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Post by slowscootin07 on Mar 12, 2009 18:29:05 GMT -5
Congrats Ed. I know what the cooler/heater does for the carb, what worried me is how it's directly tied into the thermostat, that's all. I know you yanked all the emissions stuff out like I did, but what did you do with the extra hose that comes from the fuel tank to the pump, cap it off on top? I'm considering yanking the pump off myself and putting in a petcock. a #138 jet is freaking huge bud, what's your plug telling you and are they the same jets as for the CVK??? Also 3000 miles of a lot of 2 up riding and at the highway speeds I travel on have really done a number on my belt. Almost 100 bucks for one from the dealer and that's BS. The best price I got was 60 plus shipping and that is at dealer cost--WOW.
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Post by edk187 on Mar 13, 2009 0:21:42 GMT -5
Hi Jeff, How is the weather in Chicago ? Can you do any test rides ?
The CV carbs I used are Keihin, flat slides ( have two of them ) are OKO. The jets are not interchangable. I got the OKO set of ten jets from #125 to #150. 138 came with the carb, so I left it there to get some bench mark.
Gave the bike a good ride today and it keeps pulling from get go, steady accellation with big roar. ( With a large exhaust ). Absolutely no hesitation and choking like CV carb. Sense of big power increase is noticable. Even reving it on the kick stand is awesome. I can assure you - huge difference between 30mm CV and 30mm flat slide. I was not impressed with the boost from 30mm CV.
Original fuel pump is a junk, sealed unit. Has four ports. Fuel in, fuel out, vacuum and vent. Vacuum I capped at intake manifold, the vent hose from the tank I plugged with only small vent hole.
Yes, I will check the plug for the mixture read and I will go down slowly with jetting. However the carb right from the box is a killer on my Kymco and now the HD 200. Both bikes got huge performance boost. ( Kymco got also additional 50cc ).
Thank you for your inputs and initiation for this particular mod !
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Post by slowscootin07 on Mar 16, 2009 23:48:20 GMT -5
I have a 132 in mine now and I think it's a bit fat still. Don't forget Ed that water cooled engines don't need as big of jet as an air cooled. I did a decent test run today and will do an extended ride tomorrow. The popping is gone now but I think I'll bump it down another size. The plug will tell after tomorrow.
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Post by groovy on Apr 17, 2009 20:06:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the great review and helpful hints, slowscootin07. My kids just pitched in and surprised their ol' man with an '86 HD200 for my 62nd birthday. The scoot only has 1,000 miles on it and still had the "kickstand issue". Thanks to your research and great how-to vid, I was able to fix it in about ten minutes.
I'm quite certain that the scoot still has the original coolant, so it probably needs to be changed fairly soon. Do you have any suggestions or hints for that undertaking?
Again, thanks for the thorough review.
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Post by slowscootin07 on Apr 18, 2009 16:48:01 GMT -5
Your kids made a wise choice there groovy. I have over 3100 trouble free miles on mine and it's kinda funny that you mentioned the antifreeze question since I'm going to change mine out real soon and post a video on how to do it. I'm also going to post a video on how to adjust the valves too. I just checked them at about 2500 miles and they were still fine, but I'm sensing a little roughness now at idle so I'll check them again. I'll also do a video on how to replace the CVT belt. If you haven't done so already, then download the owners, service and parts manuals from my website. +1 bone to ya, welcome to the pound and ride safely
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Post by groovy on Apr 19, 2009 9:43:16 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply, slowscootin07. I'll just wait until you post the video before I do mine. It's always easier when the pitfalls are already mapped.
Thanks for the welcome and the bone.
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Post by slowscootin07 on May 2, 2009 21:16:44 GMT -5
It seems ther's been a lot of SYM questions lately, so I bumped this up especially since if you don't use the "search" the right way SYM won't come up.
As for updates on the review I'm pushing 3,200 trouble free fun miles and will be adding a few videos shortly-- stay tuned
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Post by slowscootin07 on May 8, 2009 18:20:31 GMT -5
I've added a quick around video for anyone who's interested in seeing the HD200. More videos will be coming soon and as soon as I figure out how to attach the video camera, I'll have some on the road ones too. Enjoy:) and be sure to watch the other videos I have on my channel www.youtube.com/user/lansdrymanvideos
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gazoo
Junior Dawg
Posts: 7
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Post by gazoo on Jun 4, 2009 23:28:53 GMT -5
Thanks for all of your efforts, Slow. I considered a lot of scoots to replace my TGB R50X (50cc) but your review and videos sealed the deal (that and a nice long test drive). I got a red 2009 HD-200 over the weekend. I love it! It's like moving from a 4-cylinder to a V-6 in a car.
