KymcoForum.com

Scooters - 125 to 300 => Downtown 300 => Topic started by: Cortez on January 04, 2012, 04:56:37 PM

Title: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on January 04, 2012, 04:56:37 PM
Um, yeah, I just ordered a gray DT300i ABS.

Thankfully I sold my Kawasaki today, I put a deposit down on the DT in the
next 15 minutes!
 ;)

It should be with me next week!

Pics soon!
Title: good for you Cortez
Post by: boo on January 04, 2012, 05:59:20 PM
After you get a few miles on that bugger, let us know what you think about it.
Ride safe.
Title: Re: good for you Cortez
Post by: Cortez on January 04, 2012, 06:13:15 PM
After you get a few miles on that bugger, let us know what you think about it.
Ride safe.

I've actually already done that, I've had it for a weekend, 300+ miles ride,
lengthy review here:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=694673 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=694673)
 ;)
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: duesouth on January 05, 2012, 04:20:05 PM
Congrats! Reading you review, we weigh the same and are the same size. And in the military, different team I suppose. The Dr Pulley 14GR sliders are a great investment. And I haven't found a motorcycle that can hang with me in the curves yet, but that's probably because of inexperienced riders. Yeah, it gets a bit squirrely since it's not really a performance oriented bike, but it still blows me away what it can do. Haven't tried with the sliders, I think it will make some difference. But as the rubber and the road are both cold, I think I'll wait until things warm up. No, I didn't buy it for cornering, it was just a nice surprise.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on January 05, 2012, 07:14:40 PM
Congrats! Reading you review, we weigh the same and are the same size. And in the military, different team I suppose. The Dr Pulley 14GR sliders are a great investment. And I haven't found a motorcycle that can hang with me in the curves yet, but that's probably because of inexperienced riders. Yeah, it gets a bit squirrely since it's not really a performance oriented bike, but it still blows me away what it can do. Haven't tried with the sliders, I think it will make some difference. But as the rubber and the road are both cold, I think I'll wait until things warm up. No, I didn't buy it for cornering, it was just a nice surprise.

+1

Same here,  I didn't expect it to handle that well.
I think I'll try 15g DrPulleys though!
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Hoolander2 on January 06, 2012, 05:06:33 AM
Heyyyy congratulations Cortezzz!!!! 
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on January 06, 2012, 11:59:15 AM
Heyyyy congratulations Cortezzz!!!! 

Thanks..!  ;D
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: roboscoot on January 07, 2012, 01:05:45 AM
ah....you have made a wise decision in my opinion...look into that 100 dollar gas card if the progran is still on.....ride safely...
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on January 07, 2012, 09:57:10 AM
ah....you have made a wise decision in my opinion...look into that 100 dollar gas card if the progran is still on.....ride safely...

No idea what that is, but I don't do dollars either.
 ;D
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on January 19, 2012, 08:15:18 PM
It's finally here!

Click here for the gallery!
http://imageshack.us/g/12/img0864jk.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/g/12/img0864jk.jpg/)
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: TANWare on January 19, 2012, 11:18:11 PM
Now for the official congrats! Only 9km, that's funny..........................
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on January 20, 2012, 09:17:17 AM
Now for the official congrats! Only 9km, that's funny..........................

Thanks!
It actually had ZERO on the odo when it came here :)
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Ckline3783 on January 20, 2012, 01:26:33 PM
Looking good Cortez.  Love my DT.  enjoy yours.  keep it beteween the lines and of course on two wheels.   :)
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on January 20, 2012, 04:16:09 PM
Looking good Cortez.  Love my DT.  enjoy yours.  keep it beteween the lines and of course on two wheels.   :)

If it says so in the manual, I will!
 ;D
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: roboscoot on January 22, 2012, 01:42:49 AM
got it in white and no regrets......enjoy....
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Syl on January 28, 2012, 12:29:29 PM
Cortez, thanks much for the input...info, pixs etc. As a new rider in knowledge of the DT 300i people like yourself are really appreciated.
I see you are somewhat a photo bug and that is greatly appreciated being I am a retired news photographer. I can talk about photography but when it comes to the mechanics etc. I am a good listener and reader! Again, I thank people like you who take the time to thoroughly input knowledge for people like myself. about photography, I take my camera gear everywhere I go on the dt300i...places where an automobile can't go! I wish there were people/riders like yourself near my location. Again..thanks..Cortez.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on January 28, 2012, 04:00:24 PM
Cortez, thanks much for the input...info, pixs etc. As a new rider in knowledge of the DT 300i people like yourself are really appreciated.
I see you are somewhat a photo bug and that is greatly appreciated being I am a retired news photographer. I can talk about photography but when it comes to the mechanics etc. I am a good listener and reader! Again, I thank people like you who take the time to thoroughly input knowledge for people like myself. about photography, I take my camera gear everywhere I go on the dt300i...places where an automobile can't go! I wish there were people/riders like yourself near my location. Again..thanks..Cortez.

