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jct842 is dead right. If you bought a 150cc, 8 hp scooter, so you could keep up with traffic, you made a big goof. Your money would be wiser spent on a larger, more capable, heavier machine.

Not saying modifications are a bad thing, extra lights, a windshield, a couple of gauges, a usb power port, etc, etc., but if you think you can turn your scoot into a 'freeway flyer', you are wrong. Personalize it all you want, but it is, what it is....it's not a dirt bike, it's not a crotch rocket, it's not a cruiser......it's a scooter, and that's ok. 

Even though I have 3 motorcycles, I'm still quite fond of my 150cc Chinese made, plastic scooter..... took it out for a 31 mile ride last night after supper. It is amazing how well it runs with 10,200 miles clocked, it has never left me stranded, and shows no signs of wearing out. It has been a pleasure to own and ride........but I realize it's a scooter, and treat it as such.

It's been a while, so.....thought I'd update this thread. Haven't really ridden it as much as I'd like.......you know, sometimes life can get rather busy with responsibilities that keep you from doing what you want to. Any way the odometer is up to 1,717 km (1,067 miles), engine is running better as the miles accumulate. Getting more and more used to it, but it sure rides hard with an empty car. A hundred lbs. of sand bags would help the ride, but not the fuel consumption....and I'm a cheap bas......, so no ballast.

What i've done to it: Upjetted carbs to 135/40, from 125/38. Found a few very tiny cracks in the sidewall of the drive tire, about a half an inch from, and following the rims arc. The other two tires had none, but since all had 2005 manufacture dates, I replaced all three. Also replaced tire tubes with IRC heavy duty ones, and added a second rim strip to each wheel. One of the carburetor mounting flanges was assembled wrong at the factory, and leaked air. Replaced both with Mikuni mounting flanges, along with 3/16" phenolic spacers.  Replaced the long turn signals with a shorter variety from China, chromed plastic, made for a Suzuki Blvd. ($9)    Have changed all fluids 3 times....right after purchasing, at 500 km, and at 1500 km. Checked and adjusted valve clearances when purchased and at 1500 km.

Have been running a bit faster since last oil change. If the roadway is painted with both center and edge lines, I've been doing 45 mph. Engine spinning 3200 at that speed and sounds very happy. But much of my riding is on heavily crowned, unpainted rural roads......and 35 mph is plenty fast. I'm not going to crash any of my bikes, trying to save a minute and a half of drive time, on my way to McDonalds.

So far.....no dents, dings, scratches, or other incidents, and also no breakdowns, or road failures.

This thread is starting to make as many twists and turns as Route 17 does.

I'm glad for ya KZ.

tonymc said..." it will run a few minutes after starting it with starting fluid then shut down."

Before I tore the top off that engine, I'd make damn sure it isn't just a fuel delivery problem. Tank vent, restricted line, contaminated carb, or fuel, etc, etc. Also check the whole air intake system.

I might add...... install your plug using just the socket and your fingers until crush washer makes contact with the head, then use the ratchet handle to snug it down. It is very easy to cross thread these, if you just start them a turn or two, and grab the ratchet.

The battery must be grounded to the frame. It doesn't matter how this is accomplished....ground strap/cable straight to the frame, or to the engine first, and then continuing on to the frame. Without this, I can't see how you would have any lights, horn, or other electrics.

Engine must be grounded to the frame......again, it doesn't matter if it goes straight to the frame, or to the battery (-) terminal first, and then on to the frame. Without engine ground, you won't get a spark.