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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 27, 2017 22:59:53 GMT -5
I love the idea of the pressure indicator valve caps, but... I bought a pair and found putting one on my REAR tire hits the disk-brake caliper... BUMMER! The ONLY gripe I have with my Kymco is the rear valve-stem placed on the driver's RIGHT (curb) side! It is SO close to the disk, caliper and exhaust that it's a MAJOR PIA to even check the pressure... To fill the tire, it requires an old-school hose with angled tip. Those are few and far between, so I got a screw-on right-angle extension made for bicycles. It works great, but is still a pain...
If Kymco would have placed the stem on the LEFT side of the rim, it would be EASY to check and inflate... Oh well, if THAT is the only gripe I can find on a 10-year-old scoot, I'm probably too picky... LOL!
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 25, 2017 23:34:52 GMT -5
Yeah, "what Kat said"... Yup!
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 25, 2017 16:25:30 GMT -5
Nothin' says "Merry Christmas" like full-auto... Ho Ho Ho...  |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 22, 2017 20:51:28 GMT -5
Spandi,
YOU are SO right... LO not so L... Have a bone!
The Good Book clearly reminds us of the mistake of trusting "the strength of your own right arm"... Yeah, all that stamina of youth definitely gets "repaid" if one lives long enough... I'm there right now. Sure glad to have scooters make it possible for old geezers to keep riding on two wheels so long as we can remember where we are going and don't fall over at red-lights...
Ride safe,
Leo
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 21, 2017 23:38:07 GMT -5
I always respect the scooter, no matter what I'm riding. It's where I started. Some of the most fun you can have on a bike is a 'lil 150cc running all out-- I now ride a 1500cc Goldwing and there are somethings the lil' 150 did better. I'm with Ol' Chopper guy, If I had unlimited funds, I'd probably go for an Indian. Love all bikes-- The one's ridin' are your brothers and sisters in arms. We are the crazy mo fo's that are out when it's 32 degrees or 110 degrees out. I see you on a clapped out Honda Spree (Spree's are just cool) or a new HD, I'm just as likely to talk to you, when I'm riding. Heck, I will even wave at you if you are riding a 50cc motorized bike. It's Community, Brothers and Sisters-- Merry Christmas and have a bone on the Old Chopper Guy, bro! |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 21, 2017 23:19:00 GMT -5
Thanks!
She IS mighty obsolete and outdated by today's standards but just right or this old geezer... I was wanting a ride as similar to a step-through 150 as possible but with enough speed for the highway for the occasional trip down the road... And, to be able to keep up with local traffic on the numerous local surface streets with 45-50 speed limits where traffic regularly runs 65-70.
For more than a half-century I rode Harleys but now at 71, arthritis keeps me from being able to comfortably climb on and off big bikes (and budget keeps me from buying one). That's why I need a step-through frame. In all honesty, this old 250 does everything my last Harley (1970 Electra-Glide bagger) would do except a little less top-speed. On the flat, no wind, the old Hog would do about ninety, and the scoot will do eighty. The scoot has better acceleration than the old Hog, and the brakes are light-years better... And to my surprise, the ride and comfort is as good or better than the old Harley. It's not a Harley, but then it's not supposed to be... LOL! But it's a GREAT all-round ride, and cheap to own and insure. Not a bad trade off! And now, I'm totally spoiled by the twist n' go CVT tranny... A lazy riders' best friend!  These old Kymco 250's ("Grandvista" and "Bet & Win") are reliable "workhorses" that use a standard ATV driveline, last forever and don't give trouble. This one is an '07 that had 15K mile on her when I traded in my old Chinese 150 on her. She has 18K miles now, and has never given the slightest bit of trouble... Reliable as the family Honda car.The saddlebags hide the 250 badging so most riders assume it's a Chinese 150. Lots of fun! Ride safe,Leo in Texas
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 21, 2017 22:57:44 GMT -5
Cyborg55 is right... These scoots use a fairly common drive-train like found in many ATV's. A shop that works on lawn equipment and/or ATV's would probably be a good bet.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 19, 2017 16:23:30 GMT -5
I went to a bar 'cause the band my brother ran lights for was performing. At one point, their leader asked if anyone rode a bike. Of course I shot up my hand (along with a good third of the other folks). The leader pointed to me and asked, "What kind do you ride?" I proudly announced, "A Piaggio BV200!" "What kind is that?" "A 200cc scooter." The guy smiled and had me come up and gave me a free cd. I noticed lots of smiles around me.
