KymcoForum.com
Scooters - 125 to 300 => LIKE 200i => Topic started by: Gnzbrg on May 05, 2018, 08:32:20 PM
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Okay, just got the new Like 200i home and took it down the road a bit. Uh-oh. Soon as I got past 40mph the bike shook like a paint mixer. Rear wheel looks round, checked the tire pressure, checked the shocks, all is good. But even on the center stand it jumps up and down once given a bit of throttle. Can someone please pretty please tell me this is a normal part of break-in and it will quickly smooth out? Called the dealer, who swears it was test ridden. (Yeah right.) His answer? "Oh well, bring it by and we'll take a look." Except he's 2 1/2 hours from here. This is a brand new 2018 with 3 miles on the clock. NOT a good start...
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If all fasteners are snug.....it has got to be the tire, doesn't it?
Out of balance.
There are no balancing weights on these scoots - but if it bounces at speed on the center stand. ...and shakes badly when ridden?
Bad tire. Has to be. Dealer probably didn't run it up that fast.
No, not a common problem on a new LIKE200i!
I might guess that you have too sensitive a rear end, or were on a bumpy road.....but you say it bounces on the stand!
Tire fully seated all around bead?
Gotta be a bad Kenda.
Stig
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Just a thought....
Some guys use tire beads in the tire...to balance the wheel. Some swear by these things. DYNABEADS.
Stig
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Can you do a video to show us the wheel being accelerated on the center stand?
Might help better scooter mechanics than me spot something.
Stig
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Yeah, Stig, I'm hoping it's just an out of round tire. Looks okay, but it don't take much to be "off" when a tire is only 12", I guess. And no, I'm not being overly sensitive, it ain't a bad road, and I've been riding for 50 years, so take my word for it, this thing POGOS once ya crack 40mph. Now I realize I'm probably over reacting, but I was hoping for a much better first ride experience, and would expect the dealer to have done a more thorough job of test riding it. Aarrgghh. Oh well, I'll put some more miles on it tomorrow just to see if it evens out, and if not, back to the dealer it goes. 260 mile round trip. Dammit.
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So first of all I am not sure if this scooter is really a 2018 Model. Don´t think so. Because in 2018 Kymco already sells and delivers it´s new Like Model 150i. At least over here in Europe (Italy and Netherlands).
So how old are the tires? Check the DOT Number on the sidewall of the tires (4 digit number).
Maybe these Kenda tires already have a "flat spot" from sitting to long on the same place (leftovers...) and are out of round.
Additionally Kymco Like Scooter tires are never balanced - unfortunately.
Checking them for being out of round is pretty easy on the mainstand with some propper simple tools.
Balancing the tires is a absolute necessity and the method Stig mentioned (i.e. Dynabeads) is the easiest and fastest way to do it. Use approx. 40 grams of dynabeads or equivalent product in each tire.
Or you must remove the two wheels and balance it on a external balancer stand with weights to stick onto the rim.
I know the symptoms and observations pretty well. Exreme handle bar wobbling and shaking. After a exact balancing pocedure I could ride handsfree(!) at 50 miles or more. The Kendas are not too bad in dry condition and when well balanced and well centered.
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That's good advice about dating the tires. They were made in 2017, so yeah, I probably got one of the last of the breed. Will put it up on a lift and do a rudimentary check for roundness. Probably out a little, and that's all it takes. Most likely will have to bring it back to the dealer and get a new set. Hey, maybe I can get some Michelins out of the deal!
Sorry for venting, especially being a newbie I shouldn't have done that. By the way, I did ride it around town at a slower speed and this thing is awesome.
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And if you decide to balance your wheels you can use a really effective and super cheap option: BB's! I have used Dynabeads in several scoots until they got expensive (doesn't take much-I'm cheap!) and hard to find. Then I tried BB's in my last DT300I and they worked great! About 2 ounces works well. The only drawback is you have to break the tire bead to put 'em in. Dyna bead can go in the tire valve with the core removed.
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That's good advice about dating the tires. They were made in 2017, so yeah, I probably got one of the last of the breed. Will put it up on a lift and do a rudimentary check for roundness. Probably out a little, and that's all it takes. Most likely will have to bring it back to the dealer and get a new set. Hey, maybe I can get some Michelins out of the deal!
