|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 12, 2008 23:25:55 GMT -5
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! I managed to pass the rider's test last night!!! Here in Indiana we have a 25 question multiple choice test that one needs to pass (must get a minimum of 21 correct) to get a learners permit. The cost for the permit is currently $9.00. After that, you must hold the permit for a minimum of 30 days before you can do the skills test for the motorcycle endorsement. If you manage to pass the MSF-BRC, then the skills test can be waived here in Indiana... so, I will be headed to the BMV early this morning so that I can get a nice shiny motorcycle endorsement on my operator's license!!! I HATE THAT D@MN GEAR SHIFT ON THOSE CYCLES! My feet are too big and kept getting stuck between the gear shift and the foot peg. It is amazing what a 370 lbs guy can do on a 300 lbs cycle though!!! It was also funny that all through the course the instructors kept telling me to speed up, but by time I took the class I was moving too fast through some of the tests (only by 2 miles an hour though - lucky me!) We had 11 people in my class - 9 passed. I am exhausted. Nothing like being a scootdawg!!! Thank you for all of your support and words of wisdom!!! Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by madmanjustice on Jun 13, 2008 6:51:15 GMT -5
Congrats!
|
|
|
Post by JiuJitsu on Jun 13, 2008 7:33:10 GMT -5
Congratulations!
Be safe and have fun, I bet you'll put many miles on the Bomber this weekend!
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 13, 2008 12:26:14 GMT -5
Thanks Dawgs!!! Cost for an endorsement on the license in Indiana - $10.00 Cost for the MSF-BRC - $50.00 Being able to ride the Blue Bomber safely - Priceless! Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by JiuJitsu on Jun 13, 2008 14:31:59 GMT -5
Maintenence updates-
aside from breaking the mirror myself, and required fluid changes, here is the totality of what has gone "wrong" so far on this scoot:
Lost one piece of plastic - off tail, noticed screw was loose in faulty "U-bolt" one day and the piece was gone the next! Ordered replacement, direct from Roketa, with mirror replacement as well... VERY hastled at Roketa, several phone calls later - they sent me the wrong side mirror, twisted around so an idiot might think it was the right one, and a broken piece of plastic. I have not followed up, just took the loss, figured if it was that much hastle to get them just to ship parts, trying to get a refund will just be a waste of shipping money.
Also lost one bolt on the exhaust cover, replaced and added locking nut, 2-3 dollars at Loews
Lost another bolt on the exhaust itself, replaced and added locking nut. 3 bucks. Now I see it's gone again! So another bolt, locking nut, and locktite today. $9.00 more...
Replaced two taillight bulbs - standard 1157s, 3-4 bucks at auto zone - also restored my remote start! Brighter than OEM, too.
So, if I don't count the mirror I broke, and the plastic I should have prevented the loss of, my total "cheap clone" fixit price-tag is under $20.00, counting the bulbs replacements.
Not too bad for 3,000 miles, so far... even if the Honda number had been zero, I am some $4,000.00 or so ahead, so far.
I went in prepared, expecting, really, far worse, that's for sure!!! If I had done more thorough PDI it would be that much better!
|
|
|
Post by JiuJitsu on Jun 13, 2008 14:40:52 GMT -5
Oh, yeah, and the seat cover is torn, too, on a seam.
Not wanting to ship it back to allnewsports, just duct taped it with black tape...
Just want to keep the information accurate - it is something I can live with for the price.
If that's not you, spend more money!
|
|
|
Post by thecheermom823 on Jun 13, 2008 14:51:32 GMT -5
Instead of riding around with tape on your seat........
try this.....
If your scoot came with a plastic seat cover, pull out the elastic and lay it flat on a peice of fabric. ( color choice is up to you lol!) Cut around the plastic and stitch a 'pocket along the edge for new elastic to go through. Adjust the fit and VOILA! your new seat cover.
Yeah, I know...
Not the worlds best fit, but it's washable and with the heat from the sun and body heat....
You won't end up with melted adhesive on your clothes!
|
|
|
Post by JiuJitsu on Jun 13, 2008 14:58:41 GMT -5
Have you been looking at my butt?!?
