Kymco Like II 125i: Light Scooter Online

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

New cars have been racing across the asphalt online for some time. Kymco is now sending the second generation of the Like scooter to the streets with its in-house connectivity system Noodoe.

The system of “likes” was just introduced by Facebook when the Taiwanese scooter manufacturer Kymco presented its retro single scooter Like 125 in 2009. The topic of connectivity - what is meant is online networking - shimmered far, far away on the horizon at the time. Nine years later, the second generation of the Like hit the streets, and anyone who decides to buy the “Exclusive” version (3299 euros instead of 2799 euros for the basic version) can actually collect likes on the go. In addition to full ABS and a very practical topcase, the premium equipment also includes the in-house connectivity system Noodoe.

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It premiered last year in Kymco's AK 550 super scooter. With the option of networking between smartphone and scooter cockpit, the Like II 125i "Exclusive" is the first light-weight scooter on the market that can go online when you are out and about and make information visible on the scooter display.

Deliberate similarities with the Vespa

If you look at the Like II diagonally from the front, the thought of the original mother of all city scooters cannot be suppressed: the similarities with the legendary Vespa are of course wanted by Kymco. The leg shield - here made of plastic, of course -, the proportions and also the wheel diameter correspond approximately to the components of the Italian prima donna. Of course, this ranks unattainably at the top in the image ranking, but Kymcos Like II wants to score with higher quality technology and a price that is almost 1500 euros cheaper.

The single cylinder engine belongs to the fan-cooled species; Power output (around 8.5 kW / 11.5 PS and 10 Nm) as well as smooth running are in line with the class. Thanks to the finely working centrifugal clutch and variator, driving is child's play: Accelerating is enough for smooth acceleration. Up to around 60 km / h this is fast enough to be able to defend the pole position in city traffic when starting traffic lights from the first row. After that, the forward thrust decreases, as expected, and beyond 80 km / h it gets tough. Homologated with a top speed of 95 km / h, the speedometer shows a maximum of 103 km / h on the plane; he is evidently going a long way. Downhill you can read up to 115 km / h.

Kymco Like quite frugal

If you consistently squeeze the Like II, about three liters of fuel run through the injection system; If the journey is quieter, 2.5 liters are enough for 100 kilometers. Because the 6.5 liter tank is rather tight, the Like II calls for a refueling stop approximately every 200 kilometers. It's simple: the lockable filler neck is easily accessible below the front shield in the leg room.

The Like II is a pleasant companion on country roads: the chassis springs and dampens roughly as expected from a Vespa competitor, and the brake is convincing in its class. While the basic version of the Like II has to be content with a combination brake system, the “Exclusive” version has a full ABS; it does its job well. Cornering is easy, even with very fast bends with speeds above 80 km / h there is no discomfort.

Good storage options

The storage options of the Like II are pleasing all round: the storage compartment under the seat, which can be opened from the ignition lock as usual, swallows a full-face helmet, as does the topcase. It has a practical one-key system, but the lock on the test vehicle is very stiff. The pointed key bit likes to punch holes in trouser pockets. The LED lighting is by no means a matter of course, Kymco is setting an example here.

The manufacturer also does this in the cockpit, because technology-savvy drivers can easily connect with Noodoe: In this way, navigation instructions, weather apps or other information can be brought into the cockpit. Text messages are not accessible while driving for safety reasons. If you want, you can choose to display the speedometer, the precise time clock or the trip meter including the driving time in the round display. There is a USB socket in the glove compartment, which can be found on the inside of the leg shield, so that the smartphone never runs empty.

Kymco Like II 125i only in metallic blue

The “Exclusive” version of the Like II 125i is only available in one color, blue metallic. The topcase is also painted accordingly - a color that looks quite chic overall, but certainly anything but youthful and cheeky. The German Kymco importer MSA supplies the “Exclusive” version (ABS, topcase, special paint, Noodoe) for an additional payment of EUR 500, which appears to be an adequate additional price. This means that the second generation of likes presents itself as an attractive and at the same time useful short-range vehicle. The temperament is sufficient, the security attributes are just as impressive as the equipment as a whole. It would therefore not be surprising if the Kymcos Like II 125i were to collect many “likes” again over the next few years. (SP-X)