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Post by javarod on May 27, 2015 1:19:26 GMT -5
Interesting to know that its modeled after that since from the front it doesn't really look like the Zuma i'm familiar with (dual headlights horizontal layout), and has much more mundane tires. There are subtle differences, but there are many parts that are interchangeable... BTW, you can get the dual light setup for your havoc if you like that style better. Ah, i do see it now, Znen basically redid the front end and the rear rack. Plus the one we had back in 08 had different tires, not off road tires, but they certainly looked less like street tires. I'm good with the lights, but i am trying to decide what to do with the upper one as it appears to be nothing more than decorative/parking light. Hmmmm, maybe a nice blue LED bulb to go with the scooter? Wonder what the laws on that are here in MO.... |
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Post by javarod on May 27, 2015 1:16:57 GMT -5
Ok, so some news, and not all of it good. Just hit 500 miles today, yeah, i know, not riding it enough. Middle of the night is boring, and i all too often over sleep leaving me short on time to get to work, and this puppy ain't fast. Especially on hills, we're talking down to 20 by the time i reach the top on some of them. If you're having a problem pulling the hills weigh your rollers and drop a set of sliders at one gram less than the OEM rollers and problem solved. JR Ah, Ok, sounds like a plan, thanks. Bit of a note, looked at the license plate problem, and i can see the issue, they're already doing that with the tail light, the problem is the plate bracket. The American one positions the plate straight up and down, while the original design had the plate lean ing back against the fender. I should be able to bend it back (not that it really matters since a 50cc don't need a plate), but i wonder if it might be worth fabricating a better plate mount. Actually i wonder why they don't just mold the screw holes into the fender. |
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Cubs?
by: javarod - May 27, 2015 1:05:25 GMT -5
Post by javarod on May 27, 2015 1:05:25 GMT -5
I have not seen the body style you posted with the lack of floorboard area. Its derived from the Super Cub/Passport Honda had out. Back in the 90s they replaced it with the Wave, a sportier looking bike with a tube frame and plastic body panels. In fact in the Philipines there's two other models, the Bravo and the XR IIRC, the only difference being the plastics. Sound familiar? SYM used to make one, in fact if you go to their world wide page and hover over the Cubs menu choice on the left sidebar, you'll see a thumbnail of one, but now they only make their Cub clone. I used to carry the Zongshen line in 08 and 09. They made a rugged little scoot and were located in Miami. They bit the bullet awhile back, along with many other mainland brands. They couldn't stand up to the influx of cheap Chinese drop-shipper scooters, which is a shame. They lost business to the fly-by-nights that offered scooters $40 cheaper. That $40 made a world of difference in quality. Unfortunately some of that is their model, IIRC they insist on running the whole show themselves, which they could use to relax a bit and consider an importer model like Znen does, or perhaps something more like SYM or PGO do. |
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Post by javarod on May 26, 2015 6:53:44 GMT -5
Ok, i think i've mentioned this before, but i'm looking for a few body parts for this bike. The problem is that in the US this is an oddball one year model, 87 only, while in Canada it ran from 86-91. If that wasn't bad enough, we've got the purple interior/black exterior combo that seems to be fairly rare. So, that means if i'm going to find parts, best bet is Canada, so if anyone can either find me parts or recommend a good source for used Honda parts, i'd be much obliged.
Here's what i need (names are courtesy of Honda's service manual):
Right frame side cover
Floorplate (purple)
Front inner rack (purple, though would consider black)
Front cover
I wouldn't mind finding a front basket for it as well.
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Post by javarod on May 26, 2015 6:45:01 GMT -5
Ok, so some news, and not all of it good. Just hit 500 miles today, yeah, i know, not riding it enough. Middle of the night is boring, and i all too often over sleep leaving me short on time to get to work, and this puppy ain't fast. Especially on hills, we're talking down to 20 by the time i reach the top on some of them. It actually died on me a couple weeks ago on the way to work which caused a bit of chaos. Basically tried to pull forward a bit at a light so someone could sneak around me and it died. With a bit of time and poking, got it running, got it to work and the next morning had it towed. A plus about Bintelli's, they include a year of free roadside assistance, so it didn't cost me anything to have it towed to the dealer. That said, the truck sent might've been a bit of overkill... 