JK - hey did you ever get your two going, I wanted to take that photo of my battery you asked for but I haven't got to it yet, too many bolts falling off.
Earls posted a picture of his battery compartment the other day on his "My experiences" thread, I have been meaning to cut and paste either the photo or the link for you...
Sorry, I really want to be someone who gives here instead of just taking, ya know?
|
|
|
Post by thecheermom823 on Jun 13, 2008 15:58:56 GMT -5
They are up and running! The best experience!
Had a bit of a foul-up ast night.....but other than that. It's Great!
The problem turned out to be faulty fuses!
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 14, 2008 9:58:09 GMT -5
Hey do you like the new patches for the club? (See signature)
Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by JiuJitsu on Jun 16, 2008 7:24:10 GMT -5
Crazy!
No one will mess with the Wild Weasels!
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 17, 2008 5:59:51 GMT -5
LOL!!! I just took my first ride as a fully licensed motorcyclist - I went from my home to the closest Hardee's for breakfast and back - did it in the dark of morning - it was FUN! My wife trailed me on the way there cause she wanted to see what I was like on the scoot, I think she will be my scooter babe for life now!!! (We have only been married for nearly 16 years.) The MC54-250 really has some get up and go - I was doing about 30mph and the scoot felt as if it wanted to do more speed. BTW, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Class (aka the ABATE class) is really well worth it! It assisted me in gaining the training and the confidence to start riding the scooter safely in my environment. If anyone has any doubts, I think that they would be well served to take the class. Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by madmanjustice on Jun 18, 2008 20:09:16 GMT -5
maybe I missed it, but what brand of tires came on your scoot, Jujitsu?
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 19, 2008 9:05:34 GMT -5
First commute to work today was AWESOME!!!
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 24, 2008 8:21:16 GMT -5
Hey guys,
I think I just blew it - I did my first oil change with 10W-40 Synthetic as opposed to 10W-40 regular - will the engine continue to break-in (albeit rather slowly over a much longer period of time) or will I need to flush the oil reservoir and start over with the correct oil? I have to admit though, the ride into work seemed a bunch smoother on the engine. I will change the gear oil tonight.
Thanks for your help! UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by fufu2wheel on Jun 24, 2008 8:54:41 GMT -5
Any oil is better than no oil. Using full synthetic oil will prolong the break-in period, but it wouldn't do any harm. If anything, the synthetic oil will allow better fuel economy. For my MC-54, the break-in period took less than 500 miles, I switched to full syn Rotella, I full up every 150-170 mile for 2 gallon of 87 octane I put in the tank. I've got over 2000 miles on my scoot. Hey guys, I think I just blew it - I did my first oil change with 10W-40 Synthetic as opposed to 10W-40 regular - will the engine continue to break-in (albeit rather slowly over a much longer period of time) or will I need to flush the oil reservoir and start over with the correct oil? I have to admit though, the ride into work seemed a bunch smoother on the engine. I will change the gear oil tonight. Thanks for your help! UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by JiuJitsu on Jun 24, 2008 15:32:49 GMT -5
In my personal opinion, break-in with synthetic is fine, probably better.
I didn't switch until 2000 miles, but I have had a change of heart and would go straight to synthetics next time. The "break-in" myth is bunk, synthetics aren't any "slicker" than regular, they are just superior for hard working motors in every possible way.
Here I quote myself from another thread about oils:
The "synthetics" resist break down better, and are just plain "purer" than what is drilled and distilled. Actually, "true" synthetics are very expensive and difficult to obtain, what is currently sold as synthetic is usually a combination of very pure mineral oil with a little true synthetic in the blend. Legally, "synthetic" really only refers to properties, not processes or sources, since Mobil lost their suit against Castrol in 1999. The "moly" additive in the diesel grade scooterollie recommends, molybdenum disulphide, adds "emergency" lubrication, lowers friction and increases gas mileage. A complete ( read - Deisel ) additive package adds properties of detergents, dispersants, buffers, Viscosity Index Improvers and corrosion inhibitors that keep the oil, and your engine, in a premium and pristine condition longer.
