KymcoForum.com
Scooters - Big Bore => Xciting 500 => Topic started by: ClayMation on August 03, 2017, 08:05:29 PM
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Hello all,
This is my first post and i'm super 'xcited' that there is such a thing as a Kymco forum.
So, i'll delve right into my experiences and concerns.
First off, I live in Southern California (Los Angeles area) and I upgraded to the kymco xciting 500 abs 2016 model after I had a SSR Turino 150cc (cheap chinese vespa knock off).
The reasons I did the upgrade were:
1-Needed to get on the freeway desperately because i'm still relatively new to LA (came here in 2015) and i'm still searching earnestly for long term, consistent work. I also do freelance work that is sometimes 50 miles away, so I needed to be able to jump on the freeway when ever possible.
2-Low Maintenance potential. I figured with a better model bike made by a more reputable company like Kymco i'd have to invest less and do maintenance less outside of my service updates every 3000 miles.
So, I have about 3300 miles on the bike now after having purchased it brand new at Berts Mega Mall in west covina about 3 months ago.
For the most part the bike has been handling the freeway driving fairly well, I have been able to keep up with "most" freeway speed driving except when I am forced onto certain freeways by navigation (I wear earbuds when using my iphones navigation through siri or google maps). On some freeways here in California it is literally impossible to go slower than 80-85 safely because NOBODY obeys the speed limits. The 118 for example, or the 5 as another example.
That said, there have been multiple occasions where I was forced to 'push' the bike to 85-90 for a few minutes at a time because of these unreasonable driving conditions.
The other thing is, I wouldn't say I "hard accelerate" but there are instances (again, on the freeway) where I am forced to go from 0 rpm, to say, 3 or 4 rpm because of dangerous road conditions courtesy of guys doing 90-100 mph in large SUV's.
I took it for a brief inspection at berts mega mall last week and was told by one of the service techs that he thinks the belt might be 'slipping' a little due to 'hard accelerating" and I told him I don't hard accelerate, unless going from 0-2 or 3 on the rpm scale is considered hard accelerating. That means 0 to 2000 to 3000 rpms when I have to usually more 2000 than 3000, and I try my best to give it a second before going from 2-3-4 on the rpm scale but sometimes I don't have that luxury due to safety concerns.
Now, I could choose to stay mostly off the freeways but the reason I purchased the bike is to use it mostly on the freeways.
Secondly, this service tech told me my tires have "slight pre-cupping" which means ever so slight signs of cracking at the point where the side wall meets the tread surface, but none of that on the tread surface itself. I've been making sure the PSI is at 35-36 at least 2-3 times monthly. Lately i've been checking them more and keeping them about 38 PSI.
He also told me my brakes have about '60% left" in them which was another shocker.
Now, there was a single time I drove with the parking break half way engaged for less than a mile, but as I said it was only half way engaged or I would've noticed it sooner and I wouldn't have been able to drive as fast as I was with my girlfriend on the back also. I usually keep the rear suspension settings at 4-5 when she is on it and 3 when I am by myself, since I go shopping a lot after having installed a top case on it.
Based on all the above info, what should my approach be to this situation? I have a service maintenance coming in about 600 miles (out of my own pocket) but I kind of loathe the idea that i'm already having to consider pouring other money into this bike after only owning it for 3 months.
My second inquiry is about upgrade parts. Should I stick to the Kymco factory belt drive or seek out an upgrade model? And then tires, are there any tires that are considered an upgrade to the maxus factory installed ones, which would be great for both freeway and surface street driving? They're telling me these tires will only last 6000 miles! A HUGE shocker since i've seen motorcycle tires last 15000 miles. I'm honestly not yet ready to pour money into this bike, and the reason I bought it is so I wouldn't have to do it so soon.
Another thing, it's my main mode of transportation. I don't have a car.
What should I do?
Thank you in advance for all your responses.
