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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 3, 2008 10:11:49 GMT -5
***EDIT, 4/12/08*** - My avatar and signature have changed a LOT since this thread began. For the first post, 4/3/08, both were blank. All changes made in the interim appear retroactively in the first post, and in ALL subsequent posts. When I first posted, what immediately follows was as bare as a new-born babe! Enjoy:OK... I am new here, have lurked about a week, did SOME reading and went in eyes open! Bought this, here: www.allnewsports.com/mroadster250.htmAsking for help and guidance, promising same in return... Will contribute as helpfully and honestly as I can. Brief: I had a Honda Elite 150cc about 22 years ago, loved it, never did any maintenance at all, it ran great 'til I lent it and it got smashed. Need a commute bike to save gas, have reliable alternate trans, looking for cheap- est solution. Not really very mech-minded, but bracing to learn and reap. Bought the cheap deal with eyes open, plan to do some basic fluid changes right away and not expecting any great service or help from the dealer. Condition on arrival will be a crap-shoot, but I have high hopes! . I am gleaning the sentiment that the Chinese scooters are improving with time and I am taking a calculated risk. I am pretty sure, from what I have found here so far, that I should be getting the Linhai 257cc motor, and the site says the bike has a 30mm Kehin carb... good? Hoping for some love from the big giant dawgs and dreaming of becoming one myself one day. I guess this is my new hobby!!! Hope to learn about pics, and avatars, and such soon. OK, long winded intro concludes- I ordered the scooter April 1st, 2008 (not a joke, heh heh), holding my breath while I wait, for now. I bought from allnewsports knowing the rep... Comments thus far? I will keep posting! Pray for me!
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Post by nj2ca on Apr 3, 2008 10:31:25 GMT -5
Congrats on your new purchase! Very exciting.
I can't really provide much info for you (I'm not the most mechanically inclined, and I own a SYM scooter), but I'm here for you with moral support!
Keep us posted about your experience. We're listening!
-Michael
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Post by magnaman on Apr 3, 2008 10:59:43 GMT -5
Congratulations on the new scoot! Many of us here have the same style and like them. They usually have the CFmoto engine in them, not to say it is not the Linhai, but they usually tag them as a 260, not a 250. If you could see the right side of it, you could tell by the exhaust configuration. I also thought the 2008's were going to have 5 spoke wheels, not the three spoke as the pic shows. The specs say it has ABS brakes front & rear which was new for 2008. I'll be curious as to what you end up getting. No matter what you end up with, I am sure you will love it! Scoot on!
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Post by Showme on Apr 3, 2008 11:08:45 GMT -5
Welcome to the pound and I wish you many happy miles. If you have any problems, large or small, bring them on. Someone here knows the fix.
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Post by motomech on Apr 3, 2008 13:36:22 GMT -5
Kool, I really like Chinascoots, but then again, I don't own one I get my tinkering fixes with my BMW. Since you have been lurking, you probably have read the recent pertinent posts, but just in case, this one bodes well; <<<<I rode a 2007 Tank Urban Touring (maroon in color) for about four months. Bought it brand new. Sold my 2006 Tank Urban Touring to my mechanic...he loves to tinker with them. I never had one single problem with the 2007 and I put over 1000 miles on it before I traded it in on a larger scooter. My mechanic has had so many things to fix and upgrade on the 2006 model, however, when he worked on my 2007 he stated that it is so substantially better built than the 2006 he cannot believe it. Better cooling, more reliable connections, good strong battery. I think there was some kind of significant upgrades in Tank beginning in 2007. Best of scooting to ya! Joe (zipadeedudah)>>>> The ad copy at Allnewsports is refreshingly reasonable. With the exception of the 85 m.p.h. claim. 75 m.p.h. is more like it. The fuel tank spec. of 3 gal., tells me that the fuel tank is in the frame rather than under the seat, preferable I.M.O(even with those elusive fuel supply problems). And yes, if a Chinascoot is going to have at least one Japanese part, best it be the carb. All in all, I think it will serve you well.
