2 years ago I asked the forum if a LIKE200i would run 365, in all weathers, for my work commuting in Ohio.
2 fellows waffled.....but dear old Vivo said it would ford rivers with no issues.
I went with Vivo's advice and brought home a new, April 2012 built, LIKE200i on April 2013.
He was correct - the weather seems to have no effect on this Electronically Fuel Injected scooter. Instant starts & perfect idling are the norm - in heavy rain and in temps as low as 1 degree Fahrenheit. I ride it to work every day that it is not icy or snowing. I think I had to take the bus 7 times last winter.
It has never failed to start or get me home - for 25 months.
I knew from the get-go that I wanted the full set of crash bars - they were my 1st purchase and install.
Within a few weeks I replaced the Kendas with Michelin City Grips for safer riding, including wet weather riding.
Next I purchased some long shafted Italian mirrors to see behind me.
Next I tried to improve the front lighting with LEDs. Eventually I removed them and put in amber reg. 5W bulbs which make me pretty visible.
After 5 mos I could no longer ignore the pretty but very uncomfortable seat - so I purchased a used seat and rebuilt it.
A selling point was the LIKE's huge tail light - for safety. But I wanted more rear lighting for my night time and foul weather commuting.
So I purchased and installed a BESTEM 929 top case with built in LED running lights and brake lights.(several hundreds of dollars cheaper than a Shad or Givi set)
Along the way I added Dr Pulley sliders, a larger capacity Yuasa battery & battery tender, a Yamaha electric fuel pump, a NGK Iridium spark plug and a Tiny Tachometer.....and the dealer replaced a failing throttle body under warranty. All parts but the latter - were probably unecessary.... but I wouldn't change them.
The scooter has a bit over 8000 miles, I get @77 MPG's, the oils get changed every 600 & 1000 miles (eng. & grs.) the scoot uses no oil and leaks no oil. and has had 6 valve lash checks. The Michelins have 7500+ miles -- the rear might go another 1K or 2K, and the front much more than that.
I cannot think of any parts which have failed except the throttle body which lost its slow speed plot.
Even with my Honda scooter - I enjoy riding this KYMCO to work several days a week. It is my foul weather scooter every time - with that big lighted top case on my caboose! I haven't WOT'd it in a yr - but it did @ 60mph down grade and hauls my 275lbs easily up hills at 45 mph - which is all I typically ask of it.
A really great urban scooter - and once you fix the seat you'll stop hunting for the magic "better rear shocks".
Stig
PS: I had no scooter servicing experience - fortunately the LIKE is pretty simple to service with a few tools -- and the advice of forum members along the way.
Regarding the finish & 2 winters of salted roads riding - I give it a rinse with the garden sprayer after a wet salt commute only. The scoot looks new, front to rear. All scoots should have silver wheels - they look great with the Michelins all the time. The body waxes up very well.
PPS: I check the oil every day at lunch time, or after every ride. I check the fasteners every few days - and the brake rotors get a quick scrub twice a month with a green kitchen scrubby to reduce brake grabbing from using the brakes too lightly.