Nit #1: Ridiculously limited storage. Solution? Moved my Shad 37 litre box over from my moped. Had to drill three holes in the rear rack (yep; it's just plastic) and I have to be careful when lifting up the seat so I don't scratch my fingers on the base plate (which I'll eventually remove a bit of material from) but it's on and not going anywhere. Also looking into attaching a small zipper or snap pouch (Army surplus, black) on the front below the bag hook for easy storage of sunglasses, phone and the like. I also must have my bottle holder (I'm thinking about your marine option).
Nit #2: Mirror stems are too short. I cannot see behind me, especially with a jacket on (which is much more of an issue when you are able to go more than 30-35 mph). Solution? Here's where I need your help. I know there's an online store where I can order mirror stem extenders (I purchased them for my TGB). I just don't know the thread size (8mm? 10mm?) and whether they are LH threads, RH or one of each. Do you know?
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Post by slowscootin07 on Jun 5, 2009 0:49:08 GMT -5
First off, Welcome to the Pound I agree with you on the storage as it is limited and mine is full of tools, tie downs and such. I've never had a problem with the mirrors, but I did install the square blind spot ones since I already know what my arms look like. Instead of buying mirror extenders, you could take them off and bend them in a vise since they are solid and not hollow stems. I honestly don't know the thread sizes but I'll mic them at work tomorrow and see. One is reverse thread, that much I do know, but I can't remember which one it is. If you buy a set of extenders, then get the L and R thread set. Check back tomorrow about this time and I'll have the measurement. You're gonna love your HD
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Post by gateway109 on Jun 5, 2009 6:06:22 GMT -5
Slowscootin your review as sold quite a few sym products. Good job I think Carter Brothers should send you a christmas present.
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Post by slowscootin07 on Jun 5, 2009 21:59:41 GMT -5
gazoo, they are 10mm threads and one left, one right thread
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Post by scosgt on Jun 6, 2009 14:37:15 GMT -5
You can also open up the lock nuts, and turn the assembly more outward, outboard of the grips. This will give more of an angle behind you. I notice the exact problem you speak of, but turning the mirror stems more outward and then adjusting the mirrors does help.
If you find a good source for a quality 10mm mirror for the SYM please post it, mirrors are something that seem to get banged up sometimes.
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Post by scosgt on Jun 6, 2009 15:18:05 GMT -5
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Post by scosgt on Jun 7, 2009 12:54:34 GMT -5
Great review. I bought one!
A question on light bulbs - my HD came with the turn signal stalks in front removed - the Givi WS mount uses the stalk mounting holes. What bulb is in there? I am asking because the local Strauss Stores sells amber bulbs in both 1156 and 1157 - is one of these the turn signal bulb? They are pretty cheap, around $4.49 for a package of two in amber. Thanks
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Post by slowscootin07 on Jun 7, 2009 18:54:18 GMT -5
in the eyestalks they are 1156 type bases. The 1157 style won't work because it's a dual filament for tail/brake light. In the steering column dummy sockets they are different. An 1156 style base will work, but you have to file down one nub and watch for clearances. You'll have to use a stubby 1156 style. I can't think of the stlye number for them though...
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Post by scosgt on Jun 7, 2009 19:09:21 GMT -5
Maybe I'll pull one out and see what it is.
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Post by scosgt on Jun 14, 2009 19:23:20 GMT -5
Did you ever figure out a way to channel the hot air from the vents back toward the rider? I have been practicing manuevers (left and right circles and figure 8's) and after a while the temp goes up (probably from no air flow) and the fan kicks in and WOW, it throws a lot of heat back thru the vents! If there is some way to harness that, it would be like a heated car in the winter!