You're welcome!  ;D

Yeah, I'm into photography for 10 years, probably.. but could never afford some proper gear, been using a 10 year
old Olympus 5060 until few months ago when I got my Canon 550d. Now I'm stuck with the kit lens!  ::)
I post stuff here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cortez_cro/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cortez_cro/) (that I think is worth anyone's time).
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: TANWare on January 28, 2012, 06:56:47 PM
I have a canon 40D but soon will get a 7D. I only have the kit lens and 70-300mm IS...............
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Syl on February 01, 2012, 05:49:57 PM
Nice Camera Cortez and I viewed some of the photo's...very nice. I have mostly all Nikon gear with the assortment of lenses etc but believe me I enjoy but one camera to take with me on the scooter. Believe it or not I take the Kodak Z981 and tripod instead of all those lenses. with some of the camera gear I have I can go to approx. 1,000.00 mm. If need more I use the telescope! I taught photography for a good while and worked at many different aspects of it. Will go back to your site to view more later..now off to work!
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 02, 2012, 10:26:13 AM
I'd probably get a Fuji X100 to carry with me on the scoot at all times if I could afford it now,
but the little bugger costs more then my dSLR!
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Syl on February 03, 2012, 11:22:48 PM
I understand money is tight but what I paid for the Kodak Z981 is really a great buy. If you get a chance, check it out and for awhile, Sam's was selling it for 219.00. I believe the results will surprise you. I use ACDsee Pro 5 to work my pix's and really it's all I need.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 17, 2012, 08:09:38 PM
Just got my 14gr Dr Pulleys!

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GFAhNG8UqDY/Tz6yC_Ts4OI/AAAAAAAAKbM/4TUXsdtRM0o/s720/IMG_0938.JPG)

$40+shipping from http://www.buggypartsnw.com/ (http://www.buggypartsnw.com/) in
3 weeks, half way around the world. They were recommended by the
Pulley guys over e-mail so..
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 18, 2012, 05:29:32 AM
I found you can press the center weights out of your rollers/sliders, and swap them around. It saves ALOT of money. Before you toss any worn rollers/sliders...keep the weights.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Syl on February 21, 2012, 09:06:49 AM
Cortez, appreciated all your input on the 300i, thanks. I have one point/question I believe I asked much earlier while on this Forum. Try to give an example here: Coming to a stop sign or light, letting off the throttle and basically trying to coast up but than finding I need a bit more throttle to the stop, I attempt to throttle as easy as I can but no matter what, I get that jump of the bike to throttle up a bit. It almost feels like there is no engine idle during that coasting and than the throttle up a bit....makes the jumping to speed up just a hair. Tried to explain that to the best of my layman knowledge! I rely more on the knowledge on here than I do from the area I live being I haven't run into any other 300i owners close to me.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: racewalker on February 21, 2012, 09:36:28 AM
Cortez, appreciated all your input on the 300i, thanks. I have one point/question I believe I asked much earlier while on this Forum. Try to give an example here: Coming to a stop sign or light, letting off the throttle and basically trying to coast up but than finding I need a bit more throttle to the stop, I attempt to throttle as easy as I can but no matter what, I get that jump of the bike to throttle up a bit. It almost feels like there is no engine idle during that coasting and than the throttle up a bit....makes the jumping to speed up just a hair. Tried to explain that to the best of my layman knowledge! I rely more on the knowledge on here than I do from the area I live being I haven't run into any other 300i owners close to me.
I have noticed that as well. On mine the clutch does not drop out until 11 miles an hour so if you are running faster than that the engin is still turning above an idel even tho you are not giving it gas. When you hit the gas you feel it instantly. below eleven it is smother because the clutch has to connect again.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: TANWare on February 21, 2012, 11:10:37 AM
I have learned to feather it in. Still you can never 100% get it on the money but I've gotten pretty good at it. More importantly you also get better at judging the let off points to coast. Overall for an auto engagement system I am fairly happy...............
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 21, 2012, 06:32:17 PM
Cortez, appreciated all your input on the 300i, thanks. I have one point/question I believe I asked much earlier while on this Forum. Try to give an example here: Coming to a stop sign or light, letting off the throttle and basically trying to coast up but than finding I need a bit more throttle to the stop, I attempt to throttle as easy as I can but no matter what, I get that jump of the bike to throttle up a bit. It almost feels like there is no engine idle during that coasting and than the throttle up a bit....makes the jumping to speed up just a hair. Tried to explain that to the best of my layman knowledge! I rely more on the knowledge on here than I do from the area I live being I haven't run into any other 300i owners close to me.