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 3, 2008 14:35:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the support all. Magnaman, the page before the page I posted actually says the scooter has: * 250cc Linhai Yamaha Motor: www.allnewsports.com/moped.htmas a bullet point, so I am just guessing it is the 257cc. I'll be sure to check it out, I don't imagine there is really all that much difference, but I kinda hope its the bigger "250"... As for the picture, I am just about positive allnewsports is actually using this older picture of a MC-54- 250B 250cc from the allpropowersports.com website www.allpropowersports.com/roketa-scooters-and-atvs/roketa-scooters-250cc.htmlMotomech, thanks for the encouraging quote, that is pretty much the sentiment that I got reading other posts, that the China bikes are improving month to month... I spent $400.00 more for the one advertised as a 2008, like I said though, it could be a crapshoot what I actually get! If allnewsports gets it right, I'll say so. If they get it wrong, I'll say so... For those of you "riveted" to my personal saga, I got this message from allnewsports today: >Subject: ROAD KING STATUS >Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 08:01:18 -0700 (PDT) > >Dear Customer, > > Thank you for ordering with Allnewsports.com. Your order has been >process and is ready for shipment on the 4-09-08. From the shipping date it >will be about 5-10 business days for delivery. > If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free reply back to >this email or contact us (316) 283-4350. > > Thank you for purchasing your vehicle through All New Sports. We >appriciate your business. > > All New Sports Sales Team > > >All New Sports, LLC. >104 W. 17th St. >Newton, KS 67114 >Tel: (316) 283-4334 >Fax: (316) 283-5822 >www.allnewsports.com So, the original claim on the website might be a tad optimistic... Actually, come to think of it, it is accurate, but fails to specify the 8 days before shipping begins... Man, that puts delivery between 4/16/08 and 4/23/08... That is a LONG time to hold my breath! Thanks again!
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Post by earlwb on Apr 3, 2008 16:57:46 GMT -5
Congrats and good luck on your ride. It looks like a great machine.
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Post by magnaman on Apr 3, 2008 18:05:30 GMT -5
I found one pic in that ad that shows the right side. Going by that pic, it appears that it is the CFMoto engine, but that doesn't mean the pics are out dated. Personally, I think the CFMoto is a good engine, and there are lots of parts around. The linhai has not been out long enough to have as much availability in the parts arena. That will change as more of the Linhai motors used and out on the road. Either way, I'm sure you will enjoy it. I know I like mine.
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Post by Gary on Apr 3, 2008 18:52:19 GMT -5
I bought my Viva 250 from Allnew and have been pleased overall. Their service has been good, the scoot was delivered quickly and without damage. They've been good about honoring their parts warranty. Aside from a long list of minor issues, the scoots been great.
Good luck, Gary
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Post by rerun2 on Apr 3, 2008 20:00:33 GMT -5
OK, the CFMoto engine has the cylinder upright with a slight reward tilt, and the Linhai has a forward almost horizontal plane, that is how i tell the difference. JuiJitsu, you will learn quickly that what is in an ad may or may not have anything to do with the real world when it comes to scooters. As to the engine, don't fret over it, both are 'clones' of extremely good designs that have proved out over a LOT of years... so regardless the power plant is very unlikely to be a source of trouble. Troubles are normally with the cheap crap some factories slap onto a pretty good engine, the jap Carb is a great start, the cheapo carbs seem to be a source of headaches frequently. As to the overall aspects of what you have gotten yourself into, you can be pretty sure that you will end up with a pretty decent and reliable scooter, it might take a bit to fine tune some bugs out, but considering what these things sell for, most of us consider the issues that crop up to be just a rite of passage, and not all that big of a deal... read up on setting up the bike, change fluids out immediately, oil change routine, tire pressure, all that stuff is well covered among the threads, READ up, and you can avoid a bit of pain! ;d Good to have you among us, make sure you are current with your parvo, distemper and heartworm meds and we will all get along fine! OH, there is a lot of discussion about what to do if a crushed up carton shows up or what is in the crate is not what you ordered, might want to look at those threads as well. personally, I would refuse any shipment that was damaged or errant in what was ordered, but that is just me! ;d
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Post by Glennby on Apr 3, 2008 20:26:33 GMT -5
congrat's and welcome to the pound..........