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Take what I am about to write with a grain of salt, please. "Slight pre-cupping" is a phrase I have never heard. Cupping of the front tire is common in high mileage Maxxis tires. Cracks in the bead-to-sidewall are precursors to tire failure. No option. Replace the tires with these symptoms. Michelin Power Pure SC are supposed to be dual compound with hard stuff in the center. I gotta set so will report in a few thousand miles. Replace with anything but Maxxis. Rear wheels always wear faster. There IS NO UPGRADE FROM A KYMCO CVT BELT. Kymco uses mostly Mitsuboshi belts and there ain't none better. Slipping belts are a disaster. They should not slip. How does he know your belt is slipping? You need to digest every 500 cc post on this forum. You should have done that before you bought the scoot you now have. I personally think the 500's are potentially great bikes but have documented requirements beyond normal Kymco reliability.
Karl
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I personally think the 500's are potentially great bikes but have documented requirements beyond normal Kymco reliability.
Karl
Hi Karl,
Thanks so much for the response. I am wondering precisely what you mean by the quote above about the 500s being beyond normal kymco reliability?
As far as how he knew, he was just guessing because I didn't have him do a thorough investigation since my service maintenance is coming very soon within a few hundred more miles. He was stating it similarly, with a grain of salt I presume. If they did a probing look they would have charged me for diagnostics.
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First off putting your location in your profile can be helpful as Los Angeles covers a fairly large area. I'm down in Costa Mesa but ocassionaly end up in the LA area from time to time. I bought my Kymco MyRoad 700i from Bert's about a year and a half ago. I took it back for a feels like the clutch slipping on take off at only 140 miles on it. My one experience with them wasn't confidence inspiring and ultimately had to take it else where to get it fixed.
Now I'm not really sure if you are noticing a slippage problem or its just something Bert's threw out there. I can't imagine you need tires, brakes, or a CVT belt at this point. I've got 5,500 miles on my scoot and all seems well. If you want to sometime i'd be happy to look at it for you and/or show you how to work on it yourself.
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First off putting your location in your profile can be helpful as Los Angeles covers a fairly large area. I'm down in Costa Mesa but ocassionaly end up in the LA area from time to time. I bought my Kymco MyRoad 700i from Bert's about a year and a half ago. I took it back for a feels like the clutch slipping on take off at only 140 miles on it. My one experience with them wasn't confidence inspiring and ultimately had to take it else where to get it fixed.
Now I'm not really sure if you are noticing a slippage problem or its just something Bert's threw out there. I can't imagine you need tires, brakes, or a CVT belt at this point. I've got 5,500 miles on my scoot and all seems well. If you want to sometime i'd be happy to look at it for you and/or show you how to work on it yourself.
MJR
That's absolutely awesome!
I am in Pasadena area. Specifically South Pasadena. About 40 miles from you, but I know where you are, where it's near to is Laguna Beach, me and my girlfriend have driven there about 2 months ago on the Kymco.
Man, i'd love to set something up perhaps next week or the following week, depending on my work schedule and of course yours. How would this work out?
By the way, thanks in advance!
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MJR
That's absolutely awesome!
I am in Pasadena area. Specifically South Pasadena. About 40 miles from you, but I know where you are, where it's near to is Laguna Beach, me and my girlfriend have driven there about 2 months ago on the Kymco.
Man, i'd love to set something up perhaps next week or the following week, depending on my work schedule and of course yours. How would this work out?
By the way, thanks in advance!
I'm a little north of Laguna but close enough (or a nice ride along the coast from there). I'm not currently working so I am mostly open to when. As far as location I'm not sure what kind of tools you might have should we want to open say the CVT to have a look. I do here at my house in Costa Mesa have a complete set of tools and such being a former automotive mechanic who works on all my own scooters (I have 5 Burgman 650's, a Aprilia Atlantic 500, and a Kymco MyRoad 700i). I have also helped or done work for other Burgman 650 owners.
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Five? FIVE? 5? 650 Burgs? Gotta start reading the fine print......
Karl
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The only thing I can add is here is always, always whenever possible use Kymco OEM parts.
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Five? FIVE? 5? 650 Burgs? Gotta start reading the fine print......
