Post by taooftao on Jul 19, 2012 8:48:34 GMT -5
Hi,
I'm new today, been reading this board about 3 months, got my first scooter 2 weeks ago, a TaoTao CY50b. Bought it online for 780 bucks total, shipped in a crate by UPS freight.
First I want to thank the many posters who have both prepared me for the arrival of the scooter and advised me of how to handle it once it arrived. Because of your help and advice we had the scooter up and running in about 3 hours. The hold-up was that the part that is supposed to turn inside the speedometer module was in backwards and we had to hunt down the tool to take out the jesus clip. If it wasn't for a friend I'd probably still be wondering why my speedometer isn't turning, as I am not very mechanically inclined.
Next I am hoping what I will write will benefit others of similar incline who have bought this same bike and may be going down the same road. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and not much about the CY50b as such. If anyone knows where I can find a schematic drawing of the parts on this EXACT bike, for example, I would be thankful.
Also as an introductory question: What is really up with TaoTao? Who is the maker? I understand the same bikes can be marketed under different names.
Now for my not-so-experienced review of this scooter after 35 kilometers. A friend and 58 year old lifelong motorcycle rider confirms my evaluations for this bike.
Positives:
It runs good and strong and steady. I've yet to change the original oil (one more 7 mile trip to town...), we have tightened and loc-tited all the screws and bolts. Starts right up each time. Have NOT replaced the plug or upgraded any parts, I am getting 35 MPH on a flat road (not km/h), I max out the speedometer going down some hlls here in the Hayesville, NC area mountains. Came with a storage box in back. All electronics work fine. I am happy with it!
Negatives:
If I can only change one thing, it is uphill speed. I realize it is only a small engine, but I am only 160 pounds, and up some hills I can't get over 20 mph. But I realize most of this is the limitations of the engine size.
Problems with assembly (we had the insignia on the front fender blow right through the fender when we tightened the screw...we are getting a new fender under warranty....), lack of a simple schematic drawing and labeling of all the bike parts, a fairly useless manual, are alll expected but still negatives.
But make no mistake, I really like this bike, more every time I ride it.
I'd like more strength up hills but I am not willing to sacrifice top-end speed for it. Considering the price I paid I don't think I am willing to spend hundreds of dollars or days of time upgrading the motor, bore kits and all that, but I am willing to try stuff like simple carb adjustments and changing to a better plug/filter etc. That is, as long as it is running well!
So, nice meeting you all, I'll keep you updated on how it runs over time, and I am sure I'll have some questions in the future...although I know so many have been answered already I can likely find my answers just by a good site search.
All the best,
AC in NC
I'm new today, been reading this board about 3 months, got my first scooter 2 weeks ago, a TaoTao CY50b. Bought it online for 780 bucks total, shipped in a crate by UPS freight.
First I want to thank the many posters who have both prepared me for the arrival of the scooter and advised me of how to handle it once it arrived. Because of your help and advice we had the scooter up and running in about 3 hours. The hold-up was that the part that is supposed to turn inside the speedometer module was in backwards and we had to hunt down the tool to take out the jesus clip. If it wasn't for a friend I'd probably still be wondering why my speedometer isn't turning, as I am not very mechanically inclined.
Next I am hoping what I will write will benefit others of similar incline who have bought this same bike and may be going down the same road. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and not much about the CY50b as such. If anyone knows where I can find a schematic drawing of the parts on this EXACT bike, for example, I would be thankful.
Also as an introductory question: What is really up with TaoTao? Who is the maker? I understand the same bikes can be marketed under different names.
Now for my not-so-experienced review of this scooter after 35 kilometers. A friend and 58 year old lifelong motorcycle rider confirms my evaluations for this bike.
Positives:
It runs good and strong and steady. I've yet to change the original oil (one more 7 mile trip to town...), we have tightened and loc-tited all the screws and bolts. Starts right up each time. Have NOT replaced the plug or upgraded any parts, I am getting 35 MPH on a flat road (not km/h), I max out the speedometer going down some hlls here in the Hayesville, NC area mountains. Came with a storage box in back. All electronics work fine. I am happy with it!
Negatives:
If I can only change one thing, it is uphill speed. I realize it is only a small engine, but I am only 160 pounds, and up some hills I can't get over 20 mph. But I realize most of this is the limitations of the engine size.
Problems with assembly (we had the insignia on the front fender blow right through the fender when we tightened the screw...we are getting a new fender under warranty....), lack of a simple schematic drawing and labeling of all the bike parts, a fairly useless manual, are alll expected but still negatives.
But make no mistake, I really like this bike, more every time I ride it.
I'd like more strength up hills but I am not willing to sacrifice top-end speed for it. Considering the price I paid I don't think I am willing to spend hundreds of dollars or days of time upgrading the motor, bore kits and all that, but I am willing to try stuff like simple carb adjustments and changing to a better plug/filter etc. That is, as long as it is running well!
So, nice meeting you all, I'll keep you updated on how it runs over time, and I am sure I'll have some questions in the future...although I know so many have been answered already I can likely find my answers just by a good site search.
All the best,
AC in NC
And congrats on the new Scoot! 