Glennby
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Post by oldkid on Apr 4, 2008 9:19:57 GMT -5
I bought my first bike from Allnewsports also. My experence was the same as Gary's above. My only problems were electrical and easy to fix. But, make sure you ... 1. Check the level of oil in engine and gearbox. 2. Check the air pressure approx 24 psi front, and 28 psi rear. 3. Check for untighted screws and nuts. 4. Check fuel and vacuum lines. I recommend you replace the gas lines if your bike came with the cheap stuff. 5. Replace the coolent including the recovery tank. 6. Replace engine oil ( Dino 10 W 40) and gear oil (G-5 75 - 90) and replace the Brake fluid with DOT 3 or DOT 4. in the first few miles. Oldkid
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Post by scooterollie on Apr 4, 2008 9:46:10 GMT -5
JiuJitsu, Welcome to the Dawg Pound! You are close to my old home ground. I lived and worked for many years in the Catonsville area. Been through your area thousands of times! Just at the Hosp. a couple weeks ago. Grandparents lived in Pasadena many years ago.
Mopst, if not all of the pics show the Linhai 257 engine. In addition to what others have described, if you look under the middle-left side, you will see the water pump and radiator hose on the Linhai engine. It's on the right side of the CFMoto engine. I have had one of each engine design and I prefer (subjective opinion) the Linahi because of it's low center of gravity and more room for storage under the seat. I also think the Linahi, with 13 cc more displacement, has a touch more power. In either case, they are both good engines!
Like "oldkid" said, change out the coolant soon after you receive the scoot. On the Linhai and CFMoto engines, the bottom water pump bolt is also the drain. I would change the oil recommendation to diesel grade 15W40. You can find it on the shelf with diesel oils in WalMart or any auto parts store. Any name brand will do - your preference. The diesel grade oils still have the additive "moly" in them - superior wear reduction additive. This has been removed from most auto engine oils. Regular diesel grade oils are formulated for both diesel engines AND hard working gas engines. That certainly describes the engines in our scoots! Change it out soon after receiving the scoot, then a few times up to 1K miles. At that point, continue using it or go to the synthetic diesel version - 5W40 - again, your choice. Change every 1K miles, or so, or once/year if you don't do 1K in a year.
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 6, 2008 13:57:14 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the advice.
Scooterollie, the "moly" additive in the deisel sounds like an excellent idea to me... I have been in your neighborhood before a few times as well, Berkeley Springs, Harpor's Ferry, Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob (arctic), beautiful country.
Lots more questions-
I think I have found plenty of descriptions and illustrations for the engine oil and the gear oil change-outs, and I will do those after maybe 20-30 miles or so, I guess. Does that sound about right?
Also, is the way to insert the gear oil just a standard "grease gun" that I see on the shelf at Lowe's? Or is it something different. I really have no mechanical experience...
Also, what sort of tools should I have on hand for assembly on delivery? I am guessing I should get a metric socket set at least - anything else come to mind? I have some screwdrivers and wrenches and pliers, but that's really about it. I want to be prepared to assemble and scoot asap!
Is the consensus really that the brake fluid needs to be changed out asap too? That sounds pretty difficult... Is that something that could maybe wait until later?
Should I expect adequate instructions for assembly, or is that just a dream?
Any sage coolant replacement suggestions?
What is involved in the initial battery assembly/charging? Will that delay my scooting?
Thanks Dawgs!
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Post by wildbill84 on Apr 6, 2008 16:10:49 GMT -5
Zerex Brand Antifreeze 50/50 is good stuff. Also you should change out your engine & gear oil before you take it for your first cruise. With the battery you'll likely have to add the acid provided the put the cap on... Then you'll have to charge it up the 1st time.
With the brake fluid, I've seen 1 good post on here detailing the correct way to do it. But its not easy. I never changed mine out on my roketa and after 9600km the brakes worked fine. But I have heard that some members report they work better if u do change it out. They still work either way, so i guess its your call. Just gotta be sure you get all the air out the lines if you do chage the fluid out for it to work right.