Every single scooter does this to a certain degree, you just need to learn to "adjust" your right wrist for smooth action.
The DT300 responds very quickly to inputs that are more then a few % of throttle, as you may have noticed.

It's easier to do on some other scoots, but not an issue in the long run.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 22, 2012, 12:48:22 AM
The real fix is the torsion/control/contra spring in the clutch. The factory spring is very light compared to after market springs. A stiffer spring does several things for you...Most important it will "hold" a lower ratio longer improving take off, and a more natural feeling to the cvt. Secondly the opposite is true... It will hold the clutch engaged to allow the engine to "Brake" the scoot. Springs run around 20-30 bucks in the 300cc range. They come in three main stiffnesses/sizes. 1000, 1500, and 2000. For most riders the 1000 is a good choice. You will find your scoot revs higher due to it holding lower in the gearing. If that bothers you go heavier on the rollers to bring the rpm's back where you want them. The Contra spring is my favorite mod as it makes a cvt feel like a full auto trans.
http://www.mhr-usa.com/torque-springs/ (http://www.mhr-usa.com/torque-springs/)
Even tho I don't shop at this shop... they will have all the info
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Syl on February 22, 2012, 09:12:01 AM
zombie....thank you for that information..even though that is over my head, I will look into it more being this subject is the only thing that bothers me about my scooter. I have to think this would be a service call with a good mechanic. Would it have any affect on warranty? If this is a way to solve this issue...I would be grateful for that. A big problem I have with this condition is going around a corner, I have to always try to get to a good coasting speed and let off going around it or in attempting to throttle any makes it a bit chancy in order not to jump it around and maybe out of control.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 23, 2012, 12:15:42 AM
This mod will rock your world then. That is where it shines. Corners become contests. Not having engine control is the biggest factor to stereotyping a scooter. This spring is what makes a scoot ride like a bike. A good shop can install a torsion spring in an hour. Much less really, but an hour is fair. Torsion springs / variators / clutches / ect. do not void the warranty IF installed by a Kymco Dealer. Other than that you are on your own SOMETIMES. Ask the Dealer who would handle your warranty. They all vary.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: TANWare on February 23, 2012, 02:34:33 AM
For cornering I find the engine control fine with the DT300i. The only time it is an issue is super slow turns where you are under 11 MPH and the engine is disengaged from the drive terrain. Would I classify as a sport bike, no, but it is fine for every day riding.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 23, 2012, 03:34:06 AM
Exactly!
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: TANWare on February 23, 2012, 05:10:03 AM
I actually perfer that it lets go. I have well learned how to feather it in if need be so it is of no real issue. Around town when there is stop and go I can blip it in and coast around. I would guess though this is a personal preference.

The only real thing I would have liked is the apr 10% moer power of the non carb spanish bikes. Such be life, most people do not get to see the extra power. Probably bettr I don't have it as then the wrist would just have to use it and eat that extra fuel...........
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 24, 2012, 02:43:52 AM
Always true! Performance=Fuel. I went from 70-80mpg to a stunning 25-30. Not stock anymore! For a $3.50 fill up who cares?


Here they come...
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 24, 2012, 03:06:11 PM
I'm still waiting for my DT300 to get better MPG figures then my Kawasaki with more then twice the power..
so power doesn't equal fuel here.. not yet at least..
 ;D
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: TANWare on February 24, 2012, 05:21:41 PM
It isn't the total power but power used. Scooters by default use up, or should I waste, more power in the trany etc..............
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: axy on February 24, 2012, 06:13:50 PM
For cornering I find the engine control fine with the DT300i. The only time it is an issue is super slow turns where you are under 11 MPH and the engine is disengaged from the drive terrain. Would I classify as a sport bike, no, but it is fine for every day riding.

