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Post by prodigit on Feb 16, 2013 18:14:04 GMT -5
ok, i just felt like saying this!
I was riding, and at around 125km's the horn fell out the plastic. That on itself isn't a biggie, but now I have to demount the whole front of this thing again. What's worse, is that the horn has a cooling fan on the board it's soldered onto. That coolingfan got stuck between the front suspension, and the frame, resulting in me not being able to turn! I nearly had an accident!
Damn thing locked up my handlebars! What's worse, I didn't understand why the bike didn't turn, and it's turn cycle was so long, so I put a lot of force on the handlebars, causing the handlebars to get loose as well!
I now will ride with gear at all times! I may be a good rider, I may be able to ride safe, and predict traffic really well, so that I'll always avoid other cagers mistakes! But I'm not able to predict a freakin' front strut lock because of half the gear falling out of my bike!
So eventhough I may ride safe, my bike is not safe; and what I fear the most is that there may be a million bolts rattling out of the thing the next few miles, or none... I just don't know...!
Now I was about 25km's away from home, running on a scoot that could not turn (very well), with loose handlebars. No other way than to use the 4way blinkers and go at low speeds.
If that would have been all, I would have been satisfied, however I heard a ticking noise under the bike. I knew the exhaust bolts where falling off like the machine was rattling apart to it's doom!
By the time the sound got worse I decided to pull over (5-10 miles from home), praying that I'll make it home on time (because it was getting cold, and looked like it was going to rain). When I pulled over, already one of the exhaust bolts/nuts where gone. Then along the way, nut 2 also fell off (I could not take it off right there, because it was too hot to touch.
So now I got a horn, exhaust bolts, and gasket to fix, and who knows what else would fall apart after that!
I called Superiorpowersports and they kept me on the line for like 10 minutes, only to leave a message, because office hours are closed.
Needless to say I was less than impressed with this purchase!
Now I understand how lucky I was having a problem-free ATM50! My first real lemon. At least the BMS TXB260's exhaust bolts lasted like 1000 miles or so. These ones just fell off at the breakin!
Tao POS!
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Post by beachbum on Feb 16, 2013 18:21:14 GMT -5
Mine fell off about 300 miles. Put two nuts on each one and they will never fall off.
Sorry, I know the feeling.
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Post by inuyasha on Feb 16, 2013 18:27:14 GMT -5
Hi So sorry to hear that Did you give her a FULL pdi and not a quick once over As the bolts coming loose could have been prevented imho Whether its a new or used scoot i always give them a full pdi from top to bottom and check everything bolts,, lines cables, etc, twice for good measure and replace or tighten if necessary Hope things turn out for the best Take care and ride safely dear friend Yours Hank
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Post by prodigit on Feb 16, 2013 18:35:20 GMT -5
Unfortunately I HATE giving a full PDI. I've been lucky on the ATM50. I just check the main bolts. But expect the rest to kind of be ok... What I don't understand is that the chinese where clever enough to copy a working Honda engine in a working scooter. An engine, carburetor and CVT are all intricate things. It takes engineering and thought to manufacture. Why can't they think for 2 seconds what every of their scooters go through? (like vibration, bolts falling off...?) It's a given! I'm not an engineer, but it would be common to at least ride one TaoTao scooter until it falls apart, and find solutions to it? If bolts are falling off, then provide a freakin way for them to not fall off. And if there is a way, like putting locktite on them, then fire the people who're not doing their job right!
All this halfway doing a job, is only gonna cost the company reputation, which will end in scoot sale losses!
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Post by JR on Feb 16, 2013 19:18:44 GMT -5
Unfortunately I HATE giving a full PDI.
;D ;D JR
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Post by skuttadawg on Feb 16, 2013 21:48:46 GMT -5
Know you see why I say my TaoTao was a POS . That sucks as I like the body style of yours and surprised you had good luck with the ATM . Give a look at Jonway brand of scooters . For a 150 a CFMoto Echarm or Glory is hard to beat with EFI and LC engines along with F&R disc brakes and 2 year full warranty
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Post by prodigit on Feb 17, 2013 11:19:21 GMT -5
Yeah.. Unfortunately I'll have to make up for my scooter, and make it work. No way my wife is going to allow me to buy another one.
If I'll ever buy anything else, it'll be a Kawasaki Ninja 300; or something similar from a reputable company. But that'll be all for my 2 wheeler needs.