Now, 1: maybe it's 'cause I'm a girly-gal. 2: Or maybe it was my pride in my bike and the enthusiasm of getting to join in. 3: Or maybe it's 'cause it's not a hard-core bar. But I sure was included by the big-dog bikers. Although I think my brother was a bit embarrassed. >'Kat
Back in my day, outlaw bikers were MUCH different than today... Sure, we were rough and ready, but no drugs, no bullying, willing to help anyone broke down on the road and anybody on 2 (or 3) wheels was welcome to ride with us...
As drugs, organized crime, extortion, kidnapping and such entered the equation it all changed. And it took place while I was in the Army. There ARE still "good guys" outlaw clubs, especially those Christian groups like the "Tribe of Juda". Even among the hard-core crowd, usually easily identified by colors, 1%er tats, no plates on their chops, class III weapons (sawed-off shotguns, full-auto stuff in their belts) tomahawks, Bowie knives, machetes and of course the obligatory framing hammer in the loop in their overalls... Even among that frightening bunch, the older ones with gray hair and beards are quite often friendly and accepting of us.
Just DON'T bet yer' life on it...Stopping for a cold one at one of their marked watering holes is still NOT a good idea for the scooter-jockey... even a WORSE idea if you're also an outlaw and wearing the WRONG colors...  Every so often, on a bright, sunny day, with wind on my knuckles I go back in memory to riding "Old Blue" with the "Rolling Lords". I can almost hear that BEAUTIFUL thundering cackle of 150cid of animal motor... Then, I'll pass a hard-case biker bar and remember I'm NOT 17 anymore, and, I'm NOT riding "Old Blue"... I'm 71, with arthritis, bad vision, poor balance and riding "Minnie Mouse".
Oh well, being young and reckless WAS a lot of fun!  Leo (ah... born to be mild these days) in Texas |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 19, 2017 15:56:50 GMT -5
Gotta vote hamster. A gal down the hall in my dorm had a hamster. She'd let him roam in his hamster ball, just open the door and away he'd go. Hamster learned how to get on and off the elevator to visit other floors. The gal did write her room number on the ball so he'd eventually get sent back.
THAT Hamster was WAY smarter than most politicians! The little nipper shoulda run fer office...Just maybe, while cruisin' in his little ball, he (or she?) might have come across Obama's birth certificate... Or Trump's taxes... Or, maybe even those 3 spent shells with fingerprints, from the gun Vince Foster shot himself with (in the back of his own head, from 3 feet away...) LOL! |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 19, 2017 15:49:44 GMT -5
"Besides, remember some years ago, Richard Gere and other thrill-seeking Hollywood heartthrobs engaged GERBILS in some REALLY questionable (OK, downright SICK) acts"Where is PETA when we need them?  |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 19, 2017 15:47:01 GMT -5
I dunno... I'm old enough to remember WAY back when that stuff was all over network news and entertainment TV. The alleged participants not only admitted to the practice, but were sorta proud of their breaking new territory in naughtiness... Surely over time, attending docs, hospitals, etc. would deny it happened to protect the future reps of the party revelers...
Actually, I REALLY hope it did NOT go on, but I won't hold my breath... When some people, groups, etc. achieve WAY too much fame, WAY too much money and have NO boundaries... Well, "stuff happens"... Back to the thread subject... I'll still vote for the Gerbil... Mine were "bad to the bone"! Sent my cat into full-retreat! Leo (back off, doc! THAT furry thing is NOT a thermometer!) in Texas |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 18, 2017 21:42:29 GMT -5
Woo-HOO! Ya' gotta LOVE this one! Sorta like which is more macho; a Chihuahua or a toy Poodle? Well, I've had BOTH Hamsters and Gerbils... Cute little nippers, but while my Hamsters would bite ME, the Gerbils would bite my CAT! So... My vote for teensy buck-toothed rodent macho goes to the mighty Gerbil... Besides, remember some years ago, Richard Gere and other thrill-seeking Hollywood heartthrobs engaged GERBILS in some REALLY questionable (OK, downright SICK) acts of, ah, passion... I suppose in the leftwing drug-sodden alternative world, THAT qualifies as macho...  
EEEEEWWWWWW!!!