Problem couldn't be reproduced, but since it was at 420 miles or so, had the 500 mile service done, and so far so good. Its made one trip to work (26 miles round trip), and one trip yesterday to a party in southtown (21 miles or so each way) flawlessly, so hopefully that's it. I will say that its throttle response off the line is definitely a little bit better, and the flat spot in the acceleration at around 15 seems to be gone. Top speed and hill speed though leave something to be desired.
No real other news, added a few stickers, need to add a few lights as well, try to get some pics later (might be changing source, Photobucket is apparently not compatible with HTTPS Everywhere, recommendations welcome). Opinion is still generally positive, though Binetelli needs to work on the fit and finish, the instrument cluster is slightly crooked, and what's with the plastic around the seat keyhole? That's what ugly looking flange. Oh, and the license plate light sucks, its basically behind the plate mount. Maybe redesign the tail light to light the plate much like a Jeep? Haven't taken a close look yet to see if its possible, but why not?
Well, onwards...
(Edit note, moved photo to new service as a test, let me know if it breaks)
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Post by javarod on May 26, 2015 6:21:29 GMT -5
Hmmm, getting back to the original topic, i did forget one thing, gotta do something about this seat. The scooter stops, but i don't, which isn't good, and i keep forgetting to do something about it between rides. Any suggestions out there? I have wind breaker type of pants and they are so slippery on the Havoc seat.... I've worn other stuff, jeans, sweats it doesn't matter, the havoc seat is just too darned slippery!!! So far, I've just dealt with it, but there are options... Because our scooters are cloned after the Zuma, there's a great deal of after-market seat covers... Air Hawk is a nice brand but very, VERY expensive.... Anyhow, if ya search for Zuma seat covers you might find a solution to the slippery seat..... Interesting to know that its modeled after that since from the front it doesn't really look like the Zuma i'm familiar with (dual headlights horizontal layout), and has much more mundane tires. |
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Cubs?
by: javarod - May 26, 2015 5:24:53 GMT -5
Post by javarod on May 26, 2015 5:24:53 GMT -5
Specifically the Honda Wave style, i'm wondering if anyone imports them at all, let alone a decent make. I'd be particularly interested in getting my hands on either a Zongshen Vita or V5. According to Honda that's a motorcycle, and while it ain't a scooter, i'm not sure its quite a motorcycle either, at least looks wise. Sym used to make one, in fact the Sym world wide page still shows it as the thumbnail for their cub section even though they don't sell one. Any how, hoping to find one for my next bike which won't be for a while yet. |
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Post by javarod on Mar 18, 2015 0:26:00 GMT -5
Thanks java. I hadn't thought to google just plain fursuit makers. I have contacted several from the furry sites. And had one say she could do this, for a price I found very reasonable indeed. Then 3.5 months later, she finally replied to one of my emails saying she's sorry but she's decided she can't do this, not at the realism I'm wanting. I understand, and that's okay. I just wish she'd realized this about 3 months sooner. Seems all the ones on the furry sites are already closed for commissions. Or else like I said above, only make full finished ones. But maybe there's costumers online that aren't on the furry sites. Worth a shot. Thanks for the thought! >'Kat Nods, "Sounds like you want really realistic, that definitely limits the people out there. Most fursuits are more cartoony in facial design. There's lots of great artists in the furry community, unfortunately some aren't real good at running a business and/or over estimate their abilities, hence the long delay, they prolly didn't realize that they didn't have the skill to meet your request. How real are you looking for?" |
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Post by javarod on Mar 18, 2015 0:16:49 GMT -5
Good luck  That said, check your local laws regarding motor vehicle dealers. In some states, you might be required to have a dealer's license if you're going to sell more than four vehicles annually. It varies from state to state regarding how many and what counts, so definitely make yourself familiar with those. Also other business license laws and regulations, for example it might be illegal to run such a business from your house if you're doing prep work because of environmental laws involving motor vehicle chemicals (antifreeze, oil, gas, solvents, etc). The good news is that if you're not looking to go full on retail, you might be able to find a small fairly inexpensive place to set up shop, maybe sublet some space in a business or commercial district, rent an unwanted property, etc. Are you going to do your own brand, or just be a reseller? The former would require you to order in batches, but gives you more control over the product obviously, so more money tied up, but your profit options are better. Obviously the latter is easier to do, especially when starting up, and some companies like Roketa offer a brought enough selection of products that you can sell just what appeals to you. I think Roketa sells every model of scooter, ATV, motorcycle and UTV that's available from China, you can definitely pick what will sell in your neck of the woods. As i said, good luck, and there's plenty of experienced people on this board who can give you more detailed advice and experience. |
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Post by javarod on Mar 16, 2015 21:37:17 GMT -5
You might Google for fursuit makers, there's quite a fair number in the furry community, although their work isn't cheap.