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Post by scootermass on Feb 17, 2013 14:23:45 GMT -5
Know you see why I say my TaoTao was a POS . That sucks as I like the body style of yours and surprised you had good luck with the ATM . Give a look at Jonway brand of scooters . For a 150 a CFMoto Echarm or Glory is hard to beat with EFI and LC engines along with F&R disc brakes and 2 year full warranty Better yet...Kymco, SYM or Genuine (Buddy) are the best bets. Yes...They cost more money, but they are worth it! I should also mention another Taiwanese company called TGB (Taiwanese Golden Bee) to a lesser extent. Sorry to hear about your issues! The only Chinese scooter I would buy in the USA is Bintelli Scooters. www.bintelli.com/I love their Havoc 150cc! Great looking scooter! Take a peek @ some of their pics here: www.bintelli.com/150cc/havoc-150cc/2-uncategorised/64-havoc-150cc-gallery
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Post by saferider1 on Feb 17, 2013 16:51:01 GMT -5
Hey prodigit, I know that part you're referring to, the one that got caught up in your forks. I saw it too, dangling loose, when I got my Evo out of the crate. It's the metal plate with cooling fins and the horn. You'll see the holes where it needs to be bolted when you remove the headlight assembly again. Find the 2 bolts in your fastener bag. I wish I could have told you in advance! Be sure to check your rear axle nut as well and torque it down to 85-95 ft-lbs. Mine was rather loosely torqued from the factory...you'll have to remove the tail pipe and swing arm to get at the nut. It's a 21 mm.
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Post by prodigit on Feb 17, 2013 18:50:19 GMT -5
Yeah, the rear nut, I don't know why they don't fasten these nuts with cotter pins
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Post by wutzthedeal on Feb 17, 2013 23:25:06 GMT -5
I guess I would call mine a POS but it just keeps going. Maybe because 70% of it is no longer factory, I dunno. 20 degrees now, going riding. Peace out!
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Post by Blueboy5000 on Feb 18, 2013 8:22:06 GMT -5
Hahahahahaha!
Didn't do a full PDI? But Your a scooter EXPERT!!!
Go home troll!
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Post by lovemy2strokes on Feb 18, 2013 10:40:04 GMT -5
Opps.
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Post by medman1952 on Feb 18, 2013 16:55:10 GMT -5
Hahahahahaha! Didn't do a full PDI? But Your a scooter EXPERT!!! Go home troll! Troll?? Not hardly, hey we all let things slide sometimes, if you know how to fix something it seems less of a priority to you, just human nature. Of course then we learn. Regarding the quality issue, if they did all the testing and fixing of design issues, there would be no cheap Chinese scooters.
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Post by edfr on Feb 18, 2013 17:20:50 GMT -5
Maybe a Burgman would be better Couldn't pass it up Lefty
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Post by prodigit on Feb 18, 2013 17:46:35 GMT -5
Hey prodigit, I know that part you're referring to, the one that got caught up in your forks. I saw it too, dangling loose, when I got my Evo out of the crate. It's the metal plate with cooling fins and the horn. You'll see the holes where it needs to be bolted when you remove the headlight assembly again. Find the 2 bolts in your fastener bag. I wish I could have told you in advance! Be sure to check your rear axle nut as well and torque it down to 85-95 ft-lbs. Mine was rather loosely torqued from the factory...you'll have to remove the tail pipe and swing arm to get at the nut. It's a 21 mm. Hi, Mine was pretty tight! I could reach it with a ratchet and a socket, without modification. I don't know if I should re-install it with locktite or not..?
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bikernuc
Big Dawg
DONOR
If I can't Break it ...It ain't fixed!
Posts: 22
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Post by bikernuc on Feb 18, 2013 21:53:02 GMT -5
Prodigit, Thanks for this topic. I think it will really help to motivate me to do a full blown stem to stern PDI on the Taotao BWS 150 that should be coming my way soon.
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Post by prodigit on Feb 18, 2013 22:25:46 GMT -5
Prodigit, Thanks for this topic. I think it will really help to motivate me to do a full blown stem to stern PDI on the Taotao BWS 150 that should be coming my way soon. You're welcome! Glad some people benefit from it! I would have, if I had this info available before I bought my bike!
