KYMCO COMPAGNO / NEW SENTO (50i, 110i)
The Compagno (aka New Sento) is Kymco’s latest and best foray into the popular retro styled scooter market. Kymco Canada was the first to replace the aging Sento 50 scooter with this new model for 2012, while Kymco USA followed suit for 2013. Badged as the Compagno
The Compagno 50i joins the Super 8 50 as Kymco’s top of the line 50. This scooter tops other Kymco’s such as the Agility, Agility City 50 and Like with a full list of features including fuel injection and the latest 3-valve (50cc) or 4-valve (110cc) motors. It’s Kymco’s premium 50cc and it shows in the features list (and MSRP).
Styling
The Compagno carries on the Sento concept of mixing classic styling with a modern touch. It competes very closely with Kymco’s other retro styled scooter design, the Like, which is likely why Kymco Canada isn’t importing the Like to that smaller market. Other competition for the Compagno / New Sento are the LX & S scooters from Vespa and Yamaha’s Vino 50 and 125, the latter of which they’ve stopped importing in recent years.
Engine
The smaller Compagno 50i uses Kymco’s bread and butter 50cc 4-stroke engine found in many of their scooters, but new for this scooter is the addition of fuel injection. It’s mainly this fuel injection that results in the MSRP being few hundred higher than other Kymco’s. In exchange for $300-$400, you get a nice increase in power (4.3HP vs. 3.7 HP), easier starting and better MPG. That sounds like a pretty fair deal, as almost 20% more power is going to make a nice difference up hills.
Brakes / Suspension / Handling
As one of Kymco’s premium scooters, the Compagno utilizes a dual piston brake up front which offers superior braking power and modulation compared to the single piston discs (or drums) found in most of the other small 50’s. In North America, only Aprilia’s SportyCity 50 equals this feature in the 50cc class. This dual piston brake makes this scooter stand out from the competition, including the Japanese where front drum brakes are still commonly used. Braking is standard fare in the rear where a drum brake is used to provide basic stopping abilities.
The Compagno scooters are more accommodating towards smaller riders than most other Kymco’s, with their lower 29.1” seat heights and lower weights (198 lbs and 200 lbs for the 50i and 110i). Those seat height and weights aren’t low compared to other makes, but they are low compared to most other Kymco’s which typically have higher seats around 31” and heavier than average weights due to their larger physical size. The smaller size of the New Sento scooters (47” wheelbase) combined with aluminum rims and smaller wheels (90/90-10) gives these scooters their lower weights. The 50i is a full 40 lbs lighter than Kymco’s Agility City 50.
Storage & ConvenienceThe Compagno boasts a number of nice design touches including LED integrated front blinkers and a small LED front light beneath the main headlight. You also get an open front storage area which is nicer than nothing, but not as useful as a locking enclosed glovebox. The underseat storage area is quite large and accommodates virtually all full face helmets. The aluminum pop out rear pegs are superb and add to this scooters functionality and aesthetics.
Comparison
With the discontinuation of Yamaha’s Vino in recent years, the Compagno is well positioned to take on Honda’s new Metropolitan and Vespa in the retro scooter market. Vespa sells their 50cc models for ~$750 more, while the new Honda retails for a few hundred less. Value oriented buyers will find the well featured Kymco to be an alluring choice, while enthusiasts may find the Vespa’s proper glovebox, microchip key and all metal body to justify the higher price. Compared to the Honda, the Compagno 50i boasts a front disc brake, a 3-valve mill and reportedly a little more pep. It also has a more fully featured dash with a clock and trip odometer.
The 110i model occupies a niche in the scooter market with very little competition. It offers more power than a 50cc scooter while significantly undercutting the price of all the 125 and 150cc scooters out there. It’s aggressively priced in Canada at just $150 more than the 50cc model, so it’s a good choice for riders with a motorcycle licence that don’t mind paying a bit more insurance to get additional pep. American’s might want to think about their needs a bit more closely before handing over the four extra bills for 110i variant. Perhaps the closest competition to the 110i are the discontinued Honda’s Elite 110 and Yamaha’s Vino 125, that latter of which can be widely found used with similar style and power.
Please consider adding an owner review of your Compagno. It greatly benefits other readers and improves this site.
REVIEW - Add Your Review of the Compagno / New Sento
Pros:
- Fuel injection brings increased power and milage
- LED lights and passenger pegs are nice touches
- Dual piston front disc brake
Cons:
- More expensive than other Kymco’s, although the 110cc upgrade is a steal in Canada
- Front storage isn’t enclosed and lock-able
Links:
Submit Review - Own this scooter? Add your thoughts to this site.
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forums on this site to chat about this scoot.
KymcoForum.com - A good place to learn more about Kymco's
New Sento 50i Owners Manual - Handy to have in digital form
Key Specs - Compagno / New Sento (50i / 110i)
* Engine: Air cooled, 49cc 3-valve or 111.7cc 4-valve single cylinder, air cooled 4-stroke
* Power: 4.3 HP @ 8000 RPM or 9.6 HP
* Transmission: CVT
* Bore & Stroke: 39mm x 41.4mm / 50mm x 51.8mm
* Compression Ratio: 10.7:1 / 10.1:1
* Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection
* Drive: Belt
* Wheelbase: 47”
* Weight: 198 lbs (50i), 200 lbs (110i)
* Starter: Electric
* Seat height: 29.1”
* Fuel Tank: 1.4 gallon / 5.5 liter
* Brakes: Dual Piston Disc (Front), Drum (Rear)
* Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
* Rear Suspension: Adjustable Dual Shocks
* Tires: 90/90-10 (Front & Rear)
* Years Sold: 2012-2013 (Canada), 2013 (USA)
* Canada MSRP: $2845 (50i), $2995 (110i)
* USA MSRP: $2599 (50i), $2999 (110i)
USA Colors:
2013 50i: Black, White
2013 110i: Light Blue, Metallic Mocha
Canada Colors:
2012: Black, Tan, Red, Blue
2013: Black, White, Blue, Metallic Mocha