KYMCO Like 150i ABS
As the population of motorcycle riders in the country continually increase, our roads are now practically being swarmed by commuter bikes of various makes and models. To the casual observer though, it would seem like everyone is just zipping around on the same ol’ thing. Yet, we cannot deny our longing to be different. We want to stand out from the sea of two-wheeled machines that flood our streets. We desire to have a unique sense of style.
The KYMCO Like 150i ABS is the latest edition of the globally successful scooter from the Taiwanese manufacturing giant and it would seem that this one is going to be another big hit not only overseas but in the local market as well. Its overall styling alone could have the most diehard of scooter fans swooning over. There are no cartoonish graphic stickers on the body panels, just good old fashioned smooth glossy finish with the right amount of chrome accents in the proper places. The earlier generation Like had a rear top box as standard equipment but KYMCO brilliantly decided to let go of the box to reveal the finely-sculpted rear end of the newly designed Like 150i.
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While it comes in elegant classic form, the Like 150i is packed with modern technological features that makes it one of the most competitive scooters in the market. It is fitted with a 150cc single cylinder 4-valve fuel-injected engine which produces 10 kw of power and 12.5 Nm of torque. It pulls away nicely from stand still even with a passenger. I also got good amount of grunt at different rev ranges, unlike in other fuel-injected scooters where power tend to taper off at higher RPMs.
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Being a global product, the Like 150i has to adhere to strict international emission standards. To date, it is probably the only scooter in its category which can boast of a Euro 4 rating. There is also the fact that the Like 150i is the most affordable motorcycle within our shores that is equipped with anti-lock brake system (ABS) on both front and rear disc brakes. As international standards go, KYMCO did not scrimp on safety and they used Bosch ABS for good measure. Another thing to note are the reflectors on each side of the front fork suspension. Most motorcycles we have locally do not have those. It may seem like a minor thing but it could save us a lot of trouble in certain situations.
12-inch wheels and 115-kilogram weight contribute to the light and nimble handling of the Like 150i. Add its delightfully peppy acceleration to the mix and we get a fun little daily ride to tackle the dense urban jungle. We have yet to take the Like 150i on the open road but since it is exactly the same model that currently ply high speed roads of other countries, it is fairly safe to assume that there is no question regarding its high-speed stability. Ride quality is on the firm side, but not to a point of discomfort. In fact, the dual rear shock on this one does a better job of smoothing out the bumps as compared to the previous generation that I have tested before. Also, the upside is that you know your scoot will not sag under the weight of two occupants.
Kymco Like 150i ABS Video
KYMCO has given much consideration to ergonomics in designing the Like 150i. The handle bar is placed a little higher to allow a more relaxed position for your arms and there are slight depressions on both side of the floor board so the feet will be situated lower in relation to the seat. Taller riders will be able to appreciate this as it won’t feel like you’re squatting as opposed to sitting. The grips also safely pass above my knees when turning from either side. I am 5’ll’ and I straddle the Like 150i with both feet
firmly planted and knees still slightly bent. Average Filipino riders won’t have problems when putting their feet down at stop lights.
Other noteworthy improvements include the semi-digital instrument panel that reads out more information, the new USB port inside the huge under seat compartment so you can securely plug in bigger electronic devices and the Noodoe Interface System option. Noodoe enables the user to wirelessly connect his smart phone to the instrument panel via Bluetooth. It’s kind of like a smart watch, except bigger and you don’t have to let go of the hand grip to be able to view it.
The KYMCO Like 150i comes in a very attractive price tag of P98,800 for the standard variant and P119,900 for the Noodoe equipped. With its impressive features, elegant styling and competitive price range, we can only ask ourselves: What’s not to Like?
Specifications:
Words: Gilbert Chao
Photos: Kit Pilla
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