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Post by ltdhpp on Jul 30, 2011 9:39:03 GMT -5
A friends aunt pawned this off on him because it quit running. He couldn't get it running (he's no mechanic either) so then it came to me. $30 later its running great, and $150 worth of labor trade later it belongs to me. My maiden voyage was truly a life-changing experience... why the heck doesn't everyone ride something on 2 wheels??? All I need to say. A few pics to start:   |
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Post by ltdhpp on Jul 30, 2011 9:54:30 GMT -5
First off, I needed to make it run. After disassembling and poking around in the carb, and after reading here about drying up gas leaving gummies, I figured it would be best to just get a new carb, especially seeing how I found one with a new filter for $25...! Also I knew the muffler was clogged... while trying to diagnose it, I thought it was weird I felt air being pumped out of the vacuum nipples... And likewise after removing the carb, I felt air being pumped OUT of the intake elbow... lol. Hmmm... So i drop the exhaust, and sure enough it starts sucking. hooray! I wound up finding a mud fly nest in the pinky sized muffler outlet...  |
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Post by ltdhpp on Jul 30, 2011 10:02:14 GMT -5
While I was waiting for the carb to arrive, I took the muffler to work to blow it out real good. I cleaned it all out, but the pinky sized outlet bothered me... the next slow moment that came, this happened. It definitely made it louder, but not too bad. After reading here that I may have lost backpressure, I decided to do a little experiment. A 1" threaded pipe nipple fit perfect into the pipe I welded on, allowing me to experiment with reducers. "too big" or "too small" did indeed seem to make a difference, only of a mph or 2 at the end of my 1/4 mile slight uphill test runs. It "seems" happiest with the 1/2" size reducer in it.     |
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Post by ltdhpp on Jul 30, 2011 10:16:18 GMT -5
I couldn't resist the $10 cone filter... luckily my scoot had a foam filter to begin with, and Ive read here that this means you can get away without a re-jet, unlike ones running the paper filter. Sure enough after another 'test n tune' it seemed to be just fine with even the same A/F setting as the stock filter. I want to say it felt a little peppier afterwards from 0-10mph, but it may be the extra noise fooling me. The single best thing I did was lower the roller weight... I found 9 gram rollers in there! I removed half to make the equivalent of 4.5 gram rollers, and it's great. Seemed to double acceleration (from poor to not-so-poor) Of course I'm big and heavy at 6-3" 220lbs - as I understand, lighter riders will over-rev with that little roller weight. I plan to experiment with some clutch and torque springs, likewise since I'm a big rider and half the trip to work is a nice long decent grade incline.  |
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Post by ltdhpp on Jul 30, 2011 10:23:42 GMT -5
Once I got acceptably-happy-with-it-for-now, I spent a little money on the little $40 walmart battery. Its the only one I could find short enough (about 3") to fit my battery box... I had to shim it up with foam. It cranks great, just as good as the car battery i was jumping it with. I also couldn't resist the $3.99 harbor freight battery gauge... I didn't mind kick starting it, I mostly wanted the alarm and remote start to work    |
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Post by ltdhpp on Jul 30, 2011 10:37:10 GMT -5
It's been nothing but great so far, and does 30 easily on a gradual incline, 40 easily once you get to a gradual decline, and I'm not trying to find out how fast it goes down hill. 42 seems to be what it tops out at flat as it is now... not bad?
I was thinking about upgrading this thing more, but honestly I want to have my cycle endorsement and a 150 or better by next season. wheelie time!
This thing just feels too cheap to hold up for long... especially with my big ass on it. The 10" wheels, modest suspension, and drum brakes do make the ride a little scary at speed.
Why try to make a super mule when you can get a horse...?
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Post by ltdhpp on Jul 30, 2011 10:57:43 GMT -5
Also, is this a smaller than average 50cc or an I just that much too big for this thing? The 50CC VIP I rented at the beach had much more room for me. I dunno if the seat was just further back or what... its trunk stuck out past the rear of the body, and on mine the trunk sits right on top of the back of the body. (Ive left the trunk off since re-assembly) You can see my other items of affection in the background...  |
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Post by jive on Jul 31, 2011 12:28:15 GMT -5
This is an awesome thread! I have my cycle endorsement, and my other bike is a Suzuki Boulevard C50 800cc. However, I find my 150cc scoot much more fun. And I agree, I dunno why more people in my area (WV) do not ride these? For my commute, it's been great.
