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Post by RetroAJ on Jul 5, 2007 12:21:14 GMT -5
Just for an update, I passed the 500 mile mark this weekend. I did my 500m oil change, the last one with dino oil. I had three little tiny shavings in the bottome of the big drain plug. That was a first. For any one wondering, the 250cc small drain plug that Stan sells at O. V., fits the GY6 small drain plug perfectly incase you need a replacement. Going to synthetic at 1k miles.
I have had zero problems since I got the few bugs ironed out of it when I got it. MPG still between 92 and 99, depending on how I ride. I am very satisfied with it.
*A J*
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Post by RetroAJ on Jul 16, 2007 13:23:28 GMT -5
Just another addage to my ongoing chronicles.
With over 650 miles on the clock, I had noticed that my rpms had picked up 4-500 revs at any cruising speed. Pulled the trans cover, the belt looked just like new. Being a nylon Bando belt, all I could think of was the belt stretched a little from getting worn in. My gas mileage had dropped to 88 mpg.
I had planned on it anyway, so I ordered a kevlar belt that I installed over the weekend. Wow, what a difference! Rpms were back down and the scooter is running better than brand new. I would get a slight belt pulse here and there, but nothing major. That is all gone, and with virtually no noise from that side of the scooter, I can actually here the trans sucking in air at 30-35 mph if there aren't any high winds. Sounds like a little turbo impeller. Just an update.
*A J*
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Post by RetroAJ on Jul 23, 2007 21:57:26 GMT -5
At over 650 miles, my head light blew out. No, problem, I have a spare, I just hit the high beam, since it is a 35/35 bulb. Well, that lasted just until I got home. As I took the head light apart to put in the new bulb, I realized the socket had the same shape as an HB2 bulb. Could they be interchanged? I don't know if anyone has done this before, so I made sure I took some pics. AND I REWIRED IT! So, let's start off with the china bulb- Then, the similarity of the socket and the HB2 bulb- Then, the HB2 bulb connector I wired in, courtesy of the junk bin at work- Then, the installed Silverstar bulb- And then the finished product- Now, I only plan to run this on low beam, as I only ride in town. So it will only be pulling 55 watts. The system is capable of 70 watts for the china bulb on high beam, so it should be fine. I will keep a close eye on it for a while. The difference between the china bulb and the Silverstar is amazing. Nice white light output. For anyone else wanting to try this, I have the metal head lamp bucket on my scooter. As I have been informed, DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU HAVE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT BUCKETS, THEY WILL MELT. The wiring on my scooter was this- Pink=low beam, Blue=high beam, Green=ground. On the HB2 bulb, as you look at the back of it, the top spade is ground, left is low beam, right is high beam. The colors on your scooter may be different. Sorry the pics are so big. *A J*
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Post by MLN on Jul 23, 2007 22:11:40 GMT -5
Thanks AJ! That could be one of the things I do to my RC-150 when I get it. Then I could go to any Wal-Mart or Auto store and get bulbs. Then again, Jim said they were only a couple bucks so who knows.