Vehicles on two tires as a mechanical system are inherently unstable at low speed and especially below 6 mph/10 km/h.
Main reason for this is the fact that gyroscopic effect of spinning wheels is not sufficient enough to provide for enhanced lateral and longitudinal stability.
No bike is good for slow turns at that speed, some are better than other but only marginally. :) Or the sitting position, angles etc. provide for better control.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: axy on February 24, 2012, 06:17:00 PM
I'm still waiting for my DT300 to get better MPG figures then my Kawasaki with more then twice the power..
so power doesn't equal fuel here.. not yet at least..
 ;D

I have managed 3.8 l/100 km with my ZR-7S when it was stock.
A friend of mine has Fazer 800 and he did also 3.8 l/100 km single up driving between 100 and 120 km/h in top gear on open road.

This is comparable to 125cc scoots which is quite incredible. I would be willing to bet that 125 cc at top speed would consume more.

Four cyl bikes are very fuel efficient, 2 cyl less, thumpers the least...
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 24, 2012, 06:21:46 PM
I have managed 3.8 l/100 km with my ZR-7S when it was stock.
A friend of mine has Fazer 800 and he did also 3.8 l/100 km single up driving between 100 and 120 km/h in top gear on open road.

This is comparable to 125cc scoots which is quite incredible. I would be willing to bet that 125 cc at top speed would consume more.

Four cyl bikes are very fuel efficient, 2 cyl less, thumpers the least...

My 2cyl ER6F averaged between 4.0 and 4.5l/100km around town and usually no more then 4.0l/100km when traveling, loaded
up, usually between 100 and 110 like you wrote above. Lower displacement 4 cyl bikes can be thirsty (like the fazer 600,
hornet 600 etc) since they got no torque down low.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: axy on February 24, 2012, 06:44:03 PM
My 2cyl ER6F averaged between 4.0 and 4.5l/100km around town and usually no more then 4.0l/100km when traveling, loaded
up, usually between 100 and 110 like you wrote above. Lower displacement 4 cyl bikes can be thirsty (like the fazer 600,
hornet 600 etc) since they got no torque down low.

To chug along you don't need it. FZ600S can do <4l/100 kms too.

If you drive any 600 like semi-tard and carelessly, it will consume in vicinity of 5.5 l/100 km, including all out on highways.

My P250S currently consumes >5 l/100 km when driving quite carefully, 60-80 km/h, no higway. It used to hover at -25% off that, have no idea what happened.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: TANWare on February 24, 2012, 08:18:51 PM
so far I seem to be 3.3L/100km so I am happy...................
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 24, 2012, 09:57:04 PM
To chug along you don't need it. FZ600S can do <4l/100 kms too.

If you drive any 600 like semi-tard and carelessly, it will consume in vicinity of 5.5 l/100 km, including all out on highways.

My P250S currently consumes >5 l/100 km when driving quite carefully, 60-80 km/h, no higway. It used to hover at -25% off that, have no idea what happened.

Ever cleaned the carb?
(Dizne se zacepe isto.. sve dize potrosnju).
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 24, 2012, 10:03:47 PM
It isn't the total power but power used. Scooters by default use up, or should I waste, more power in the trany etc..............
That is why I brought up the control spring. The stock cvt's are very inefficient in relaying power. It is amazing the difference a spring makes. (well that is what controls the power delivery after all.). The biggest difference I find between scoots, and bikes is the ability to control the engine. Scoots depend on spring rate/roller weight to deliver their power (not a manual clutch), and MUST have shall we say "limp" power delivery to keep from killing people.
Once you UNDERSTAND how it works it is easy to tune. Pick a direction you desire, and install the part that get you there. More rpm's= lighter rollers, having the engine/clutch stay engaged at lower rpm's-stiffer= control spring.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 24, 2012, 10:06:35 PM
so far I seem to be 3.3L/100km so I am happy...................

I got about 35% more at the moment..  >:(
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: TANWare on February 25, 2012, 04:15:37 AM
My first tank was horrid too. I thingk what ever fuel and stabizing agents they used etc. caused horrid milage. My other mild mods helped MG as well, a good synthetic in the engine and FD along with the Irridum plug.

If you go by Fuelly I get towrds the top of the MPG range...............
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: axy on February 25, 2012, 09:42:13 AM
Ever cleaned the carb?
(Dizne se zacepe isto.. sve dize potrosnju).

