|
|
Post by shark on Mar 31, 2008 21:56:45 GMT -5
I bet that is interesting with 10" tires. There isn't much tread contact on a surface like that.
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Mar 31, 2008 22:49:30 GMT -5
I have done it many times on 10" wheels, never a problem. I think it's the tires that are the problem. They do grip the road well though. I have done some serious low speed turning and wet maneuvering and they were fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by termite on Mar 31, 2008 23:13:19 GMT -5
MY Majesty doesn't like bridge grating either, but it's not so bad that you can't control it. Just gives you an "Uhhh........!" moment until you get used to it. The trick is to not over-correct; just kind of "go with the flow".
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 1, 2008 7:06:45 GMT -5
No question about it, if you even TRY and steer it'll wobble on you! I found a good trick some years ago... if you're accelerating or decelerating, it'll go straight (opposite of most metal grates) on these very large gratings. So when I hit the entrance to the ferry I gas on it to the midway point and then let off. I also noticed that the slower you go the more the wheels wobble.
Being that it's a ferry, you're usually stopped waiting for it, so I always cut ahead of everyone and get to the first in line so I don't have to be behind the cars crawling up to the girl taking the money... this helps a lot.
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 3, 2008 10:59:59 GMT -5
Okay, so the trunk has arrived and it's time to put it on! It arrived beat up some and with what looked like possible factory paint damage, however, a little compound cleaned it up fine. The trunk itself appears to be better quality than what I'm used to seeing out of China. When you turn the key, the door is on a spring hinge and it pops open wide. It has a good bit of room in it, and the paint is an exact match! It is the usual mount found with these, the plastic base and two rails for below the luggage rack, and as usual, it's not a perfect fit. The two rear holes sort of line up, but the front do not. I had to drill the two front to fit. The QC on the trunk is not as good as the scoot itself, but it is better than most. It is a real nice match to the il Bello, and compliments it very well.   I especially like the personalized holographic nameplate on the top.  The chrome strip wrapping the bottom really accents the scooter well. All in all, it took 25 minutes start to finish to install the trunk. I think if I were to keep this scooter, I would have probably changed the vinyl backrest on it. It came in black and does not match the scooter. One of the washers didn't fit the screws, and one of the nuts had bad threads on it, but the final product is well worth the effort! |
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 3, 2008 11:08:38 GMT -5
Okay, so I discovered the first fit problem today. It appears that the seat touches the luggage rack, so when riding, it rubs and is wearing out a spot on the seat:   I brought is over to my upholstery man this morning and we tried to adjust the seat and the rack, but we just couldn't get it to clear. My neighbor here at work is a metal fabricator, and he suggested clamping to pieces of wood around it and crushing it a bit. We might have to give this a try, since adjusting has had no effect. |
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 3, 2008 12:06:12 GMT -5
Okay, I just realized I left out the most important part of the trunk description, does it rattle!
Yes it does!Probably the most annoying thing about adding a top case to these scoots is the God awful rattle! Sometimes using some self-stick insulation works okay, but it compromises the seal of the trunk! I was very happy to find out that this case doesn't use the typical non-adjustable latch! It has a nice firm piece of metal with a bar on it:  All I had to do was bend the bar slightly and the rattle was gone! Very nice! Oh, and here is a picture of the better quality spring hinge used on this case as well: 
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 6, 2008 18:13:23 GMT -5
Okay, so it's now time trial day, I know a lot of you have been waiting for this, so here it is!
I did several time trials with the GPS today, but before I print these, let me tell you the accuracy of the speedo. At 35mph, GPS is 33. At 40mph, GPS is 38. At 50mph, GPS is 47. I was very careful to maintain constant speeds for 20 seconds so the GPS would be 100% accurate. Now with this in mind, I am going to use the speedo for the time trials.
I have to say, I am indeed impressed by the numbers here! Keep in mind that I am 255lbs!
0 to 30: 6.7 sec
0 to 40: 9.9 sec
0 to 50: 13.8 sec
30 to 40: 5.5 sec
40 to 50: 7.9 sec
Top Speed, on the flat: 63mph
Adjust the numbers accordingly based on the GPS readings and you'll see that this is an impressive trial for a 150!
NOTES: All trials were done with three consecutive runs and an average was used. Rider is 255lbs. Wind: none, no head or tail wind. Conditions: Flat concrete road. Temp: 67 degrees. Riding position: Straight up.
I actually had a hard time believing these numbers, since they are so close to my 250 runs. The only real place where the 250 really took this scoot was in the 30 to 40mph, 0-50mph and top speed... impressive!
