KYMCO SENTO 50
Motor
The Sento 50 used the same 4-stroke motor found in all of Kymco’s 4-stroke 50cc products at the time. This motor is an older design using basic technology (air cooled, 2-valves, no fuel injection etc) which provided reasonable power and fuel economy (typically 80-90 mpg) in a reliable package. The leading 4-stroke 50cc engines are capable of about 110mpg in real world conditions (not to be confused with manufacturers claims) but you’ll also spend more acquiring one.
Design and Amenities
The Sento 50 tips the scales at 183 lbs which is fairly light. For comparison, Vespa’s LX 50 is quite a bit heavier at 225 lbs, whereas Honda’s Metropolitan is lighter still at 176 lbs and Yamaha’s Vino 50 wins this category at an impressive 166 lbs. The Sento 50 has quite a high seat height of 31.9” which makes it not well suited to shorter riders. The cockpit is also fairly compact, so it can be a poor fitting scooter as you need tall legs to straddle the seat but then the short cockpit leaves little room for your knees. Accordingly, the Sento 50 isn’t a great fit for riders who are both shorter or taller than average. The rider shown at left is about 6’3”.
One neat touch on the Sento is the pop out passenger pegs - although you’d be hard pressed to actually fit a passenger on this seat. The inclusion of a kickstand is also appreciated as tilted the scooter onto one of these is much easier and classier than lugging it up on to the centerstand to park. Kudos to Kymco for including one of these when so many other brands
Comparison
The Sento 50 was Kymco’s retro styled 4-stroke model from 2009 - 2012, before being replaced by the Compagno (aka New Sento) for 2013. The Sento 50 competed with scooters like Vespa’s LX & S 50’s, Kymco’s own Like 50, Honda’s Metropolitan/Jazz, Yamaha’s Vino 50 and a few others like the PGO Metro / Genuine Buddy.
One area where the Sento 50 beats the Japanese competition is with the inclusion of a front disc brake. A front disc brake is found on Vespa’s and on Taiwanese competitors from SYM and PGO, but not on most Japanese 50’s. The Sento 50 engine is not intentionally restricted in its stock form, so any additional power will not be easy to come by.
The Sento 50 is a reasonable 4-stroke retro styled scooter. It doesn’t really stand out in any one area, but it’s a reliable machine at a very affordable price ($1999). Accordingly, it’s a good choice for someone looking for a low cost retro scooter. If you’ve got another hundred dollars to spend though, Kymco’s newer Like 50 scooter has a nicer retro look to it and it’s slightly more accommodating to riders of different sizes.
Conversely, it you are happy with an older model but want a bit more pep then check out Kymco’s Sting 50, which offers similar styling but with 2-stroke power and a healthier appetite for gas.
Please consider adding an owner review of your Sento. It greatly benefits other readers and improves this site.
REVIEW - Add Your Review of the Sento 50
Pros:
- Front disc brake
- Underseat storage
Cons:
- High seat height
- Aging design
- Low tech engine
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
OEM Kymco Parts Look Up - Nice for viewing exploded diagrams and ordering parts.
Key Specs - Sento 50
* Engine: Air cooled, 49cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke
* Power: 3.7 HP @ 7500 RPM, 2.6 ft/lbs torque @ 6500 RPM
* Transmission: CVT
* Bore & Stroke: 39.0mm x 41.4mm
* Fuel Delivery: Carb with Auto Choke
* Wheelbase: 46.4”
* Weight: 183 lbs
* Starter: Electric and Kick
* Seat height: 31.9”
* Fuel Tank: 1.3 Gallons / 5 Liters
* Brakes: Single Piston Disc (Front), Drum (Rear)
* Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
* Rear Suspension: Adjustable Single Shock
* Tires: 90/90-10 (Front and Rear)
* Years Sold: 2009 - 2012 (USA), 2009 - 2011 (Canada)
* MSRP: $1999 (2010)
* Colors Rose/White, Light Blue/White, Brown/White