Kymco Like 50 / 150i / 200i

Summary
The Like scooters offer a refined and fresh retro look in an affordable, modern package.
Pros
Front disc brake
Ample storage
Tasteful styling
Fuel injection (except 50cc)
Cons
High seat height
Cramped cockpit
Air cooled motors
4.2

KYMCO LIKE 50 / 150I / 200I

The Like series are Kymco’s affordable retro styled scooters, as opposed to Kymco’s more expensive and physically smaller Compagno retro scooters. First introduced for 2009, the Like has been offered in several sizes (50, 150, 200), trims (LX, regular) and two generations, including the new for 2018 Like 150 (below).

This Like was first introduced in the USA for 2009 with an all new body design showing the big strides Kymco has made. The integrated headlight, blinkers and vents all give this scooter a clean and classy look that isn’t far off from something Vespa would design.

Models

  • Like 50: 2009 – 2014 (USA), 2013 – 2014 (Canada)
  • Like 50 LX: 2012 – 2014 USA
  • Like 150: 2018 – (Present)
  • Like 200: 2011 – Present (USA), 2013 – Present (Canada)
  • Like 200 LX: 2012 – 2014

The first model in the Like series was the Like 50, which arrived in the USA for the 2009 model year. Two years later (2011), the larger Like 200i joined it’s smaller sibling in American showrooms.

The Like LX was introduced for 2012, when Kymco USA added this optional package to both Like 50 and 200 models. A $100 for the LX package added a neat White and Blue two tone paint job, brown seat and various chrome bits (exhaust cover, front vent).

After a few years on the sidelines, Canadians were offered both Like models (50 & 200) starting for 2013.

For 2015, Kymco dropped the Like 50 from both markets and the LX version of the Like 200 LX, while continuing to offer the Like 200 in regular and 50th Anniversary editions.

A second generation of the Like was introduced for 2018 as the Like 150. The model uses a new design and a new 149cc engine that is only slightly smaller than the 163cc engine found in the Like 200. The Like 150 is known as the New Like overseas.

Engine

The Like 50 used Kymco’s long running 2-stroke 50cc motor which they have used in all of their 2-stroke 50’s since the 90’s. This 50cc motor is a clone of Honda’s AF18 motor and it’s a good reliable design, but it doesn’t offer the same fuel economy or refinement as some of the newer engines out there.

On the plus side, the 50 engine has a lot of go fast potential and can be easily modified into a 70 mph fire breather using a few hundred in aftermarket parts. Read the Super 9 page for more information on derestricting and modifying this motor.

The Like 200i uses 163cc 4-stroke engine. This air cooled motor features fuel injection, which means you get better fuel economy than the older engines found in other Kymco products.

Referring to this 163cc engine as a “200” is a bit of a stretch, especially since the 11.3 horsepower Like 200 offers similar or less power than most competing 150’s (typically 12-14 HP). Top speed for the Like 200 is a comfortable 60 – 65mph, which makes it quite capable for everything besides interstate travel. Milage for the Like 200 is around 65-75mpg, which is similar to it’s smaller but less efficient 2-stroke sibling.

The Like 150 uses a 149.8cc 4-stroke engine that is also air cooled like the 163cc engine but revs all the way to 9000 RPM, where it makes a solid 13.5 horsepower. As such, the Like 150 is more powerful than the Like 200, and should achieve better fuel economy as well with a 4-valve design and next generation fuel injection.

This motor appears to be based off the same basic design as the engine used in Kymco’s short lived Movie 150.


Design and Amenities

The Like is an easy scooter to live with thanks to its plentiful storage areas. The underseat area is capable of storing most of your gear, while larger helmets or overflow groceries can be stashed in the rear top case (standard on 50 and 200 models). There’s also a glovebox up front which is perfect for securing your papers, spare gloves and other smaller items. One other neat touch is the 12V plug in located in the glovebox. This can be quite handy for giving that cell phone a top up.

The stylish Like scooters get tasteful eight spoke rims and a disc brake up front, while the more powerful Like 150 and 200 also come equipped with a disc stopper in the rear.

Dual rear shocks are also found in the bigger models, which makes them well suited to the extra heft of two riders. Despite decent power and suspension, taller riders will likely fine the Like to a poor fit due to the rather cramped cockpit.