Sorry for venting, especially being a newbie I shouldn't have done that. By the way, I did ride it around town at a slower speed and this thing is awesome.
Maybe fuss a bit, buy the Michelins....
and have them installed free.
And, yes I figured you knew what you were talking about. (but there are those new to scooters who complain about their crappy ride. $12,000 Burgman 650's have unhappy new riders sometimes)
Bad luck on getting a Kenda this bad.
Stig
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Ok probably just me but it’s new. Part of buying new is the warranty and it sucks but I’d be taking it back and having it made right, long trip or not.
Letting the dealer off the hook isn’t the answer particularly with the second machine on order.
If I bought new I’d want it made right. Just me.
AMAC
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I agree with AMAC. This is the kind of thing dealers signed on to do. It's just that most of them snivel out. The Like seemed to me to have a harsh ride from my test ride years ago. Something out of balance and/or out of round would just make it worse. Dealer and warranty but be careful and watch him!
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Yep, that's exactly what I plan on doing. Back it goes, and it WILL be made right. If the problem is only an out of round tire, then it will be replaced, not balanced. And when I pick up the second one I'll test it more than just a ride around the parking lot... Again, sorry to vent like that. But I really can't understand how any dealer could possibly release a bike in that condition, and I "saw red". (I'd bet the salesman's ears are still ringing from my phone call) Thanks so much for the advice and support.
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You really want to get me started on dealers? YOU have to do as complete a PDI as you can because most of these jokers just put 'em together out of the crate, stuff the battery in and roll 'em out! That Like I tested even had too much oil in it! Yeah, I don't need to get started!
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You really want to get me started on dealers? YOU have to do as complete a PDI as you can because most of these jokers just put 'em together out of the crate, stuff the battery in and roll 'em out! That Like I tested even had too much oil in it! Yeah, I don't need to get started!
That’s right. I bought a new Yamaha Majesty approximately one month before my accident. It was a brand new 2013 that was still in the crate in 2016. So I got it at a great price. I was 100 miles from home, so I waited all day for them to assemble and test it. It was past closing time when they got it ready they CLAIMED to had test ridden it. But when I got on it, there was a grand total of 1/10 miles on the odometer. THANKFULLY all was well because I had to ride it 100 miles home as a break in. I had traded in my Xciting 250.
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That’s right. I bought a new Yamaha Majesty approximately one month before my accident. It was a brand new 2013 that was still in the crate in 2016. So I got it at a great price. I was 100 miles from home, so I waited all day for them to assemble and test it. It was past closing time when they got it ready they CLAIMED to had test ridden it. But when I got on it, there was a grand total of 1/10 miles on the odometer. THANKFULLY all was well because I had to ride it 100 miles home as a break in. I had traded in my Xciting 250.
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Now Mr Forbes, after all that beauty was a Yamaha! Put some petrol in it and jump back quickly while it starts itself and runs its own diagnostics and checks the tires.
The LIKE is made in China.....that Majesty was probably made in Japan....and I wager it came with quality tires.
Check prices on Kendas. You can get two for less than a Michelin.
Imagine what Kymco is paying for one from that trainload of them in China!
Stig
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Not sure about the Majesty, but both Yamahas I've owned (Vino 125, XV250) came with Cheng Shin tires that I don't trust at all.
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Not sure about the Majesty, but both Yamahas I've owned (Vino 125, XV250) came with Cheng Shin tires that I don't trust at all.
Ouch. (Maybe that's like GoodYear over there? ☺)
Stig
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Cheng Shin Tyres (CST) is Maxxi's budget brand for the domestic market, they're rubbish, but i do like Maxxis
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Now Mr Forbes, after all that beauty was a Yamaha! Put some petrol in it and jump back quickly while it starts itself and runs its own diagnostics and checks the tires.
The LIKE is made in China.....that Majesty was probably made in Japan....and I wager it came with quality tires.
Check prices on Kendas. You can get two for less than a Michelin.
Imagine what Kymco is paying for one from that trainload of them in China!
Stig
Alas. I wish it had come with a “lane keeping system “ like many of the new cars and truck from Ford. Maybe then it would not have entered the median when I looked away and gotten totaled (along with part of my left leg . [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23].
By the way, i can’t remember what brand of tires it had. But I remember reading from the comments on the Majesty group that they left a lot to be desired and did not like wet weather.
