Review: Kymco Like 150i Noodoe

I’ve always been attracted to retro-styled scooters. In terms of style, I personally like the classic look and vibe of this style of bike compared to underbones and sport bikes. So I was pretty excited when I was offered by RideStyle Magazine last January to do a long-term test review on the new 2019 Kymco Like 150i with Noodoe navigation, which is said to be the first smart scooter in the Philippines. I’ve been using it for a couple of months now for urban rides and moto-touring and honestly, I don’t want to give it up.

While not yet a major player in the Philippines in the motorcycle scene dominated by the big four Japanese brands, Kymco is the largest scooter manufacturer in Taiwan, and the fifth largest scooter manufacturer worldwide. Aside from the stylish design of the bike, what makes this bike stand out from the crowd is its modern tech features. Just like a smart car, it uses an interactive dashboard that allows users to connect their smartphone to the scooter for smart navigation and customization.

Design

The Kymco Like 150i Noodoe is modern yet looks retro. The Noodoe variant is currently available only in one color, Matte Silver Crystal, which fits its futuristic urban vibe while still exuding classic European elegance. The seat looks classy, as does the chrome grab rail. The bike looks pretty solid for a scooter, but doesn’t feel too bulky when you use it. I’m not that tall, so Maxi-scoots and bigger bikes always feel too bulky and huge when I ride them, so I like the size and overall feel of the Like.

The Like 150i ABS (non–Noodoe variant) comes in Pearly White, Bright Red and Blue. I’m really attracted to the red one. Ang ganda!

The scooter comes with a LED head lamp, bright LED tail lights, easy front fuel filler opening, a 12” aluminum alloy wheels and Bosch anti-lock braking system, which is said to allow better balance and stability. It also has a roomy under the seat storage compartment and glove compartment up front for stashing small items like gloves, rags papers and your phone.

I’ve been using the Like for urban rides, out-of-town weekend trips and touring and I think the bike looks good. Friends have told me the bike looks good. I’ve even gotten a few inquiries from strangers and people online regarding it. You could dress casually in sporty wear, typical riding gear or wear smart casual attire to attend a meeting and I think it would still fit the look of the bike.

Features

Noodoe Navigation

Other riders have been asking me about the Noodoe feature and if it’s worth the extra 20k price tag on the bike. Basically, the Noodoe technology refers to the dashboard. Most instrument panels of scooters are analog and usually not even worth mentioning. Noodoe technology allows riders to create and customize digital designs for the clock, weather, speedometer and compass which can be installed and displayed on the dash.

This gives riders a form of self-expression without having to add actual custom parts or plastering the bike with stickers and decals. Just like a phone wallpaper, you can use your own photos and display it on the dash or change it to suit your mood. Your creations can also be shared through the Noodoe cloud, an online social community where bikers around the world communicate with each other.

The more practical use is the turn-by-turn based navigation system that can be viewed on the dash. I get lost easily in urban streets and not having to stop to check Googlemaps on my phone (which I usually keep in a bag or backpack for safety) is pretty convenient. However, you need to pre-set your route beforehand and keep your phone’s GPS on. The dashboard automatically reroutes if you miss a turn. Plus, if your smartphone ever runs out of juice on the road, the built-in USB charging port inside the storage compartment can be used to recharge gadgets.

Why not just invest in a smartphone and holder? Well, you could, but it’s pretty convenient to have everything displayed on dashboard. There’s no danger of your smartphone getting wet in the rain or falling off when you ride. You can easily scroll through the options on the dash with your thumb on buttons near the right throttle, giving you hands-free access.

Specifications

• Category: Scooter
• Engine Type: 4S SOHC
• Engine Displacement: 150 cc
• Cooling system: AIR COOLED
• Max Power: 13.5PS @ 9000RPM
• Max Torque: 12.5NM @ 6500RPM
• Wheelbase: 1135MM
• Seat Height: 31.1″
• Suspension: TELESCOPIC / DOUBLE SWING
• Brakes: Disc type bosch ABS
• Tire Size: 110/70-12 / 130/70-12
• Fuel Capacity: 7.0 LITERS
• Fuel System: Fuel injected
• Overall Length: 1935MM
• Overall Width: 690MM
• Overall Height: 1145MM
• Dry Weight: 115 KGS
• Website: WWW.KYMCO.COM.PH

Field Test Notes

Urban Rides

• Performance-wise, the Kymco Like 150i doesn’t disappoint. Just turn it on, twist the throttle and you’re ready for action.
• In urban settings, it’s zippy, very maneuverable, and when you need to overtake another vehicle, it can muster plenty of power.
• It’s nimble enough to split lanes and can be easily parked in tight spots.
• The scooter is capable of high speeds that really shines in urban settings. The Like 150i can run smoothly on paved roads and tackle city streets easily.
• It’s pretty useful for everyday commuting and chores like buying groceries since bags can be placed on the flat floorboard and the additional storage under the seat.
• I would have liked it even more if you could fit the helmet under the seat.
• The cover of the glove compartment does not close perfectly all the time, but it’s just a matter of adjusting it.
• I like the fact that you just have to twist the key in its normal place to open the seat compartment. It would have been great if they could have incorporated that for the gas tank as well.
• You manually have to take out the key and use it to unlock the gas tank, which means you can’t see how much gas is being added when you refuel.
• Ground clearance is a bit low. There’s a tendency for the bottom of the bike to hit humps if you attack them face on. This is more noticeable if you have a pillion passenger.