Jive
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Post by ltdhpp on Aug 1, 2011 17:22:33 GMT -5
Thanks!
Yeah, I keep hearing about people with motorcycles that ride their scooter more, lol.
I'm guessing there is less stuff to break on a scooter too... I love how simple the CVT transmissions are.
I'll probably look for a 150 or 250 'sport' scooter, like the dude on here with the green tires, lol
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Post by ltdhpp on Aug 6, 2011 11:55:02 GMT -5
Well, I wrecked the 2K clutch springs I got trying to install them (maybe this is a good thing?), I stretched them out pretty bad... to about -500rpm... I didn't realize (or was so frustrated I didn't care) how sensitive they would be to even a little stretching. I saw the snap-ring pliers method video and will try that next time.
The clutch is engaged at idle and the scooter vibrates sitting still only with the back wheel on the ground... otherwise seems to be fine.
I also accidentally ordered a 150cc torque spring... (also 2k, another good mistake?)
I'm thinking 1k clutch and 1.5 torque spring now after doing a little more homework.
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Post by bullet on Aug 6, 2011 12:07:58 GMT -5
Great post. I love to hear about people saving a cast off and having fun while making it into a very good ride. I did just that with my 150. Great feeling. Keep up the good work.
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Post by TERRA NUVO on Aug 6, 2011 12:26:30 GMT -5
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Post by meitianman on Aug 6, 2011 14:56:35 GMT -5
"why the heck doesn't everyone ride something on 2 wheels???"
thats the million dollar question, you get so much more from a nice trip on 2 wheels then you do in a car. in a car i tend to feel disconnected from my surroundings, but on 2 wheels with the wind in what used to be my hair and the sun on my face even a short trip is made a fun experience.
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Post by ltdhpp on Aug 7, 2011 10:19:35 GMT -5
Heck yeah... I can't imagine how fun it would be without the continuous fear that someone is going to cream me... I ride super defensively, but it still gives me a little anxiety, not enough to not want to ride though. I ordered more goodies - some more appropriate springs, mirrors that I might actually be able to use, and some maintenance things. A new good-seal gas cap, intake gaskets, extra v-guides, tire valve stems, and a NGK plug. Im still running the original plug... which I hear is another no-no... lol My boss decided to get a drive-on lift in the shop about the same time as I got the scooter running... I refer to it as the "scooter lift" now... Attachments:
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Post by frigginjoe on Aug 9, 2011 10:19:56 GMT -5
Awesome thread indeed.
It really pays to get mechanical, great deal.
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falik
New Puppy Dawg
Posts: 2
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Post by falik on Aug 9, 2011 15:02:38 GMT -5
Great post. I have the same model and year, but I am not a mechanic. I need some help.
Have just changed oil and spark plug.
Max speed on flat: 22mph.
Less than 10mph up hills.
front-end vibration
How do I adjust valves?
Where is the fuel filter?
Where is the oil filter?
Is there a manual that can show me how to do my repairs?
Pertinent links to other posts?
I love my scooter, but reading how easy it is for you to make your repairs drives me crazy. I need to learn how to do this.
Charlie
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falik
New Puppy Dawg
Posts: 2
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Post by falik on Aug 9, 2011 22:25:27 GMT -5
I need a new seat, as well. The neighbor's dog ate mine. Anyone know where I can get one?
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Post by mechaniczman on Aug 9, 2011 22:49:36 GMT -5
falik, i would just re-cover the seat with pleather. You can get it at an arts and crafts store and if you already have a staple gun then its cheap and easy.