Comparison

The Like scooters offer a refined and fresh retro look in an affordable, modern package. These scooters offer value oriented buyers a tempting alternative to the higher priced machines from Vespa. Specifically, the Like scooters compete very well against Vespa’s Primavera and Sprint 150 models, especially at the excellent price of $2599 for the Like 150.

Compared to older Kymco designs like the Sento and Sting 50’s, it’s remarkable to see how far Kymco has come. The Like will set you back a bit more than the simpler Sento 50 did, but it’s a far nicer machine at a still impressive value.

Pros:

  • Front disc brake
  • Ample storage
  • Tasteful styling
  • Fuel injection (except 50cc)

Cons:

  • High seat height
  • Cramped cockpit
  • Air cooled motors

Links:

MotorscooterGuide Forums – Visit the forums on this site to chat about this scoot.
Great Review of the Like 200i by JustGottaScoot.com
KymcoForum.com – A good place to learn more about Kymco’s

Key Specs – Like 50 and 200

  • Engine: 50cc Air-cooled 2-stroke or 163cc air cooled 4-stroke
  • Power (50cc): 4 HP @ 7000 RPM, 3.3 lbs-ft @ 6000 RPM
  • Power (163cc): 11.3 HP @ 7250 RPM
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Bore & Stroke: 39mm x 41.4mm (Like 50), 60mm x 57.8mm (Like 200i)
  • Compression Ratio: 7.2:1 (Like 50), 9.5:1 (Like 200)
  • Fuel Delivery: Carb with Auto Choke (50cc model) Electronic Fuel Injection (160cc model)
  • Drive: Belt
  • Wheelbase: 51.9”
  • Weight: 220 lbs (Like 50) or 264 lbs (Like 200)
  • Starter: Electric/Kick (Like 50), Electric (Like 200)
  • Seat height: 30.7”
  • Fuel Tank: 1.8 Gallon / 7 Liters
  • Brakes: Disc/Drum (Like 50), Disc/Disc (Like 200)
  • Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
  • Rear Suspension: Single Shock (Like 50), Dual Shock (Like 150)
  • Tires: 120/70-12 Front / 130/70-12 Rear (Like 50)
  • MSRP: $2199 Like 50 (2014), $2499 Like 200 (2018)

Key Specs – Like 150:

  • Engine: 149.8cc, 4-valve, air cooled 4-stroke
  • Power: 13.5 HP @ 9000 RPM, 8.7 lbs-ft torque @ 6500 RPM
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Bore & Stroke: 59 x 54.9mm
  • Compression Ratio:
  • Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection
  • Drive: Belt
  • Wheelbase: 51.8”
  • Weight: 264 lbs
  • Starter: Electric
  • Seat height: 31.1”
  • Fuel Tank: 1.8 gallon, 7 liter
  • Front brakes: 220mm single disc, dual piston with ABS
  • Rear brakes: 200mm single disc, dual piston with ABS
  • Front Suspension: 3.7” travel, telescopic fork
  • Rear Suspension: 3.4” travel, dual rear shocks with adjustable preload
  • Tires: 110/70-12 (front), 130/70-12 (rear)
  • MSRP: $2599 (USA 2018), $3399 (Canada 2018)

Colors:

  • 2011 (USA): White, Black, Red, Ivory, Light Blue
  • 2012 (USA): White and Blue (LX), Black, Red, Ivory
  • 2013 (USA): White and Blue (LX), Blue-Black, Red, Ivory
  • 2013 (Canada): Red, White, Yellow, Black, Grey
  • 2014 (USA): White and Blue (LX), Blue-Black, Red, Ivory
  • 2014 (Canada): Red, White, Yellow, Black, Grey (200cc only)
  • 2015 (USA): Blue-Black, Red, Ivory
  • 2015 (Canada): Red, White, Yellow, Black, Grey (200cc only)
  • 2016: Metallic Gold, Red, Matte Black, White
  • 2017: Blue, Red, Matte Black, White
  • 2018 (Like 200): Blue, Red, Matte Black, White
  • 2018 (Like 150): Pearly White, Blue Metallic, Red, Gray