-Justin
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Post by rusty on Apr 6, 2008 16:35:18 GMT -5
The best way to replace the brake fluid is with a vacuum pump/ brake bleeder. You can pick one up at Auto Zone for $30. You just suck out the old and suck in the new. If you need any more help with this, just ask and I will try to explain it futher.
Rusty
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Post by scooterollie on Apr 6, 2008 16:41:13 GMT -5
Different folks use different methods to get the gear oil in. Not a grease gun as this is oil, not grease. You can buy a plastic measuring cup marked in mls at WalMart to measure out the appropriate quantity (250-300 mls for Linhai gear case) then use a turkey baster to slowly squirt it in the top (fill) hole. May not even need the measuring cup if the baster is marked in mls. I also use the cup to measure out the crankcase oil quantity as the Linhai engine uses 1.2 - 1.4 liters.
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Post by ursapolaris on Apr 6, 2008 17:40:39 GMT -5
Hi Everyone!!! I am NOT McLovin', however, I know I am going to feel SUPERBAD when I finally get to take the 2008 Road King 250 on its maiden voyage!!! Like JiuJitsu, I am scheduled to have mine shipped out on 04/09/2008 with it arriving 5 to 10 business days after ship out from AllNewSports. I am totally new to this game and from what I have read, there looks to much fun to be had with motorcycling in general; but the reason why I made the purchase is to have a vehicle to commute back and forth to work with that gets better gas mileage than my 2003 Chevy Silverado (truck). Here in Indiana, where I live, one needs to have a motorcycle endorsement on their license or a motorcycle only license to ride anything over 50cc's. Is that true in other states as well? Also, I fell in love with a book on motorcycling called _How to Ride a Motorcycle - A Rider's Guide to Strategy, Safety, and Skill Development_ by Pat Hahn. Can anyone recommend any literature that may be more specific to scooters as opposed to motorcycles? Also, with respect to the posted specifications on the Road King 250, will I be able to get my 6'5" 375 lbs. body on this thing without shaking the scooter apart? Thanks for your help, Ursa
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 6, 2008 21:25:05 GMT -5
Ursapolaris - that is awesome that someone else bought the same deal I did. We're both newbs, but with a little luck and a lot of attention to details here I think we'll do fine!
Welcome aboard!
Yes, I need a motorcycle license here in Maryland as well, and I figure the title and registration are going to run me another $300.00 or so before I am scooting legally.
I think you'll be fine on your Road King, but I wouldn't get carried away with too many tricks or stunts! You are a big guy!
I wonder if our bikes will ship out on the same truck and it delivers to each of us? If so, I'll bet you get yours first!
Here's to us - brave newbs! I am sure we'll be talking to each other alot!
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Post by ursapolaris on Apr 7, 2008 5:34:52 GMT -5
Thanks JiuJitsu, It was a bit of a trick pulling it off with my wife of nearly 16 years, however, once I took her into a local Suzuki dealership, I think she fell in love with the idea more than I did - which made doing the purchase a TON easier! (Many thanks to Zig Ziglar and the red head!), funny thing is that now I think I am going to sell my hot tub to make room in the garage for the scooter, I spent this past saturday cleaning out the hot tub and finishing building a table so that I could store some of my larger shop tools away on it. So here's to you, we will be NOOBs together, and who knows, we may eventually meet on the highways and byways of life at a scooter convention somewhere between here and Maryland! OBTW, I agree with you, I will not be trying the stunt or trick thing - at nearly 40 years old, I think I am a bit old for that, but going back and forth to work and perhaps a nice ride through Indiana farm land, that is about as "thrill seeking" as I want to get. Yours, UrsaPolaris
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 8, 2008 21:24:46 GMT -5
Heh, I am 44 myself... No tricks for me either. I just want a reliable gas saver.
Excited about the big ship-out tomorrow!!!
FYI - I called the customer service center at allnew today to ask why the site says the paperwork may take from 3 - 15 days after delivery to arrive. Answer was convoluted, but seemed like the lady I spoke to was being straight with me.
