Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 21, 2013 13:53:51 GMT -5
My goals in order: -Safety -Reliability -Performance -Style
And of course safety and reliability can go hand in hand.
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 21, 2013 13:52:05 GMT -5
Adjusting the valves is important . Welcome!!!!!!! John I have seen online where people say to adjust anywhere between 0.04-0.09mm; Is there some how I can confirm the proper measurement?
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 21, 2013 13:50:43 GMT -5
Do the valve stems. I had one blow out, when I did a mildly hard stop. I changed my battery, that made a world of difference with the starting and lights. Going to do tires next. People here say its one of the most important things to do, after PDI. Thanks for the feedback...
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 21, 2013 12:09:15 GMT -5
I've got 6,800 km on my 2010 TaoTao, and so far, other than pdi stuff, I've had to replace the voltage regulator and two batteries, and the tires. I think the performance increased with the iridium plug I put in, and definitlely improved with the valve adjustment. The carb seems to be pretty sensitive to ethanol in the gas and my high speed jets clogged, until I put in some Sea Foam. It sa from early April until last week, and with a little coaxing, it fired right-up on the third try. You could adjust the valves during the PSI, but still figure on doing it again after break-in, or in my case at about 5,000 km. Make sure you tighten all the bolts, inclusing exhaust manifold, and muffler brackets. I had a real problem with stuff loosening-up and falling off. Trust me, Lock Tight is your friend. Bolts I know I tightened still loosened-up until I put Lock tight on them. So far I've enjoyed my Tao Tao, which I got used with 400 km on it, but I did get a little frustrated this winter, when I started having issues with the ethanol gas, and ended-up buying a Honda Reflex, too. Thanks for the input! I have a "generic" GY6 service manual that says to adjust the valves to 0.05mm on both the exhaust and intake... But I have read other settings on this site. Is there any place to confirm my specific settings? Is there any reason to looking to different jets with a stock setup? How long did the batteries last? I wonder if I should pack a spare. I could keep the stock CDI and coil and just pack one as a backup since I am sure there won't be any scooter shops where we are headed.
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 21, 2013 10:36:41 GMT -5
Let me start by thanking everyone for the great information on this site. But figured I would start a thread because I will have several questions as I go through the learning process. I have on order two TaoTao ATM150-A (crate) and plan to take them with me on vacation in October so I want to get them as reliable as possible before then. I have read several posts and seen a few videos around PDI and plan to do that on both scooters. I also plan do some basic upgrades such as CDI and coil but have no idea on quality and reliability. I have found numerous no name CDI boxes online but have no idea of their performance. I would like to add performance and reliability to the scooters with a new CDI an ignition coil. I am leaning towards a NCY CDI but don’t see any NCY coils. Is this a good brand? Is see a few site sponsors offer the different coils and CDI but have no idea which manufacturer to purchase. I am not looking for a hot rod scooter, at least not yet Any assistance on performance upgrades and reliability upgrades would be appreciated. Plans for the scooters including PDI and the recommendations found in most PDIs 1. Upgraded CDI 2. Upgraded ignition coil 3. NGK plugs 4. Prima magnetic oil plugs, if I can find them 5. On the fence about new valve stems on the wheels 6. Add a 12v outlet for GPS and cellphone charging 7. Verify/Adjust valves; unsure of measurement as I have seen several “recommendations” online Thanks for the input.
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 14:44:17 GMT -5
I'm biased, but I'd go with Jim at RapidRepair. Jim is a retired Military Veteran who gave 20 years of his life to the Air Force, and carries with him the same feeling of pride and ownership he did while he was active duty. After initial contact, by his personal cell fone, he called me on a regular basis to keep me informed of the order, arrival, paperwork, etc. Yea, his prices may be a little higher than the no brick and mortar stores, (he has his own scooter shop) but, I know if I need a widget, all I gotta do is call him and he'll find one for me. As with most Chinese scooters, YOU will have to do most the maint. Welcome and good luck on your choice of scoot. I saw the Rapid Repair banner here on this site and checked them out. you are right, their prices are a little higher.
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 14:40:15 GMT -5
[replyingto=cfm]cfm[/replyingto]Yes.... two bike shops in the area. They were significantly more expensive but of course they are not crate scooters but rather ready to ride. I have enough mechanical ability to save a few bucks and assemble it myself..... i hope
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 10:40:12 GMT -5
[replyingto=millsc]millsc[/replyingto]Thanks for the info. I am pretty handy with a wrench and don't mind a little maintenance. I have rebuilt a few 2 stroke Seadoos but have never set valve lash on a four stroke but I am sure I can figure it out. I don't mind doing a little work on the scooter to get it road ready I just don't want to be left stranded in another state with no resources and limited tools.
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 10:05:08 GMT -5
[replyingto=millsc]millsc[/replyingto]Thank you! Sounds like you have owned a few scooters. Do you think the ATM150-A would be a good choice?
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 10:02:08 GMT -5
[replyingto=millsc]millsc[/replyingto]Thanks
They are a little more expensive for the same scooters. Did you have to deal with any warranty stuff? If so how was the customer service from provenpowersports.com?
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2013 9:35:22 GMT -5
|
Post by scooterb on Aug 19, 2013 9:55:17 GMT -5
Need Guidance with picking a dealer a Dealer; I am in Charlotte, NC
I hope this is the right location on the forum, if not I am sure the moderators can move it.
I have read tons of information on this site and on the older ScootDawg but needs some guidance.
I understand that the China units have their issues but I don’t want to spend the money for a vespa or Honda.
I want to purchase two scooters to use while camping but want it to be able to go over 50mph. We plan to tow them on a trailer and ride them at different locations while on vacation in the next month or so. My wife and I both have our motorcycle license so that won’t be an issue.
I have narrowed it down to the TaoTao ATM150A 150cc scooter based on other’s reviews, price, and availability of parts. I hope the four stroke is the right choice.
My next hurdle is the dealer. I have looked at several but have narrowed it to “FamilyGoKarts.com”; like many of the online china dealer reviews they are not rated very highly. I plan to replace many of the parts suggested such as fuel lines, vacuum lines, fuel filter ect….. But won’t I need from a dealer is someone that will stand behind the shipping, warranty, and out of the box functionality. I was a little concerned with “KiloMarie” commenting in forums on how great the service is from FamilyGoKarts.com but not disclosing she works for the company.
Thanks!
|
|