KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: klaviator on December 23, 2018, 02:49:48 PM
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I have been trying to decide for a while what scooter to get to replace my Super 8 150 which now has 32,600 miles on it. The Super 8 has been one of the most fun bikes I have ever owned but it's time to move on. Yesterday I drove 110 miles down to the nearest Kymco dealer. That would be Max Motorsports in Pelham, Al. They had a real nice collection of scooters in the showroom.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-cP2QsNS/0/1e48b911/L/PC220001-L.jpg)
I had called ahead and arranged for a test ride of a Like 150i.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-jVvRBGJ/0/ee4ca411/L/PC220003-L.jpg)
I did a test ride and liked it enough to make them an offer. They accepted and I was soon the owner of a 2018 Like 150i. I took it for another ride and then loaded it up and headed for home.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-2JnZg6B/0/32a15967/L/PC220006-L.jpg)
After I got home I pulled out the S8 and took these pics.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-pdvFtcw/0/66a7f00d/L/PC220007-L.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-cjK47WV/0/e04cb23c/L/PC220008-L.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-QcGDgdk/0/06a948e5/L/PC220010-L.jpg)
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Beautiful pics and great looking scooters, I know from watching your videos that the Like will be well cared for. Enjoy the new ride!
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Looks good!
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That's great, love the new 150 in white. Looking forward to your impressions after you put a few miles on it. I need to ride up to that dealer (maybe 160 miles) and check them out...
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That's great, love the new 150 in white. Looking forward to your impressions after you put a few miles on it. I need to ride up to that dealer (maybe 160 miles) and check them out...
Max Motorsports seems to be a great dealer. Everyone there was friendly and helpful and buying was a very low pressure affair. They also have a great selection.
So far I like the scooter. Engine performance is a bit less than I hoped for but then it's not broken in yet and I haven't really opened it up yet. Seems to be quicker than my Super 8 but not as fast as my Smax was. The brakes are awesome. handling? feels good around town but until I get it out on some twisty mountain roads I'll wait to pass judgement on that.
I considered the red but went with white. I was a little concerned it would be harder to photograph but I'm not concerned about that anymore.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-Mp3Xfht/0/75e7c77b/XL/PC250042-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-9V87rp7/0/cfc858e5/XL/PC250077-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-pCRH3PC/0/4cec5d0f/XL/PC240073-XL.jpg)
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The profile of these new LIKE150i's sure remind me a lot of the sleek little Primavera (my fav VESPA)….at half the $.
That is surely NO accident!
(https://i.postimg.cc/QxXQRptf/0000000000000000vvc.jpg)
The last time I rode my LIKE200iLX to a motorcycle meet (Blessing of the Bikes) - folks were complimenting me on my "restored" Vespa, "or is it a Lambretta?"
Stig
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Like your latest photos much better!
Stig
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Nice scoot. Been eyeballing them myself. 8)
Max is my fave dealer... bought my Spade there.
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I love the new fuel-injected Kymcos, but still haven't figured out how to get around the problem that they can't be owner-maintained like the older GY6-type Kymcos.
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I love the new fuel-injected Kymcos, but still haven't figured out how to get around the problem that they can't be owner-maintained like the older GY6-type Kymcos.
I am with you on this one. I would like to buy a bigger Kymco in future, but chances are very slim that I will ever buy a fuel injected one. For the simple reason - I like to do my own services and repairs.
Fuel consumption and performance should be better on fuel injected Kymcos, but I am not a performance freak and spending money at dealerships to solve possible problems might soon cancel the savings on fuel costs.
Maybe I should ask - which bigger Kymcos came with carbs ?
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I love the new fuel-injected Kymcos, but still haven't figured out how to get around the problem that they can't be owner-maintained like the older GY6-type Kymcos.
Why not? Oil changes, belt changes, Valve adjustments, how are they any different? Sure the FI could go bad but then so could carbs. I didn't have problems with my carb but then I rode my scooter almost every day.
