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Post by crawdad on Jun 4, 2013 14:32:11 GMT -5
Guys- Go back over your life when you first learned to ride a scoot .Did balance give you a problem ? I have ridden many types of vehicles over my life time, but I seem to be having a problem with balance. In the army we were given some instructions on shifting gears and then told to drive . Even motorcycles weren't a problem,but today when I start out my handlebars are wiggling and I am really unsteady . I am sure age has something to do with this ,but what do I need to know to overcome this problem ? I am sure this post is funny to most of you ,but I sure could use some tips . The scoot is running well ,its is just the nut on the handlebars that seems to be the problem . A trike would have helped ,or a chauffeur or maybe seat belts .I have over 1,5 million miles driving vehicles of all types but only 9 tenths miles riding a scoot. That is not acceptable ! Dig out your bag of suggestions and put out a few tips. Thanks in advance !!!   |
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Post by hank on Jun 4, 2013 14:39:41 GMT -5
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The PartsForScooters Guy
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Post by fugaziiv on Jun 4, 2013 14:58:05 GMT -5
Have you only experienced this issue on your scooter, or have you ridden other people's scooters and experienced the same issues as well?
Providing that there is nothing mechanically wrong with your scooter that would be causing a wobble, the general solution to low speed wobbles is a bit more throttle. Also, if you are used to motorcycles, sometimes the geometry on some small scooters takes a few miles to get used to, as the smaller wheels and sharper geo angles can create some "interesting" sensations that you may not be used to, such as wobbles and a general perceived lack of stability.
Good luck and I hope you figure it out!
Matt
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Post by scootnwinn on Jun 4, 2013 15:20:29 GMT -5
DX Yep Try opening the throttle a bit make sure the front end is set right. It does take a bit of getting used to as the steering is quite a bit more sensitive than a larger motorcycle. Think smooth and be smooth...
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Post by DaveC on Jun 4, 2013 19:17:43 GMT -5
Me thinks that nut at the handlebars needs some lubrication
Which is why I ride a trike
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2013 19:36:46 GMT -5
Making right turns was my problem.
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Post by scootnwinn on Jun 4, 2013 19:44:05 GMT -5
I love right turns. Especially railed at about 35 mph on my 10" wheels...
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Post by prodigit on Jun 4, 2013 19:54:07 GMT -5
I once had the handlebar nut come loose.
My fault as I hadn't tightened it well enough.
The handlebars had almost an inch play at the handles.
That was scary!
Just tightening the nut, and the thing rode like it was solid again.
Never experienced any more imbalance, but what many riders notice, that for wheels under 13" with 3,5 width tires, there's not much gyroscopic effect, and it feels like you can turn the handlebars way faster, way more nimble.
If your hands are not as steady anymore (shaking), perhaps you might prefer a 14", or up, front wheel.
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Post by scootnwinn on Jun 4, 2013 20:25:36 GMT -5
The handlebar nut is often called the rider or pilot sometimes, incorrectly, a driver...
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Post by shalomrider on Jun 4, 2013 20:40:40 GMT -5
howdy, i can relate. once past the first few feet , you should have no problem. someone else above suggested a more rapid takeoff to get past the wobble bit quicker.
got invited to ride to pacific city oregon this sunday and found that riding with the other two motorcycles i was a bit unsure but i came back on my own and soon found the corners to be fun like they used to especially if i could glimpse a couple bends ahead and plan a series of turns. fun again. i watched the super bikes on the isle of mann last night. would not want to do that though would like to ride that route when under no speed pressure.
hang in there.
lotsa miles and smiles to ya
ken
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Post by crawdad on Jun 4, 2013 23:21:22 GMT -5
[replyingto=scootnwinn]scootnwinn[/replyingto]Hey there . You are right about the nut behind the handlebar ! I have driven a lot of miles ,but I have never felt this insecurity when I get on the scoot. I know it is just practice that is needed . I don't have a nice area of soft grass to practice on like they show you in those short movies.
Any way thanks for answering the post scootwinn !
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Post by skuttadawg on Jun 4, 2013 23:59:47 GMT -5
I was used to motorcycles and mopeds with taller wheels as my first scooter ride felt weird with a shorter wheelbase and tires . Being small it is so nimble on those with 10s but not stable at top speeds compared to those with larger wheels . I later bought that scooter and put thousands of happy miles on it . I have been 160 MPH and my TaoTao and even my Echarm has made me more noid at times than goung that fast . My 2T with 13s is very safe and stable as to where I can ride with no hands and not be worried at all
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Post by SylvreKat on Jun 5, 2013 5:42:48 GMT -5
Gotta' agree with the others about maybe small wheels contributing to this feeling for you, 'crawdad.
When I decided to get a scooter, the dealer had me go around the building on a small-wheeled Vespa first. I felt like a drunk, wobbly and hard to control. Made two loops and stopped and told him this wasn't going to work. He said hold on and put me on a bike like the one I wanted. Total difference! 16" wheels are way more stable than 10-12". Not as nimble though. I'm content with that trade-off.
So if that nut is tightened correctly, then just practise practise. Find someplace that has little to no traffic and just ride. Gear up so you don't have to worry about falling. If you fall, then you fall. But I have a feeling that's not gonna' happen.
Good luck!
>'Kat
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Post by scootnwinn on Jun 5, 2013 9:03:03 GMT -5
Learning to ride on the grass sounds scary to me. Get the appropriate gear and find an empty parking lot...
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Post by tonygyid on Jun 5, 2013 9:42:20 GMT -5
I had the same issue when I first learned to ride. You get over it quickly as you ride. I thought two things caused it: starting too slow from a stop, and incorrect posture when first starting from a stop. I think the fact that scooters have a floorboard and are light enough to allow you to shift around your posture more while bored at a stop light, make you wobble a bit if you don't remember to get back into proper posture before you take off.
As Hank always says, Ride safely my friend!
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