Man! I miss riding. But two things have to happen.
1. Family has to stop breaking out in a cold sweat when I mention it.
But most importantly
2. MONEY! Medical expenses grab all my disposable income.
Maintenance of a prosthetic leg ain’t cheap. Compare it to getting a scooter serviced at a dealership.
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Any luck with the problems being resolved?
I didn't chip in earlier but I do recall that it's not impossible to have a rear wheel that's casted incorrectly - maybe not perfectly round.
I hope things are working out for you :(
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Alas. I wish it had come with a “lane keeping system “ like many of the new cars and truck from Ford. Maybe then it would not have entered the median when I looked away and gotten totaled (along with part of my left leg . [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23].
By the way, i can’t remember what brand of tires it had. But I remember reading from the comments on the Majesty group that they left a lot to be desired and did not like wet weather.
Man! I miss riding. But two things have to happen.
1. Family has to stop breaking out in a cold sweat when I mention it.
But most importantly
2. MONEY! Medical expenses grab all my disposable income.
Maintenance of a prosthetic leg ain’t cheap. Compare it to getting a scooter serviced at a dealership.
Ouch! .......and well stated about medical expenses. Can't imagine what yours came to. Daughter had her second (soccer ending) knee surgery last summer. The difference in the "on the road" price between this one, and the previous when I was covered by the county subsidized health ins. policy was huge.
But worst part was losing the entire senior year as varsity goal keep. She defended that goal for 28 games the previous year, behind the worst team imaginable - and loved it. Busy as a one-eyed dog on a butcher shop!
Anyway, ....that was a beautiful Majesty of your's. .....I vividly recall your photo of it.
Hang in there Mr. Forbes!
Stig
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Any luck with the problems being resolved?
I didn't chip in earlier but I do recall that it's not impossible to have a rear wheel that's casted incorrectly - maybe not perfectly round.
I hope things are working out for you :(
We're about to find out just what the problem is, and how the dealer will handle it. Headed down this morning to pick up the second Like (which the salesman has promised to personally test ride first) and bringing the "Jackhammer" back in to see what's wrong. They seem genuinely sorry about the issue, so let's hope they do me right...
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Back from the dealer and they agreed the level of vibration is unacceptable. On BOTH new bikes! So, after much (strong) insistence I will be getting new tires all around, and the 600 mile services will be done for free. Seems fair enough to me...
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Back from the dealer and they agreed the level of vibration is unacceptable. On BOTH new bikes! So, after much (strong) insistence I will be getting new tires all around, and the 600 mile services will be done for free. Seems fair enough to me...
It does seem reasonable, but also seems that they're shooting in the dark with what could be causing the vibration
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Back from the dealer and they agreed the level of vibration is unacceptable. On BOTH new bikes! So, after much (strong) insistence I will be getting new tires all around, and the 600 mile services will be done for free. Seems fair enough to me...
What tires?
I would be surprised that anyone would keep Kendas in stock.
So, getting something else?
Really bizarre, but guess bad tires came down the assembly line togther? I kept my Kendas on only 400 miles, but it wasn't due to any issue except wet grip on my work commuting.
Stig
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What tires?
I would be surprised that anyone would keep Kendas in stock.
So, getting something else?
Really bizarre, but guess bad tires came down the assembly line togther? I kept my Kendas on only 400 miles, but it wasn't due to any issue except wet grip on my work commuting.
Stig
The same OEM Kendas that come on the bike. Wasn't convinced, but Kymco's SC headquarters is sending two sets out that they guarantee to be good. I was pushing for Michelins, but that apparently couldn't be done under warranty. So... That's how I ended up with the 600 mile services for free. And if the new tires don't make it right, I have been promised the option of a full refund. Seems like the dealer is trying to do the right thing.
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I was getting too much vibration on my Like 200i (compared to my old 125) and found out that a lot of the bolts in the foot area were loose and that got rid of a lot of it. Other screws needed to be checked and tightened as well.
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I was getting too much vibration on my Like 200i (compared to my old 125) and found out that a lot of the bolts in the foot area were loose and that got rid of a lot of it. Other screws needed to be checked and tightened as well.
Just the opposite on my LIKE - found that I had better use the correct large size bull-nosed phillips screwdriver on the panel screws to break them loose the first time. Very tight from the factory.
