100 Mile Scooter Review.
The odometer just ticked over to 100 miles on the way back from lunch. So, I thought I'd give a Pro and Con of the scooter so far.
First, the cons. I discovered that the storage capacity under the seat is less than the old 49cc. I thought that odd, but this one does have a bigger engine and the body isn't much bigger. I've also experience problems with the engine not starting. It struggles to kick over, and when it does the RPMs are very low; to the point it dies. This also happens when I come to a stop or slow down considerably. I have to stay on the gas, which is also the gear, and that's a little unnerving. It goes in for inspection on Saturday morning.
Ok, the pros. Gas went up to 3.35 a gallon, so 70mpg looks better every day. The ride and acceleration are very good around town. I had to keep it above 70 on the way to the motorcycle shop for a cover; the throttle was about 3/4 open. I keep tie-downs and bungee cords under the seat to strap things behind me that don't fit under it. This doesn't present a huge inconvenience, and storage can be expanded with the addition of hard saddle bags and a rear "trunk" with a passager back rest.
That's the report so far. I'm a little miffed about the engine problems, but the dealer seems willing to rectify the situation. Does any one have an idea what it could be? Are Italian bike engines known for problems? If you have any questions about the scooter so far, just let me know. Gas isn't getting cheaper. [;)]
First, the cons. I discovered that the storage capacity under the seat is less than the old 49cc. I thought that odd, but this one does have a bigger engine and the body isn't much bigger. I've also experience problems with the engine not starting. It struggles to kick over, and when it does the RPMs are very low; to the point it dies. This also happens when I come to a stop or slow down considerably. I have to stay on the gas, which is also the gear, and that's a little unnerving. It goes in for inspection on Saturday morning.
Ok, the pros. Gas went up to 3.35 a gallon, so 70mpg looks better every day. The ride and acceleration are very good around town. I had to keep it above 70 on the way to the motorcycle shop for a cover; the throttle was about 3/4 open. I keep tie-downs and bungee cords under the seat to strap things behind me that don't fit under it. This doesn't present a huge inconvenience, and storage can be expanded with the addition of hard saddle bags and a rear "trunk" with a passager back rest.
That's the report so far. I'm a little miffed about the engine problems, but the dealer seems willing to rectify the situation. Does any one have an idea what it could be? Are Italian bike engines known for problems? If you have any questions about the scooter so far, just let me know. Gas isn't getting cheaper. [;)]
0
-
Check out the exhast pipe. The mud dobbers sometimes build nests and partly clog them up. I've bought 3 or 4 completly cloged that wouldn't run. Quick buck. check it out , can't hurt. 0 -
Be happy that it's not a Ferrari.
D.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Da-Tank
Check out the exhast pipe. The mud dobbers sometimes build nests and partly clog them up. I've bought 3 or 4 completly cloged that wouldn't run. Quick buck. check it out , can't hurt.
I drove it off the showroom floor. One mile on the odometer. It's been garaged or covered since then. But, I checked anyways...clean. I didn't think of that possibility. Wasps are thick this year.
Any other theories on the engine problems? Yes, thank God it's not a Ferrari; insurance would kill me.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Aspen79se
Any other theories on the engine problems?
\Your air fuel mixture isn't right and there should be a screw you can turn in to adjust it. or you have an idle adjustment that needs to be made.
Probably something simple the dealer will fix it.0 -
How fast does a scooter go.....do you ride them on the highway. I can see them being VERY good for in town type rides.....but I drive way way too far to even look at one of those things (plus, I can just see me trying to get the two Cobbs I brought home strapped to a scooter.) 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Locust Fork
How fast does a scooter go.....do you ride them on the highway. I can see them being VERY good for in town type rides.....but I drive way way too far to even look at one of those things (plus, I can just see me trying to get the two Cobbs I brought home strapped to a scooter.)
The manual says 97. I have no reason to doubt that claim. If you have a ways to drive, and need the cargo space, look at the scooters with the "Touring" look. Suzuki Bergmans and Honda Silverwings are top of the line. Kymco, who used to make parts for Honda, also makes 500cc machines that are great buys with excellent reputations. The Piaggio X9 has a very comfortable seat and lots of storage space. The scooters in the 400-650cc range can carry two full face helmets under the seat. Optional stoarge can be added as well. Expect 50-60mpg.0 -
I'm reading up on the Piaggio QUASAR engines. Can a SOHC run a carb, or are they strictly fuel injected? 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
7 comments