Stiff competition for the LIKE

[Stig / Major Tom]

http://www.justgottascoot.com/symfiddle3.htm

Newest review from Justgottascoot.com is of the 2017 SYM FIDDLE III 200i.
Looks like it will be very stiff competition for the 1st generation Kymco LIKE's.

Biggest caveat for the SYM products in the USA revolves around finding good dealer support in your area. (of course, dealer support is an increasingly serious concern for many brands of scooters these days)

Supposedly the parts availability situation for SYM's has been overcome. This could be very good news as  many consider SYM to be, at least, the equal of KYMCO.

We, in N.America, have pitifully few scooters to select from - and this new step-through retro styled scooter looks good to me.

However, if I were seriously shopping this type of scooter - I certainly would wait to have a look at Kymco's 2nd generation LIKE model!! 2-wheel ABS and an amazing price with new primavera styling - some nice color combinations - it could be a real winner for KYMCO USA.

I certainly agree with justgotta's distaste for the new matte finishes on scooters and bikes! (aimed at young buyers?? - except that darn few youngsters are buying scooters in this engine range in N.America!)

Anyway, his review makes for an interesting scooter read.
Stig

[Tromper]

Funny was thinking the same myself last night.
RE: the Like.
http://www.scooterfile.com/scooter-reviews/2018-kymco-like-150i-abs/ has a review from Ashville NC.

[Stig / Major Tom]

I still find it simply amazing that Kymco can offer 2 wheel ABS at this price on the 2028 LIKE150i !!

And, I'll tell you, if I  - at 6'3", can ride a LIKE, with the stock seat for a few 1000 miles and still very much enjoy my purchase.....  Just do not agee with her comments about rider size limits on the new LIKE.
You do NOT have to move your knees drastically to make a turn. The bar doesn't move much on ANY scooter when turning. It's done mostly by leaning. 2mph in a parking lot would be the exception --- then you move your knees.
Just wish Kymco would put this whole kit on top of some 16" & 15" wheels!!
Stig

[Laganica]

I like motorcycles like this. It's visually very similar with Vespa. That part is one of thing
which I do not like. For me Vespa is one and only , and every other model which is similar, or better
said, almost exactly the same is not the best buy.
This is the essence of my opinion. If I would have in any occasion this model, I will ride it, but
I'll always know that I do not ride a motorbike that owns that legacy and long history behind itself.

[Tromper]

...Just wish Kymco would put this whole kit on top of some 16" & 15" wheels!!
Stig

They do.  Just not for us.

http://www.kymco.com.ar/productos/detalle.php?id_producto=34

For instance.  I fear you'll just have to "settle" for your liberty, get a used one or deal with the foibles of an HD.  I'd say pick up an  SH150I but with only one year they're kinda scarce and not well supported

[AMAC1680]

Just me but unless you have a lot of potholes big wheels are overated.
Vespa pulled of little wheels forever, a well designed scooter will be stable at speed without 16" wheels. Bergman, Swing, AK550, Tmax, and the new Honda ADV all sub 16.

Thats said the biggest drawback for the like is it's just a slow 200. Why kymco,doesn't change that is beyond me. great looks and rideability just plain slow. Run in my Cali Classic 200i tops at 72gps and will drag my skinny butt around at 60-65 all day.

AMAC

[MJR]

Big wheel bling.

[Tromper]

Just me but unless you have a lot of potholes big wheels are overated.
Vespa pulled of little wheels forever, a well designed scooter will be stable at speed without 16" wheels. Bergman, Swing, AK550, Tmax, and the new Honda ADV all sub 16.
AMAC

Some truth there, but there are some other points as well...Trail will be a bit higher, so more stable at speeds (at the expense of quicker turning).  Bigger hoop to contact patch ratio, so longer tire life, & even if the roads aren't especially pothole filled the occasional bump you miss or are forced on to do a bit better as well.

In the final analysis there isn't a perfect size for wheels so it comes down to preference vs. the local conditions.

Far as just 'nuff power.  The reason I kept the HD vs. the S200 came down to that.  The HD (and your RV) are that extra bit quicker.  Loved the simplicity of the S, & the similar air-cooled Like & Super 8s, but they lack the extra bit of zip.

My two bits anyway.

[MJR]

http://www.justgottascoot.com/symfiddle3.htm

Newest review from Justgottascoot.com is of the 2017 SYM FIDDLE III 200i.
Looks like it will be very stiff competition for the 1st generation Kymco LIKE's.

Biggest caveat for the SYM products in the USA revolves around finding good dealer support in your area. (of course, dealer support is an increasingly serious concern for many brands of scooters these days)

Supposedly the parts availability situation for SYM's has been overcome. This could be very good news as  many consider SYM to be, at least, the equal of KYMCO.

Saw one at my local Sym dealer (HB Scooters) today. Must say very nice looking. The guy there seems to like the Sym ones over Kymco for better panels and fit quality  (said Like panels rattle?). Says they have good support for parts. Says they might consider bringing the MaxSym 500 stateside.