I'm pretty picky - and found no delivery faults with this scooter.
Maybe it depends on how close your scooter was to the lunch bell?
Stig
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The same OEM Kendas that come on the bike. Wasn't convinced, but Kymco's SC headquarters is sending two sets out that they guarantee to be good. I was pushing for Michelins, but that apparently couldn't be done under warranty. So... That's how I ended up with the 600 mile services for free. And if the new tires don't make it right, I have been promised the option of a full refund. Seems like the dealer is trying to do the right thing.
Well, I hope you get it sorted.
It has been a fun & reliable scooter for 5 yrs, even though I had one of the 2012 assembled models, a few of which developed a faulty throttle position sensor (replaced free under warranty). No other year with this issue has come to light here. And that faulty TPS never failed to start, idle or run the scooter at speed.
(https://s31.postimg.cc/nbqrv4gmz/likedone.jpg)
I happily alternated it with my Piaggio, Burgman and Forza...and boy is it easy to service!
Stig
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I had the same problem when I purchased mine. The vibration was unacceptable. Turns out the front tire was out of balance.
Stig! Those DYNABEADS work like a charm sir. Now I haven’t used them in the LIKE but I use them in my other bike that is currently using a 300 size tire in the back. They work wonderfully and you never have to worry about a wheel weight falling off. You don’t even hear them in there at all.
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I had the same problem when I purchased mine. The vibration was unacceptable. Turns out the front tire was out of balance.
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That's EXACTLY the issue with mine... What was done to fix the problem? And how did the dealer respond? If you had a new tire put on, did that make a difference?
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Fortunately it was just a wheel weight that was added and it was taken care of.
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Fortunately it was just a wheel weight that was added and it was taken care of.
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Dealer put three ounces of weights on the wheel, still out of balance. That's why they're getting me new tires. Liking this dynabead idea for down the road when I put some GOOD tires on...
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Dealer put three ounces of weights on the wheel, still out of balance. That's why they're getting me new tires. Liking this dynabead idea for down the road when I put some GOOD tires on...
[emoji1360][em(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180514/2bf958b6144d2ec3ab7b4cf54dea39fb.jpg)oji1360][emoji1360]
This is what I use the beads in.
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3 ounces is a bit much! I always used Dynabeads until they got so expensive and hard to find. I am in TN and near MS and 200 years behind! Now I use BB's - - available anywhere and cheap!
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Yes, like Karl said, 3 ounces sounds way too much for these little wheels/tires.
On my Like 200i scooter I had to attach roundabout 1 / 1.1 ounce on each wheel (front and rear).
In your case I would also let have checked the wheels/rims by the dealer.
Kymco rarely but still seems to have bad wheels/rims out of tolerance sometimes.
Therefore you would need new wheels/rims under warranty also.
But apart from that you might need to get used to the generally pretty harsh (sporty) ride of these old generation Like scooters. The suspension of the new Like model and of all Vespas is much better and softer and more comfortable. No comparison.
At least, as I wrote, after my proper and thorough balancing procedure I now can/could ride free-handed up to top speed if I wanted. No shaking, no wobbling no nothing anymore on the handlebar.
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I'm not even sure my front wheel is balanced... I'll have to look :|
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Okay, after almost two weeks they got the first bike rideable; put on a new front tire and balanced the rear wheel. Still vibrates a little, but it's a lot better. The other bike got the same treatment but was still shaking badly. Dealer claimed they would have to get a new front wheel from Kymco... That's when my wife had "just about enough" and decided to cancel. SO, guess I got one new Like 200i instead of the pair we planned on. Too bad, it will most likely be fine now that it's sorted out. But once she sours on something, that's it. Oh well, I'll have fun with mine, and get her something else.
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Okay, after almost two weeks they got the first bike rideable; put on a new front tire and balanced the rear wheel. Still vibrates a little, but it's a lot better. The other bike got the same treatment but was still shaking badly. Dealer claimed they would have to get a new front wheel from Kymco... That's when my wife had "just about enough" and decided to cancel. SO, guess I got one new Like 200i instead of the pair we planned on. Too bad, it will most likely be fine now that it's sorted out. But once she sours on something, that's it. Oh well, I'll have fun with mine, and get her something else.
Really sorry to hear this.