Yup, my original '03 I bought new and had to rebuilt the CVT on, a '09 I bought new to ride while I decided what to do with the '03, a '05 I bought with wrecked body because I thought I might put the '03 body on, a '06 with a bad CVT I rebuilt, another '06 I bought with a CVT problem I haven't done anything with yet, and a '03 parts bike that had most of the body and a few other items parted out by the previous owner. But I've got 3 I can ride along with the Kymco and Aprilia. :D
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I'm a little north of Laguna but close enough (or a nice ride along the coast from there). I'm not currently working so I am mostly open to when. As far as location I'm not sure what kind of tools you might have should we want to open say the CVT to have a look. I do here at my house in Costa Mesa have a complete set of tools and such being a former automotive mechanic who works on all my own scooters (I have 5 Burgman 650's, a Aprilia Atlantic 500, and a Kymco MyRoad 700i). I have also helped or done work for other Burgman 650 owners.
I am doing a lot of freelance work myself to keep myself afloat right now. I will become aware of my next weeks schedule soon and i'll let you know when I have a window opened for coming out there.
I just want to be clear on the situation, are you requesting some form of payment? I'm asking because I'm barely keeping afloat with my bike payments and everything else and would like to be clear if you do this as a freelance payment gig. If so I might have to wait a while before I can come down there.
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The only thing I can add is here is always, always whenever possible use Kymco OEM parts.
What about tire upgrades? Is there any unanimity on that subject?
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I am doing a lot of freelance work myself to keep myself afloat right now. I will become aware of my next weeks schedule soon and i'll let you know when I have a window opened for coming out there.
I just want to be clear on the situation, are you requesting some form of payment? I'm asking because I'm barely keeping afloat with my bike payments and everything else and would like to be clear if you do this as a freelance payment gig. If so I might have to wait a while before I can come down there.
Fine just let me know. No I'm just offering to look at it or help you with what you want to do. It's like the Jeep enthusiast community where we help each other out and sometimes the person having work done buys lunch or drinks. Just willing to help others if they need it.
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Fine just let me know. No I'm just offering to look at it or help you with what you want to do. It's like the Jeep enthusiast community where we help each other out and sometimes the person having work done buys lunch or drinks. Just willing to help others if they need it.
MJR,
Once again, I want to thank you deeply for this offer and I will follow through with it. Within the next few days I'll send you a private message about when I can travel out there.
Thank you for your generosity. I'm privileged to be part of this community.
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What about tire upgrades? Is there any unanimity on that subject?
You will probably find no unanimity on tires. Its a personal preference thing, performance versus mileage etc. Michelin City Grips or Michelin Pure Powers seem to be some of the most popular if they are in your size.
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Stay stock. My first belt lasted over 30,000 miles. Use a drop or 2 of medium strength lock tight on CVT & clutch nuts. Let dry before riding. If not torqued down correctly the CVT fan pulley half plate can back off after many miles. My original clutch was good for about 70,000 miles. I only replaced it because I wanted to put in a new spring. I didn't need a new spring, but I felt it had been compressed for several years, and maybe needed a change out. It did't! Change the oil your self, and adjust valves around every 20,000 miles or so. I have never adjusted mine in 70,000 miles, but my MPG has gone way down, and I am sure it is because of this. X500's are built like tanks. I use synthetic oils, (mobile one 15/50). Change oil once a year with a K&N filter, and forget it. My stator died around 50,000 miles or so. Only break down! Good luck. You can put a car tire on the rear? Someone here DARK SIDED HIS, it seemed to work out ok? :-*
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You will probably find no unanimity on tires. Its a personal preference thing, performance versus mileage etc. Michelin City Grips or Michelin Pure Powers seem to be some of the most popular if they are in your size.
Yea but aren't Michelin City Grips mainly for City Commute and aren't the speed ratings for those around 65?
I was looking for a tire set good for freeway speeds.
My knowledge about Michelin Tires is from having had a SSR scooter before and when the tire tread wore out I put Michelin's on the bike but they were J rated for 62 MPH. I assume the City Grips to be similar but not sure.
