KYMCO NEW SENTO 50i / 110i
Styling
The New Sento carries on the Sento concept of mixing classic styling with a modern 4-stroke engine. The New Sento competes very closely with Kymco’s also retro styled Like scooters, which is likely why Kymco Canada isn’t importing the Like as Kymco USA is doing. Other competition for the New Sento are the LX & S scooters from Vespa and Yamaha’s Vino 50 and 125, the latter of which they’ve stopped importing in recent years.
Engine
The New Sento 50i uses Kymco’s bread and butter 50cc 4-stroke engine found in many of their scooters, but new for this scooter is the addition of fuel injection. It’s mainly this fuel injection that results in the MSRP being few hundred higher than other Kymco’s. In exchange for $300-$400, you get a nice increase in power (4.3HP vs. 3.7 HP), easier starting and better MPG. That sounds like a pretty fair deal, as almost 20% more power is going to make a nice difference up hills.
Brakes / Suspension / Handling
As one of Kymco’s premium scooters, the New Sento gets a dual piston brake up front which should offer superior braking power and modulation compared to the single piston discs found in most of their other small 50’s. In North America, only Aprilia’s SportyCity 50 equals this feature in the 50cc class.This dual piston brake makes the New Sento stand out from the competition, including the Japanese where front drum brakes are still commonly used. Braking is more standard in the rear where a normal drum brake is used to provide basic stopping abilities.
The New Sento scooters are more accommodating towards smaller riders than most other Kymco’s, with their lower 29.1” seat heights and lower weights (198 lbs and 200 lbs for the 50i and 110i). Those seat height and weights aren’t low compared to the average scooter, but they are low compared to most other Kymco’s which typically have higher seats around 31” and heavier than average weights due to their physical size. The smaller size of the New Sento scooters (47” wheelbase) combined with aluminum rims and smaller wheels (90/90-10) gives these scooters their lower weights. The New Sento 50 is a full 40 lbs lighter than Kymco’s other new 50, the Agility City 50.
Storage & ConvenienceThe New Sento boasts a number of nice design touches including LED integrated front blinkers and a small LED front light beneath the main headlight. You also get an open front storage area which is nicer than nothing, but not as useful as a locking enclosed glovebox. The underseat storage area is quite large and accommodates virtually all full face helmets. The aluminum pop out rear pegs are superb and add to this scooters functionality and aesthetics.
Comparison
With the discontinuation of Honda’s Metropolitan/Jazz and Yamaha’s Vino scooters in recent years, the New Sento is well positioned to take on Vespa in the Canadian retro scooter market. Vespa sells their 50cc models for $3595, which is $750 more than the $2845 New Sento 50i. Value oriented buyers will find the New Sento to be the obvious choice, while enthusiasts may find the Vespa’s more advanced 4-valve motor, proper glovebox, microchip key and all metal body to justify the higher price. Looking outside the retro scooter segment, the New Sento is priced similarly to scooters from Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio.
The New Sento 110i occupies a niche in the scooter market with very little competition. It offers more power than a 50cc scooter while significantly undercutting the price of all the 125 and 150cc scooters out there. It’s aggressively priced at just $150 more than the 50cc model, so it’s a good choice for riders with a motorcycle licence that don’t mind paying a bit more insurance to get additional pep. Perhaps the closest competition to the New Sento 110i is the discontinued Yamaha Vino 125 which can be found used for less money and with similar style and power. The Sento 110i really shines compared to the 150cc models from Vespa. At $2995, the Sento 110i is radically cheaper than the $4945 Vespa LX 150. Sure you get a 20% less power and no glovebox or microchip key, but you’re saving enough money to put gas in your Sento 110i for a decade.
Please consider adding an owner review of your New Sento. It greatly benefits other readers and improves this site.
REVIEW - Add Your Review of the New Sento
Pros:
- Fuel injection brings increased power and milage
- LED lights and passenger pegs are nice touches
- Dual piston front disc brake
Cons:
- More expensive than other Kymco’s, although the 110cc upgrade is a steal
- Front storage isn’t enclosed and lock-able
Links:
Submit Review - Own this scooter? Add your thoughts to this site.
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forums on this site to chat about this scoot.
KymcoForum.com - A good place to learn more about Kymco's
New Sento 50i Owners Manual - Handy to have in digital form
Key Specs - New Sento 50i / 110i
* Engine: Air cooled, 49cc or 111.7cc single cylinder, 4-stroke
* Power: 4.3 HP @ 8000 RPM or 9.8 HP
* Transmission: CVT
* Bore & Stroke: 39mm x 41.4mm / 50mm x 51.8mm
* Compression Ratio: 10.7:1 / 10.1:1
* Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection
* Drive: Belt
* Wheelbase: 47”
* Weight: 198 lbs (50i), 200 lbs (110i)
* Starter: Electric
* Seat height: 29.1”
* Fuel Tank: 1.4 gallon / 5.5 liter
* Brakes: Dual Piston Disc (Front), Drum (Rear)
* Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
* Rear Suspension: Adjustable Single Shock
* Tires: 90/90-10 (Front & Rear)
* Years Sold: 2012 (Canada)
* MSRP: $2845 (50i), $2995 (110i)
* Colors: Black, Tan, Red, Blue (2012)