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Why not? Oil changes, belt changes, Valve adjustments, how are they any different? Sure the FI could go bad but then so could
It's not that simple.
If something goes wrong with a carb, an owner could get away just by maybe using a can of carb cleaner, and cleaning the carb.
A fuel injection system have several additional components - like a computer, an oxygen sensor, fuel injector(s), fuel pressure regulator, additional wiring, and an electric fuel pump. Any of these components can get faulty and even mechanics with many years of experience usually need expensive diagnostic tools to trace a problem.
In short - a carb is a lot easier and cheaper to service, than tracing and replacing a faulty part on a FI system.
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Klav….
I think you are going to have years of fun with your new LIKE!
I think you made a great choice.....on this scooter which was voted "Scooter of the Year" (in 2017, was it?).
Heck of a lot of scooter for a very nice price.
As for the EFI and electronic ignition found on all new scooters - I just don't think we can convince a guy who loves tinkering and carbs to change.
All the arguments for EFI can be disputed - including the fact that every EFI that I've heard of has a "get-you-home" system built into it. Whatever....
Me, I prefer charcoal over gas grills - go figure!
Been a fan of EFI ever since finding it under the hood of my Rabbit 44 yrs ago - my son and I started our 4 EFI scoots/bikes ( 1418 total cc's) on a frigid day recently - and grinned at how quick were the starts and how quickly they settled into a smooth idle!
I'll spend my time doing the simple CVT, filter and fluids servicing - while loving and trusting the EFI.
Stig
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It is true that carb problems can often be fixed by the owner while FI not so much. I have owned many bikes with carbs and have had to fix some carb problems over the years. The Like is my 6th bike with FI and I have yet to have a single issue with the FI on any of them. Given a choice I'd prefer FI over carbs.
I have also owned several vehicles with FI. Only one ever gave me problems. I had a Chevy S-10 that needed an expensive repair related to the FI. It did not however strand me anywhere. It just started running badly.
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It's not that simple.
If something goes wrong with a carb, an owner could get away just by maybe using a can of carb cleaner, and cleaning the carb.
A fuel injection system have several additional components - like a computer, an oxygen sensor, fuel injector(s), fuel pressure regulator, additional wiring, and an electric fuel pump. Any of these components can get faulty and even mechanics with many years of experience usually need expensive diagnostic tools to trace a problem.
In short - a carb is a lot easier and cheaper to service, than tracing and replacing a faulty part on a FI system.
While fuel injection is more complex to diagnose and repair, the truth of the matter is that in most cases it’s MUCH MORE reliable compared with the average carburetor. That part of the scooter is virtually maintenance free. Use clean fuel, replace fuel filter on schedule, that’s about it for the fuel system.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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While fuel injection is more complex to diagnose and repair, the truth of the matter is that in most cases it’s MUCH MORE reliable compared with the average carburetor. That part of the scooter is virtually maintenance free. Use clean fuel, replace fuel filter on schedule, that’s about it for the fuel system.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I think in countries like the US carbs might be seen as "less reliable" for two main reasons:
1. Most available gasoline gets mixed with Ethanol.
2. Most scooters and motorcycles do not get used during long, cold winters.
Ethanol itself is corrosive, starts breaking down within a relatively short period - and will easily gum up a carb if the scooter
doesn't get used during a long winter. To my mind leaving a mixture of Ethanol and gasoline inside a carb bowl for a couple of months during winter could easily become a sure recipe for carburetor problems.
It would be interesting to know whether scooters in countries like the US comes with fuel hoses and fuel tanks which are suitable for ethanol ? As far as I know special hoses and fuel tanks needs to be used when Ethanol gets mixed with gasoline - because ordinary hoses disintegrate and ordinary fuel tanks do rust if an owner do not care about preventative treatment. This can obviously cause problems as well.
In countries with warmer climates, (like South Africa) scooters and motorcycles get used 365 days per year, and our gasoline does not get mixed with Ethanol. Which means chances are very slim that gasoline will get stale inside carburetor bowls, and we hardly ever have carburetor problems. Whenever carburetors give problems after many years, it usually just need carb kits which are dirt cheap.