No, never. 19K now.
I doubt it's that, I will check it next time. When I checked any of my scoots around that mileage, carb was "crystal clear". However, I will also check gasoline filter (was clogged up on Agility around the same mileage) and that stupid secondary air filter that is under the floorboard, so you have to spend the whole day tearing up the scoot to get it (I swear, mentally hendicapper engineers were involved in construction of Kymco's, or it was done on purpose so only mechanics can do the work).

Also, there are no symptoms of jets being clogged up, it rides flawlessly. It just ONE DAY, from one to the other fill up, decided to jump from 3.7-4.0 l/100 km (in the first 17.000 kms) to 5.0+ l/100 km (after that).

That's quite strange, because if I go all crazed-Cortez-*-ape-sh**-low-consumption-mode on my 110 hp car, I can reach 6.5 l/100 kms, which is a bit more than with the stupid thumper.

X-Files.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 25, 2012, 05:56:59 PM
If the carb were to blame the mileage may go up as you would lean the mix, and feel the needed extra throttle. A vacuum leak may be involved (coupler) or cvt components worn. You would need to apply more throttle to obtain the same speed.
I would spend that one whole day taking it all apart, and inspecting/measuring.
The most probable is the air filter tho. or a restriction inside the air tubes. That is the same symptom that started the Ethanol/rubber thread.
Sorry Axy... May it be that you got bit in the arse?
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 25, 2012, 06:03:30 PM
My first tank was horrid too. I thingk what ever fuel and stabizing agents they used etc. caused horrid milage. My other mild mods helped MG as well, a good synthetic in the engine and FD along with the Irridum plug.

If you go by Fuelly I get towrds the top of the MPG range...............

2nd tank worse then 1st, 48mpg.
Still very cold here, a lot of idling and only city riding.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 25, 2012, 06:28:29 PM
I didn't think to include the auto choke. It works off a needle being raised/lowered into a fuel "port" a grain of sand may be lodged in the port, or the choke just may be defective. It works the same as a thermostat in all modern engines. It is a wax container that expands, and contracts by way of an electric heating element vs ambient engine temp. Just cause the element "tests" fine does not mean it is working. The choke is an inexpensive part so I would try replacing it to test it.
Other factor: Is the 300i a fuel injected scoot? Then there is no choke but an idle air controller.
The issue here may be the cold dense air is forcing the O2 sensor to enrich the fuel circuit to compensate for the "leaner" charge. This would not be a flaw or defect... Just the nature of fuel injection. As the weather warms this will subside.
A cool "trick" is to wrap the exhaust pipe w/ Header Tape 1 foot before, and after the O2 bung This will retain the heat, and fool the sensor into leaning the mix. Sorta like blocking the radiator on diesel engines. Warmer engines require less fuel so tricking the controller will bring the mileage up
The effects of heat tape on mild steel header pipe - XR650R. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xH-8fNq6Ok#)
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 25, 2012, 07:33:17 PM
Cool, you know your way around this stuff.
I guess I'll just wait a few more tanks, and 1st oil change, the weather is
gonna get warmer too.

Both tanks were in sub-freezing temperatures.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 25, 2012, 07:48:59 PM
"Both tanks were in sub-freezing temperatures."
Well I guess that 'splians" that Lucy.
I Love Lucy - Hamburgers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doUYH3Uria4#)
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 25, 2012, 07:52:22 PM
"Both tanks were in sub-freezing temperatures."
Well I guess that 'splians" that Lucy.

Yeah, I hope it's down to that little thing.
A lot of idling and riding with only 1 bar on the temp gauge.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: zombie on February 25, 2012, 07:57:33 PM
These tiny engines don't fair as well in cold weather. Many of the forum members report troubles in the winter. Moderate days however is when they shine. (40-55* f). They run just lean enough to gain a bit of PEP.
Title: Re: Enough talking about it, time to do something!
Post by: Cortez on February 25, 2012, 10:23:32 PM
These tiny engines don't fair as well in cold weather. Many of the forum members report troubles in the winter. Moderate days however is when they shine. (40-55* f). They run just lean enough to gain a bit of PEP.

I guess we'll have to wait and see, I didn't notice such a big drop in MPG figures on my other
bikes, maybe 10% tops. I'd be really surprised if I get 30% better mileage in the next few tanks,
but higher temps, oil change/break in and everything else that matter will take its toll.

I'll also be switching to dr pulley weights with the first oil change.