-Rich
|
|
|
|
Post by oldog1984 on Apr 7, 2008 5:28:14 GMT -5
good work rich keep it up and thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by oldog1984 on Apr 7, 2008 5:59:16 GMT -5
i would like to see a match up of the
1.fly ilbello 150 retro @ $1995.00
2.lance vintage 150 @$1299.00 from scootergeogia
3.motoravo mc-80 milano sc-15 @$998.00 from atvdiscounter
4.sunl sl-150t-6e sc-22 @ $998.00 from atvdiscounter
for dollar for dollar to see what was best for the money . if anybody had a chart on this it would be great. or new any other makers with same body style to match up to..
|
|
|
|
Post by gymbeau on Apr 7, 2008 12:21:26 GMT -5
I saw the actual scooter that Rich is reviewing. I have seen a few of the Joker clones, and this
is the best put together of the ones I have seen. Rich even caught me knocking on the plastic.
Now the quality of the fit and finish is not an indicator of the mechanics of the scoot, but as they say the devil is in the details, and would appear that they paid attention to the details.
Keep us posted on the review.
|
|
|
|
Post by ZootScootRiot on Apr 8, 2008 21:27:44 GMT -5
i would like to see a match up of the 1.fly ilbello 150 retro @ $1995.00 2.lance vintage 150 @$1299.00 from scootergeogia 3.motoravo mc-80 milano sc-15 @$998.00 from atvdiscounter 4.sunl sl-150t-6e sc-22 @ $998.00 from atvdiscounter for dollar for dollar to see what was best for the money . if anybody had a chart on this it would be great. or new any other makers with same body style to match up to.. Don't forget about the Bandit RC-150z @ $1349 from bandit-motorsports |
|
|
|
Post by ZootScootRiot on Apr 8, 2008 21:31:48 GMT -5
The trunk case is a beauty, sounds like it's a better quality one too.
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 12, 2008 4:09:20 GMT -5
It actually is a nice trunk. The only thing I would change (and have) is to put support rails on the inside as well as below. A few of these things have popped out of the screws and rolled off down the street (not the il Bello's).
-Rich
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 18, 2008 15:18:31 GMT -5
The windshield finally arrived yesterday, hurray! I just can't stand riding any scoot without a shield. I have been hit too many times by debris from the road and bugs, not to mention the nasty road water that gets sprayed up by cars in front of me when it rains! Well, it's not quite what I expected, but it's something!  This is how it stays in place... no way! After installing it, the wind would just blow it right over, so I had to install some gasket material around the handlebar clamps and put a screw in the shield bracket to keep it from rattling:  The final product get an A+ for looks only:  The shield is terribly thin, has horrible mounting accessories and WILL need to be modified if you get one. It does do the job okay, but that's all. I think Leon needs to find another supplier for these though. -Rich |
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 18, 2008 15:19:42 GMT -5
Hi Everyone, Bad weather and lots of work has slowed down the review process... Anyway, the MCO finally came for the scooter and I found a new defect, the license plate reflector holder does not fit US plates:  Since the DOT requires the little reflectors, you have two choices here, either drill out new holes with a drill press as I did (The holes need to be in the curve of the metal on both sides which is why you need a press), or buy two reflectors and leave it off. I guess with a good sledge hammer you could bang out the curves and shoot it with a little spray paint, but the drill press is best. Leon does know about the defect and will be addressing it with the factory. -Rich |
|
|
|
Post by scooterollie on Apr 18, 2008 16:34:36 GMT -5
Not uncommon on the Chinese scoots. The first two I had were the right size for cycle plates but the Roketa was like yours. I reshaped the bracket.
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 21, 2008 23:09:33 GMT -5
Okay, so it's been about two weeks since I looked at the speedo... I can't really see it anyway, and I was checking the gas mileage since the last fill up and guess what? It still says 202 miles! So after the fill up, I watched the speedo, and it has apparently stopped working altogether. I know it was completely empty when I filled up because it took almost $6.00, so I have gone at least 120 miles since the last fill. I did use white lithium grease on the cable during the PDI, so this has to be a cable or speedo failure... I always have these it seems  I'll take it apart tomorrow and see what I can find. -Rich |
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 22, 2008 11:23:24 GMT -5
Alright, I had a few minutes this morning, so I pulled the speedo cable at the front wheel, no problem, but it was loose in the sleeve... so it's definitely broken. I took off the speedo and sure enough:   It was broken in the bend of the cable... I guess I have to look a little more closely at the routing when I get the new one. -Rich |
|
|
|
Post by scooterollie on Apr 22, 2008 14:50:21 GMT -5
I have seen recommendations NOT to grease the speedo cable as this increases the drag and the chances of it breaking. They usually come with some type of lube on them.
|
|
|
|
Post by ireland2004 on Apr 26, 2008 19:30:23 GMT -5
Scooterollie's correct, don't apply any extra grease to the inside of any speedo cable, just grease where you install it to the wheel-hub. The grease causes extra friction and heat, and can increase chances of breaking.