And, I am just as puzzled about this issue with the wheels and tires causing such a problem that tires are being replaced and a sale is being cancelled!
Before you raised this issue, I honestly cannot recall this ever being raised as an issue, except by one LIKE owner in Europe. I've only been following ownership & ride reports from LIKE200i owners for 5 years. Nor has it been mentioned by any web, or print, cycle reviewer of the LIKE scooter. And many countries have posted reviews of this scooter
IMHO - The ride qualities of the first generation LIKE are acceptable - no, more to the point - the ride is as to be expected from a scooter with this wheelbase, weight, 330lb range of carrying capacity on 3.4 inches of rear, unloaded, suspension travel and $2500 price.
I can only surmise that your scooter's roughness is caused by a recently produced bad batch of tires, wheels, or both.
It's a shame - this scooter has, globally, for 8 or 9 years, generated many fans for a reason.
Stig
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Really sorry to hear this.
And, I am just as puzzled about this issue with the wheels and tires causing such a problem that tires are being replaced and a sale is being cancelled!
Before you raised this issue, I honestly cannot recall this ever being raised as an issue, except by one LIKE owner in Europe. I've only been following ownership & ride reports from LIKE200i owners for 5 years. Nor has it been mentioned by any web, or print, cycle reviewer of the LIKE scooter. And many countries have posted reviews of this scooter
IMHO - The ride qualities of the first generation LIKE are acceptable - no, more to the point - the ride is as to be expected from a scooter with this wheelbase, weight, 330lb range of carrying capacity on 3.4 inches of rear, unloaded, suspension travel and $2500 price.
I can only surmise that your scooter's roughness is caused by a recently produced bad batch of tires, wheels, or both.
It's a shame - this scooter has, globally, for 8 or 9 years, generated many fans for a reason.
Stig
Can't explain either, but even the service manager agreed both bikes were unrideable above 40mph. They would not even release the second bike because he felt it was unsafe, even after swapping out the tire. The dealer is not happy since it cast him in a bad light and cost a sale. He has made Kymco USA well aware of the problem... On the other hand, I am enjoying the scooter very much now that it's sorted out. My wife is sure to get over her disappointment after awhile and then we'll get her another one.
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I think this whole scenario is nutz! Don't misunderstand. There is something wrong and it is NOT the harsh ride character of the Like. I am just mystified why the cause is so elusive. Praise to the dealer for deciding Like #2 not safe above 40 mph. His integrity is top notch! And he is using Kymco USA to hopefully solve the problem.
I will be back to normal in a minute. Can't believe I actually said nice things about a dealer!
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I think this whole scenario is nutz! Don't misunderstand. There is something wrong and it is NOT the harsh ride character of the Like. I am just mystified why the cause is so elusive. Praise to the dealer for deciding Like #2 not safe above 40 mph. His integrity is top notch! And he is using Kymco USA to hopefully solve the problem.
I will be back to normal in a minute. Can't believe I actually said nice things about a dealer!
Yes, the dealer tried to fix the problem as best they could under warranty. Just took awhile, so I had a frustrating experience but do not blame the dealer, or Kymco. They were even gracious enough to allow my wife to cancel and returned our deposit. Just one of those things... Let me again state that once the bike was sorted out I am greatly enjoying it. Handles well, has good power, seems well built, is pretty comfortable, and looks great too.
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I think both Kymco and the dealer were to blame.
It was Kymco's job to check that the wheels coming out didn't have excessive runout.
The dealer said they test drove it -- they didn't. Arguably they also should have actually tracked down the problem, and THEN started replacing parts. The use of large amounts of dynabeads makes me guess they they never actually checked that anything was out of balance.
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I agree, Hypo! This kind of problem can be of 1. Tire/rim out of round/true, 2. Tire/rim out of balance, 3. Bearing issue. Simple stuff, no test equipment required. Inquiring mind mandatory.
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A clear yes to Karl and Hypothalamus. No rocket science needed normally to solve these kind of problems.
Just make sure that the lightest point of the tire (red or white or yellow dot on the sidewall - depends on the manufacturer) is positioned at the valve stem and then balance properly the whole wheel and check for out of round tire/rim.
I just tried it recently on a short highway ride. Yes, I now can ride the scooter freehands at top speed! No shaking, no wobble, no nothing, no unsafe ride. 8)