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 18, 2017 21:33:29 GMT -5
I have had good luck with Harley riders while riding my scoot, but I know there are plenty of jerks out there on all makes of bikes. I don't visit biker bars on my scooter or other places that are traditionally Harley riders "turf". I stick to my suburban pubs and cafes. Very sound advice! Have a bone on The Old Chopper Guy! |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 18, 2017 21:21:47 GMT -5
It’s easy to space off checking tire pressure, that’s for sure. My tires could have 10psi in both and you can’t even tell by looking. I actually rode 10 miles home from work on 10psi last summer and thought my engine or tranny was taking a dump since I was doing about 15mph less than normal. Obviously it handled crappier, but I wasn’t putting 2 and 2 together. I was driving it home anyway (maybe, lol). Honestly it couldn’t have been too much better the days leading up to it! It’s definitely best to check with a gauge or at the very least by hand every once in awhile. Honestly, my tires don’t stay in the 30s for long. I could fill it to 34 and a week or two later I bet it’s in the high 20s, maybe lower. Onewheeldrive,
Great reminder! You perfectly described the phenomenon of "the low tire that doesn't show..."Since I had not ridden my scoot nearly all season, I didn't notice the decrease in performance UNTIL I fully inflated the tires. WOW! What a difference. With only 20hp, slightly soft tires REALLY rob performance. I recall with my old Chinese 150, with only 10hp, it was even MORE noticeable. I do tend to be lax in checking tires since my rear tire is MISERABLE to check or inflate... The valve-stem is on the RIGHT side where it interferes with the disk-brake and caliper always in the way. If Kymco would have put the valve-stem on the LEFT side it would be easy to use... Cheesh!I'm fortunate that my current tires will stay above 30psi for most of a season if they're filled to 34psi. When I bought the Kymco 250 it had new Kenda J-rated tires (as found on many 150's). While those were fine on my first Chinese 150, at 220 pounds and 60-mph speed, they were truly AWFUL on the old Grandvista, at 360 pounds and 80-mph top-end. They were "squirrely" when slowing from 60 down to 20-mph and in general just handled very poorly. Actually made the scoot feel like it had a cracked frame!The J-rated tires are only rated for 62-mph if I recall, and that is not OK for cruising at 70. I had my dealer change them out for P-rated tires (92-mph rating) and the difference was MONUMENTAL. The old "Mouse" suddenly felt like a brand-new premium scoot. Yes, there was THAT much difference... So much difference that if I had a 150 again, I'd opt for the premium P-rated tires even though the scoot could not reach more than 60 or so... The overall handling is THAT much better, and the cost is only a little more per tire... And, they hold air much longer... LOL!In my case, I actually run a mix of two different tire types. I don't recommend that, but I want whitewalls, and SHINKO is the only maker offering a P-rated whitewall in 120/70/12 for the front, and NOBODY makes one in 140/70/12 for the rear... So my dealer inquired about a good choice for a rear that I could paint a whitewall on. Turned out to be a Michelin Power Pure. 
"Minnie Mouse" just wouldn't look "right" with blackwalls... LOL!The mix of tires rides to perfection, and I can recommend both the Shinko and Michelin for those wanting good, affordable P-rated tires.
Just be sure to keep them aired up!Ride safe,Leo in Texas |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 18, 2017 1:31:40 GMT -5
Good reminder. You want those tire pressures right when you make the quick swerve to avoid an accident.
And sometimes, you need to swerve even at "zero" speed... Yesterday I ran errands on the scoot. Just two blocks from home, at the first traffic light I encountered I was stopped. I always watch my mirrors, and sure enough, here comes a car full of teens all texting.I goosed it and went to the curb on my right, and the car drove right through my former "space" and hit the car that was in front of me. Had I been in my much-loved Accord, it would have been smashed and pushed into the car in front. Had I not been watching my mirrors, me and the scoot would have been squashed between the offending car and the one in front of me.
The occupants in the offending car all stumbled out, laughing and still texting! A police car was on-hand and the officer took over. Not ONE of the brain-dead teenies had a drivers license (or ANY form of I.D. for that matter).
None of them could "remember" just WHERE they got the car... "belongs to a cousin's friend"... No surprise... This kind of stuff is a responsible driver's worst nightmare no matter what they're driving.Lesson learned: ALWAYS, always watch your backside... And, I suppose, use the scooter whenever possible to preserve the family car... LOL! Leo (watchin' my "six" more than ever) in Texas |
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