New 2014 Roketa R1 MC 54 250cc PDI By mxmatt (Read 8,340 times)

[mxmatt]

Well it looks as if I'll be graduating from the 150cc class and entering the realm of the 250cc liquid cooled scooters in the next week or so. Yesterday I placed my order for a New Roketa R1-MC 54 250 from killermotorsorts.com for just over $1800.00. From what I can tell that's not a bad deal. Scott in sales took my call and was very helpful and friendly.  So far I'll be purchasing the 2014 Silver colored model with the 244cc Honda clone engine. I don't know what if any updates Roketa has made to the model since last year. I understand that it has a security system and MP3 capability.  It is sitting in port in California having just arrived from across the pond. I am suspecting that it will be delivered to my home in Arizona sometime next week. I'm also really anticipating taking my time and completing an exhaustive PDI that I plan to document as much as possible on the board for future members to follow. I would really appreciate any and all tips, tricks, advice and suggestions any and all of you have had with this or similar scooters. JR has been kind enough to instruct me to take copious photographs immediately upon taking delivery while inspecting the scooter for any damaged parts. I'll create a list of to do's in this post to check off as they are completed. Ill ad to it as you boys impart your scooter acumen with me.

PDI CHECKLIST

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Prior to Delievery

• Download 2001-2007 Honda Reflex Manual to iBooks Here

• Create Physical or electronic file for notes, photos, documents, etc.
  
• Purchase Blue Loctite (bought mine at Harbor Freight Tools for $2.99)
• Purchase Oil, Coolant and Brake Fluid (Castrol GTX 20w50, PRO Honda HP Coolant and PRO Honda DOT 4 Brake Fluid were my choices)
• Purchase small tube of dielectric grease (bought mine at O'Reilly Auto Parts for $3.99)
• Purchase tube of commercial grade clear silicone (bought mine at Home Depot for $3.97)
  
  

Upon Arrival/Delivery Before Signing Off

• Remove Top Crate Box Cover (have small band cutters handy)

• Visually Inspect for any damage (IF any, refuse order, call seller and email them pictures. IF minor, photograph, contact seller and submit claim paperwork)
• Take your time inspecting before you sign for the delivery (JR says have cookies and milk for driver)

• Photograph everything upon delivery. (Document delivery company, truck, driver, phone number, etc.)

After Delivery

• Remove box from shipping crate containing top box if your scooter came with one. (Set aside)
• Removed handle bar mount connected to shipping frame.
  
• Remove windshield from cargo frame. (Set it aside)
• Remove bolts from top of cargo frame first.  Remove top section of cargo frame.  Set it aside. (be careful not to let side post of frame collapse and cause damage to scooter)  
• Proceed to remove all bolts from frame while ensuring the scooter remains stable (a second pair of hands here is recommended)
• Place disconnected pieces of cargo frame out of the way.
• Untie metal stabilizing wiring from lower sections of the scooter.
• Lift front wheel out of guide to straight the direction of the handle bars and with assistance, roll the scooter off the shipping crate/pallet. (Some scooters will require that you attach the front wheel, follow instructions)
• Lower side or center stand and balance the scooter in an area where you can again visually inspect for issues.
• Photograph any issues you see or whatever you want.  (I noticed my CVT gasket was warped and not completely sealed) Contact seller immediately with warranty claim.
• Open seat using key (mine was in the ignition) and remove stored parts, manuals, paperwork, tools and battery. 
• Read the manual cover to cover and get a feel for what type of maintenance schedule you will use.
  Scan all documents into electronic file.

Disassembly

• Remove all the top plastic pieces from the scooter exposing the frame, wires, engine and fluid reservoirs.
• Take photos as you proceed.
• Use Zip Loc baggies and tape to attach screws and fastens to pieces they came from.
• Inspect each weld on the frame for rust or poor/broken welds.  Sand off rust, apply black Rustoleum.
  
  

Electrical Connections

• Inspect each exposed electrical connection for loose wires, poor fittings or damaged connectors.
• Apply an adequate amount of clear silicone to the wired end of each connector to create a water tight seal.  Wait recommended time for silicone to set up.
• Apply an adequate amount of dielectric grease to the plug end of each connector and reconnect each as you proceed.
• Be sure to service the connections under the seat in the battery compartment. Especially the fuse box. (I found a gremlin there that kept my fan motor from starting)

Here is what the scoot should look like:


Resource Links

• KillerMotorsports.com - Spring sale $1889.00
  
• Roketa MC 54 250 web page

• Roketapartsdepartment.com
• Scrappy Dog Scooters
  The Post Delivery Inspection
  

[JR]

As soon as you get trucking tracking number keep in touch and find out estimated time of delivery.

Upon arrival and courier sitting down scooter from truck, immediately remove top crate box cover if it has one, (have small cutters band cutters?) handy so you can visually inspect for any damage.

Should the scooter have major damage from shipping or trucking refuse the order, (doesn't matter if Killer says not to), minor damage take pictures, make trucker put on packing delivery label the damage with good description and have him sign off on damage before you sign ticket to receive scooter. Call Killer immediately, let them know of damaged items and tell them you can send photos via email. If they require filled out claim form immediately do so and promptly get it to them.

