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Peej update
by: SylvreKat - May 18, 2018 20:09:55 GMT -5
Post by SylvreKat on May 18, 2018 20:09:55 GMT -5
Thought I'd catch y'alles up to scooting in the 'Kat-world. After sitting off for the last year thanks to yet another workman's comp injury (this time to my right thumb, and unlike Unca Leo I'm not comfortable "gorilla-pawing" the throttle, or esp the brake!), I am ready to ride! I double-checked with the thumb dr who said so long as it doesn't hurt unduly then it's fine. Unfortunately, the battery has FINALLY died after 10 years. This despite that my Battery Tender shows steady green--  So ScooterWorld is coming tom to tow Peej in. There he'll sit for roughly three weeks while they work through all the scoots already there for tune-ups. I requested that they try to get the same model of battery. I mean, seriously, TEN YEARS! And yes, for those of you wondering, I did actually inquire about jumping the battery. When he answered well.....yes and no to "Is it easy?", I already knew my answer. I amended to "Is it easy for a total non-mechanic gal like me?" "NO!" Apparently if you don't get the cables off quickly after jumping, the battery can explode. Which means it would in my case. With no video for youtube. So towing it is. He should be ready to go the same time I get back from visiting Dad in Albuq. Which is what I had wanted, since I wouldn't really be able to drive him much until then anyways. I am really looking forward to getting back on the ride! But I am so not looking forward to this year's spring bill. Tow + battery + regular tune-up. Sigh. There goes all my tax refund. >'Kat |
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Peej update
by: oldchopperguy - May 19, 2018 2:42:45 GMT -5
Post by oldchopperguy on May 19, 2018 2:42:45 GMT -5
Kat,
Pricey and time-consuming, but having the dealer do the job puts the responsibility on him. Not bad!
Last time I accessed my battery, I found it to be a royal pain. So... I made a 2-foot heavy cable and attached it to the battery, running into the underseat storage bin. I put connectors on the ends and now I have easy access to jump-start or charge the battery. I also connected a heavy marine cigar-lighter "power port" to a matching connector so I also have access to 12v power. I keep a teensy compressor for bicycles under the seat, and should I develop a leaky tire, I can easily keep airing it up until repairs are made.
It's also REALLY handy to top off the tires when they get a tad low. That cheap Wally World compressor will fill a flat scooter tire in only 5 minutes!
My battery was new when I got "Minnie Mouse" but that has been 7 years now, so I will probably need to consider a new one too! I do wish these things had kick-starters! That's one thing the low-end Chinese 150's have over the better scoots!
Enjoy your trip and ride safe!
Leo in Texas
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Post by SylvreKat on May 19, 2018 12:48:01 GMT -5
And there went my little scooty-scoot, off to sit in the shop instead of my garage, waiting for his turn to get serviced.
They'll check the battery, but the guy tried it and said yep it's dead.
They're also gonna check the carb. He said after all this time esp sitting a year with old gas, there could be crud in there. That's 'cause I said Peej did seem to idle kinda rough the last couple times. That will cost about $100.
Mom was adorable afterwards. Last eve she commented that Peej has been an expensive toy. Which I agree, although like my best friend said I do deserve a luxury that just brings me pleasure whenever I do get to drive it. When I told her this will cost maybe $300 all total (tune up, battery, carb, tow) she said it's well worth it. I love her, contradictions and all.
Gonna seem weird the next few weeks, not having Peej there in front of my car.
>'Kat
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Post by cyborg55 on May 20, 2018 8:48:56 GMT -5
Service is good,,,,hope you get to ride more this year
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Peej update
by: SylvreKat - May 21, 2018 10:11:42 GMT -5
Post by SylvreKat on May 21, 2018 10:11:42 GMT -5
Thanks, cy'. So do I. If I can stay healthy and whole. And if the weather cooperates. And I don't end up with stuff to do right after work (boss keeps pushing my hours later, sigh) My garage looks so empty in front of my car.  >'Kat |
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Peej update
by: SylvreKat - Jun 9, 2018 23:10:11 GMT -5
Post by SylvreKat on Jun 9, 2018 23:10:11 GMT -5
So latest update, and a request for advice.
The shop called while I was in NM. Peej is all finished. Of course, since I did tell them beforehand they had 'til the 16 'cause I couldn't come in 'til then.... No details on what-all was done. Min new oil and spring tune-up and battery.
Now advice time.
