Scoot to Redcliffe

I took the LIKE out for a short trip to Redcliffe today. 

From my place it's about 70km, heading down the Ipswich Motorway, ICB and Sandgate Road, so not too long a ride.

The ride was uneventful until I hit the Hornibrook Bridge, just before Redcliffe.

The surf was up in the bay, waves about 1.5 metre with winds of 50kph, gusting to 70kph across the bridge. Fortunately, I was on the protected side of the bridge, however, it was still a challenge.  It was quite difficult to keep the LIKE in a straight line at the posted speed limit of 80kph, so I had to slow down to 60kph to keep within my lane. After several minutes of fighting the winds, I crossed the bridge and headed to my destination via a more protected route.

Surf's up in Redcliffe

My trip home was via the slightly more protected and longer inland route, however, the wind was still noticable and kept pushing us around.

All up 172km ride for the day in challenging conditions, but great fun all the same.

What did I learn about the LIKE today - AVOID STRONG CROSSWINDS. 

The LIKE is very stable when the wind is coming from the front or behind, BUT, it does become slightly unstable when strong winds hit from the side - probably due to the lack of weight and high centre of gravity.

Until next time - Keep on scooting.

Thursty

First impressions

I've had my Like 200i for 3 days now and have been able to get to know it a little better.

Here are my impressions after 3 days (300km):

The Good:

• Plenty of zip at the lights. I've been able to beat most cars at the lights without really trying
• Very stable, both in stop/start traffic and at motorway speeds
• Great fuel economy. First fill of 6.4 litres after 206km - 31km/l
• Easy to handle in stop/start traffic
• Engine is quiet, even at high speed
• Plenty of storage both under seat and in supplied rear storage box/seat rest
• Glove box is a great place for holding and CHARGING phone (built in cigarette lighter is a HUGH plus)
• About 1/3rd the price of a similar "Italian" scooter
• FUN, FUN, FUN to ride

The Bad:

• Centre stand is very tight and can be difficult to use. Hopefully it will become easier to use over time
• Rear box is thin plastic and the plastic hinges are plastic, reinforced by fabric straps. I don't think the box is sturdy enough, but I'm using it every day so I guess time will tell if my impression is correct. 

The Comments:

• It's cute (20-something non riding female)
• It quite ..... Italian (20-something riding male - I think he way trying to say something nice)

To each their own...

 

All in all, after 3 days, I'm impressed with my purchase. 

Until next time - Keep on scooting.

Thursty

Yes, I bought a LIKE!

I've been riding a Honda Today 50 for the past 6 years, putting over 21,000km on the clock.

I've always found it fun to ride, but WAY under power. I've been tossing up whether to keep riding the scooter to the station and catching the train to work, or putting the train money into a new scooter to enable me to ride the 45km each way to work.

Last Saturday I bit the bullet and I bought a Kymco Like 200i... that's right, I bought a Like.

                                

Over the coming months and years, I'll post details  of my experience with the Like.

I hope you'll call in occassionally and check out what I've been up to.

Until next time - Keep on scooting.

Thursty