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Stay stock. My first belt lasted over 30,000 miles. Use a drop or 2 of medium strength lock tight on CVT & clutch nuts. Let dry before riding. If not torqued down correctly the CVT fan pulley half plate can back off after many miles. My original clutch was good for about 70,000 miles. I only replaced it because I wanted to put in a new spring. I didn't need a new spring, but I felt it had been compressed for several years, and maybe needed a change out. It did't! Change the oil your self, and adjust valves around every 20,000 miles or so. I have never adjusted mine in 70,000 miles, but my MPG has gone way down, and I am sure it is because of this. X500's are built like tanks. I use synthetic oils, (mobile one 15/50). Change oil once a year with a K&N filter, and forget it. My stator died around 50,000 miles or so. Only break down! Good luck. You can put a car tire on the rear? Someone here DARK SIDED HIS, it seemed to work out ok? :-*
This is an extremely interesting response.
A Car tire? I am very pleased to hear that peoples xciting's are lasting 50,000, 70,000 or more miles!
I Currently have just shy of 4,000 on mine so i'm looking forward to getting a lot of pleasure out of it.
One thing i'm curious about is whether you drove yours on the freeway a lot.
One of the main appeals in buying this bike was it's freeway capable speeds.
About the CVT belt advice you gave. Perhaps MJR can help me with that because it sounds slightly complex.
How long did it take you to do that?
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Yea but aren't Michelin City Grips mainly for City Commute and aren't the speed ratings for those around 65?
Depends on the tire. The City Grip sizes for my Aprilia Atlantic 500 (120/70-15 front and 140/60-14) are S rated to 112 mph.
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Depends on the tire. The City Grip sizes for my Aprilia Atlantic 500 (120/70-15 front and 140/60-14) are S rated to 112 mph.
Hey MJR,
I didn't know their speed ratings depended on their size. That's great, perhaps I will consider the City Grips next.
Can you comment on what sissmary said about the belt drive augmentation and if it's possible to do when I can make it out to meet you?
At it's young age, belt drive preservation and tires are two of my top concerns.
Thanks.
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I have city grips also, a great long lasting tire. I only tour, I have taken 2 cross country trips on it, (Arizona to Michigan and back). My longest day was 1,004 miles, (drove all night). I wish the gas tank was larger? But the bike can be ridden like a gold wing. I call it the O HOG, as in orange hog. Can't hurt the engine. Over 70'000 miles now.
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ULP. Some people collect salt shakers, some ash trays. MJR collects Burgers. Must be nice>>>>LOL
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I have city grips also, a great long lasting tire. I only tour, I have taken 2 cross country trips on it, (Arizona to Michigan and back). My longest day was 1,004 miles, (drove all night). I wish the gas tank was larger? But the bike can be ridden like a gold wing. I call it the O HOG, as in orange hog. Can't hurt the engine. Over 70'000 miles now.
I think the City Grips will be the tires of choice for me next based on all the positive reviews.
What's the top speed you will 'push' your xciting 500 for on the freeway for any super length of time? I understand our bikes will get a verified top speed of "close to" 100 mph but i've also been told not to "push it" too much, which is kinda difficult on California freeways in terms of keeping safe from impatient and ego centric drivers. I often tend to drive 80 for long periods and have even gone to 90 for a minute here and there with the throttle almost all the way up.
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Btw MJR I sent you a private message.
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Enjoy your ride. I am on the freeway a lot, i go everywhere at 130kmh. I fitted a sports variator, kept the stock rollers and fitted an extra 1mm spacer next to the original, and initially i got max 155kmh at 7500rpm(not for regular cruising, just testing capability) , but now the belt has worn a bit, so the revs are climbing again and at 130kmh revs are at 6500 about.
With this configuration I loose some fast pull away. The belt is a pirate which is way way past the max service distance, but it just keeps on going. I checked it 2 weeks back and it still looks ok. I think with the slower pull away, it has less stress on it so lasts longer.
Sent from my Mi Max using Tapatalk
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Michelin is the way to go. Get away from those Maxxis as fast as you can. One of mine split right across from side to side. And it was very slippery in wet conditions. Too scary for me.
Sent from my Mi Max using Tapatalk
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I think the City Grips will be the tires of choice for me next based on all the positive reviews.
What's the top speed you will 'push' your xciting 500 for on the freeway for any super length of time? I understand our bikes will get a verified top speed of "close to" 100 mph but i've also been told not to "push it" too much, which is kinda difficult on California freeways in terms of keeping safe from impatient and ego centric drivers. I often tend to drive 80 for long periods and have even gone to 90 for a minute here and there with the throttle almost all the way up.