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Post by ltdhpp on Aug 13, 2011 0:34:27 GMT -5
Great post. I have the same model and year, but I am not a mechanic. I need some help. Have just changed oil and spark plug. Max speed on flat: 22mph. Less than 10mph up hills. front-end vibration How do I adjust valves? Where is the fuel filter? Where is the oil filter? Is there a manual that can show me how to do my repairs? Pertinent links to other posts? I love my scooter, but reading how easy it is for you to make your repairs drives me crazy. I need to learn how to do this. Charlie Im no scooter mechanic, Im learning all this on the fly! Fixing cars for a living helps though... some things cross over. I'm not sure what to say on your lack of speed, but something is definitely wrong, it could be lots of things... Does it act funny or different at differnt speeds and/or throttle positions? Is the gas old? it could be bad. Also could be a carb problem - sounds like it might be easier for you to try a new carb - it was for me... they're cheap on eBay. Some carb problems can be solved by opening them up and cleaning the jets... something I have not done yet. Of course it might not be a carb problem at all... And of course to state the obvious... make sure the tires have about 35psi in them...! There are lots of links and videos out there on adjusting valves, and I saw a GY6 manual here somewhere too. The fuel filter is near the carb, under the seat bucket. It will be in a hose between the gas tank and the carb. There is no real oil filter, just a screen you can remove behind a little plug you can take out, opposite the drain plug. Hard to say what front end vibration could be... give your front wheel a spin by and and see if its out of round or makes noise. Push/pull/wiggle it in several directions to check for any looseness or play in the bearings. |
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Post by ltdhpp on Aug 16, 2011 20:55:46 GMT -5
1K clutch and 1.5K torque springs are in! Im happy with them both. The snap ring pliers worked great  The clutch springs only affects take-off a little for me, revving up a bit more and moving a bit faster, but hardly anything out of control. I also like being able to rev it a little sitting still and not have it bog down from trying to move... 1.5 springs next! The torque spring is definitely a big help, only 2-3 mph better on medium hills, 5ish better on milder ones. slight inclines I can do 35 instead of 30 now which I am thrilled about. This means I can maintain the speed limit about 3/4 of the ride now instead of 1/2 the ride. Im going to try some 5ish gram weights with a 2K torque spring next... I gotta see what it will produce. I'll have a Kevlar belt with that too, thanks. I might ventilate the CVT case a little more and get a better variator fan... it already felt warm in there from a short trip when I opened it up tonight. I did loose a couple mph top speed though, from 42 to 40 on rolling flats, and from 45 to 42 on a downhill mild enough for me to stay on the throttle. I don't mind the trade-off at all, 40 is fine with me! |
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Post by ltdhpp on Aug 17, 2011 18:03:25 GMT -5
Well, the happiness was short lived... My clutch must have come from a batch made of extra-soft pot metal... anyone else have this happen to them?? Everything was great for a couple short rides until the clutch became permanently engaged, as you can see. Luckily I was able to ride it back to the shop... I had been eyeballing a performance clutch/bell anyway, from hearing upgraded clutch springs create extra stress... I'll be getting yellow springs too, in case I don't like the red ones. Blue definitely weren't enough  Attachments:
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Post by ltdhpp on Aug 17, 2011 18:18:51 GMT -5
Oh yeah, I also installed the new plug and tire valve stems (those were fun...) and noticed that my cheap-o $10 cone filter is coming apart where it attaches to the boot... I'm gonna get a slightly better quality less cheap one (the inner Jew in me is stubborn, no offense to Jews...) Also like a fool I didn't bother to support the carb after removing the stock airbox, and my intake elbow is leaking, assuming thats why my idle changes when I wiggle the carb around. Im glad I have this 50cc POS to learn from my mistakes (and cheapness) on, before a get a nice 150 And just for more testament for the greatness of two wheels - Me, and very cheap person, (one ex-g/f called me a cheap-ass to my face while dumping me) a person who's last 4 vehicles I bought were $700 or less fixer-uppers... is actually considering shelling out money for a NEW JAPANESE (I'll probably go Chinese, but still new) scooter. That says a lot for how awesome riding is. |
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Post by ltdhpp on Aug 24, 2011 19:35:16 GMT -5