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Post by prodigit on Feb 19, 2013 13:50:17 GMT -5
Let me understand, YOU chose not to check every bolt. A bolt came loose... You get mad. Why does a Horn need a cooling fan?? forgive my ignorance... No rider should feel that confident... anything can go at anytime... Nobody can do everything all the time...... Glad your OK.. If you don't want it anymore I'm sure you can sell it. An unchecked loose bolt doesn't make for a POS IMO. Opinions may vary.... I don't know if you ever PDI'ed a bike. On a 50cc it's fairly easy. But the bigger the bike gets, the more bolts and screws there are. It's easy to overlook one or two. Besides, I'm not the only one who did not see the horn issue. It is rather hard to see, behind a bunch of wires. And yes, not everyone peels off all tupperware; just as long as the wheel bolts, brakes, handlebars, are mounted correctly, the rest shoud be less of an issue, and still allow you to ride home should one bolt or screw fall off (though I never expected the horn to get stuck in my front fork). The passive radiator is for an electronic box mounted on the horn's printboard.
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Post by millsc on Feb 19, 2013 15:52:24 GMT -5
Its really sad though you buy a brand new ride and have to take it apart to see what is broken, good thing cars aren't like that you get what you pay for
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Post by spandi on Feb 19, 2013 16:09:51 GMT -5
Prodigit I can understand, sometimes the last thing in the world I want to do is have to take off the tupperware to upgrade / modify something AGAIN. But that hasn't stopped me from taking it down to the frame and rebuilding it. There are days when you just have to FORCE yourself to do the work. (your life can literally hang in the balance.) AYGATT!
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Post by millsc on Feb 19, 2013 16:15:38 GMT -5
I have three china scoots now did have five, sold two I knew I had to check everything, I replace all bolts and screws and always get rid of the stock belt right away and rejet and tune.
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Post by spandi on Feb 19, 2013 16:24:46 GMT -5
I have three china scoots now did have five, sold two I knew I had to check everything, I replace all bolts and screws and always get rid of the stock belt right away and rejet and tune. +1
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Post by inuyasha on Feb 19, 2013 16:44:16 GMT -5
Hi I will say this, Both my Puma Angel and my Aprilia SR 50 needed no tweaks or replacement parts during the PDI'S i gave them Some companies do a very thorough job of getting them ready for the customer I highly recomend both brands Puma for a chinese scoot and Aprilia for a brand name Take care and ride safely Yours Hank
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Post by spandi on Feb 19, 2013 16:52:47 GMT -5
Can't disagree with you there Hank. Puma is a wonderful company for product, but ever more (and perhaps more importantly) for SERVICE.
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Post by prodigit on Feb 19, 2013 17:09:46 GMT -5
I have found that usually on a chinese scooter, especially on the 2 taotao's and the BMS I've had, that the tuning out of the box where quite ok! (unless you want maximum performance, but I'm generally fine with stock performance). The jet sizes where good on the ATM (BMS had EFI, on the EVO I still need to take a look at it). The issues usually are with whatever's around that engine and CVT. Belts, especially tupperware and exhaust bolts. And for every bike it's different. I'm not an engineer, I try to do what I can, but quite often some screws are hidden from sight. So far the TaoTao EVO seems solid, aside from the exhaust bolts, and the horn was my honest mistake. Just too bad both got bad at the same time.
I also give the bike's exhaust chrome, and bolts a squirt of corrosion x. Someone ever said it's a good idea to use silicone glue on bolts; on anything but the exhaust. I haven't done that yet, but it seems a good alternative to the expensive locktite.
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Post by millsc on Feb 19, 2013 18:09:22 GMT -5
All I know is that I've worked on many china scoots and even the same year and model had different jets and parts in them, its a crap shoot.
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Post by inuyasha on Feb 19, 2013 18:37:31 GMT -5
All I know is that I've worked on many china scoots and even the same year and model had different jets and parts in them, its a crap shoot. Hi Where any of them Puma cycle scoots or from ZNEN their parent company? As i find them to be of very high quality both in finished product and customer service Not all chinese scoots are of equal quality some are much better then others Take care and ride safely dear friend Yours Hank
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Post by prodigit on Feb 19, 2013 23:41:32 GMT -5
Hey, drop shippers promise pre-delivery inspection!
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Post by millsc on Feb 19, 2013 23:44:33 GMT -5
just do the pdi, and hope for the best, most here on the forums know what to expect when buying a cheap scoot.
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