Not a Genuine, but hopefully you can answer my question

[TroutBum]

I recently purchased a Kymco Like 200i. I have ridin it 80 miles since purchasing it new a week and a half ago. Sunday when I went to take it for a ride I noticed a sound for the first time. The front forks make a springy sound (for lack of a better description). It's loud enough to be heard with a helmet on and to turn heads when stopping at a cross-walk. Is this normal? Is it okay to ride?

I have posted this to a Kymco forum and contacted Kymco's customer service. It has pretty much fallen on deaf ears.

[skully93]

how does it feel when riding it?

I'd hate to think they gave you new forks with no oil in them, but sometimes dumb things happen.

Seems like the dealer would be the best to tell you. I know that my Kymco makes some noises here and there, but it's far from new.

keep us posted!

[TroutBum]

It feels fine. I called the dealer about 10 minutes ago and spoke with a service tech. He said this is not unusual and unless I see oil leaking from the tubes or the forks bottom out easily that I should not worry. He said at the 600 mile service to make a note. At that time they will go over the entire bike replacing all the fluids, tighten bolts and screws and go through a safety inspection. He said the first 600 miles the bike loosens up a lot which brings about sounds and handling/feel issues. The first two services are critical to the performance and overal fit of the bike. After that he said the bike should be right.

[BeefSupreme]

Hey I replied on the Kymco forum!!! I know how it is over there, you ask a question about your scoot and the discussion immediately de-evolves into a debate about Obamacare. It's a pretty shitty community.

I have a Like 200i also, and love it. I've had the same problem happening to me. On your thread in the Kymco forum I mentioned a recent thread here on MB about the same issue, most of the time the creeking/squeaking you think is coming from the forks is from the centerstand. Try lubricating it with some lithium grease or WD40. It's on my to-do list the second I get out of work.

[BeefSupreme]

For everyones entertainment on MB, this was one of the responses on Kymco Forum.

"I think that most of the things in this thread are simple imagination of newbies. For most of you this is your first 2-wheeler, right?"

Big thanks to all the MB members who are actually helpful and polite. You guys rock.

[Tocsik]

One thought:
Could it be the kickstand springs stretching and rebounding?
The centerstand on the Buddy is mounted to the frame but rests on the engine housing. The center stand pivots a little with movement of the suspension. Maybe the Kymco does this, too?

[TroutBum]

This is more of what I was looking for. Ask a question and you get real answers. Not some smart@ss who makes assumptions. I am going to check the centerstand and side stand when I get home. Thanks guys for your replies. This is most helpful.

[Syd]

Respond to this thread if it fixes the sound too. More information is never a bad thing.

[skully93]

For everyones entertainment on MB, this was one of the responses on Kymco Forum.

"I think that most of the things in this thread are simple imagination of newbies. For most of you this is your first 2-wheeler, right?"

Big thanks to all the MB members who are actually helpful and polite. You guys rock.

Yeah, I gave up on the kymco forum. I have found more knowledge here than there.


At least it is new and the bike is under warranty, so unless it poses a serious danger I'd just wait it out. We have a great dealer support network for Kymco here (mostly same as our Genuine dealer). I've been told problems are rare other than the occasional simple recall repair.

[TroutBum]

For everyones entertainment on MB, this was one of the responses on Kymco Forum.

"I think that most of the things in this thread are simple imagination of newbies. For most of you this is your first 2-wheeler, right?"

Big thanks to all the MB members who are actually helpful and polite. You guys rock.

+1. And thank you BS for your help. I would have never guessed the stand may be the culprit.

[TroutBum]

Respond to this thread if it fixes the sound too. More information is never a bad thing.

Will do.

[jrsjr]

The front forks make a springy sound (for lack of a better description). It's loud enough to be heard with a helmet on and to turn heads when stopping at a cross-walk. Is this normal? Is it okay to ride?

TroutBum, when you are stopped, if you hop up out of the saddle and grab just the front brake (the right brake lever) and push down on the handlebars, the front forks will compress. You can exercise the forks that way to make sure they are working. Do you hear the noise then?

P.S. Welcome to Modern Buddy where we send political discussions to the cornfield.

[charlie55]

.....Welcome to Modern Buddy where we.....send political discussions to the cornfield.

That kind of statement is exactly what I'd expect from you idiots who voted for Taft. How much did the corn lobby pay you to trample our first amendment rights and pack us off to some Nebraska gulag, huh?

Comes November, we'll fix you jack-booted, imperialistic, running-dog, left wing neo-con fascist commie whigs.

Support the Constipation Party - solidarity forever!

[Mutt the Hoople]

This forum is the GREATEST isnt it!!! Got a buddy 50cc and came here and love it. Loved scootering SO much that I also got a Vespa 250, (Modern Vespa is also a very nice and helpful forum). I love both of my two wheeled children equally. Glad you came here and welcome to the family.

[jrsjr]

.....Welcome to Modern Buddy where we.....send political discussions to the cornfield.

That kind of statement is exactly what I'd expect from you idiots who voted for Taft. How much did the corn lobby pay you to trample our first amendment rights and pack us off to some Nebraska gulag, huh?

Comes November, we'll fix you jack-booted, imperialistic, running-dog, left wing neo-con fascist commie whigs.

Support the Constipation Party - solidarity forever!

[TroutBum]

The front forks make a springy sound (for lack of a better description). It's loud enough to be heard with a helmet on and to turn heads when stopping at a cross-walk. Is this normal? Is it okay to ride?

