KYMCO COMPAGNO / SENTO (50I, 110I)

The Compagno (aka Sento or New Sento in Canada) is Kymco’s latest foray into the popular retro styled scooter market. Kymco Canada was the first to replace their original Sento 50 scooter with this new model for 2012, while Kymco USA followed suit for 2013. The Compagno remains on sale in both markets as of 2019.

The Compagno is a premium retro scooter and thus tops other Kymco products such as the Agility and Like with a full list of features including fuel injection and the latest 3-valve (50cc) or 4-valve (110cc) motors.

This scooter was initially offered in both 50i and 110i displacements, with the 110 offering a splendid amount of power. However Kymco dropped the 50cc version after 2014 in the USA and from the Canadian market a year later, leaving just the 110i model to carry on.

This machine is simply badged as the Compagno (meaning ‘alike’ or ‘similar’ in Italian) in the USA, which is seemingly a subtle tie in with Kymco’s other retro styled scooter, the Like.

The situation in Canada is much more confusing. Since Kymco already sold a model called the Sento in Canada, Kymco decided to launch this model as the ‘New Sento’ – a name they kept for 2012 – 2013. Since the original Sento model was discontinued after 2012, Kymco Canada decided to shorten their New Sento name to just Sento for 2014. Then several years later Kymco Canada decided to get their naming in line with the USA market, so they switched the name again to the Compagno. This final name change happened around 2017.

Its American name while Kymco Canada went for a more direct tie in with the outgoing Sento model. Globally this model is referred to as the “Many”.

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 / 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.

What you don’t readily get a sense of in photos, is the small stature of this scooter. It’s a tiny machine, not much bigger than Honda’s old Spree. It’s not well suited to lanky or even average sized riders, but smaller riders will find the small size and low weight very confidence inspiring.

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.

The larger 110i variant puts out a hearty 9.8 HP from its 111cc engine, which is a big increase over the 50cc and even a bit higher than Yamaha’s Vino 125. For comparison, Honda’s USA market Elite 110 puts out 8.9 HP and most 125 – 150cc scooters crank 9 – 12 hp. With almost 10 ponies, the 110i fits best as a peppy scooter for around town, as opposed to a scooter you’d want to regularly venture out on 80km/hr roads on. Even 150’s are marginal for regular use in 80km/hr zones. The 110 engine will really shine for owners in hilly areas or heavier riders. For their part, Kymco Canada has priced the 110i aggressively at just $150 more than the 50i model. That’s going to make it hard to resist opting for the 110i model for buyers who don’t mind getting a motorcycle licence.

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 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 & Convenience

The 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 a devilishly fun model that packs nearly 10hp into a tiny package. The 110cc version is aggressively priced in Canada at just $150 more than the 50cc model, so it’s a good choice for riders with a motorcycle license that don’t mind paying a bit more insurance to surprise a lot of cars off the line. 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 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.

Pros:

• Fuel injection brings increased power and mileage
• 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:

MotorscooterGuide Forums – Visit the forums on this site to chat about this scoot.
KymcoForum.com – A good place to learn more about Kymco’s

Key Specs – Compagno / 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 & 2.8 lbs-ft torque (50cc) or 9.6 HP & 6.7 lbs-ft torque @ 7000 RPM (112cc)
• 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: 189 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)
• Canada MSRP: $2845 (50i), $2995 (110i)
• USA MSRP: $2599 (50i), $2999 (110i)

Colors:

• 2012 (Canada): Black, Tan, Red, Blue
• 2013 (Canada): Black, White, Blue, Metallic Mocha
• 2013 – 2014 (USA 50i): Black, White
• 2013 – 2015 (USA 110i): Light Blue, Metallic Mocha
• 2014 (Canada): Black, Tan, Red, Blue
• 2015 (Canada): Black, Red, Blue, Tan (50cc only), Mocha (110 only)
• 2016 – 2018: Matte White, Matte Black, Light Green