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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 29, 2007 22:22:38 GMT -5
Hello everyone, I just took delivery of a new Bali 250 touring scooter from Roketa. I've put about 15 miles on it just today!
But when parking it I notice there is gas on the garage floor -
In investegating it's source, I realized it was the fuel pump. Kinda odd huh? Well the really strange part is the gas seems to be seeping out from around the seals -
This brings up an interesting question,
Does someone have a checklist of things I should be watching for with this new bike? I've heard about changing the fluids but I'm not sure what to change them to. And how about this fuel pump thing?
Thanks!
Richard in Missouri
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Post by Gary on Mar 29, 2007 23:35:14 GMT -5
You should plan on changing the oil, gear oil, brake fluid, and radiator fluid to good ol' american stuff. For example, a lot of people have reported 'sticky' hand brakes, which cleared right up when they swiched to US fluid.
PS: What are your impressions of the quiality of the scoot, and where did you get it?
Thanks,
Gary
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 30, 2007 7:19:08 GMT -5
Hi Gary, thanks for repliing. My impressions of the quality are very, very good. I am really impressed with the performance as well. With my 100 lbs son on with me, we can climb hills and keep on accelerating until I let off the gas. I bought it from www.allnewsports.com. They were pretty good at answering all my questions. Took about 10 business days for delivery to my house. My only complaint is the fuel dripping out of the fuel pump (about a pint every 24 hours).. |
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Post by scooterollie on Mar 30, 2007 8:01:53 GMT -5
Scopetrader;
Welcome to the Dawg Pound. I have had a Roketa Bali 250 since last June and am very pleased with it. Did you read my continuing post on the Bali 250 in this Section? (http://scootdawg.proboards59.com/index.cgi?board=200cc&action=display&thread=1150600893) The fuel pump leak is interesting. I have not seen other posts relating to this problem. You might try tightening the screws to see if that stops the leak. I have heard of many folks having problems with pump failures on the smaller cc bikes but not on the 250s. If you can't stop the leak, get another one from your "dealer" under warranty. If they can't supply one, some have replaced the vacuum pump with a low pressure electric one. I have not found that to be necessary and will stick with the vac. one until I have problems.
Out of curiosity, what is the name of the Chinese manufacturer as found on the square Federal I.D. plate? Does your scoot really have a 12" rear wheel/tire? Most are listed with one on the websites but actually come with a 10" wheel/tire in the rear. If the scoot has the 10" rear wheel, it has the Honda derived 244 cc engine/drive train made by CFMoto. This is a good motive unit. If your scoot truly does have the 12" rear wheel, it has the 257 cc Linhai/Yamaha engine/drive train. Most 250s imported to the U.S. to-date have the CFMoto engine. The Linhai/Yamaha engine, by all reports, is a good one but just not very common over here.
On most all of the Roketa scoots I have seen, the oil recommended is 15W40. This is a heavy-duty gas/diesel oil that I believe to be superior to the regular formulated gas engine oils. You can use Blended or Synthetic as you prefer. Most are not recommending synthetic until after the first thousand miles, or so. Since I change oil every 1K Kms, I use regular oil, Castrol Blend 15W40. If you change out the brake fluid, use DOT 4 synthetic (this is NOT a silicone fluid) brake fluid. It can be found in many brands. I uses Valvoline brand. Be careful to not allow the reservoir to empty as you bleed the system. I would also recommend draining the factory coolant and replacing it with new American. My preference is for Zerex G-05. This is a little harder to find but is slightly different from normal coolant in that it is a low acid hybrid formulation designed to further reduce damage to internal parts. German autos have specified this type coolant for over 20 years and Zerex has made it for them. I believe I saw it recently in Auto Zone but I ordered mine through NAPA last year. Go with a 40-50% mixture.
Check EVERY nut/bolt/hose clamp - clamps on fuel, vacuum and coolant hoses. My problems were with the hose clamps. The nuts/bolts on my scoot were all marked with a dab of paint indicating that they were double-checked at the factory. Not one was loose at delivery or has come loose since, with almost 1,800 Kms on the clock.
Hope this helps!
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 30, 2007 9:13:02 GMT -5
Great information there! I'm going to be looking at my tag now cause I'm not sure which variant of the motorscooter I got! I think it's got the larger 12" wheel though and a 257cc motor -
Anyone know if this title I got from Roketa is all I'll need to register thing thing? (plus insurance info, tax reciepts, etc.. in Missouri)
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Post by scooterollie on Mar 30, 2007 9:25:47 GMT -5
Scopetrader;
If you are referring to the "MCO" (Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin) that shipped with the scoot, no, that is not the one you use to register the bike. One should be arriving within 7-10 days that is filled in the way most DMVs require. You can call your dealer to verify. Glad you found the info helpful.
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 30, 2007 9:29:14 GMT -5
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Post by Gary on Mar 30, 2007 11:38:27 GMT -5
Well, I just took the big plunge and ordered a Bali 250 touring from allnewpowersport, to replace the Tank 150 my son is now riding. Actually, the scoot is an NST 250, but allnew claims it is the identical bike, just with CARB certification. Supposedly, all of the 2007 models come with 257cc engines, 12" tires front and back, dual disc brakes, etc.