Another big difference that the synthetic diesel grade has over standard 10W40 is that it will remain on your machine's pertinent contact surfaces longer when the pieces are cold and not moving, substantially reducing friction at the most critical and damaging time, start-up. The synth with the deisel additives, including moly, will cling better and provide much superior lubrication.
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 24, 2008 18:02:05 GMT -5
Thanks ufu2wheel & JiuJitsu, I was really beginning to freak out because I never change the oil in my own cars - this was the first time that I tried to change the oil in anything since I first got married almost 16 years ago. I guess I am just not into lubrication... Let me kick you some 'K'! On another note, the folks at AllNewSports never did send me my helmet, so I did contact them by e-mail and told them that I would be contacting my credit card company about issuing a charge-back for the goods and sending the credit card company a copy of the e-mail string that dates back to May. The folks at AllNewSports got back to me and stated that I should see the refund in the next fer business days. The also stated that they have had so many orders due to rising gas prices that they have had to STOP ACCEPTING NEW ORDERS in order to play catch-up. If I would have seen the trend coming, I think I would have started my own scooter sales shop... Thanks, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 25, 2008 5:58:10 GMT -5
Hi Everyone, Wild time at the O.K. coral last night - changing the transmission oil became a 3 hour tour... a 3 hour tour... first issue was that I had a time figuring out what to do to find the transmission oil drain and fill plugs on the MC54-250. I am embarrassed to say that once I found it, it was a "Eureka" moment for me - that CVT cover was messing with my mind and I do not even touch controlled substances. On top of that, one of the screws was stripped on the black cover on top of the CVT cover which made me make a trip to the local Menard's to attempt to find a 5mm x 10mm machine screw and a drill bit screw extractor; this cost me an hour looking for the screw (note to self: whenever going to Menard's to look for machine screws, do not ask the younger employees for assistance - go straight to the old guys, they KNOW exactly how to find that for which you seeketh). I found the screws on my own after asking for assist from one of the younger staff members (guy couldn't have been over 30), only needed 1, but I bought 3 since they were $0.29 since each and I wanted to have backup just in case I managed to strip the screw in the same position as the original assembler. Got the "older, wiser, and shall I say, somewhat more experienced dude" to help me with finding the screw extractor bit; that took about 30 seconds. Total cost for the bit and the screws and one 20 oz. Diet Coke to help me cool my roll - $3.00 (the Diet Coke was $1.24). Got back home and burned up a index finger and a thumb touching a hot drill extractor bit (that was a rookie mistake, as many times as I have done that in the past on drill bits, I should have known better, but the frustration from spending so much time at Menard's had probably set in and the brain was not fully in gear - but I have to admit, the burn helped me to focus and gave me the resolve that I needed to finish the job last night). Managed to get the old screw out and then proceeded to make stellar progress getting the CVT cover off, changing the gear oil, then putting everything back where I found it including replacing one 5mm x 10mm machine screw. Gotta Love it! Next time I do this I think I can have it done in 15 minutes from soup to nuts, but that first time was a ball-buster. Also, just for kicks, I took a test drive at 12:45 a.m. local just to make sure the blue bomber was capable of delivering it's payload. Everything appears to be ship shape. Hope this helps another Dawg somewhere along the line... Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by JiuJitsu on Jun 26, 2008 15:25:24 GMT -5
I put mine in scootertronics yesterday to have the rear bearings replaced... And whatever other damage driving her 3000 miles on bad bearings may have caused. Said it will take a week and a half... No scoot for ten days... But at least this should resolve the continual exhaust bolt troubles I have been having, and fix the exhaust leak at the header where the gasket is gone too... I was stubborn, I noticed the rear wheel wobble a while back but hoped it was "normal". It is not.
