. You'd have an instant riding buddy. Lots of backroads to explorer. Open invitation. :)"
Troutbum,
Thanks for the invite ....
I lived in Covina and Pasadena for a short time, was married in L.A., thumbed to and lived in San Francisco for a year....after Vietnam actually drove my VW from Mass. to San Francisco again to make a perm. move. It did not work out - but, outside of Paris and London, it remains my favorite city. The Big Sur was/is amazing!....and I was on foot; to ride through that area would be great!
I have 6 kids in Ohio - (and a bunch of grandkids - the Mrs. even knows all their names!) so, will be sticking here....except Mrs. Stig says we're going to Florida. The Land of Year 'Round Scootering!
Do you know "ootscoot at Ooty's Scooters - Santa Barbara, CA.
SYM Dealer, SYM rider, SYM owner - got them all!" ??
Seems like a nice guy and runs a good shop from what I read.
Would be fun to have a scooter guy to kick things around with. My 2 LIKE-owning neighbors are really great folks - but they are waiting for the riding class to start before they get back on their scoots.....I hope. They failed the riding test first try. I really don't want them out on the streets until they get to be better riders. Poking around our neighborhood at 20MPH does not equip them for Ohio drivers.
My head tech. at the cycle shop is a nice young fellow and tries to answer all my questions - but he's a motorcycle guy at heart. Sure like this forum - for the folks like yourself, and for the info!
Stig
-
Woah 91cavgt, that's a crack! I've noticed a little surface rust around some of the welds on my exhaust as well, but nothing as serious as that. I Think it's probably about time to give mine a good coat of black primer. Are you still under warranty? Mine expired this past October.
-
That's a factory defect!
-
Woah 91cavgt, that's a crack! I've noticed a little surface rust around some of the welds on my exhaust as well, but nothing as serious as that. I Think it's probably about time to give mine a good coat of black primer. Are you still under warranty? Mine expired this past October.
I purchased my Like in March of last year so it still has one year and one month left on the warranty. It has been stored out of the weather the entire time I have owned it, and the few occasions that it was stored outside, it was under an awning and I had a cover over it.
The only thing I can think of that may have caused this is the last time I took my Like in to the shop, it had a check engine light on for throttle position sensor and a code for running rich. If it ran rich for too long, it may have clogged the catalytic converter that is in the muffler. This in turn would increase the temp that the muffler would be at when running. This in turn would cause a large temperature swing which could stress the metal.