Having said this - my previous bike was a Honda NC700, which came with a FI system which never gave any problems. But I am aware of two cases on these bikes where the computers on the FI systems had to be replaced under guarantee. The pure idea of replacing a very expensive computer out of my own pocket gave me the shivers.
I must admit - I always liked "fiddling" on my motorcycles, and the idea of doing things myself just gives me some extra "freedom". At least I can ride knowing that I can keep myself mobile.
Maybe that's the main reason why I prefer carburetors.
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I think in countries like the US carbs might be seen as "less reliable" for two main reasons:
1. Most available gasoline gets mixed with Ethanol.
2. Most scooters and motorcycles do not get used during long, cold winters.
Ethanol itself is corrosive, starts breaking down within a relatively short period - and will easily gum up a carb if the scooter
doesn't get used during a long winter. To my mind leaving a mixture of Ethanol and gasoline inside a carb bowl for a couple of months during winter could easily become a sure recipe for carburetor problems.
It would be interesting to know whether scooters in countries like the US comes with fuel hoses and fuel tanks which are suitable for ethanol ? As far as I know special hoses and fuel tanks needs to be used when Ethanol gets mixed with gasoline - because ordinary hoses disintegrate and ordinary fuel tanks do rust if an owner do not care about preventative treatment. This can obviously cause problems as well.
In countries with warmer climates, (like South Africa) scooters and motorcycles get used 365 days per year, and our gasoline does not get mixed with Ethanol. Which means chances are very slim that gasoline will get stale inside carburetor bowls, and we hardly ever have carburetor problems. Whenever carburetors give problems after many years, it usually just need carb kits which are dirt cheap.
Having said this - my previous bike was a Honda NC700, which came with a FI system which never gave any problems. But I am aware of two cases on these bikes where the computers on the FI systems had to be replaced under guarantee. The pure idea of replacing a very expensive computer out of my own pocket gave me the shivers.
I must admit - I always liked "fiddling" on my motorcycles, and the idea of doing things myself just gives me some extra "freedom". At least I can ride knowing that I can keep myself mobile.
Maybe that's the main reason why I prefer carburetors.
I’m an auto mechanic, so I understand the desire to fiddle with the carburetor and performing other adjustments. I miss doing those things on cars too. But to be honest. The lack of a NEED to fiddle demonstrates the improved reliability. With a car, the use of fuel injection pretty much means the hood never needs to be opened for fuel adjustment purposes. But carburetors had to be adjusted periodically even under the best circumstances . I suspect it’s the same with scooters. Having said that, I do like showing the YOUNGSTERS my magic skills in being able to adjust a carburetor and even replace points and condenser. Lol
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Max Motorsports seems to be a great dealer. Everyone there was friendly and helpful and buying was a very low pressure affair. They also have a great selection.
So far I like the scooter. Engine performance is a bit less than I hoped for but then it's not broken in yet and I haven't really opened it up yet. Seems to be quicker than my Super 8 but not as fast as my Smax was. The brakes are awesome. handling? feels good around town but until I get it out on some twisty mountain roads I'll wait to pass judgement on that.
I considered the red but went with white. I was a little concerned it would be harder to photograph but I'm not concerned about that anymore.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-Mp3Xfht/0/75e7c77b/XL/PC250042-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-9V87rp7/0/cfc858e5/XL/PC250077-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2018-pics/i-pCRH3PC/0/4cec5d0f/XL/PC240073-XL.jpg)
I have the same exact color and everything. It does get faster after break in, and I haven’t really gotten on it much, but yeah it isn’t a drag racer that’s for sure, seems like it’s got taller gears, been surprised by hitting 71 mph, but not as snappy as my old scoot or my girlfriends Vespa Sprint (close though), But has higher top speed.
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71 MPH out of an aircooled 150!
That is really nice......must be a very expensive Japanese scooter.
No?...Taiwanese engineering and Chinese construction.
Hmmmm.