I don't know much about allnew, but called both their order line and their tech support line and was pleased to speak to a real person each time. Their price was excellent, $1775 delivered to my door and their return policy also seems pretty reasonable. So, what the heck, I thought I'd ive them a try.
I'll post when the scoot arrives hopefully in 5 to 7 days....
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 30, 2007 13:09:46 GMT -5
Sweet, hope it works out as well as mine did!
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 30, 2007 13:10:30 GMT -5
What is the NST 250??
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Post by scooterollie on Mar 30, 2007 16:23:23 GMT -5
Gary;
Do you have a correct link for "allnewpowersport"? No such place at "www.allnewpowersport.com". Thanks.
Don't count on all '07 models as having the 12" rear wheel/tire. Only if it has the Linhai/Yamaha engine/drive train will it have the larger tire. CFMoto has not yet developed and/or exported their engine with the longer drive setup. If you look closely at the setup on the CFMoto 250 engined scoots, you will see that there is absolutely no additional clearance available to install a wheel/tire larger than 10". The CVT drive needs to be lengthened and CFMoto is RUMORED to be doing so and have it available sometime this year. I don't know if this has been confirmed by CFMoto.
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Post by scooterollie on Mar 30, 2007 16:30:16 GMT -5
scopetrader;
Yep, looks like your dealer pulled the same trick as most of the others listing the CFMoto engined 250. They either copy the same stats as for the 150 version - which does have a larger rear wheel - or are afraid people won't buy a 250 with a 10" rear wheel. Honda ran this setup for years on their 250 scoots and it is OK but I do think that a larger rear wheel will provide better handling. Don't let me sour you on your new scoot. As I indicated, I have the exact same setup and like the scoot. Just wish some of these dealers would be more honest with their customers. My dealer swore that I would receive a scoot with a 12" rear wheel only to later, after delivery and an angry call from me, admit that they intentionally don't list a 10" rear wheel on their 250 scoots because it is a "REALLY BIG" 10" tire!!! ROFLMAO!
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Post by mickster on Mar 30, 2007 19:59:41 GMT -5
My scooter has 13 inch wheels and it has the cf moto motor (upright design that is exactly the same as pictures shown of the cf moto online.
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Post by scooterollie on Mar 30, 2007 20:52:17 GMT -5
mickster;
Interesting! If so, first I have heard of! What more can you tell me about it? What is the name of the Chinese manufacturer on the Federal I.D. plate of the scooter?
Just checked their website. Have not been there for a month or two. Wonder if yours is the 172MM-A listed as "New"? Listed as up to a 16" rear wheel. Great news for future scooters! Their engine seems solid as long as a decent scooter is built around it.
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 30, 2007 21:39:55 GMT -5
Hey guys, thanks for all the replies. I went to the AutoStore today and bought me some synthetic 10/30 oil along with some new coolant and wax and tire-shine  Couldn't resist. Anyway, I just got back from the garage and I wrote down a few things from the VIN tag.. ---------------------------- Yes, I have the 10" rear wheel / 12" front wheel combo. It rides really well though and had you guys not have brought it up - I wouldn't have known.. Mine says on it Made my Unique Industrial Trading Co. for Roketa Industries. July 06 Of course there is some other info, but that's the most relavent for now. I pulled the leaking fuel pump off, first I called AllNewSports.com and they said for me to check the hose clamps - they were fine. I found that the fuel pump casing screws were not very tight, but I went ahead and removed the entire thing and took it apart. Tomorrow I will be applying some red engine gasket sealer on it, then re-assembling it. Hopefully that'll stop the little gas leak issue. If it doesn't, I'll test out that $200 lifetime warranty I also bought with the bike! AllNewSports also told me my title and Cd Player (which was stated to be included with the scoot) is all on it's way to me. |
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 30, 2007 21:43:51 GMT -5
OH! One more interesting thing -
I stopped at a local scooter store here in Springfield, Mo and bought a new matching helment for the new ride..
In talking with the store owner - he said the Roketa scooters are good bikes but very hard to find parts for. I told him I had heard the Honda parts crossed over and would work on the Roketas but he said I got bad information..
Personally I think most of his scooters there didn't match the look or quality of the Roketa..
Anyone, Bueller? Does the Honda parts work on a Roketa?
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Post by Leader on Mar 30, 2007 22:26:23 GMT -5
I just checked out the photos. Very attractive scooter. I like it.
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Post by Gary on Mar 30, 2007 22:34:18 GMT -5
Scooterollie -
Sorry, its allnewsports.com. I got a bit carried away.
I asked three or four times if the scoot had the 257 engine and 12"wheels front and back. The answer always came back yes and yes. The fellow on the phone sounded sincere enough, so I'm hoping he wasn't BS-ing me....