TroutBum, when you are stopped, if you hop up out of the saddle and grab just the front brake (the right brake lever) and push down on the handlebars, the front forks will compress. You can exercise the forks that way to make sure they are working. Do you hear the noise then?

P.S. Welcome to Modern Buddy where we send political discussions to the cornfield.

Thankyou.

Yes. I have not tried that while off the bike. When I am seated and engage the front brake and compress the forks and then relax them I hear the sound. Also get the sound when just saddleing the bike.

[charlie55]

A few more questions:

- Is the sound creaky, like a door hinge?

- Is the sound more that "twang" you hear when sitting on an old mattress/couch?

- Is it constant throught the travel of the fork, or does it sound like something catching and then releasing?

- Does it diminish, stay about the same, or increase as you ride, or thereafter?

[TroutBum]

- Is the sound creaky, like a door hinge? No

- Is the sound more that "twang" you hear when sitting on an old mattress/couch? Yes

- Is it constant throught the travel of the fork, or does it sound like something catching and then releasing? Constant throught the travel of the fork

- Does it diminish, stay about the same, or increase as you ride, or thereafter? Stays about the same

[Tocsik]

This is more of what I was looking for. Ask a question and you get real answers. Not some smart@ss who makes assumptions. I am going to check the centerstand and side stand when I get home. Thanks guys for your replies. This is most helpful.

+!

You posted your question just today and look at all the help.
It's like the pretty girl in the movies (or cartoons) pulling out a cigarette and about 50 hands come toward her with lighters or matches!

[TroutBum]

This is more of what I was looking for. Ask a question and you get real answers. Not some smart@ss who makes assumptions. I am going to check the centerstand and side stand when I get home. Thanks guys for your replies. This is most helpful.

+!

You posted your question just today and look at all the help.
It's like the pretty girl in the movies (or cartoons) pulling out a cigarette and about 50 hands come toward her with lighters or matches!

Except I ain't no pretty girl. I'm an old fart with a question about my scooter. What does that say about all the lonely hearts that frequent this forum?

Kidding aside. The information and knowledge so freely given is much appreciated.

Thank you all!

[jrsjr]

Yes. I have not tried that while off the bike. When I am seated and engage the front brake and compress the forks and then relax them I hear the sound. Also get the sound when just saddleing the bike.

That's actually what I wanted you to do. I just did a poor job of explaining. What you describe sounds "off" to me, like your forks have metal rubbing on metal. That just isn't right. I'd run it by your dealer and let them actually hear it for themselves.

[charlie55]

- Is the sound creaky, like a door hinge? No

- Is the sound more that "twang" you hear when sitting on an old mattress/couch? Yes

- Is it constant throught the travel of the fork, or does it sound like something catching and then releasing? Constant throught the travel of the fork

- Does it diminish, stay about the same, or increase as you ride, or thereafter? Stays about the same

Well then, sounds like low or no fork oil to me. As others have suggested, bringing it back to the dealer/shop is probably your best bet.

[TroutBum]

Okay, so I was wrong in my explanation. I just spent the last 10 minutes in the garage with my scooter. Whether saddling the scooter or standing at its side and applying the front brake so I can depress the forks the sound only occurs at the point where I stop depressing the forks and let it begin to relax (begins to return to its extended state). I don't have to fully depress the forks for this to happen. It will occur at any point beyond roughly 3/4" of fork travel.

I realize I am doing a poor job of explaining this. At any rate I do appreciate the help you all have given. This weekend I am going to stop by my dealer to have them take a listen.

[BeefSupreme]

One thought:
Could it be the kickstand springs stretching and rebounding?
The centerstand on the Buddy is mounted to the frame but rests on the engine housing. The center stand pivots a little with movement of the suspension. Maybe the Kymco does this, too?

It's EXACTLY the same on the Like, and that was my problem. The fat rubber washer that presses against the engine was the culprit, creaking like crazy whenever the rear suspension travelled. Lubed it up and it quit! She's all stealth as a ninja now!

TroutBum's problem sounds a little different than mine, hope the shop can figure it out for you this weekend.

[avonpirate]

I get your confusion, frustration and questions. I am a 'new to the scooter industry' owner as well. I'm inexperienced, but not an idiot and didn't expect this industry to be non-compassionate and macho. But, it sometimes is. And then there are the 'bright flames' just nice people.

I've had to keep my head screwed on, be solid and not let the idiots let me get under my skin.

[BuddyRaton]

Welcome to MB!

I have absolutely nothing useful to contribute...but your name cracked me up and I'm not even a Brit!


I guess this isn't the Trout Bum your name refers to

[ericalm]

I get your confusion, frustration and questions. I am a 'new to the scooter industry' owner as well. I'm inexperienced, but not an idiot and didn't expect this industry to be non-compassionate and macho. But, it sometimes is. And then there are the 'bright flames' just nice people.

I've had to keep my head screwed on, be solid and not let the idiots let me get under my skin.

Despite the post above this one, we aspire to be better than that on MB.

[BuddyRaton]

I get your confusion, frustration and questions. I am a 'new to the scooter industry' owner as well. I'm inexperienced, but not an idiot and didn't expect this industry to be non-compassionate and macho. But, it sometimes is. And then there are the 'bright flames' just nice people.

I've had to keep my head screwed on, be solid and not let the idiots let me get under my skin.

Despite the post above this one, we aspire to be better than that on MB.

I couldn't help it!

This is probably more like it!

[Tocsik]

This is probably more like it!

I prefer the first example.