my intro, aka Revvin' my Riva By vcam (Read 902 times)

[vcam]

Just joined your group so thanks for having me. I am in Boston, Ma. I have
just grabbed a 1983 or 84 riva 180. Actually, 2 of them. First I got stuck with
a piece of crap online and I intended to fix it. Then I just stumbled on a nice
one and got a good deal. Once i see what I need to fix and what parts I need
etc, I will be parting out the other one. Seriously, it is not really crap but
the body panels are rough and dull and the trims are cracked and it needs the
same stuff plus a throttle cable, an air filter case top and contents, a seat,
and general tlc. It is black it has not run for 3 years I am told but it also
has very low miles and strong compression.
So anyone local that has some good tires or wheels or a nice box for the
back, feel free to make any swap offers.
The good one is light blue just like the Tom Hanks one. Has not run since put
away in climate controlled garage 6 years ago but looks cherry. One owner real
low miles even still has the tool kit. Will be my first scooter although I had a
motorcycle decades ago. I know prob the first thing is to drain gas and clean
carb and maybe tank, replace or add a fuel filter, air filters, battery and at
least one tire. Not that I know how to do any of that. I plan to try though. I
expect I will have to remove and bypass the bimetal valve that seems to be the
reputed source of the fabled starting probs of the 180 but won't know till I try
it.

Also seeking any tips or advice anyone wants to offer and info re any good
mechs or shops for service and/or parts in greater boston.

I intend to get this on the road asap and hopefully connect with some of the
local riding groups too.
If I clamp on my 12v jump box to the battery and try to crank it, will it
cause any damage due to the old gas?

I see one little chip on the front fender, any tips on how to fix it?
Well I think that is enough of me being a pain for a first post so I will end
it here with thanks in advance for any responses. Ciao !

[sunlproblems]

u need a low amp batt. charger

[vcam]

thanks sunlproblems but I just modified my intro...I actually have a battery charger that has the built in ability to handle these batts and also condition and trickle etc. It is what I used to bring the battery back to life. Worked like a charm.

[Bashan]

I'm from B'Ham, I don't know anybody on the right coast that could help you. A battery jump box is fine, just don't jump off of a running car. If you need any help getting around the forum just let me know. Rich

[jct842]

Just tonight I got my 83 180 riva out. it has been sitting for a year. I know exactly as I found the receipt for a new battery dated 9-28-2010 in the instruction book. I put the battery in it and let it sit! My main ride will be sitting for a bit as it has valve trouble. You will like the riva. Them yamaha people thought of every thing. ever try to find the key hole to start a scooter up in total darkness? on a riva just push the horn button with key off and the lettering around key hole lights up! The speedometer seems to be right on the button, mine has run around 70 WOT. I just went to town right before dark and i was running 55 with the rest of the traffic. unlike a 150 they can cruise on the highway at 55 safely. I have a 150 chinese scooter and it will top out at around 62 but is not real safe to get on a busy 55mph highway with it as it is wound out all the way and takes forever to get there. My riva has the fan modified to run all the time and have no idea if any thing else was modified. They seem to start a little slow as the starter does not spin them as fast as some engines. A good battery makes all the difference in the world. last year my battery cost $38 at wally world so a battery is not very expensive. This afternoon I took a hose and a giant medical syringe to start a syphon and get the old gas out, I did have seafoam in it but new gas is better. the gas tank holds 1.7 gallons according to the book. there are service manuals on the scooterdoc web site. It would be a good idea to get your self a set of new tires too, I think a pair of pirelli's ran me $65 or so and I had to get a few more items at "motorcycle super store" to get the free shipping for a 75 or more purchase. old tires no matter how much tread left are not safe. I had a tire stem/valve break off with the riva at 70 miles an hour "testing" it out. the old tires still had the mold tits on them and they went to the dump. they were dry rotted and hard as a rock. the pirelli's stick like glue and are the best I have found for riding on a wet surface. john

[vcam]

hi John,
Thanks for the message/info. Y, tires are on my get list as soon as or if I get it going. Won't venture out of the city without them. I just found a local scoot shop and talked tothe guy and he will clean my carb for 30 to 40 bucks in a half hour while I wait and let me watch. I may bring it to him today. Been shopping online for tires and a battery too. Where did u get the Pirelli's so cheap? Ciao

[jct842]

www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/32/404/5900/ITEM/Pirelli-SL-26-Performance-Front-Rear-Scooter-Tire.aspx
takes a 3.5 10 as I remember
the free shipping used to be for $75 now is 89