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 26, 2008 19:40:23 GMT -5
Yes, I have heard this before, and the only reason I'm considering it is because the spot where the cable broke was worn down, or rubbing. There is a major bend where this happened, and I think the lithium grease in this area will be okay.
BTW, the cable that came out had no grease on it whatsoever. Usually, when you handle a speedo cable, you get little grease lines on your fingers, this one was bone dry.
-Rich
|
|
|
|
Post by WarrenS on Apr 26, 2008 20:09:41 GMT -5
I would think that a lighter lubricant like graphite used in locks would be good for speedometer cables.
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on Apr 26, 2008 21:49:05 GMT -5
Where are the mechanics here! I thought these came from the manufacturer with pre-greased with lithium? I guess I'll have to call Honda and find out what they use... Someone on another board said gun oil, but didn't know the name of it.
-Rich
|
|
|
|
Post by BenWaB3 on May 29, 2008 10:54:28 GMT -5
(Cross-posted to Power Scooters Forum)
Hi Rich,
I'm about to pull the trigger on getting one of these scooters and was wondering if you had any opinions good or bad on how this particular model is for a first scoot? My main concern would be that the wheels are only 10" allthough that is offset a lot by your account on how well it handled on the rough streets in your area (PA has more than its fair share of badly paved roads as well). Thanks to 3 great reviews - yours on the il Bello, Aaron's on the La Vie & Mr. Dawgs's on the QLink Achilles I was able to go to the nearest dealer with a good idea on which models to concentrate on. I had to concur w/ Mr. Dawg's observation on the Achilles - I'm 6'3" & the keys were really rubbing into the rt. knee. Out of all of them the red il Bello the dealer had (already sold, but they'll make more) just seemed to stand out against some other fine machines. Anyway, any advice you can give not only to myself but other list members who are considering the il Bello will certainly be appreciated. Thank you.
Ben
|
|
|
|
Post by "Big Guy" on May 29, 2008 11:55:09 GMT -5
Hi Ben,
I'm right above 6' and my knees didn't come anywhere near the key or plastics, but I'm assuming that you already know that since you saw one in person. The only thing that might compromise the ride for you a 6'3" might be the low seat height. Your back absorbs the bumps in the road and after 30 or 40 miles, you will start to feel it.
Other than that, I would give the il Bello 4 of 5 stars! Pretty high mark for a China scoot!
-Rich
|
|
|
|
Post by BenWaB3 on May 30, 2008 6:42:54 GMT -5
Hi Rich,
Thanks for the info! I'll be getting this mainly to ride to work, which is about 9mi. each way, so there shouldn't be too much wear & tear on the back. Only one area around a mile+ will require speeds of 55mph, the rest will be suburb/country roads. How does the il Bello handle up around it's top speed? The 55 mph area will be fairly heavy traffic. I could always go a different route if the top end is wobbly. I didn't really realize about the seat height until you mentioned it, but come to think of it the 50cc model & 150cc models are the same size, which of course has its own plusses & minusses. Thanks again for your review & info.
Ben
|
|
|
|
Post by oldscooterguy on May 31, 2008 22:38:57 GMT -5
I rode an Il Bello (Red) home from the dealer for a friend last thursday. I ride a Helix and was pleasantly surprised by the Bello. It's low center of gravity makes it an easy bike to ride.
My HH has a 12" tire up front and a 10 incher in the rear and I am in love with it.
I asked her to check her speedo as I would go the posted speed limit and she could tell me what the speedo in her VW Golf read. In a 35MPH zone it was very close to dead on, when I cruised at 54 MPH indicated on the Il Bello her VW showed 52 MPH. That's pretty gosh didely-darn accurate Ned Flanders!
It was a pleasure to ride, and had a wide turning radius just like my HH.
Nice little scoot.
|
|
|
|
Post by oldfartscooter on Jun 6, 2008 12:08:19 GMT -5
Hey, BenWaB3:
Nice to see another Newbie from Lancaster, PA! Are you shopping at Bradfield Motors, by any chance? I'm looking there as well. If you have any feedback on them, I'd love to hear it! I concur with you the reviews on this site have been awesome.
Keep up the good work, ScootDawg!
--Brian
|
|
|
|
Post by oldfartscooter on Jun 6, 2008 12:49:08 GMT -5
Hey, BenWaB3:
Nice to see another Newbie from Lancaster, PA! Are you shopping at Bradfield Motors, by any chance? I'm looking there as well. If you have any feedback on them, I'd love to hear it! I concur with you the reviews on this site have been awesome.
Keep up the good work, ScootDawg!
--Brian
|
|