On the road again! NCY clutch and bell installed. So far so good, its lasted 3x as many miles as the stock+blue spring one did... I don't know what rpm the springs are that are in it, but its definitely more than the blue, but not too much. I'll leave them alone... Now I can rev it up even more at stop lights It does feel like it slips a little, but Im sure that rough-surface bell will break in those pads quick so they grab with more surface area. My stock pads only had maybe 1/3 of the area even getting worn after 600 miles... 2K torque spring and 5 grams rollers too - I can't say I really noticed a difference from the 1.5K. Could that be because I went up a little in roller weight? I did seem to get back my 2mph on rolling flats though. I hoped that would help that, plus I was concerned that the three (of the former six) stock 9 gram weights were putting uneven pressure on the ramp plate, if that's even an issue. I replaced the intake and the filter (this scrappy filter isn't any more impressive than the one that came loose from the seal, but for $10... Also crammed some foam under the carb for now... still want to make a support for it. One for the fuel filter too... I don't like how it dangles... And I forgot how uncomfortable this thing is to ride for more than a quick trip... but I'm still tempted to buy the shiny cheap exhaust and better shocks for it... |
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Post by ltdhpp on Sept 10, 2011 20:23:41 GMT -5
Kevlar belt, 4g sliders and a Malossi torsion controller installed. No more resonant torque spring vibration, and I feel like the mid-range power feels stronger with maybe a tad loss of top end. I dunno if that's because the torque spring is loaded up a little more with the torsion controller or from the lighter weights, but I'm not worried about it. It also feels like I "lost" a little from the clutch springs... all I can think is that a little of the delay I felt before was from a lousy slipping belt? Initial RPMs at take off are a bit lower too, but they pick up fast enough for the mid-range to make up for it. Overall, I am pleased. I don't think I made it any slower Attachments:
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Post by ltdhpp on Feb 5, 2012 0:45:17 GMT -5
At the end of last season I added a bunch of extra lighting and never put up pics, so here ya go. I put two small LED amber markers on the front sides, two red on the rear sides, and one at the tip of the mud flap. Also 3 thin red ones stacked together to work as a brake light. LED bulb replacements put in all the signals - these work great at night but are crap in the sun. I re-wired the front lights so both turn and markers lit up with the signal, making one big turn signal. Also installed tiny LED peg-signals on the rear, the kind with one big SMD LED. They work great, can't miss them day or night. Im planning something similar for the new Titan, minus the bulb replacements.      |
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Post by terrilee on Feb 5, 2012 10:54:37 GMT -5
great story
great ur having fun etc etc etc
the only comment i have is
in one of ur 1st posts
u said about kick starting
and using the remote and security system.
kickstarts should be used only in emergencies !!!
there are a lot of threads iin here about kicks breaking
and what a PITA they r to fix.
i have never ever used mine.
i dont even know if it works 
but when i read about how hard they are to fix
i just dont use it
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Post by imnts2 on Feb 5, 2012 12:59:00 GMT -5
great thread. If not a poet at least an adventure writer. Like all the things I see you doing, Love your muffler and your battery conversion.
Going to bookmark it.
Yes, you will want a bigger scoot. A least a 150 all though I would encourage you to find a 250 that needs some TLC. Be careful about EFI on a cheap Chinascoot
Cheers
lefty2
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Post by ltdhpp on Feb 5, 2012 16:28:28 GMT -5
Broken kickstart? lol. Yep, it happened. I only was kick-starting it at first before I got a good battery. But, towards the end of the season as I rode it less, the battery got weak and gave up n me, and I gave it an angry kick. Attachments:
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Post by ltdhpp on Feb 5, 2012 16:31:02 GMT -5
all fixed. It wasn't too hard to put back together, a new cover was 39.99 shipped and I had to get a new starter support bushing to put in it, I got one from Scrappy in 3 days. I just got a US Titan 150 yesterday Attachments:
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Post by Globs on Feb 5, 2012 17:02:26 GMT -5
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,,,,2 LEVEL TABLESPOONS AND 15 more cc's from lowered engine friction weight--go here-
