2012 Kymco Sento Review

The Kymco Sento 50 it is one of Kymco's earlier scooter models although it wasn't introduced in the United States market until 2009. It is a retro-style scooter available in either rose/white or light brown/white. While it uses the same engine as the older models, the 2009 model came with revisions to improve and refine the scooter’s retro look. Kymco has said that 2012 may be the last year for this dated model. Buyers looking for a similar, yet more updated offering from Kymco may consider the Like 50.

The 2012 Kymco Sento 50 weighs in at 183 pounds, which is much lighter than some of the competition and makes for easier maneuvering. The popular Vespa LX 50, in comparison, is 225 lbs. The Sento 50 features a seat height of 31.9 inches, which is a bit tall for short riders. The Sento comes equipped with a four-stroke, 50-cc motor that uses a basic design. This scooter is fuel-efficient and eco-friendly – sometimes getting over 100 miles per gallon using a 1.3 gallon fuel tank. The starting mechanisms include both electric push button starting and kick starting, which means cold starts can be forced a little easier. Although the cockpit is a bit cramped, which causes a problem considering that the seat height requires long legs, but there is ample storage. Due to the less than comfortable seat, however, it is not a good option for longer rides.

One of the unique features of the 2012 Kymco Sento 50 is that the passenger pegs are easily popped out for easy removal. That said, the seating hardly allows for a second passenger, which means it's likely that there's no need for the pegs anyway. A side kickstand removes the hassle of messing with a center stand. Unlike many Japanese scooters, this made-in-China Sento 50 includes a front disc brake for better stopping power. The 50-cc engine doesn't offer much power, and as there are no power restrictions placed on it in the factory, it's unlikely to squeeze any extra juice from the small engine. Regardless, it's a reliable machine with a good track record, but a small investment of a few hundred extra dollars will likely purchase a better Kymco Like 50.

The simple engine makes this an easy scooter to maintain, but it doesn’t have much in the way of power. However, for a value-priced option that sips gas and looks retro around tow, the Sento 50 is a decent scooter. Kymco fans will find other good scooters in the price range as well.