I would think the 500 is up to doing 80 for an extended period of time. I've done a few 1000 miles trips where I ran for a hundred miles or more at 75 -80 mph/gps without a burp.
That was on a DT300 so why not the 500?
AMAC
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Enjoy your ride. I am on the freeway a lot, i go everywhere at 130kmh. I fitted a sports variator, kept the stock rollers and fitted an extra 1mm spacer next to the original, and initially i got max 155kmh at 7500rpm(not for regular cruising, just testing capability) , but now the belt has worn a bit, so the revs are climbing again and at 130kmh revs are at 6500 about.
With this configuration I loose some fast pull away. The belt is a pirate which is way way past the max service distance, but it just keeps on going. I checked it 2 weeks back and it still looks ok. I think with the slower pull away, it has less stress on it so lasts longer.
Sent from my Mi Max using Tapatalk
How many miles do you have on this original belt?
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I would think the 500 is up to doing 80 for an extended period of time. I've done a few 1000 miles trips where I ran for a hundred miles or more at 75 -80 mph/gps without a burp.
That was on a DT300 so why not the 500?
AMAC
I think we should be able to theoretically push our bikes to 85 even without worrying.
My concern is my belt drive. It might be somewhat illogical because on my previous bike (A 150cc SSR Vespa clone) the Belt snapped at 6,000 miles spontaneously.
There was one time I drove with the brake lock engaged on my xciting500 for about a mile, correction it was only half engaged. I suppose I worried that could have caused premature wear on the belt. I currently have about 3,800 miles on the bike. Still feels great on the freeway except the parts that need serious repaving.
I would love for someone, or everyone, to tell me why my belt is likely okay. haha
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I think we should be able to theoretically push our bikes to 85 even without worrying.
I would love for someone, or everyone, to tell me why my belt is likely okay. haha
I just this year bought a '03 Aprilia Atlantic 500 (only 5,000 miles on it) which I've had to 90 mph and ran at 80 mph without issue so you shouldn't have a problem and I'm sure the belt is ok.
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How many miles do you have on this original belt?
It is NOT an original belt.
It is:
Belt specs:
1025 x 28.9mm x 30
length x width x angle
Gates booster:
9802-41811
9802-40811
I have used both, but can't say what the difference is, is just what was available.
I think the belt has 20 000km on it already. My odo reads 66000km now.
Sent from my Mi Max using Tapatalk
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It is NOT an original belt.
It is:
Belt specs:
1025 x 28.9mm x 30
length x width x angle
Gates booster:
9802-41811
9802-40811
I have used both, but can't say what the difference is, is just what was available.
I think the belt has 20 000km on it already. My odo reads 66000km now.
Sent from my Mi Max using Tapatalk
One of my primary paranoia's and concerns is the belt snapping due to "over working".
I once drove with the break lock half ay engaged for about a mile and that gave me an immediate concern of wearing the belt prematurely.
Any insights you can give on this paranoia of mine?
Thanks.
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I think it would be best if you would buy an OEM belt and install it. It may or may not be mechanically necessary, but the peace of mind would be so worth it. :)
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I think it would be best if you would buy an OEM belt and install it. It may or may not be mechanically necessary, but the peace of mind would be so worth it. :)
Any source on ebay/Amazon that sell it for less expensive than normal?
Is this it?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/162572469928?ul_noapp=true (http://www.ebay.com/itm/162572469928?ul_noapp=true)
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I think this is the OE Kymco one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYMCO-XCITING-500-TRANSMISSION-CVT-BELT-/131853026045?hash=item1eb30d82fd:g:2n0AAOSw-W5UvTQB&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYMCO-XCITING-500-TRANSMISSION-CVT-BELT-/131853026045?hash=item1eb30d82fd:g:2n0AAOSw-W5UvTQB&vxp=mtr)
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I think this is the OE Kymco one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYMCO-XCITING-500-TRANSMISSION-CVT-BELT-/131853026045?hash=item1eb30d82fd:g:2n0AAOSw-W5UvTQB&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYMCO-XCITING-500-TRANSMISSION-CVT-BELT-/131853026045?hash=item1eb30d82fd:g:2n0AAOSw-W5UvTQB&vxp=mtr)
What is the link I posted? Is that a bad after market?
