Kymco Like 150i

Scooter tend to take three distinct routes when it comes to design. Modern ones are either trying to be too edgy in an attempt to look sportier or try to look like maxi scooters. The third route is what the Kymco Like 150i appears to have taken. The design is inspired by Vespas but one updated to modern tastes and needs. The classic lines are still here. But improved just a little bit. The front apron is slightly angular instead of being completely curved. The front headlight is not just a boring old circle. The engine covers are unique and look sporty. Everything mechanical is blackened to present the beautiful lines in all their glory. It evokes nostalgia in just the right amount. The rest of the design is clean and elegant. The front fender is featureless. There are no unnecessary slashes and angles on the front apron- except for a very tasteful central vent and some creases. The engine cover is equally spotless except for some tasteful 3D badging. It is also very modern. The headlight is a twin stacked LED unit with separate high and low beams that can be adjusted for angle. The indicators have now been moved to the apron which also uses LEDs. Lighting in the rear gets an equally modern setup with a unique light up the pattern in the brake light. All the chrome plating on the rearview mirrors, headlight surround, and rear grab handles have a quality feel. The color options – red, white, and deep blue for base and matte grey for Noodoe– compliment the styling very well. There are ten spoke 12” alloy wheels with 110/70 front and 130/70 rear tires. Under the seat is enough space to store a full face helmet. There is an additional luggage hook in the front of the seat and some more space in the lockable glove box compartment. This also comes with a USB charger for your phone. Under the glove box is a lid that covers the fuel filler. Front fuel fillers are fast becoming common. What is not so common is the dashboard that is equipped on the Noodoe variant. This uses smaller LCD displays for the usual information like speed and tripmeter. Which is then complemented by a full-color LCD display that can be paired to the Noodoe app on your smartphone. This connects you to the Noodoe network that gives you features like context-sensitive navigation and endless customization options.

Suspension in the front uses traditional telescopic forks with 95 mm of travel and a dual triple stage shock absorber setup with 86 mm of travel. This gives it a plush ride on bad city roads. The seat height is 770 mm and the handlebars are high and wide giving it commuter like handling. There is enough space in the front footboard, but with compact dimensions of just 1935 mm (L) X 690 mm (W) X 1145 mm (H), it will be a tight fit for taller people. The compact wheelbase of 1135 mm does take advantage of the new Bi-beam construction to give it more rigidity and stability. They also distribute the weight better giving it a lower center of gravity and avoiding the light front end problem that scooters like this often suffer from.

Power comes form a 150cc 4V Euro 4 compliant fuel-injected and air-cooled engine producing 13.3 hp at 9000 rpm and 12.5 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. This is mated to a CVT automatic.  This new engine is more refined than the previous while also delivering increased power and better mileage (30-35 kmpl). The power output is linear and friendly. The engine itself is very refined and free from vibrations and noise. The fuel tank can hold 7-litre.

Braking is really impressive on this and uses disc brakes both front and rear which are complemented by Bosch ABS on both ends. Probably the best setup in its class.  

The Kymco Like 150i and its Noodoe variant are both premium scooters with some very premium features. It has classic styling, practical ergonomics, and modern features and can go toe to toe with the best of them. Well worth its price.