Thanks a bunch to both of you, kriden and stig. I used to be a mechanic for small engines & snowmobiles. I have been out of the loop for many years but do understand the importance of clean oil, especially since there is no real oil filter. I think it is the one most important thing for these small engines that tend to get a big workout. The Riva engine is still running strong after nearly 27 years. keeping the oil clean is cheap and easy. I will put some black tape on my headlight. I am sure that will work fine... It just seems kinda "hokey" for a new scooter. I am not a performance nut. I don't really want to start trying to get more hp out of the new engine but like I said, I expected a little more since it is 163 cc vs 125 and fuel injected. My wife and I ride to-up just so we can talk and share the sights so most of our riding is 10 - 25 mph. However a trip to town, 14 miles away and down hill (and back up a steep highway) is more enjoyable if we are not chugging up the road at 45 mph. I couldn't justify the $5000 price tag for the 300i for two or three trips to town a year. So I am sure however fast this machine will pull us, it will be fine. I am impressed with the low end torque so I assume it is lower geared than the Riva and that is likely a better trade off than poor low end power but higher speeds, downhill with the wind! The exhaust diameter on the Like is pretty small... I suppose the detuning characteristics of a small exhaust will ensure longevity of the engine. But I especially like quiet! I won't trade quiet for any performance enhancements. If all else fails we can each jump on a scooter to go to town and double up to enjoy the sights and conversation while there, then we have the desired speed to ride safely on the uphill highway home. I was thinking about selling the old Riva to a friend but that may not happen. Thanks for the welcoming info and happy scootering.