I had planned to drive him home. Mom had expected me to have them deliver him. I haven't driven 2 wheels since early fall 2016 thanks to the latest workman's comp case on my right thumb. Remember I've only racked up about 2700 miles in 10 years. Is Mom right that I should spend the $70ish to have Peej delivered, so I can start driving again on our neighborhood's private streets? Or will it all come back quickly once I get on the road, even in traffic and stuff and with little driving before and none for over a year?
>'Kat
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Post by cyborg55 on Jun 10, 2018 0:17:58 GMT -5
Ride
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Post by Jarlaxle on Jun 10, 2018 6:42:11 GMT -5
Can you ride home without taking congested streets or highways? If so, definitely do that. Also, you might want one of THESE to give the thumb a rest. Also, note for oldchopperguy: if your scoot uses a regular (not gel) battery, forget the overpriced cycle shops. Take the old one and hit the lawn & garden section of Walmart! Yes, a $25 lawn tractor battery will frequently work just fine in place of a $100 "powersports" battery! (Unfortunately, I couldn't do that...my battery mounted on its side.) My uncle has run a Walmart garden tractor battery in his Yamaha for several years now, and his father runs one in a Goldwing. |
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Peej update
by: oldchopperguy - Jun 10, 2018 13:04:47 GMT -5
Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 10, 2018 13:04:47 GMT -5
Can you ride home without taking congested streets or highways? If so, definitely do that. Also, you might want one of THESE to give the thumb a rest. Also, note for oldchopperguy : if your scoot uses a regular (not gel) battery, forget the overpriced cycle shops. Take the old one and hit the lawn & garden section of Walmart! Yes, a $25 lawn tractor battery will frequently work just fine in place of a $100 "powersports" battery! (Unfortunately, I couldn't do that...my battery mounted on its side.) My uncle has run a Walmart garden tractor battery in his Yamaha for several years now, and his father runs one in a Goldwing. Definitely, if a battery is the right size and spec's it doesn't matter if it's for a crotch-rocket or a lawnmower... I'm thinking it's quite likely that a battery sold for lawn equipment might just be a little heavier-duty than one made for a bike..... Maybe? Lawn-service guys are notoriously CHEAP and DEMANDING. I'd expect good service from a lawn battery in simple everyday riding.My old Kymco does use a regular old-fashioned wet battery. I'll bet Wally World has several batteries that would suffice. I don't know how much less they might cost: My battery is so mundane that even a name-brand motorcycle battery is not all that expensive... Love that old-fashioned "regular" low-tech stuff... LOL! |
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Post by w650 on Jun 10, 2018 15:39:42 GMT -5
Do you remember what they say about riding a bicycle? Take it easy and it will come back quickly. I laid off for about seven years once and road the bike forty miles, in the dark, in February on an interstate and busy roads in rush hour. You will be pleased how quickly your skills return.
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Peej update
by: Jarlaxle - Jun 10, 2018 18:47:39 GMT -5
Post by Jarlaxle on Jun 10, 2018 18:47:39 GMT -5
Can you ride home without taking congested streets or highways? If so, definitely do that. Also, you might want one of THESE to give the thumb a rest. Also, note for oldchopperguy : if your scoot uses a regular (not gel) battery, forget the overpriced cycle shops. Take the old one and hit the lawn & garden section of Walmart! Yes, a $25 lawn tractor battery will frequently work just fine in place of a $100 "powersports" battery! (Unfortunately, I couldn't do that...my battery mounted on its side.) My uncle has run a Walmart garden tractor battery in his Yamaha for several years now, and his father runs one in a Goldwing. Definitely, if a battery is the right size and spec's it doesn't matter if it's for a crotch-rocket or a lawnmower... I'm thinking it's quite likely that a battery sold for lawn equipment might just be a little heavier-duty than one made for a bike..... Maybe? Lawn-service guys are notoriously CHEAP and DEMANDING. I'd expect good service from a lawn battery in simple everyday riding.My old Kymco does use a regular old-fashioned wet battery. I'll bet Wally World has several batteries that would suffice. I don't know how much less they might cost: My battery is so mundane that even a name-brand motorcycle battery is not all that expensive... Love that old-fashioned "regular" low-tech stuff... LOL! I recall the battery for my uncle's Triple was about $25. (Note: it was the old style, where you have to fill and charge it before use.) I started a "Walmart scooter stuff" thread here, inspired by a similar thread on ADVrider.com that is pretty popular. |
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Peej update
by: SylvreKat - Jun 14, 2018 22:27:37 GMT -5
Post by SylvreKat on Jun 14, 2018 22:27:37 GMT -5
And the final decision for getting Peej back home is....
delivery.