The bikes and the paperwork will both ship from California tomorrow, but the bikes go straight to us, and the paperwork goes to allnew in Kansas, and then reships to us. I asked for expedited shipping, and we have arranged that when the papers get to allnew, she will call my cell, and I will authorize another charge to the same credit card, $35.00, for expedited overnight. I always feel more confident when I speak to a human being. So, I guess, if things go well, I could get the papers before the bike and have insurance, title, registration and temp tags waiting when the scooter arrives! ;D I can dream, can't I? heh heh.
I began to balk at the price, but I'll save $40.00 in gas in four days commuting to work!
I'll post if I hear any more.
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Post by Gary on Apr 8, 2008 21:39:21 GMT -5
Back to the brake fluid thing - I found on both my cheap chinascoots that the brake handles started to stick with the china brake fluid. Changing the fluid to good ol usa stuff solved that. So I don't think you need to change the fluid right away, but eventually you may have to.
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 8, 2008 21:50:13 GMT -5
Thanks Gary, that is pretty much what I am thinking.
I want to address all the things that can actually harm the bike if left Chinese right away, the stuff like hose change-outs and hose clamp change-outs I figure can wait a bit with relatively minor risk - maybe do a nice, relaxed, thorough job in January when I can't ride anyway.
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Post by ursapolaris on Apr 9, 2008 5:04:07 GMT -5
That's funny, I talked with the folks at AllNewSports yesterday as well - they just e-mailed me the sales receipt for the purchase that I made back in late March. I guess that these folks will not break any speed records or speed limits shipping the scoots out. I am not in a big hurry though, I need some time to order my riding jacket and pants and I am not scheduled to take the BRC until early June. I plan on going to the BMV and getting a Learner's Permit this Saturday, so at this point I am a TOTALLY GREEN NOOB!!! I have read many posts about the maintenance issues concerning the China scoots; I am not a mechanic (even though I do live next to one - I take care of his computing and language issues on occasion, and he has helped me with some mechanical issues over the past few years as well - I even sold an old beater Chevy Tracker to him that he gutted and the thing works like new for his wife...), but I think I can perform most small alterations/fixes. Moreover, I like breaking things and giving them to others to fix (I have been a software tester for nearly the last decade, and I was a high school math teacher before that). Question is: Does anyone have any general feel for the quality of the China scoots improving over the last few years? Moreover, when you see the video on www.scootdawg.com/page17 (Siagon Traffic Video) there are a bunch of those scoots running around and I am sure that they are not all from the USA, Japan, Taiwan, or Europe. Just a thought and BTW, maybe it is just springtime and I am in love, but I am starting to see many more scoots wherever I roam...
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 9, 2008 8:00:52 GMT -5
I believe the consensus is that the Chinese are "getting it" and the quality is getting substantially better from month to month. This influenced my decision to spend a little more for a product branded as 2008 (we'll see what we actually get when we get it!). I gather allnew does not have the greatest rep., but I sure like their prices! Check this out: 2strokebuzz.com/index.php?page_id=3946I got my receipt today as well, suppose that confirms shipping. If I am reading this right, the 5RY at the beginning of my vin makes it a Roketa, final assembly in the USA!
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 9, 2008 8:31:25 GMT -5
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Post by scooterollie on Apr 9, 2008 9:01:23 GMT -5
I think the comment made elsewhere on the forum has merit. You can get very good quality bikes from China if you select the right manufacturers and are willing to pay the higher price. Many importers here were in it only for the fast buck and not really interested in the quality of their product or their customer satisfaction rating. With internet forums and more serious folks getting into the business, I think we are seeing an improvement.
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 9, 2008 13:01:37 GMT -5
For those still riveted to my saga, I was able to purchase insurance with the vin on my sales receipt, and am holding proof for the MVA. It's exciting to me...
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Post by johnnyscoots on Apr 9, 2008 14:26:10 GMT -5
awesome bike! Tell Renzo to get one or you'll put him in a Gogoplata... Then again, I'm sure a triangle choke would suffice...
John
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Post by JiuJitsu on Apr 9, 2008 14:31:29 GMT -5
I am not telling Renzo anything of the kind! Do you train too, gogoplata-man?
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