I have made several posts in recent weeks concerning making my Like 50 faster. I wasn't looking for a 70mph monster but I did want to cruise the back roads at 40mph. With a Technigas Silent Pro, smooth variator bushing and +1000 rpm spring, I could only get 36mph under ideal conditions. I am a good engine tuner so I think the combination of my generous weight and the high altitude here meant that my top speed was not going to be as good as some others have posted with similar mods. When I made a posting looking for just a few more mph, Stig suggested I just sell the 50 and get a 200. At first, I disagreed saying I really didn't want to go as fast as the 200 and that I was avoiding in town traffic. Had a hard fall from a Yamaha RD350 a long time ago and did not want to be tempted to play in traffic anymore.
But still, he had a point. In my state, you need a motorcycle license to ride a 50, so that was already taken care of. And the 200 should need a lot less maintenance than a hopped up 50, and it gets better gas mileage, and.... Long story short: I sold the 50 for a little more than I paid for it and got a 200 in fantastic condition for a very low price ($1,500). So, thanks bro. You helped me make a better decision than I would have on my own.
Vintage... YOU are the one who made the correct call for yourself and your needs. Congrats!
I understand that some folks buy a 50cc scoot because they love to 'engine build' , and some buy a 50 because of licensing restrictions, insurance or other reasons. We've seen new scooter owners get frustrated after spending time and $$ trying to "up grade" a 50cc scoot to run with more power and speed and proper driveability. Perhaps they just needed to spend two or three hundred $$ more, initially, at the dealer's , and come home with a larger scooter! For the same $$ outlay they have the added speed and power....with perfect turn-key driveability AND the 2 yr warranty intact by buying a slightly bigger scooter.
Also, hearing your concerns - I think you will find the LIKE200i to be a very comfortable and safe urban commuter. Enough poop at the twist of the throttle to get you out of testy intersections and tight spots - and the speed to run on the slightly faster 45>50-mph roads, if need be. It is NOT a highway cruiser - but a responsive urban scooter. Frankly, it feels like it could run all day long in the mid 40's - for years to come. I do not take it on 55mph country highways - where the actual traffic speeds are 60+mph. For those speeds, I would recommend the SYM HD200 (@170cc's ?)- which can cruise at 60mph, and reach 70 for short periods - comfortably I am told.
It has got to be much more comfortable cruising with 40mph traffic - knowing there is 15 or so more mph's available if you need them in the LIKE200i, than having the grip turned to the stop and still barely being fast enough to stay with the flow. Ride without wondering what more you need to 'do' to your scooter motor or transmission. Kymco's already taken care of that for you!
Enjoy your 'new' scoot, and ride safe.
Stig