If everyone is in agreement of what to do as far as any damage, be patient Killer has always came through for me.

If you refuse the scooter again call Killer immediately, send pictures as of why you refused it then if you're not satisfied with their service as to when you will get another scooter or anything else immediately call your credit card company, inform them of what happened and tell them you refused the scooter and that you want to file a claim or whatever their policy is because you will not pay for a destroyed scooter. Have all your notes, times, pictures, trucking company name and info ready.

Now I'm not trying to scare you here, just letting you know what to do should things go sour, I've never had this problem but others have and to my knowledge never with Killer but one needs to be ready for all things.

My last order from Killer was a go kart for my grandkids. They sent the wrong one, asked if I wanted it at a huge discount, I said no. They sent the trucking company back the next day, picked the wrong one up, delivered the correct one 3 days later and all in the week before Christmas, can't argue with that service.

BTW it helps to keep the trucker happy while you inspect to have milk and cookies to eat, man can be patient when he's eating!

More later......

JR

[roketa250]

Cool mxmatt! I too want to order one of these even though I've got one I've been working on. Not getting too far with it at the current moment.... But I figure if I get it lined out and cleaned up I should sale and add that to the cost of a new one. It seems plenty big for a scooter and should make for a comfortable scooter. I was going to also order from KM. Another company I found on the web was powerrideoutlet. They seem to have some good prices and pictures. KM usually has videos of their products which is a nice touch. Congrats on the purchase and I will be following you closely as I'm sure a lot of others will!

[mxmatt]

JR, thanks for the great start.  Looking forward to your wisdom while prepping this bad boy!    It is good to know you have had good customer service from KM.  I referenced you to the sales guy as the source for the referral.  I also name dropped the Scooter Doc Forum and put in a good word for all you "knowitalls" here.   

Roketa250, sorry to hear you are having issues with your scoot right now.  I currently have a 150cc and love the little bugger to death.  Unfortunately, I don't have the time to spend fixing it to the degree I have been and I need something more reliable.  I have owned motorcycles for decades and I'm pretty familiar with them, but I'm much newer to the scoots.  One of my better qualities is that I am eager and willing to learn from those who know more than me.  And, I am more than happy to impart what I learn to others.  All in the name of having fun and enjoying life.  Hopefully you get yourself in a position soon to make your order from KM or wherever you choose.  I worked with a salesperson named Scott if you need a contact.  DrRocco bought a ToaToa EVO 150 from them more recently and he had a good experience as well.  I'll be interested to see how your experience and PDI goes as well.

[Alleyoop]

Very Nice there are parts galore for that 250 and are very reliable look at JR he has two of them and never has any problems with them. Of course he says RED ARE THE FASTEST but I think its his WHITEWALLS really
Alleyoop

[mxmatt]

 White walls! That's awesome. 

Parts galore huh? Give me your top three favorite 250 parts for the Honda clone model. 

[jvino]

Congrads on the new scoot mx matt. Hope this one is a lot more reliable for you and get to put some miles on without any headaches. Look forward to hearing how you like it when it arrives and get to put some miles on it.

[roketa250]

#1 for me would be there actual website www.roketa.com/product/product_support.jsp?cateID=2610&sonCateID=0&proID=27312

It has about 99% of the parts and an exploded view of each category. I've placed 2 orders from them and they have shipped next day and it's taken 5 days to reach me in Texas from them in CA.

#2 would be (a much higher place) www.roketapartsdept.com/catalog/MC_54B_250_PARTS-363-1.html

I don't like how they have there parts listed. It's in no particular order even though the picture is number. I think they copied that and just list the parts under that.

#3 Is really a run off of parts from ebay which is sometimes the cheapest and another website I found that strictly list the Jonway YY250-T as their parts for although we know it's the same scooter.

#4 And I'm going to add in another website that I think is really helpful and their prices are very competitive that I check when looking www.scrappydogscooters.com/COMMON_PARTS.html

This is the common parts listing which a lot fit the 250cc.

Hope this was helpful and I'm sure you'll run across more! Just let us know if you discover a place that maybe we haven't come across!

[roketa250]

mxmatt just for grins.... I'm entertaining the notion of getting the 08 Roketa 250 running, selling, and putting that towards a new 150. Any suggestions on one? Which model did you purchase? Where? How has it been for you? This also applies to anyone that may want to add their 2 cents. I'm not looking for anything other than suggestions on reliable 150cc scooters that you may have owned or know someone that has great luck. Please specify website/model.... Thanks!

[mxmatt]

Well I certainly wouldn't be the one to ask about the 150cc's.  I've had a pretty rough go with mine, but if you PM DrRocco on this board, he sort of did what I am doing with his ToaToa EVO 150 a few months back.  In fact, I was very much on my way to purchasing his exact scoot until feedback I got from some of the admins on the board about needing a liquid cooled scoot in AZ became important to me.  DrRocco is very friendly and I'm sure he'd be happy to answer any questions you have.  Obviously, I would do an exhaustive PDI on whatever you purchase.  That seems to be the key to having success.  Hope that helps.  
PS - I was really interested in the newer 200cc (actually a 172cc) scooters, but I didn't want to take a chance on them since they are newer to the market and I'm done working on my scoot every other day.