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What is the link I posted? Is that a bad after market?
The one you posted is from Malossi a maker of performance scooter parts. I have no experience with them but maybe someone here has.
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The one you posted is from Malossi a maker of performance scooter parts. I have no experience with them but maybe someone here has.
Funny how that listing states it is for the Kymco xciting 500.
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http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/p/Kymco-Parts#/Kymco_USA/SAA0AE_Xciting_500/Pulley/2K03110005/2K03110027 (http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/p/Kymco-Parts#/Kymco_USA/SAA0AE_Xciting_500/Pulley/2K03110005/2K03110027)
Part 23100. A much safer bet than Ebay.
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Stay away from malossi belts. They are made to be used with their variator only. It is only 1 mm wider when new, than when kymco says to replace the belt! It is not the same size as stock, and it is not as durable. Take it from my experience, it's not worth the savings. Period. :-*
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http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/p/Kymco-Parts#/Kymco_USA/SAA0AE_Xciting_500/Pulley/2K03110005/2K03110027 (http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/p/Kymco-Parts#/Kymco_USA/SAA0AE_Xciting_500/Pulley/2K03110005/2K03110027)
Part 23100. A much safer bet than Ebay.
$152.00 isn't bad for an OEM belt. As long as I can do it myself or not pay too much for labor. I think when the time comes I may do either. Berts Megamall charges an arm and a leg for labor.
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Stay away from malossi belts. They are made to be used with their variator only. It is only 1 mm wider when new, than when kymco says to replace the belt! It is not the same size as stock, and it is not as durable. Take it from my experience, it's not worth the savings. Period. :-*
Thank you for being so on point with regard to that. I wanted to stick only to the OEM belt but that listing is very confusing, it says it's a replacement for the xciting 500 belt. Bad mis-advertisement for sure. $152.00 is worth the price of a real OEM belt I think.
The labor costs are what drive me bonkers from berts out here in Southern California.
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$152.00 isn't bad for an OEM belt. As long as I can do it myself or not pay too much for labor. I think when the time comes I may do either. Berts Megamall charges an arm and a leg for labor.
If you decide to do it yourself, it is essential to have something like this to take the variator nut off. It is also very handy to have for other things. Just remember this is to take the nut off, not to put it on. A torque wrench or an experienced mechanical hand is best for that.
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-heavy-duty-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-heavy-duty-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html)
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Has anyone used torque limiting extentions on there impack drills, I have 70, lb. 80. 90. 100. 110. lb,s I use them on anything that those sizes cover,. my impack drill gives 300 ft. lb. of torque,.
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Has anyone used torque limiting extentions on there impack drills, I have 70, lb. 80. 90. 100. 110. lb,s I use them on anything that those sizes cover,. my impack drill gives 300 ft. lb. of torque,.
I have never heard of them De dee! I am interested in learning something new here.
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They are pretty neat, Mr. Paul! Good tire shops use 'em on alloy wheel lug nuts. They are pretty accurate, too. It looks like an ordinary socket extension but color coded, different colors for different torque values. The air impact does its thing spinning the nut intil it tightens. As the torque is achieved the nut stops turning. Fast and time saving and pretty close.
Karl
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They are pretty neat, Mr. Paul! Good tire shops use 'em on alloy wheel lug nuts. They are pretty accurate, too. It looks like an ordinary socket extension but color coded, different colors for different torque values. The air impact does its thing spinning the nut intil it tightens. As the torque is achieved the nut stops turning. Fast and time saving and pretty close.
Karl
Thanks Karl and Dedee! I will check them out. It would make my next belt change much simpler and easy.
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Guys,
I had my 4k Service done the other day.
They did all the standard 4k stuff, fuel pump change, air filter swap, various inspections.
I also had them tighten the throttle cable because I was taking off slower during start up than I wanted to. Now take off feels much smoother than before.
In a couple weeks to a month I will change the tires out for Michelin City's, but the back tire still has a couple thousand miles of tread left in it at least.
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Thanks for the update Clay! You will like the Michelin Citys. A great all-rounder tire.