KYMCO LIKE 200 (2009-2016): A Timeless Urban Companion That Marries Retro Charm With Modern Practicality

Introduction

The KYMCO LIKE 200 isn’t just a scooter—it’s a statement. Produced from 2009 to 2016, this model generation carved out a niche by blending retro-inspired design with the no-nonsense practicality demanded by urban riders. With its air-cooled 163cc engine, distinctive vintage styling, and surprising agility, the LIKE 200 became a favorite for commuters and style-conscious riders alike. After spending a week weaving through city traffic and cruising suburban streets, it’s clear why this scooter remains a compelling choice in the used market. Let’s dive into what makes this two-wheeler tick—and why it might just be your next urban sidekick.

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Design & Styling: Nostalgia Meets Functionality

The KYMCO LIKE 200’s design is an open love letter to the classic Vespas of the 1960s, but with a modern twist. The rounded halogen headlamp, chrome-accented mirrors, and curvaceous body panels evoke a timeless aesthetic, while the alloy wheels and LED-tinged instrumentation remind you this is a 21st-century machine.

Key Design Highlights:
- Color Options: Depending on the year, you’ll find hues like Metallic Gold (50th Anniversary Edition), Ivory, Red, Black/Blue, and White/Blue. The paint quality resists fading surprisingly well, even after years of sun exposure.
- Ergonomics: The 780mm (30.7") seat height accommodates riders from 5’2" to 6’0" with ease. The flat floorboard offers ample legroom, and the contoured seat strikes a balance between firm support and all-day comfort.
- Practical Touches: The color-matched top box (standard on later models) isn’t just for show—it’s lockable and fits a full-face helmet. Under-seat storage swallows a weekend grocery haul or a medium-sized backpack.

The only quibble? The chrome trim demands regular polishing to stay pristine. Thankfully, replacement parts like mirrors and badges are affordable and widely available.

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Riding Experience: Agile, Efficient, and Surprisingly Zippy

Fire up the 163cc single-cylinder engine with the electric starter (no kickstarter here), and you’re greeted with a subdued thrum rather than a raucous bark. The CVT transmission delivers seamless acceleration—no clutch jerks or gear hunting.

On the Road:
- City Performance: 0-50 km/h (0-31 mph) arrives in a peppy 5-6 seconds, perfect for darting between traffic lights. The 11.3 HP engine feels punchier than the numbers suggest, thanks to a flat torque curve peaking at 2.8 lb-ft (3.79 Nm) at 5500 RPM.
- Top Speed: 120 km/h (75 mph) is achievable on flat roads, though the engine feels strained above 100 km/h (62 mph). Stick to urban zones and this scooter shines.
- Handling: The 1318mm (51.9") wheelbase and 111 kg (245 lbs) dry weight make it flickable in tight spaces. The 12-inch wheels glide over potholes better than smaller 10-inch setups, though rough roads still send jolts through the telescopic front fork.

Fuel Efficiency:
With an average of 2.77–2.94 L/100 km (80–84.9 mpg), the EFI system sips fuel. A 6.5L (1.7 US gal) tank means fill-ups every 230–250 km (143–155 miles)—ideal for daily errands.

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Storage & Practicality: Built for Real Life

KYMCO nailed the practicality quotient here:
- Under-Seat Storage: 25L capacity fits a full-face helmet + rain gear. The compartment includes a handy helmet hook.
- Top Box: The 28L color-matched box (standard post-2012) adds room for a 12-pack of drinks or a laptop bag.
- Extras: A grocery hook on the leg shield secures bags, while the optional rear rack can mount additional cases.

Compared to rivals like the Vespa LX 150, the LIKE 200 offers significantly more utility out of the box.

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Engine & Performance: Small but Mighty

The air-cooled 163cc SOHC engine isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s reliable and adequately tuned for urban duty.

Technical Deep Dive:
- Bore x Stroke: 60mm x 57.8mm (2.36" x 2.28")—a square design favoring low-end torque.
- EFI System: Cold starts are drama-free, even in 10°C (50°F) mornings. Throttle response is crisp, though not as sharp as fuel-injected Hondas.
- Maintenance: Valve adjustments every 4,000 km (2,485 miles) are straightforward (intake/exhaust clearance: 0.12mm / 0.12mm cold). Use NGK CR7HSA plugs for smooth idling at 1700 ± 100 RPM.

While liquid-cooled competitors like the Honda SH150i handle sustained high speeds better, the KYMCO’s simplicity means fewer parts to fail.

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Chassis & Handling: Confidence in the Corners

The tubular steel frame feels rigid during aggressive cornering, and the 120/70-12 front + 130/70-12 rear tires provide ample grip.

Suspension & Brakes:
- Front: Non-adjustable telescopic fork with 80ml of SAE 20W oil. Adequate for smooth roads but overwhelmed by sharp bumps.
- Rear: Dual shocks (pre-2012 models had a monoshock) with 5-stage preload adjustment. Set to position 3 for solo rides; crank to 5 for two-up loads.
- Brakes: Single 220mm discs front/rear. Bite is progressive rather than abrupt—ideal for novice riders. Upgrade to sintered pads for sharper response.

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Competition: How Does the LIKE 200 Stack Up?

1. Vespa LX 150:
- Pros: Iconic design, liquid-cooled engine.
- Cons: 25% pricier used, smaller storage, 11L fuel tank.
2. Honda SH150i:
- Pros: Liquid cooling, 15 HP, superior highway stability.
- Cons: Bland styling, higher maintenance costs.
3. SYM Fiddle III 200:
- Pros: 171cc engine, LED lighting.
- Cons: Heavier (128 kg), divisive modern-retro design.

Verdict: The KYMCO strikes the best balance between vintage flair, storage, and affordability. It’s the choice for riders prioritizing charm and day-to-day usability over outright speed.

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Maintenance: Keeping Your LIKE 200 in Prime Shape

Owners praise the LIKE 200’s mechanical simplicity, but neglect accelerates wear. Follow these tips:

Critical Service Intervals:
- Oil Changes: Every 2,000 km (1,242 miles) with 10W-40 JASO MA2 oil. Capacity: 900ml (0.95 qt) with filter.
- Tire Pressure: Front: 1.8–2.0 bar (26–29 psi); Rear: 2.2–2.5 bar (32–36 psi). Underinflation kills handling!
- Belt & Rollers: Replace every 12,000 km (7,456 miles). Look for vibration or sluggish acceleration as warning signs.
- Brake Fluid: Flush DOT 4 fluid every 2 years. Spongy levers signal air in the lines.

Common Upgrades:
- Performance Variator: Improves acceleration with 13g rollers.
- Windshield: A 40cm tall screen reduces highway fatigue.
- Seat Cushion: Aftermarket gel pads ease long rides.

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Conclusion: A Scooter That Ages Gracefully

The KYMCO LIKE 200 isn’t about cutting-edge tech or blistering speed—it’s about delivering a stress-free, stylish ownership experience. Whether you’re threading through downtown traffic or grabbing coffee on a sunny afternoon, this scooter feels like a trusted friend. And with MOTOPARTS.store’s extensive catalog of OEM and upgraded components, keeping your LIKE 200 running smoothly (or personalizing it to your taste) has never been easier.

Ready to make your urban commute a joyride? Your next adventure starts with a twist of the throttle.

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Specifications sheet

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