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Post by 90GTVert on Jul 23, 2007 22:44:26 GMT -5
Don't do this on the models that use the plastic reflector and lens or you'll be buying a new headlamp assembly. The 55 watt bulbs will melt the surrounding plastics and the wiring is not sufficient to handle the load, at least on the dual beam scooters. Stan
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Post by RetroAJ on Jul 24, 2007 9:05:25 GMT -5
Don't do this on the models that use the plastic reflector and lens or you'll be buying a new headlamp assembly. The 55 watt bulbs will melt the surrounding plastics and the wiring is not sufficient to handle the load, at least on the dual beam scooters. Stan If 55 watts will melt the lens, then running the china bulb on high beam,(70 watts for both filaments), should melt it a whole lot faster. I have done this on two other scooters with no problems, but I only ran the low beam on those also. Of course, my results may vary, as I don't ride more than 5-7 miles at a time. The head light may never get hot enough to cause any damage. But those of you that take long trips may see different results. I could always install the 35/35 HB3 bulb, if the 55 turns out to be too much. But I am keeping a close eye on it. *A J*
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Post by 90GTVert on Jul 24, 2007 12:17:42 GMT -5
Read what I wrote. You have a metal headlamp, not a plastic dual headlamp system. You may well be fine, but the ones I refer to will not. Qualify what you suggest before you advise people to do things that will cause damage. Two 35 watt bulbs are nothing like two 55 watt bulbs for heat or current draw. It makes no difference to me if anyone wants to try this, but consider yourself warned that others have tried it and caused damage to the scooters headlamp assembly and in some cases electrical system damage. Stan Don't do this on the models that use the plastic reflector and lens or you'll be buying a new headlamp assembly. The 55 watt bulbs will melt the surrounding plastics and the wiring is not sufficient to handle the load, at least on the dual beam scooters. Stan If 55 watts will melt the lens, then running the china bulb on high beam,(70 watts for both filaments), should melt it a whole lot faster. I have done this on two other scooters with no problems, but I only ran the low beam on those also. Of course, my results may vary, as I don't ride more than 5-7 miles at a time. The head light may never get hot enough to cause any damage. But those of you that take long trips may see different results. I could always install the 35/35 HB3 bulb, if the 55 turns out to be too much. But I am keeping a close eye on it. *A J*
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Post by RetroAJ on Jul 24, 2007 13:01:10 GMT -5
To avoid any flaming from others who have tried this, or try this with ill results, I have altered my original post on the headlight conversion. This is only intended for scooters with metal head light buckets like mine. If anyone thinks this is a problem, I will ask our Forum Janitor to remove all posts and pics pertaining to this topic. Happy scooting!
*A J*
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Post by 90GTVert on Jul 24, 2007 14:06:32 GMT -5
Thank you, AJ. I didn't mean to sound like I was picking at you, but there are an awful lot of newbies that read this forum and I just don't want to see them get in trouble because they though the solution for a problem on one scooter would fit all scooters. Thanks for the edit. I'm all for using parts you can get locally if they will work correctly. Stan To avoid any flaming from others who have tried this, or try this with ill results, I have altered my original post on the headlight conversion. This is only intended for scooters with metal head light buckets like mine. If anyone thinks this is a problem, I will ask our Forum Janitor to remove all posts and pics pertaining to this topic. Happy scooting! *A J*
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Post by dchme on Jul 24, 2007 14:11:51 GMT -5
On my Bandit RC-150z, the lens and the reflector portion of the headlamp is plastic and chromed plastic. It'd be nice to install halogen w/o creating a fire hazard. Instead, I was able to source the oem 35w/35w main bulb locally for $1.70/pc. I don't ride much at night anyway.
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Post by RetroAJ on Jul 24, 2007 14:56:47 GMT -5
No offense taken Stan, just a preventative measure. I see that I was smited by some one though. So is life.
*A J*
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Post by MLN on Jul 24, 2007 14:56:56 GMT -5
On my Bandit RC-150z, the lens and the reflector portion of the headlamp is plastic and chromed plastic. It'd be nice to install halogen w/o creating a fire hazard. Instead, I was able to source the oem 35w/35w main bulb locally for $1.70/pc. I don't ride much at night anyway. I'm waiting on my RC-150! How is the lighting? I will be driving to work and back in the dark a lot in the winter so I'm curious how the lights work. Also, where did you find your bulbs so cheap?
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Post by MLN on Aug 5, 2007 22:27:46 GMT -5
The speedo seems accurate to 1-2 mph at 50 mph. That's with 35 psi in the front tire. RetroAJ Have you checked it against a GPS? My Bandit is way off. 59 MPH is really 52 MPH per the GPS. The mileage is off too. My odometer reads 1.3 miles for every mile on the GPS. The reason I ask is your mileage is so great and mine was too until I made a correction for the error. I went from 92 MPG to 70 MPG once I found out about the error.
