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Post by newscooterer on Oct 30, 2012 16:42:07 GMT -5
**Hey everyone I am new to Forums & new to the scooter world so bare with me here**
Okay, so I'm interested in buying a used 2007 bali motor scooter 250cc it has 1400 miles on it and the seller says its been "garaged for quit some time" he told me Before selling he replaced the water cooling system and got the oil changed ( both 200 miles ago ) he's says he selling due to recent back problems and can't ride. I asked him if there is any problems with the Scooter and he told me the idle needs to be set and the hand brakes need to tightened a little bit. I'm going to look at the scooter tomorrow and so my question to you guys is... What should I look for? What are some popular problems? I've looked into these scooters and what seems to be the big issue is overheating, or bad temp gauges.... I plan on looking at the oil ( making sure it's where it should be ) taking it for a test drive, listening to how it runs, check the gauges, look for leaks..... But other then that I'm not sure what I should be looking for when buying a used scooter. Also a used Reketa. I hear that what you put into Reketa's you get out of them. I just need advise, so I can make the best purchase possible.
Thanks, Ian
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Post by jlee on Oct 30, 2012 17:02:26 GMT -5
Make sure you test run it for a good long while to see if it overheats.
Check for smooth throttle response, from idle to wide open. There may be a flat spot or two, but it shouldn't sputter or stall.
Check wheels for wobble or free play. Look inside the gas tank for rust.
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Post by newscooterer on Oct 30, 2012 17:18:37 GMT -5
Thank you very much! Also should the idle & brake cable not be too important to worry about? I understand that they're quick fixes... But should I be looking for something with those problems that would lead to more major fixes?
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Post by jlee on Oct 30, 2012 18:03:16 GMT -5
I wouldn't worry about the idle - you can adjjust that easily.
The brake cables may be 'loose' because the disc pads are worn and need to be replaced. You can inspect them by looking into the end of the calipers. The cables could also be stretched and need replacement. Or, somebody who didn't know what they were doing got the adjustment all out of whack. In any case, if you don't really know what to look for, best to run it by a bike shop mechanic for a once over...
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Post by jlee on Oct 30, 2012 18:09:31 GMT -5
Just re-read your original post - "hand brakes need to be tightened a little bit". That could simply mean that the levers themselves are loose on the handlebars. If so, don't worry about it - easy fix.
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Post by newscooterer on Oct 30, 2012 19:09:00 GMT -5
Okay thanks! I'm going to check it out tomorrow and will post the results then. Thanks for all your help again!
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Post by 4950cycle on Nov 1, 2012 15:16:59 GMT -5
I would like to see this thread move along myself seeing as I might be buying a used 2008 or more Rocketa myself. I like the Honda Reflex look of the JCL and the 2008 and later Rocketa 250s. Also making sure it has the Linhia powerplant. Never thought I'd like a Yamaha design over a Honda motor design.
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Post by jlee on Nov 1, 2012 15:36:30 GMT -5
Also making sure it has the Linhia powerplant. Never thought I'd like a Yamaha design over a Honda motor design. Had a Yamaha Maxim 650 w/shaft drive in the early '90s. Completely trouble free bike that I put 19,000 miles on before upgrading. Later got a 2000 Yamaha RoadStar 1600 V-Twin - another trouble-free bike that I kept for 8 years. Never needed anything but gas - I checked the oil every 1,000 miles or so, always looked clean. After 5,000 I changed it anyway - old was just a half-shade darker than new. I finally had to sell it in order to get the house re-roofed. Have had Suzukis, Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis, Triumphs, ... The Yamahas and Kawis were always the most reliable for me.
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Post by newscooterer on Nov 1, 2012 16:53:04 GMT -5
Okay so I bought the scooter it is in GREAT shape! Better than I thought it would be. Couple questions though since the instruction manual for these Reketa's aren't very specific or useful...
What is the compartment for under the speedometer and handlebars? It has fluid in it? Looks a little low? Is that coolant? Also how often should I change the Transmission fluid? He kept all recipits of sale ( tighting things, oil change, tire checks ) all the goodies, but he didn't change transmission fluid? How much oil do I need to put it when changing the oil an trans oil? I hear that 10w-40 is great along with 15-40? I live in Tucson so the weather is always pretty warm?
I may be wrong on these questions, so please let me know!
Thanks, Ian
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Post by newscooterer on Nov 1, 2012 16:55:17 GMT -5
Also what trans mission fluid is best in these Chinese scooters?
Ps... My scooter has a speaker system and says AM/FM it works fine besides not great speaker quality but on the side it has a MP3 option? Where does the MP3 cord connection? Does anyone know or is it BS'n me?
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Post by SylvreKat on Nov 1, 2012 18:10:53 GMT -5
I can't give you any answers, but I can give you a big congrats on your "new" scooter! Post a pic or two, show it off to us. And have fun!
>'Kat
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Post by 4950cycle on Nov 1, 2012 22:14:53 GMT -5
All I know by now with my girlfriends simular scooter is if the ignition turns everything on and off when it should and the starter clutch starts the scooter without a glitch, These were the weak links in her 2007 JCL with 257cc Linhia power plant. I'm not sure if you have the Linhia engine. But I know a lot of the 250 Roketas I've looked at have the Linhia.
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Post by jlee on Nov 2, 2012 2:40:42 GMT -5
Okay so I bought the scooter it is in GREAT shape! Better than I thought it would be. Couple questions though since the instruction manual for these Reketa's aren't very specific or useful... What is the compartment for under the speedometer and handlebars? It has fluid in it? Looks a little low? Is that coolant? Also how often should I change the Transmission fluid? He kept all recipits of sale ( tighting things, oil change, tire checks ) all the goodies, but he didn't change transmission fluid? How much oil do I need to put it when changing the oil an trans oil? I hear that 10w-40 is great along with 15-40? I live in Tucson so the weather is always pretty warm? I may be wrong on these questions, so please let me know! Thanks, Ian That compartment is the 'glove box'. There should be a little plastic panel in there that snaps or slides out to reveal the radiator cap for filling. There is no transmission fluid. There is engine oil and final gear oil. 10W40 is fine for both, though I use hypoid gear oil for the final drive (overkill, but I have tons on hand). Check your manual for the quantities.
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