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Post by javarod on Feb 11, 2015 6:04:08 GMT -5
I'm doing around 40 miles  Filling the tank every other day. Right now it depends on if its warm enough to ride to work, Mon morning i rode home in what according to my weather app feels like 27˚. That said, if i do ride, its a 26 mile round trip, five days a week. |
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Post by javarod on Feb 11, 2015 5:58:20 GMT -5
2013 Tao Tao 50ccWorth buying to flip, or would i be regretting the purchase? I suppose it comes down how much it'll cost to repair, and how reliable Tao Tao is. I don't need another scooter, and i don't want to spend a lot of money improving it, ie replacing belts, hoses, etc, just fix the immediate problem and reassemble the body. As others have pointed out, you can get a brand new ATM-50 for quite cheap. However, if instead of fixing it up, you could part it out and sell the parts on ebay, I bet you could turn it into a nice flip.... I would not buy it to fix up, but if the add is accurate and all the parts are there, you could easily double your money without fixing anything. Part it out. Not a bad idea, thanks. I'd have to work out retrieving it with my roomie as i don't have anyway to move it m'self. My thought was fix it up and sell if it won't cost much, or strip it for parts if it will, as cheap non-starting Chinese scooters pop up all the time. |
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Post by javarod on Feb 10, 2015 3:30:08 GMT -5
2013 Tao Tao 50ccWorth buying to flip, or would i be regretting the purchase? I suppose it comes down how much it'll cost to repair, and how reliable Tao Tao is. I don't need another scooter, and i don't want to spend a lot of money improving it, ie replacing belts, hoses, etc, just fix the immediate problem and reassemble the body.
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Post by javarod on Feb 9, 2015 23:20:09 GMT -5
I agree with lain. Since the "50cc" scooters are actually just shy of the 50cc mark owners can register them as mopeds instead of motorcycles. For Texas, once you pass 50cc you have to get the motorcycle endorsement, tags, and other nanny state BS. At that point of passing 50cc, why bother with an incredibly slow motorcycle? I think it depends on what state. I'm not sure what MO has, but in AZ they have a graduated license that's mostly a motorcycle permit (same restrictions except you're allowed to ride at night). I'd also assume that insurance would be lower on a 80cc than a 100 or over. Heck, that'll be something interesting to research now that i think about it. If the associated registration and insurance costs aren't too high, it might be worth the cost for being better able to maintain surface street speeds. I usually don't ride over 40 in town, most of the time stick to around 30. Safety mostly, just got the BBK myself so I would have the power to avoid crashes and potholes at the last moment and so when I do go traveling it will be safe if google maps puts me on the highway again at least for 1 exit length. I try to avoid highways but on long cross-state trips google maps can be retarded. The problem really is the speed and the drivers. Drivers here are aggressive and bad, up until May i got paid to do deliveries and you wouldn't believe what i've seen. Heck, my last month i got hit three times because of drivers swinging wide in multi-lane left turns. Speed limits here are basically always 35-40 with a very small number of roads, mostly small residential being 25. When i lived in Phoenix, all the major roads were 45, so having a bit more speed and responsiveness would be a plus. Warning- I have seen a police car trailing a scooter for a long distance checking it's top speed. It had all sorts performance stickers all over it, so it was obvious to the police it had been modified. When I'm riding my BBK'd scooter, I subtly slow down whenever I see LE nearby. No issue here, cops don't pay much attention out here, heck, our roomie Silver just picked up a QLink Legacy from someone that'd been running it with a 49cc plate on it for years without an issue. |
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Post by javarod on Feb 9, 2015 9:55:41 GMT -5
Well, i mean clones that is, Honda did have an Elite 80 after all. I seem to remember that its advantage was power similar to a 50cc two stroke, with the better emissions of a four stroke, yes? With Chinese bikes typically running Honda clone motors, why haven't they cloned that motor or offered that size? It makes more sense than a 125cc after all (125 would make sense if there wasn't a 150, but since there is, what's the point?). I'd certainly be happy to have one, my 50 doesn't quite make enough power, i'd like to easily hold 40 on flat ground with a little more reserve available.
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