Stig
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WOW, fantastic look bike dealership & sunny weather at Christmas!
We don't have either in the UK. Scooter dealers tend to be small back street shops. There are one or two good motorbike dealers but nothing on that scale! ;) 8)
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71 MPH out of an aircooled 150!
That is really nice......must be a very expensive Japanese scooter.
No?...Taiwanese engineering and Chinese construction.
Hmmmm.
Stig
I know right? And guess who’s scooter starts quicker and runs smoother in the Minnesota winter weather? The Vespa Sprint or my Like 150i? Yep, Taiwanese engineering at its finest. I have 0 regrets on not getting the Vespa now (except maybe resale value, but I will be riding this thing into the ground)
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I now have over 500 miles on my Like. I did a 195 mile ride on Saturday leading a group of seven bikes. The other bikes ranged from a Z125 to a Tmax and a couple of KLR650s.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-PICS/i-RV3dzsK/0/83f3393b/XL/P1050006-XL.jpg)
We rode a mix of city traffic, four lane roads and some twisty two lane roads.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-PICS/i-zdS3JTS/1/c0b8ff24/XL/P1050017-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-PICS/i-hHjtdZP/1/2585a3c1/XL/P1050015-XL.jpg)
So how is the Like 150i?
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-PICS/i-X8QFnkt/1/2cbd578a/XL/DSC03052-XL.jpg)
Well, it's a lot of fun, reasonably comfortable and I love the looks.
It is not a 71MPH scooter. This was going down a long steep hill.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-PICS/i-hC8gXtF/0/5f2258dd/L/P1050048-L.jpg)
Based on reports from people with GPS the Speedo reads 2-3 MPH high. On level ground I can get around 62-66 on the speedo. This probably depends on the wind.
I've been getting 70-73 MPG.
I let a few other people ride it and they loved it. One guy who never rode a scooter before said he will sell his sportster and buy a scooter. Another firend who rides a Tmax said he wanted one but his wife would kill him if he bought another bike.
A picture if me riding it.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-PICS/i-HBQZ7LH/1/83bf3147/XL/DSC03060-XL.jpg)
So I'm a little disappointed in the engine performance but still glad I bought it. I'm guessing I'll put at least 5,000 miles on it this year. I may do the scooter cannonball on it in 2020.
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(except maybe resale value, but I will be riding this thing into the ground)
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Absolutely my intentions as well.
Stig
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Would you guys recommend a Like 150 over an Smax 150? I am thinking of getting a second scooter for my home area and was wondering about longevity.
Dean
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Would you guys recommend a Like 150 over an Smax 150? I am thinking of getting a second scooter for my home area and was wondering about longevity.
Dean
I had an Smax and now I have the Like 150i. They are both great scooters. Which one you should buy depends on what you are looking for.
If you want performance it's no contest. The Smax wins hands down. Better acceleration, higher top speed and even better gas mileage.
The Like is less expensive. If you get a 2018 model it's about $1100 less. The difference is less for 2019.
I would expect the Smax to be more reliable and last longer. It's a Yamaha and it's liquid cooled. The Like has basically the same motor as my 2009 Super 8 and I have 32,600+ miles on my Super 8. How many miles do you plan on putting on it?
If you are tall, the Like has better ergonomics. I think the Like has a slightly better ride but both are pretty harsh.
The Like has ABS, the Smax doesn't. The Like has four color choices, the Smax one.
Sit on both of them, ride them if you can. That may make your choice easier.
I could have bought another Smax but chose to get the Like. The Smax is a bigger and heavier scooter and I wanted the smaller size and less weight of the Like. I also have some bigger and faster bikes to ride if I want the speed.
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Klav, thank you very much for your input, I appreciate it
Dean
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Klav, thank you very much for your input, I appreciate it
Dean
You are welcome. I just noticed that you already have a couple of bigger scooters. I'd go with the Like. There is something fun about a tiny lightweight scooter that bigger bikes just can't duplicate. The Smax is a great scooter but it loses some of that tiny scooter feel.