Removing the Restrictors/Baffles, etc

[The Doctor]

Is there any value to removing the baffles/packing,  or does it harm the engine & not make a valuable difference to performance?

Conversely is it wise to upgrade the Exhaust System?

Mine is a 2018 model

[Iahawk]

our mufflers have a catalytic converter in them...i don't recall anyone changing to aftermarket exhaust and posting about it here. If you change your exhaust ...typically you have to change jetting but your scoot is fuel injected..

at the risk of sounding like a broken record if you want more power buy a bigger scoot. Nothing you will do to these will alter the power much. The best upgrade i made was a change from the 14 gr factory rollers to 13 gr Dr Pulley sliders. Better acceleration and didn't affect top speed.

The 50cc guys are continually changing pipes, jets, intakes and adding big bore kits...with variable success...

[Kansas kymco]

Will have to echo Iahawk on this.  Exhaust system modification will produce minimal results on a four stroke motor.  If you do go aftermarket I would suggest you keep your stock exhaust.  Some states require the emissions system to be intact for resell.  I know I've passed on a couple of scooters because of a aftermarket pipes.

The old saying rings true, There's no replacement for  displacement.  More power more motor.

[Stig / Major Tom]

"Upgrade the exhaust system".....??...I'm not aware that anyone has engineered a replacement exhaust specifically for this scooter.

You can buy one of the $38 generic ("fits everything from a Sear's riding mower to a Bultaco dirt bike!")  offered on eBay by the dozens, from China or India....or one of the $700 generic Yoshimura slip-ons. ("fits most Honda riding mowers and certain Ducatis")
Once you master the fitment to your 4-stroke scooter you will have "Louder" ....which often has the placebo effect of "I must be going faster!"

You can get the same 'improvements' by drilling holes in your LIKE muffler, and/or knocking the guts out of it with a hammer and a big screwdriver

Your EFI will try mightily to accommodate such 'improvements'.... Or not.

Stig

[Ruffus]

Without changing your EFI - units mapping no more performance on fourstroke engines. I do not know anyone who would be able to crack KYMCOs coded electronic fuel injection charts. Even through this service port with a genuine Kymco tester it's not possible. So, changing/removing the catalizer will ultimately lead to failure-codes flashing on your dashboard and most probably a confused electronic.

[Tromper]

Eh, I found reference to a few tuning shops doing that, a couple on the AK550.  for instance.
Probably not worth it on the Like though, I guess you could push the timing a bit then use high octane to keep the ping down but I suspect gains would be pretty marginal.

Without changing your EFI - units mapping no more performance on fourstroke engines. I do not know anyone who would be able to crack KYMCOs coded electronic fuel injection charts. Even through this service port with a genuine Kymco tester it's not possible. So, changing/removing the catalizer will ultimately lead to failure-codes flashing on your dashboard and most probably a confused electronic.

[Kansas kymco]

Eh, I found reference to a few tuning shops doing that, a couple on the AK550.  for instance.
Probably not worth it on the Like though, I guess you could push the timing a bit then use high octane to keep the ping down but I suspect gains would be pretty marginal.

Timing should be controlled by the computer and not manually adjustable. Unless your extremely talented on computer code or can find a aftermarket source your S. O. L.

[The Doctor]

Gentlemen,

THANK YOU!

All great answers.

I ride an assortment of bikes & whenever I get a Motorcycle (versus a Scooter), because I ride very fast & live in California & can lane split the first thing I do is replace the stock exhausts with a brand called IXIL, from Spain - when you use your horn to warn someone, it's too late.

This is such an excellent forum with "no bullsh** answers" that are also well presented & researched.

I just lost 25 pounds which is probably the biggest improvement* - next will be the Sliders/Pulleys route when it's time to change then out.

*reaching 58 years old versus 15 (I still feel 12), helps me objectify what's between my legs ie; it's a 4 stroke scooter, which allows me to deliver marketing flyers every now & again with one hand free, turn the key on, bike starts everytime, performs flawlessly everytime which is suddenly 5 decades later, just enough for me.

*at 58 I suffer from the Disease called "now I own it, what can I do to make it mine" aka "how can I complicate my Life more"

[Kansas kymco]

Gentlemen,

THANK YOU!

All great answers.

I ride an assortment of bikes & whenever I get a Motorcycle (versus a Scooter), because I ride very fast & live in California & can lane split the first thing I do is replace the stock exhausts with a brand called IXIL, from Spain - when you use your horn to warn someone, it's too late.

This is such an excellent forum with "no bullsh** answers" that are also well presented & researched.

I just lost 25 pounds which is probably the biggest improvement* - next will be the Sliders/Pulleys route when it's time to change then out.

*reaching 58 years old versus 15 (I still feel 12), helps me objectify what's between my legs ie; it's a 4 stroke scooter, which allows me to deliver marketing flyers every now & again with one hand free, turn the key on, bike starts everytime, performs flawlessly everytime which is suddenly 5 decades later, just enough for me.

*at 58 I suffer from the Disease called "now I own it, what can I do to make it mine" aka "how can I complicate my Life more"

When working with limited HP you hit the nail on the head on less weight equals more performance.

[Stig / Major Tom]

OK, you're a "loud is safer" fellow. Plenty of those guys show up at the Tues meetings
Some might offer that ....unless you turn that pipe around it is only the folks behind you who are enjoying your performance.
BUT - losing those 25 el b esses is going to give you a very meaningful performance improvement.
Good for you. And your bike thanks you.

Stig

[big blue]

But after all is said and done if you still want a free-flow system for the Like there is this one...https://www.ebay.com/itm/154337543020?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1VrgpBakEQCqUBmvnKybL4g50&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=154337543020&targetid=1263068211586&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9033589&poi=&campaignid=12518993209&mkgroupid=123059888835&rlsatarget=pla-1263068211586&abcId=9300518&merchantid=112017112&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhuDGvbHy8gIV8BitBh2kggw-EAQYBSABEgJxtfD_BwE