Moto-touring

• I’ve used the Kymco Like 150i for weekend trips near the metro and moto-camping where we needed to carry tents and other gear.
• I also tested it out on a long ride from QC to Baguio, Sagada, La Union and back and it didn’t fail me. (more on this ride soon)
• While there’s a tendency to skid on dirt roads as the tires aren’t exactly dual-purpose, it can handle moderately rough roads and gravel (like the backroads of Pilillia Windmills) well enough.
• Bonus points for the generous under-the-seat storage and convenient glove box compartment for stashing stuff easily.
• I found the bike surprisingly powerful when tackling uphills when riding around the steep sections in Baguio, Halsema Highway and Sagada. This included hairpin turns on mountain roads covered in rocks and gravel from landslides.

• It was also easier to park in the sloped mountain roads of Sagada.
• The navigation system came in pretty handy for Baguio City since we were not that familiar with the side-streets and route getting out of the city. It automatically reroutes if you miss a turn.
• However, it does not detect road closures. There were several incidents in Bulacan when we kept backtracking to reach a major turn we were supposed to take only to find out from locals that the road had been closed several months back.
• You need to set some time before your ride to download the initial Philippine map (it’s a large file) and update all the firmware, set the route etc. because it’s a bit of hassle when you have to do it while on the road.

Fuel Consumption

The fuel tank can hold 7 liters of gas, which may not seem like a lot compared to bigger bikes, but it is still slightly larger than other scooters in the same category. The Kymco Like 150i claims to be more economical with a refined engine delivering increased power and better mileage of 85 miles per gallon (or 30-35 km/l).

Based on our average use in urban settings, it exceeded this and is very fuel efficient, costing an average of 50 pesos per liter. One full tank usually lasts more than a week for city driving and daily commuting.

Based on manual computations, the average fuel consumption for the Kymco Like 150i is about 50 km/l, which theoretically means over 300 kms on a full tank of gas. I did some sample computations for some legs of our long ride.

• Starting point: Baguio City: 1612 km
• End point: Petron Sagada Staunton Road: 1807 km
• Route: Baguio – La Trinidad – Bontoc Rd/Halsema Highway – Abatan Road (detour because Sabangan was closed) – Balili Road
• Distance traveled: 195 km
• Fuel cost: P221.03 for 3.75 = 58.94 per liter
• Fuel consumption : 195 km / 3.75 = 52 km/l
  (mostly mountains, twisties, lots of uphills, no traffic)

• Starting point: San Juan, La Union: 2022 km
• End point: Petron, Arayat, Pampanga: 2233 km
• Distance traveled: 201 km
• Fuel cost: P194.95 for 4.07 liters = 47.90 per liter (PETRON)
• Fuel consumption: 201 km / 4.07 pl = 49.38 km/l
  (mostly flat, highways, moderate traffic in some towns)

Verdict

The Kymco Like 150i with Noodoe navigation is a great ride, especially for urban use. It’s easy to use and park in congested streets and high traffic situations, is extremely fuel-efficient, and the Noodoe technology is a great bonus for navigating city streets. While I prefer to see where I am in a bigger map (ex. Googlemaps) those who like turn-by-turn based navigation like Waze may like using the Noodoe. The added customization feature for the dashboard is a pretty cool addition that makes the bike unique.

During the review period, my husband, who drives a 350-cc Standard Classic Bike, kept stealing the Like to use as his daily commuter to work.

Aside from its practicality for city use, I enjoyed using the bike on longer rides as well. I really felt the fuel-efficiency and the power of the bike when using it on open roads during our QC – Baguio – Sagada – La Union – QC ride. It had no problem tackling the uphill sections.

As a relatively new model, there’s always room for improvement. The handlebar vibrations can be very harsh sometimes over cracked streets and potholes, to the point that it one of my side mirrors went loose. I found that spare parts were not as readily available as some of the older models of the Kymco Like, though they should be rolled out soon as the model becomes more available in the market. The navigation system also still had some quirks when I used it which hopefully can be addressed by firmware updates.

But overall, I loved the look and was satisfied with the performance of this bike. It’s practical, reliable and stylish. Since my first scooter is showing signs of aging, I’m thinking of buying the red Non-Noodoe variant if and when Kymco decides to take this review unit back. I’d love to keep it though. Can I keep it? 🙂

Price

The Kymco Like 150i Noodoe was priced at P119,900.00 when it first came out in the Philippines, but the price increased in April 2019 to P 139,900. The non-Noodoe 150i ABS variant costs Php 119,000.

Video

Video directed and shot by Marvin Geronimo of No Barriers, Just Horizons

Thanks to Wrangler Philippines for the jackets and Jansport Philippines & Osprey for the backpacks!