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Messages - Portland Steve

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1
General Discussion / Re: How to properly size a helmet for my head?
« on: March 08, 2012, 11:14:36 PM »
The helmet should fit snug and should not move around on your head.
With that said, what may seem fine at first, may be too tight and give you a head ache later.
My concern with hand-me-down helmets is that they could be compromised.
If the helmet looks like it has been dropped or has scrapes and scratched, it is time for a new helmet.
I usually replace my helmet every 4-5 years.  Even if it is still structurally sound, it is getting ratty and a little stinky by then.

2
General Discussion / Re: Riding etiquette?
« on: February 22, 2012, 05:55:51 PM »
I do sneak by in many cases.  It may not be legal, but I try to use my best judgement.
It seems like a waste of fuel to wait in line, if you can safely scoot by.  This will be my excuse to the officer anyway.
I am able to squeeze by on the right side of cars backed up in the parking garage where I park without trouble.

3
General Discussion / Re: Is warming up essential from cold start?
« on: February 22, 2012, 05:47:26 PM »
Start it up and by the time you have put on your helmet and gloves, you should be ready to go.
The engine will not get fully warmed up for ten to 15 minutes of driving, which you can feel in the power.
I have to say that initial power from a cold start is better on my Super 8 150 than my previous Vespa ET4.
I love the automatic choke!
I have never seen any benefit to letting the bike idle for too long at start and I have had different scooters and motorcycles.
Just ride and don't worry about it so much. 

4
People 250 / Re: Shudder/vibration
« on: February 06, 2012, 10:07:29 PM »
Glad that worked for you.  It is always nice when the fix is easy!

5
People 250 / Re: Shudder/vibration
« on: February 02, 2012, 08:53:09 PM »
These CVT transmissions are not the most sophisticated systems, but they are pretty cool for what they are.
I get a shudder at times on my Super 8 150 and have done the same as you by cleaning the dust out.
I have come to the conclusion that it is the clutch that is getting glazed.  The belt flap is just a function of the clutch being fussy.
I have learned a technique here on this forum for getting the clutch to smooth out.
Hold both breaks, rev up the engine to where you feel it starting to grab and let out the breaks slowly.
This beats opening up the CVT.

6
General Discussion / Re: Rediculous
« on: February 02, 2012, 08:46:08 PM »
Hmmm, I agree that it is too hard to find a service manual, but other than that I have not had too much trouble with stuff.
I paid $1600 for my Super 8 150 and did not expect much, but have found it to be a great scooter for the price.
I had a Vespa ET4 and found it more difficult to work on than the Kymco.
With the internet, you can usually find the answers you need without a full manual.

7
People 150 / Re: Tire Spin Question
« on: January 10, 2012, 12:13:49 AM »
It could be that the new break pads are getting set in.
I would not worry about it unless it is making noise while riding.
Do the brakes seem to be making any noise while you are riding?
Tell all this stuff to your dealer at your first check up.

8
Agility 125 / Re: Agility 125 seat modification
« on: January 06, 2012, 09:11:09 PM »
It sounds similar to my Super 8.
I just added some 1" open cell foam to the front of the seat.
Cost me $4.

9
Super 8 150 / Re: Rejetting Super 8 150 for Yoshimura TRC exhaust
« on: January 03, 2012, 11:27:16 PM »
You probably have seen this link.



In my personal opinion, if you want more noise then get an exhaust.
Performance, eh, it's a scooter and it gets me around.

Good luck


10
Super 8 150 / Re: Insurance
« on: January 03, 2012, 11:22:35 PM »
Progressive, full coverage, about $100/year

11
People s200 / Re: How do you get a coffee to the office
« on: December 22, 2011, 05:30:40 PM »
Good grief.  When there is a will there is a way, but why not stop at that coffee shop and have a chat with the nice person sitting next to you.
Enjoy your coffee at home or make it at work.
The easiest way without looking like a dork is to just put it in a thermos and put it in your bag.  The fine folks at Starbucks will even fill the thermos for you.

12
People s200 / Re: out of storage, cvt not engaging
« on: December 22, 2011, 05:24:42 PM »
You are going to have to open up the transmission and have a look.
Why is there a lot of rust?  Was the scooter parked in damp conditions?
It may be your carburetor has gunked up after a few months and is starving for fuel.
It may just seem like a CVT issue.


13
People s200 / Re: Transmission Level
« on: December 22, 2011, 05:18:53 PM »
Just drain it and fill it with new oil.
I use a measuring cup to get the exact amount and then use a clean syringe to pump it into the case.
Easy and inexpensive and you know exactly how much is in there.

14
Agility 125 / Re: Handlebar swings
« on: December 16, 2011, 06:09:32 PM »
This "swinging" is often referred to as "head shake".  In extreme cases you get a "tank slapper" which obviously refers to a motorcycle where the bars shake from side to side and hit the tank.  It is a resonance thing that amplifies a problem in your bikes steering assembly/geometry.
In any case, this could be a potentially dangerous situation.
It could be a bad tire, axle or triple clamp.  Take it to a shop or check these things yourself if you are so inclined.

15
Agility 125 / Re: Vibrations/harsh take-off
« on: December 16, 2011, 05:54:50 PM »
It seems like these clutches need cleaning fairly often.
I am guessing that the clutch pads like to glaze over, causing the CVT to shudder.  I do a lot of stop and go on my daily commute, which may have something to do with it.
The brake, gas and release method of burning in the clutch seems to help on my Super 8 150.
The grease in the assembly may be coming from an over-greased axle that the clutch fits over.

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