I called my Harley friend, who sometimes is very wise. I told him how I usually started the new season by driving around the neighbourhood, then progressed to the city streets, then to the shop. And how I couldn't this time with the dead battery. He asked, "Tell me, when you first start driving again, are you apprehensive at all? Or is it like no big deal and nothing to it?" I considered and had to answer, "I do get a little apprehensive and clenchy-tummy the first few loops around the neighborhood. Then it all kicks in and settles down and I'm fine." He said, "Deliver it." Part of his reasoning is the roads I need to take can be trafficky, and there'll be no place for me to go.
So I'm ponying up an extra $70. But Mom's WAY happier, and Dan's probably right that it is better for me to resume on "protected" streets (meaning our neighborhood's very low traffic big and small loops that have the single entry)
The good news is that the carb was just fine and didn't require dismantling and cleaning. He I think flushed it?, and adjusted some things externally, and now Peej runs just as smooth as ever. So there's a big chunk o' change I saved.
>'Kat
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Peej update
by: SylvreKat - Jun 14, 2018 22:30:58 GMT -5
Post by SylvreKat on Jun 14, 2018 22:30:58 GMT -5
Oh, and Jarlaxle, I'll definitely keep the throttle thing in mind. I'll see how the thumb does first. It's only about a 30 min drive via scoot-roads (rather than highway).
My biggest concern is still braking. But I did test that before setting up the servicing--no reason to pay all this if I can't drive Peej and he ends up just sitting again. While there's definitely soreness still, the squeezing didn't make anything particularly worse. And of course I can always sit at stops using just my lefthand braking.
>'Kat
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Peej update
by: SylvreKat - Jun 16, 2018 16:09:31 GMT -5
Post by SylvreKat on Jun 16, 2018 16:09:31 GMT -5
So the scooty's back home! They replaced the dead battery, checked all fluids and changed what needed changing including the 2-year-old clean oil. They did say that next year I'll probably need new tires, finally. They are starting to show a little age to them. I got spooked and said nobody told me this, should I have gotten new ones? He said if they find ANYthing whatsoever that can in any way be dangerous to me, they would immediately call me about it. He said the tires are fine for another season, but to plan ahead for buying a set next year. THIS is why it's so worth it to me to have the pros do my tune-up (well, that plus I have no tools and no know-how  )--they know what to look for to keep me safe mechanically. I was going to drive around the neighborhood, but the grey clouds have rolled in plus the wind is very hard-gusty. I'm lying here watching the BIG trees suddenly sway in the gusts. Combine with sleepy from a big lunch of really tasty steak, and I think tom is soon enough to get back on the saddle. >'Kat |
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Peej update
by: oldchopperguy - Jun 16, 2018 22:50:22 GMT -5
Post by oldchopperguy on Jun 16, 2018 22:50:22 GMT -5
Kat,Sounds like you're about ready for the season!  Yes, do watch your tires. Any signs of dry-rot or checking/cracking is a good warning to put your pennies away for a new set... When you DO replace them, also, please replace the valve-stems with good ones. They only cost a couple of bucks extra when the dealer has the tires off the rim and can save you potential problems down the road...
Trust me, it will feel GREAT to "get your knuckles back in the wind"! Health issues have kept me from riding WAY too much. I finally got back to riding a little in the last week after getting my new rear tire. I was amazed at how "foreign" it felt at first, but after just a few miles it all comes back. When I made the mistake of letting soapy hands DROP the old Mouse, I also wrenched my right hand in a failed attempt to "catch" my 360-pound pal... So... I got some practice taking my own advice riding "monkey-grip"... LOL! First time since going to scooters that I've missed having a foot brake... 
My dealer (Moxie Scooters) in addition to Genuine (Stella, Buddy, Chicago Scooter) Lance, Fly, Kymco and SYM, is now also a dealer for Vespa, and most everything made by Piaggio and the tall-wheel scoots like yours are selling VERY well! All displacement sizes... This season, it seems the "BV 350" is the flavor of the year. I must admit they are an amazing mix of what riders want in a SCOOTER and a CYCLE. Sort of a ride that appeals to most everyone except the "purist" who demands a scooter have small wheels, and cycle have clutch and gears...
They really ARE "growing on me"...Ride safe!Leo (reminding you to ride EXTRA safe those first 20 miles or so) in Texas 
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