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 26, 2008 15:49:37 GMT -5
Wow JiuJitsu - thanks for the heads up! I have less than 200 miles on mine, so I will keep a lookout for that as well. I got the chance to drive in the rain today - that was interesting! At least it wasn't rush hour traffic! Also, I was talking to a friend of mine today that suggested that I use halogen headlights. Is anyone familiar with whether or not they could be or should be used with the MC54-250?
|
|
|
Post by wxguru on Jun 26, 2008 18:20:17 GMT -5
I got my email today with a tracking number for my mc-54-250B!! Scheduled delivery is July 2nd, but it is in dallas, less than 400 miles away, so I suspect it will be here monday at the latest. CAN'T WAIT!! Oh, and passed my AR permit test, and my helmet shipped today...so 3 for 3 on my list for the day.....
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 27, 2008 5:23:06 GMT -5
Congrats wxguru!!! I feel so wet behind the ears because JiuJitsu and I practically got our scooters on the same day and he has over 3000 miles on his scoot and I have a little less than 200; I guess I am taking the slow boat back to China... It is only 14 miles round trip to work and back - it is 10 miles round trip to church (measuring from home base), so I imagine that I will start to rack up some miles as summer is now in full swing and I have all the proper documentation... I think I may try to get into the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Experienced Rider Course in Fall '08 or Spring '09 to assist in furthering my educational development. BTW wxguru, what does the "AR" in "AR permit test" stand for? Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by madmanjustice on Jun 27, 2008 7:30:53 GMT -5
Congrats wxguru!!! BTW wxguru, what does the "AR" in "AR permit test" stand for? Yours, UrsaPolaris I'll bet on Arkansas...
|
|
|
Post by wxguru on Jun 27, 2008 7:58:08 GMT -5
madmanjustice....ding ding ding! We have a winner! Yes, it is Arkansas. Planetpowertoys...who I bought mine through, uses SAIA for shipping, and they are relatively fast, as they got it to Little Rock yesterday evening. Not bad coming by truck from Cali. I have an appointment to receive it on Monday. So from time of purchase to time I have it in my hands, is going to end up being less than 3 weeks total...pretty good for an ebay purchase. I will write a article in the "good and bad dealers" thread after it arrives. So far though, these people are great, and I would send everyone to them for purchases. Oh, also have my MSF course scheduled for 10-11 July...at Little Rock AFB. One perk about being military....the course is free!
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 27, 2008 9:12:50 GMT -5
Oh Snap!!! Thanks - I didn't even think to look where you were from, wxguru! See what happens when you get up too early in the morning! Hope you really enjoy the class - I took it and I feel that it has assisted me in becoming a better driver all around - Gotta love to scoot, but make sure to get that out of the brain as the controls for a motorcycle are a little bit different!!! Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jun 27, 2008 9:12:50 GMT -5
Oh Snap!!! Thanks - I didn't even think to look where you were from, wxguru! See what happens when you get up too early in the morning! Hope you really enjoy the class - I took it and I feel that it has assisted me in becoming a better driver all around - Gotta love to scoot, but make sure to get that out of the brain as the controls for a motorcycle are a little bit different!!! Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|
|
Post by wxguru on Jul 2, 2008 11:00:24 GMT -5
Is 5-30W oil okay for the break in period? Big guy has this weight listed as the break in oil. Just want to make sure it is alright for the mc-54-250B for break-in time.
|
|
|
Post by madmanjustice on Jul 2, 2008 12:22:49 GMT -5
probably so, i'm breaking mine in with Rotella T (non synthetic) which is 15-40 (IIRC)
Lucas 80w90 in the gear box and Peak 50/50 in the cooling system
|
|
|
Post by ursapolaris on Jul 3, 2008 21:00:51 GMT -5
Well, it's official - my Chevy Silverado bit the big one today - guess I will have to rely on the Blue Bomber to get back and forth to work for a little bit - hope the weather stays nice!!! I think the Chevy got offended due to the fact that I had been riding the scooter back and forth to work daily... I think that will be the last Chevy that I buy. I have not owned a Ford since 1992... I seem to do well with Plymouth, but I am really not excited about another car or truck - perhaps I can move to Florida and scoot all the time? Yours, UrsaPolaris
|
|