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Post by Leader on Mar 30, 2007 22:37:05 GMT -5
The NST 250 looks exactly like my Reflex. I can't believe that it costs less than 1/2. Hi Gary, thanks for repliing. My impressions of the quality are very, very good. I am really impressed with the performance as well. With my 100 lbs son on with me, we can climb hills and keep on accelerating until I let off the gas. I bought it from www.allnewsports.com. They were pretty good at answering all my questions. Took about 10 business days for delivery to my house. My only complaint is the fuel dripping out of the fuel pump (about a pint every 24 hours).. |
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Mar 31, 2007 7:17:25 GMT -5
If it's like mine - which I think it is. It'll come with the 10" rear wheel and the 12" front wheel.
Mine even says 2007 model and 257cc engine, but it does have that off-size combo.
AllNewSports.com is a bit "iffy" for me. I talked to them SEVERAL times before buying and they always seemed sincere too. And I asked about the 12" / 12" wheel combo myself and it was a yes, yes - they are both 12" tires.. I think they get away with saying that since the back tire is so large.
Regardless I still love the new scooter -
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Post by WarrenS on Mar 31, 2007 8:49:56 GMT -5
Warnig! Don't use tire shine on scooter tires. It makes them slippery. You don't want slippery tires.
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Post by scooterollie on Mar 31, 2007 10:07:38 GMT -5
scopetrader;
"Unique Industrial Trading Co." has been the supplier of most of the new Roketa scoots I have seen over the past several months. These importers are known to change suppliers as the wind changes direction.
Glad you found the source of the leak and hope you can resolve it easily by the sealant and tighter screws.
The Chinese scoots are decent for the price and the price is even better now than it was last summer for a 250. Many folks get a moped/scooter/cycle, ride it some, then let it set for months/years on end. The Chinese scoots offer an opportunity to get a new scoot for a very reasonable price. If you end up not very interested in it after the first year, not much is lost. My son is now using the 31 year old Batavus moped that was my Dad's. Only had 700+ miles on it until my son started using it a year ago. He cleaned the carb. and had the inside of the gas tank sealed because of metal deterioration and it now runs good as new. Shined up like a new penny since it was stored inside and had very little paint/metal deterioration.
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Post by Gary on Mar 31, 2007 10:25:43 GMT -5
There is a good photo of the NST at this link: mrbsscooters.com/pro877560.html. I ordered blue, just like the photo I think. Don't know f this is the "2007" model, but it does look like the rear wheel is smaller than the front and the rear tire 'fatter.' Anyway, we'll see. The only thing I hope they were straight with me about is CARB certification. This is the first I've heard of the 257 engine being CARB-approved. Anyway, 10 daysand counting.... |
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Post by scootindan on Mar 31, 2007 10:34:24 GMT -5
Hi there. Dan Jones here inviting all of you Rokete Bali 250 owners to join the Baron 250-PM group on Yahoo. These scooters are virtually identical. If your Bali has the same CF Moto 244cc engine--and it should--we have a few files that may be of interest. autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/baron_pm250/ |
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Post by Gary on Mar 31, 2007 10:45:01 GMT -5
Scopetrader -
As someone mentioned in a thread above, most people don't go to synthetic oil right away. They use regular petroleum oil or a synthetic blend for the first 1000 miles or so. (I suspect this is an urban legend, but I'll probably follow the procedure - I did with my 150).
Also, if you poke around a bit, you'll find info on the "hard" break in method. (Basically means no break in at all - just ride the scoot as hard as you can right out of the box - no thinking required.) I did this with my 150. Can't tell if it helped, but didn't seem to hurt it.
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Post by TeamTEOR on Mar 31, 2007 13:30:21 GMT -5
I had that vacuum fuel pump issue as well on a different scoot. I didn't think to try one from a different company since I had owned it less than 24 hours. Lucky I got it at Costco and I was able to just return it. Had I been able to try a different pump I would have kept the scooter. In the long run I am glad I didn't as I found a Kymco dealer because of it.
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Apr 1, 2007 21:41:58 GMT -5
Well just a report about the fuel pump leaking issue. I couldn't get the holding screws off to take the fuel pump apart at first because they were a VERY odd star pattern with a raised "tit" in the middle - something Lowes or Orielly Auto didn't have.
So I took the pump apart using a pair of pliers because they were very loose, and replaced them with stainless straight-head screws. I was able to tighten them VERY well. I had also purchased some red engine liquid gasket maker, but I didn't use it since I felt very good about how MUCH tighter the pump went together.
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I then re-installed the pump and took her for a ride -
perfect, and no leaks so far, sweeeeet..
Nother issue though - the bike is getting pretty hot (just below the H) when going below 40 mph and a 10 min ride..
I haven't changed the fluilds yet on the bike and I'm likely low on coolent so I hesitated to say anything..
Oh - and did I say I already got all my title and ownership paperwork from AllNewSports? They seem to be on the ball!
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Apr 3, 2007 10:53:30 GMT -5
okay - got a question.
I changed the oil in the bike (holy crap) that Chinese stuff was sludge..
Anyway, where / how do I change the coolant?
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Post by scooterollie on Apr 3, 2007 20:59:37 GMT -5
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Post by Moonbeam Development on Apr 4, 2007 7:35:20 GMT -5
Excellent info - I'll be doing this in the PM today!
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Couldn't resist.