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Post by RetroAJ on Aug 6, 2007 9:31:30 GMT -5
I've checked it against the portable radar stations for speed. It's still almost right on. I don't have a GPS, so I will have to check the odometer against my car and let you know. If it is off, that would explain my higher mileage #'s compaired to others. If I find that it is off, my appologies for the inaccuracy.
*A J*
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Post by MLN on Aug 6, 2007 11:33:29 GMT -5
I've checked it against the portable radar stations for speed. It's still almost right on. I don't have a GPS, so I will have to check the odometer against my car and let you know. If it is off, that would explain my higher mileage #'s compaired to others. If I find that it is off, my appologies for the inaccuracy. *A J* Mine is 3-4 mph fast when under about 45 indicated. I suspected the odo was off when I drove my normal roads and had I higher reading than I thought it should be. So I went and borrowed a friends GPS to confirm the odo was off and found out my speedo was off too. You don't have to apologize for anything. It's not like you intentionally lied about something. You were just reporting what you saw.
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Post by RetroAJ on Aug 6, 2007 12:20:32 GMT -5
OK, MLN, my odometer is off also. Clocking 1.2 miles for every 1 mile I drove in my Aztek. Drove by a radar station on the way home, clocked me at 45 mph when the speedo said 46 mph, so that's still not too far off.
That puts my corrected gas mileage at a standing 78-82 mpg. Still not too bad. Sorry for the misprint.
*A J*
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Post by scootingrandma on Aug 7, 2007 20:02:22 GMT -5
retroaj..you are awesome! I'm a little behind with reading all this, but I just saw your air scoop and it's just what I have been looking for. I have a "Carpi 150" ( the slightly challenged cousin of the Lance) and it over heats whenever it get hot out. Was trying to come up with a way to increase air flow but couldn't think of anything except cutting holes in the cowl. I'm heading to the hardware store right after work tomorrow. That is if it isn't too hot!!! Grandma
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Post by mooseheadm5 on Aug 7, 2007 21:27:16 GMT -5
Scootingrandma, if your scoot overheats, perhaps your jetting is too lean and/or your spark plug is too hot. Cheap and easy to go to a colder heat range on the plug. Overheating can cause detonation and the death of the engine. Your scoot should have enough airflow from the factory. More won't hurt, but look into fixing the root cause. I'm sure someone else here knows the number of the next coldest plug for your scoot off the top of their head. Keep that shiny side up! -P
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Post by MLN on Aug 8, 2007 9:06:48 GMT -5
Scootingrandma
I wouldn't cut holes in the cowling. It's made to direct air over the engine. If you cut holes the forced air cooling will be compromised. AJs scoop should help. They also sell high performance cooling fans that could help.
As Mooseheadm5 said your jetting could be lean causing the engine to run hot. You could try fattening up the jetting a little if it still over heats after adding the AJ scoop and high performance cooling fan.
I have to respectfully disagree with his statement about changing spark plug heat ranges. That really has nothing to do with the temp the engine runs at. The plug has to be hot enough to burn off/stop carbon deposits. Excess heat must be transfered to the head or it will cause problems. However, if you don't transfer enough you will foul plugs.
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Post by RetroAJ on Aug 8, 2007 10:37:58 GMT -5
I agree with MLN, go with jetting first if you are having that much of a problem. If you can't tackle that at the moment, go with the scoop. It made a huge difference on my scooter with the high flow fan. Even in this 95 degree heat, my scooter does not even come close to overheating. I wish I had done this on all my scooters.
*A J*
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Post by scootingrandma on Aug 8, 2007 18:01:28 GMT -5
Thanks guys for the advise. I spoke with my son and he mentoned the jetting as well. The spark plug doesn't look like it's holding up to the heat very well so I'm going to replace it and get the jetting taken care of. I'm going to make that air scoop as well, I think it's too cool! Grandma
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Post by mooseheadm5 on Aug 9, 2007 23:16:47 GMT -5
About plug heat range, it is just one of the things that years of being a car/motorcycle guy has stuck in my head. The general wisdom is to run the coldest plug that will not cause fouling. Too hot of a plug can cause detonation or pre-ignition which can, indeed, cause overheating and power loss. So, while it is not the first thing to go after, it is something to think about. Forgot about the high-flow fan. Definitely a good idea. Jetting first, though. Most vehicles nowadays are running a tad lean to help with emissions, but that is not good for power or longevity (neither is too rich.) -P
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magneto511
Junior Dawg
I'D RATHER DIE STANDING THEN LIVE ON MY KNEES.