[roketa250]

OK will do! I hear you on that end of the new scooters to the market. I've kinda been skeptical myself as well.... Funny you should mention the Tao Tao EVO 150. Since that's the one I keep running into..... Thanks!

[DrRocco]

May 23, 2014 11:21:33 GMT -6 roketa250 said:

OK will do! I hear you on that end of the new scooters to the market. I've kinda been skeptical myself as well.... Funny you should mention the Tao Tao EVO 150. Since that's the one I keep running into..... Thanks!

I'm by no means a scooter expert.  In fact, this is my first one.  I can tell you anything you'd like to know about my specific experience buying my Evo.  I've put up a thread or two about it.  In a nutshell, I've been 100% thrilled.  Like Matt said though, if you have any specific questions I'm happy to help however I can.

[poppabear]

Good Luck With The 250 .Have A 150cc Thinking About  250cc For A little More OOMPH On The Road Will Be Interested
In Your Experience!

                 Ed

[mxmatt]

Just got my confirmation email from killermotorsports with tracking information and delivery instructions.  UPS tracking indicates my scoot will be delivered today.  I'm a little nervous about doing this the right way and all.  I'm looking to  JR, Alleyoop, Bashan, DrRocco for reliable info for a successful experience.  No pressure boys!

[JR]

After you get through the delivery process and see what you have as far as good delivery, damage, etc. and decide to keep the scooter it's time to get the tools out and make a list of items to get.

(1) Time to strip it down to a point you can access the wires and all things with fluids, oils. If you're not good at remembering where what goes to what, the camera or your phone camera will save your butt, take lots of pics. Use zip lock bags for screws, bolts etc. label and put them with parts removed, will save time and the old "where does this crap go" routine later.

(2) Items to buy:
A. one gallon of quality 50/50 premix coolant, I use Prestone 50/50 premix in the yellow jug
B. Since you mentions living in the heat 2 quarts of quality 20W/50W dino oil, (NOT SYNTHETIC) I will not get in the oil debate, I will just say I use Castrol GTX.
C. Bottle of quality DOT 3 brake fluid, synthetic is OK here but do note, synthetic brake fluid sometimes is a little harder to get ALL the air bubbles out but IMO it does give a smoother softer brake, which I like, to each his own.
D. I quart of quality gear oil range of 70W/90W can be just 90W, again synthetic ok her but not necessary.
E. small tube of di-electric grease to use on electrical plug connections
F. quality fuel filter and enough good fuel line hose to replace Chinese hose along with new vacuum line hose to replace all vacuum line hose. Take samples off to match sizes at auto parts. One can use small screw type hose clamps or use good quality electric zip ties instead to secure all hoses.
G. Up to you but one is better off to take bulbs out ands order LED's to replace them, brake/tail, turn signal, running lights, instrument lights. Ask the guys here about there choices, lots to find and buy all over the net. Can skip this one but if you decide to do it later it's tear it apart again, yuk!
H. When removing the windshield pull one of the little rubber inserts out that the screws go into, these are commonly called "well nuts" can find them at a good ACE hardware, replace them and use brass screws to put the windshield back on.
I. Go to auto parts and find right angle valve stems and break tires down and replace the Chinese valve stems, this is a must, guys here can direct you on how to break the tires down if you don't know how.


Go through all wires, plugs, put di-electric grease on the connections any bad connections, pins, etc, repair accordingly.

Drain oil replace also gear oil, if manual doesn't say how much to replace it with then drain and check amount.

Replace brake fluid, bleed all air out. Be very careful to put rags around plastics, brake fluid can take paint off.

Replace all hoses.

Drain and replace crappy Chinese coolant, I have a burping procedure on Professor if it isn't here?

Check air filter to make sure it's clean and tight.

If you order your LED's replace all Chinese bulbs.

While working on this scooter slow charge battery, 1 to 2 amps for up to 8 hours, let battery cool for one hour, check voltage on it with meter, it must have 12.7Vdc or better, if not contact Killer. Make sure you tell them you properly charged it, factory batteries aren't much sometimes.

After you get all this done you can leave plastics off, install battery, then do a start up. Sometimes they send a little what is called carb priming cup and hose. If they did send this then DO NOT put fuel in the tank rather unhook fuel line, install small cup and hose to carb fuel inlet and put in a little gas. Turn it over to it fires and idles just a minute or two or until the gas in cup empties and engine dies, remember you MUST burp the air out of cooling system, if you don't the fan will not kick in at all and she'll over heat very quickly. Once she idles a bit, hook up the fuel line from the fuel pump and put quality gas in the tank. The do your cooling system burp.

Once this is done properly then put the plastics back on and haul butt.

JR