Kymco Like 200i

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C2
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Kymco Like 200i

Post by C2 »

I was lucky enough to get my scooter started this morning, so I was able to drive it down to my local dealer in San Jose - details on the repair to follow (once I hear from them) in another post.

I ended up getting there a little early, so I had a look in thru the windows while I was waiting for the Service Center to open up. While I was looking, I noticed that they now carried the Kymco Like 200i. It looks like an interesting scooter. But at the same time, I think it's a little odd looking.

To me... it looks like a Vespa and a Fuji Rabbit had a drunken night together after a Jethro Tull concert, and gave birth to the Like 200i. The price makes it a bit more attractive... OTD at $3595.

Just curious what y'all think of it:
http://www.kymcousa.com/showroom/scoote ... index.html
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az_slynch
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Post by az_slynch »

It's an interesting bike, but I urge you to test ride one if possible, preferably for ten or more miles. The ergos might be a little cramped for you, based on the stats from your 170i thread. One other ergo-related item to check would be the lighting "bleed" from the headlamp. There is no eyebrow fitted and the shape of the lamp allows a noticeable bit of illumination to filter back to taller riders.

The bike can reach similar speeds to the Buddy range. Power is acceptable, but it won't take off like a Buddy. The EFI is nice for altitude changes and cold-weather starts.

The under seat storage is a bit on the small side, which Kymco has addressed by adding in a top case. The body panels are a bit on the crispy side compared to a Buddy, but I believe that is due to the production being located in the PRC. Taiwan-built Kymcos seem to have more limber plastics, but that may just be my perception.

Aside from the EFI, I think the biggest plus of the bike are dual hydraulic disc brakes. They're not linked, but they still over a noticeable advantage over a disc/drum setup.

That's my take. Don't take it for more than an enthusiast's opinion, but DO ride one before you buy.

P.S. You might consider dropping forum member BeefSupreme a line. He's a Like owner and he's ridden his on several longer trips. If anyone here knows the character of a Like, it'll be him.
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...

Seriously...I've lost count...

Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
skipper20
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Re: Kymco Like 200i

Post by skipper20 »

C2 wrote:I was lucky enough to get my scooter started this morning, so I was able to drive it down to my local dealer in San Jose - details on the repair to follow (once I hear from them) in another post.

I ended up getting there a little early, so I had a look in thru the windows while I was waiting for the Service Center to open up. While I was looking, I noticed that they now carried the Kymco Like 200i. It looks like an interesting scooter. But at the same time, I think it's a little odd looking.

To me... it looks like a Vespa and a Fuji Rabbit had a drunken night together after a Jethro Tull concert, and gave birth to the Like 200i. The price makes it a bit more attractive... OTD at $3595.

Just curious what y'all think of it:
http://www.kymcousa.com/showroom/scoote ... index.html
Actually, I like the retro look but I sat on one at a Kymco dealership earlier this week and my 6' tall, 170 lb. frame just felt downright uncomfortable. In order to get my knees to clear the handlebars I had to sit back a bit and to get the right amount of clearance I had to sit right on top of the rise between the driver's seating area and the passenger's. I felt like I was being goosed! A Kymco People GT 200i was parked next to the Like and when I sat on it, not a problem. By comparison, the seat was VERY comfortable. I also don't like the fact that Kymco is stretching the 200i model number when it's only a 163cc engine. Slightly less than my Buddy 170i engine which is 168cc. But, I do like the Like's retro look and most likely a taller or shorter person than me would be OK with the seat. :)

Bill in Seattle
'12 Yamaha Zuma 125 - town & country bike
'12 Buddy 170i Italia - town bike
? 175 to 220cc - fun bike
'02 Honda Reflex 250 - touring bike
guzziknight
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Post by guzziknight »

I've been eyeing the Like for quite a while. I love the looks. I've sat on one and it fits me well, but I haven't ridden it yet. I just can't pull the trigger yet.
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BeefSupreme
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Post by BeefSupreme »

I've had my Like for over a year now with now issue and 8,000 on the odometer. They had it up until last year for $1,000 off, they were going for around $2,600 i think. I'm not sure if you can still find a 2012 model for that price.

Search the forums, there are a few reviews from me and a few other owners. It is a lot of scoot for the money, dual disk brakes, EFI, dual adjustable rear suspension, glove box, topbox, good passenger seating.

But yes, the biggest gripe about the like (other than the inflated engine size) is the seating. There is a molded piece of plastic in the rise between forward and back seating area that is a PITA. It doesn't really affect me being as i'm 6' and sit behind the rise with my feet rested on the vertical part of the legshield, sitting like that I can stretch my legs all the way out and it's very comfortable for long range riding. It's a shame that some peoples opinions and sales of the Like come down to a stupid design flaw that could easily be fixed by Kymco. People have dremmeled that piece out with good luck. Others have had their seats redone at custom seat shops, which is what I plan on doing when I can go a few days without her, I've got a quote for $100 to have the seat shaved down, built back up with 2" of memory foam and wrapped in marine grade leather.
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BeefSupreme
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Post by BeefSupreme »

az_slynch wrote:
P.S. You might consider dropping forum member BeefSupreme a line. He's a Like owner and he's ridden his on several longer trips. If anyone here knows the character of a Like, it'll be him.
I think I beat him to it :P
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C2
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Location: Palo Alto, CA

Post by C2 »

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not really looking at getting one, just was curious about what others think... and it was the first time I've been able to see one in person.

I didn't get a chance to sit on it, but based on what I saw (and a few of you have stated), I think my 6'2" frame would to feel a bit cramped on the Like 200i. I "just" make it on my Buddy, and I've upgraded to a solo seat for a little more room.

I'm still "ahead of the curve" money-wise with chasing down the "starting issue" with my own Buddy, so not quite ready to leave the Buddy camp for another scooter.
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