Clinician
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Post by slowhand on Mar 8, 2022 12:25:32 GMT -6
So I'm starting to get some things figured out with my new Chinese 150cc GY6 scooter. I was told when I bought it that the Speedo and Odo were in MPH but it turns out that was WAY wrong. They're both in KPH. (The owner's manual doesn't specify.) Now that I'm trying to ride the real speed limit I've found that the top speed is only 40 mph and the max revs at max speed is only 6000 rpm. The red line on the tach is 7500 rpm. Based on lots of well intentioned information on the web the engine may, or may not, be restricted. The variator may, or may not, be restricted.
The max rpm is only a concern if it is the cause of the low top speed of the scooter. Does it seem like the problem is that the 6000 rpm limit is likely causing the top speed to max out at 40 mph? Or is the engine revving about right and the variator is likely limited resulting in a VERY low top speed? Or is the carb slider likely restricted? And/or is the air intake likely restricted? And/or is the intake manifold restricted? I'm sure that the exhaust outlet is restricted. Not sure if the header pipe is restricted at the exhaust port but I can see that the output of the muffler is only about 1/2" in diameter. I don't think that is what is limiting the top speed but I guess it's possible.
The scooter only has 175 km (105 miles) on it. I was told to keep the speed below 45 mph until it has at least 500 km (300 miles) on it. If it won't go any faster than 40 mph that's not going to be a problem. But I NEED the $^*! thing to go at least 50 to ride in traffic. It is advertised as having a top speed of 55 mph+. The owner's manual claims a top speed of 85 kph (~52 mph).
I only weigh 140 lbs. I have saddle bags and a trunk on the scooter most of the time but the bags and cargo weight less than 10 lbs. So the weight shouldn't have any impact on the top speed.
Recommendations welcome.
Thanks for the help.
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Clinician
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Post by slowhand on Feb 27, 2022 13:01:01 GMT -6
When I took my state mandated 'motorcycle safety course' I elected to ride a scooter. Since that's what I was intending to ride it's what I wanted to take the test with. It also helps that it is MUCH easier to take the riding portion of the test with a small, easy to handle, light weight, automatic scooter than a heavy motorcycle with a manual trans. Anyway...
I had to take 2 sessions of the training class because the scooter died during my first day of class. Just quit during a training exercise. The couple running the class pulled me off the course and said: "not to worry, we have a back-up scooter." So they got me a second scooter and it wouldn't start at all. Turns out the fuel pumps on both machines died. These were both 50cc Suzuki scooters with fuel injection. If your scooter is fuel injected the electric fuel pump apparently is a common failure. See if you can find somewhere to have it tested. You'll need some sort of special adapter to connect to a fuel pressure gauge in order to test the pump.
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Clinician
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Post by slowhand on Feb 27, 2022 12:45:25 GMT -6
If the scooter is under a year old and has only 700 miles on it the dealer should stand behind it. Your best bet is to start with him. If that fails then try a different scooter shop nearby that services similar scooters (not sure what US brands would be similar to the rogue). I'm sure they'll be glad to have your business.
When I bought my Chinese scooter last month the dealer told me to use ONLY ethanol free gas or premium unleaded gasoline. He claims that the ethanol blended gasoline tends to gum up the carb and he wouldn't stand behind the warranty if I used regular 87 octane gas. He says this is especially true of scooters that are only ridden occasionally. I ride mine 3 or 4 times a week so the fuel shouldn't go stale but I don't need to give the dealer any excuse to weasel out from under the warranty. So I'm paying the hefty price for ethanol free. It's available here in Florida, no idea if you can find it in Oregon but see if you can find any. Won't help now but if my dealer is correct it might prevent future problems.
If it's struggling to start and it's new it can only be starved for spark or fuel. MAYBE you're losing compression from valves out of adjustment or worn rings/cylinder bore but I suspect not. Well ... unless you rode it with low or no oil in it. I'm assuming that hasn't happened.
Spark is the easiest to diagnose. There are a number of videos on youtube regarding testing small engines (lawn mower engines, etc) for spark. Check them out. You might also check the CDI for a bad connection. A loose ground could definitely make starting it a nightmare. Not to mention keeping it running.
Ignition timing would be next. Timing determines when the spark fires during the engine rotation. Doesn't need to be dead on but it does need to be close. Not hard to diagnose if you have a timing light, impossible if you don't.
Fuel is a LOT harder to diagnose. If you are able to confirm spark & correct ignition timing then the problem is most likely fuel related. No idea how to help in this regard. The carb most likely needs adjusted or cleaned out (if it does suffer from gummed up fuel passages). You'll need to find a shop that can tune &/or clean the carb for you.
Last idea: try starting it on a day when the temp is above 40ish or so. Use some starter fluid before attempting to start it. Maybe it'll help, maybe not. But for the price of a can of starter fluid I'd at least give it a try.
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Clinician
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Post by slowhand on Feb 15, 2022 11:49:15 GMT -6
I've been trying to start my new scooter (150cc GY6) using the kick starter. Not because I need to but because I want to know how to use it when the battery dies on me while I'm out running errands with it. You know it will. Anyway ... I've made 3 attempts at 3 different times to start it with the kick starter. The engine was warm on all 3 attempts. I expect it is easier to get the machine to start with the kick starter after it's been warmed up.
The first 2 attempts failed completely. I wasn't able to get the machine to start with the kick starter after a dozen kicks. It fired up fine with the electric start after my kick attempts.
On the 3rd attempt I was able to get it to start after 3 or 4 kicks of the kick starter. I had the side stand down on this attempt, it was up on my previous 2 failed attempts. My question(s) is (are):
1. Does the side stand need to be lowered to start the machine? I've read about a side stand switch (electrical switch) on some of these Chinese bikes but I can't find one on or near the side stand for my bike. Does the side stand position matter (up or down) to get the bike started? The dealer I bought the bike from says the position of the side stand doesn't matter but I'm not convinced.
2. Do I need to hold the brake on while starting with the kick starter? During my successful attempt I did hold the rear brake on. This was awkward but it seems to have worked. I suspect that the brake needs to be on to permit the electric motor to operate but probably doesn't need to be on for the kick starter. But I really have no idea. The dealer says it shouldn't matter but again, I'm not convinced.
Thanks.
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Clinician
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WindScreen
by: slowhand - Feb 4, 2022 13:37:15 GMT -6
Post by slowhand on Feb 4, 2022 13:37:15 GMT -6
Anyone put a windscreen on their 150cc scooter? I'd like to have one but when I purchased my new scooter I was told to forget it. Apparently these universal windscreens attach to the base of the rear view mirror mounts and aren't very rugged (maybe the windscreen mounts aren't very rugged or maybe the mirror mounts themselves aren't very rugged - not sure). Any experience among the community?
Thanks.
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Clinician
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Post by slowhand on Feb 4, 2022 13:33:37 GMT -6
Hi, I'm a newbie. I have no prior motorcycle/motorscooter experience. I just purchased a Peace Sports 808 (150cc GY6). I've only put 15 miles on it so far. It seems like a suitable machine for my needs. Commuting & Grocery Getting.
But I'm too lazy to keep diddling with the throttle. Has anyone installed one of these so-called "cruise controls" (actually just a device to lock the throttle position)? Are they OK? Or are they a VERY BAD idea?
Thanks.
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