Posts: 7
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Post by magneto511 on Aug 25, 2007 23:58:36 GMT -5
Hey Aj, thanks for a perfectly written write-up on the Lance 150. I've got one coming next week and will use this thread like a "bible!
One more thing AJ...List what type/brand of fluids you used when you changed them. Thanks!
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Post by RetroAJ on Aug 27, 2007 10:30:00 GMT -5
As for fluids, I use Mobil 10w-40 in the engine, Mobil 1 synthetic gear lube in the rear end, I think it's 75-90, and Valvoline high performance synthetic brake fluid in the front brake.
I haven't been riding much due to all the rain, so I only have about 875 miles on it now. When I hit 1k, I will put Mobil 1 10w-40 in the engine.
I'm glad this has helped you out.
*A J*
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magneto511
Junior Dawg
I'D RATHER DIE STANDING THEN LIVE ON MY KNEES.
Posts: 7
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Post by magneto511 on Aug 27, 2007 18:33:41 GMT -5
Well, guess what? I git my scoot today!! Shipping time: 3 days..ordered on a Thursday, and received it on Monday(today). Can't argue with that.
So as I unpackaged it, I noticed it had 7 miles on it. put the key in, and started right up. Took it for a test drive WOT, and got it up to 58-59 mph (I'm 5"11, 290 lbs.) So far so good. I'm out to hunt for vacuum line and fuel line, and a spark plug.
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Post by blaksvn on Aug 27, 2007 18:40:02 GMT -5
Great Posts! I'm taking notes on all the upgrades and repairs that everyone is doing as I may get either the Eagle Milano 150 of the Eagle Capri 150 (same scooter more or less) from usaatvs in Indiana as they've also gotten good reviews. The pictures are a plus If possible could you post the part numbers, names and place where you bought this stuff? I'd get one and experiment myself but I'm trying to get a 73" Vespa Primavera basket case and also get an Eagle as a daily rider until the Primavera is done Again THANKS!
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Post by swampsniper on Aug 27, 2007 19:16:06 GMT -5
Great Posts! I'm taking notes on all the upgrades and repairs that everyone is doing as I may get either the Eagle Milano 150 of the Eagle Capri 150 (same scooter more or less) from usaatvs in Indiana as they've also gotten good reviews. The pictures are a plus Again THANKS! Just gonna hang around for the 5000 mile reports! Lookalike body panels have very little to do with the stuff underneath ;D
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Post by blaksvn on Aug 27, 2007 19:37:53 GMT -5
Great Posts! I'm taking notes on all the upgrades and repairs that everyone is doing as I may get either the Eagle Milano 150 of the Eagle Capri 150 (same scooter more or less) from usaatvs in Indiana as they've also gotten good reviews. The pictures are a plus Again THANKS! Just gonna hang around for the 5000 mile reports! Lookalike body panels have very little to do with the stuff underneath ;D So true, that's why I'm following the threads. The Eagles seem to do well so far
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Post by swampsniper on Aug 27, 2007 20:03:43 GMT -5
How far is "so far"?
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Post by guyruss on Aug 27, 2007 23:32:54 GMT -5
HI GUYS,
I JUST RECEIVED MY VINTAGE 150CC ABOUT A WEEK AGO. THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE VALUABLE INFORMATION. I AM NEW WITH THE SCOOTER WORLD, AND THIS IS MY FIRST ONE. I USED TO RIDE MEDIUM SIZE MOTORCYCLES, NOW I THINK I'M SOLD ON SCOOTERS.
RUSS
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