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Post by slowscootin07 on Jun 14, 2009 22:55:01 GMT -5
You'll have to trust me when I say I have something on the back burner Hopefully, I'll hear something soon and I'll share it as soon as I do. As for the vents, they do pump out a lot of heat when in traffic, etc... As you know though, once moving, the fan won't kick on and you run real cool. I've already "papered" out a deflector system that isn't permanent for the Summer months, but it has a lot of experimenting to do electrically and practically. The coolant flush video will be up this week and I made include a few preliminary prototypes
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Post by groovy on Jun 15, 2009 7:03:18 GMT -5
Thanks slowscootin07, I've been watching closely for your cooling system flush vid ever since you hinted that you were making one. What type of antifreeze is safe in these scoots? I know it's not safe to mix types (or brands), but I haven't been able to figure out just exactly what type to use as a replacement.
After all, we consider you to be the (unofficial) foremost authority on the HD200. ;D
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Post by scosgt on Jun 15, 2009 9:31:33 GMT -5
You are correct about the heat when in stop and go traffic. Since my AM commute is always stop and go, it would be a winner in the winter time. My thought is, they have those giant muff things that fit over the grips and you stick your hand into - now if there was a way to duct that heat into those things, that would be heated gloves! THAT would be awesome.
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Post by slowscootin07 on Jun 15, 2009 11:15:04 GMT -5
You are correct about the heat when in stop and go traffic. Since my AM commute is always stop and go, it would be a winner in the winter time. My thought is, they have those giant muff things that fit over the grips and you stick your hand into - now if there was a way to duct that heat into those things, that would be heated gloves! THAT would be awesome. You're getting warmer ;D hehe
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Post by xs650 on Jun 15, 2009 13:03:52 GMT -5
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Post by scosgt on Jun 15, 2009 17:37:06 GMT -5
gazoo, they are 10mm threads and one left, one right thread The mirrors are 8mm thread (10mm shaft) reverse thread on one side.
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Post by ootscoot on Jun 15, 2009 18:53:06 GMT -5
Great to read all the reviews and upgrade tips on the SYM HD200. This is currently my bike of choice - 4800 miles. The ONLY issue I have had was the seat foam position for my longer legs. I had to have the foam cut away a bit in the rear of the seating position to sit comfortably. Had a local upholsterer shop do it for $30., including re-fitting the seat cover. Much more leg room with just a few inches of foam cut away...
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Post by scosgt on Jun 15, 2009 20:04:24 GMT -5
Actually. I would like the seat to be a bit higher so I could stretch my legs out just a bit. And I am only 5'7"
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Post by ootscoot on Jun 15, 2009 20:19:13 GMT -5
I hear you on that one - I just got used to scooting back on the seat of my Milan - and wanted that same position...nice foam on the HD200 - very comfortable ride - I tried raising the seat with a temporary piece of foam, but like the lower seating position for reaching the ground - even tho I'm 6'. With the seat cut back a couple of inches, there is still room for my thin wife to ride with me. She prefers to ride on the back of the HD200 rather than my RV250 - on that the passenger sits higher in relation to the driver...
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Post by scosgt on Jun 15, 2009 20:22:49 GMT -5
The geometry is almost the same as my 50cc Benelli, but I have to pick my legs up higher on the SYM. Because, as you say, you sink into the seat. The seat is more comfy, but the legs are a but more bent. If I did not sink into the seat, I could get exactly the same leg position. Maybe someday a custom seat. There is a great auto upholstery/convertible top guy here, and I know for a fact he does motorcycle saddles.
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gazoo
Junior Dawg
Posts: 7
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Post by gazoo on Jun 16, 2009 12:14:21 GMT -5
I tried to take off the dash cover on my HD-200 last night. Spotted five screews (2 left; 2 right; 1 bottom center) and took them off. Couldn't remove dash cover. What am I missing?
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Post by slowscootin07 on Jun 16, 2009 16:20:39 GMT -5
I tried to take off the dash cover on my HD-200 last night. Spotted five screews (2 left; 2 right; 1 bottom center) and took them off. Couldn't remove dash cover. What am I missing? Believe it of not, I've never fully removed the dash cover, but I have split them apart to get at the dummy bulbs in the steering column. There are locking tabs holding the two pieces together and it's easier to remove the front half as the cluster half is a butt load harder to do. There is a hidden screw under the front half on the very bottom. Here are the locations of the locking tabs and there are 2 more on the ends by the grips. They are circled in yellow. Ignore the red ones as they were for someone else trying to remove the windscreen. just curiuos as to what you're trying to do???
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