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Post by bwader on Jun 3, 2013 10:24:29 GMT -5
Did you get all that info from sitting on one? Wow! I owned one and my son and I rode it 5000 miles. Where to start? That's hard, because you got just about everything wrong! I bought a new leftover 2009 model (1 mile) in 2011 for $3500 cash. That's less than twice the price of a crappy Chinese 250cc motorcycle for something that will last way longer, no contest. It has a rev-limiter set at 10,500 rpm's and feels happy bouncing off of it. If you hug the gas tank it will hit  + mph, it will cruise at 75 all day long. The Suzuki air-cooled engine doesn't care if it's a 100 degrees out, you can it ride it WOT all day long. It's 328 lbs ready to ride with a full tank of gas, still lighter than a SYM Citycom 300i or a Kymco People GT 300i, the same as a cheap Chinese 250 motorcycle. It's built like a tank, the frame is very stout and it handles light off roading like a champ, with twice the suspension travel of a scooter. It's a blast, fun, and feels like small and light motorcycle, because it is. The handlebars compliment the seating position, and that seat is good for all day riding and then some. A few valve jobs, oil changes, and chain adjustments, it was absolutely bulletproof. We rode the living out of that little motorcycle and it just ran better and better. And yes, we went one tooth larger on the front sprocket, as did many other people at the TU250 Riders forum. A lot of people there also tried rear sprocket changes too. Eventually my son wanted a Honda CBR250R, and we sold the TU250X and put the money towards the new motorcycle. I get to ride the Honda whenever I want to, but I really miss the TU250X, one of the sweetest, most durable and simple motorcycles ever made. I gotta ask though. How could you recommend a Chinese motorcycle when you said you regretted buying one? [/quote] I looked at the front sprocket change to 16T and its really simple. Just got to get used to adjusting the chain and lubing it when needed. That's what I like about the TU is it has a lot of good reviews, its simple and good quality. I would bet money I'd be happier with a Suzuki than a Chinese motorcycle just better quality. I like cheaper things and I don't like paying a lot when there is something a lot cheaper. But when it comes to my opinion of "should I get a China bike or a Japan bike" I like the TU but I won't really know for sure until I ride one. Same goes for a china girl, I mean China bike ( I have a motorized bike and a lot of people on those forums call them "China Girls", because they are fun to ride but will break your heart in the end! ) If I had money, ha we all say that! I think I'd buy a Suzuki Boulevard they look really nice and I've seen one in person. The one guy I talked to with a BLVD. said it was Shaft driven! I like because of less maintenance. |
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Post by bwader on Jun 3, 2013 9:57:41 GMT -5
I was thinking after my scooter mishap, that I ought to go with a better quality machine. Its been a lot of headaches and I'd like to just have something more reliable and I won't have to do so much maintenance just to keep it running. I'm saving up and getting a new scooter engine then I'm wanting to visit a dealership and check it out in person. I feel like my scooter was a bomb waiting to explode, and it was a piston rod. It could have been bad luck of the draw. I know I could have 2 250cc scooters for 4,500 bucks but I'm leaning toward just wanting to enjoy the ride, do maintenance periodically, not everyday having to tinker with it just to keep running right. I have only owned this 150cc scooter. I like cheap and didn't mind it for a while just I think I'm ready to try something different. As far as motorcycles go I see A LOT of Honda Rebels on craigslist where I'm at. But they have a 27" seat which is too low for a taller guy like me, other that that I like it. As far as seat height goes from what I looked at, the dual sport bikes have taller seats, 34" or more but I don't want a dual sport. Any suggestions, I like a regular style m/c or cruiser bike. I'd want to spend about $4000 max for the bike itself. Though I have been looking at this Chinese motorcycle. www.mxmotorsports.us/Roketa-p/mc-100-250.htm |
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Post by bwader on Jun 2, 2013 19:21:22 GMT -5
I've been looking at a lot of motorcycles I'd want and I don't really want anything much bigger than a 250cc motorcycle. I was fine going 55ish on the highway on my scooter before it threw a piston rod. I read a lot of posts on the Suzuki TU250X forum and a lot of people say they can ride them full open throttle all day going 65-80mph. Now I'd be fine just going only go 55-65mph on the highway. But just wanted to know how many people on this forum have rode this model of bike. It has a 30" seat height which isn't bad for a tall guy like me, though a 34" would match my pants inseam. But as far as size goes my 150cc scooter is a little too small but I'm fine with it. And at around 4,000 bucks can get a almost brand new TU250X. I checked insurance too and I'd only pay a little more a year than I do now. www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250X/2013/TU250X.aspx |
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Post by bwader on May 28, 2013 15:23:40 GMT -5
I think it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and replace the piston/cylinder and head gasket.
But first before doing that I think it would be a good idea, to continue trying to get it running as it is.
11,000 miles I think a new top end replacement would be a good idea as preventative maintenance. What's in there has got to be worn out.
You could measure the clearance using the pdfs on the forum to know for sure. Might as well nip it in the bud with new.
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Post by bwader on May 27, 2013 15:30:52 GMT -5
I got a 150 for the price and riding. On commute to work I go 22 miles one way and 4 miles of that was at 55mph, the rest 45mph or 35.
Plus I didn't have a M/C license til I got the scooter and practiced at the dmv course prior to doing the road test.
Now that I've had enough riding experience I'd be comfortable with a 250cc motorcycle. But I think I'm going to get my scooter back to life with a new engine and go from there.
And yes, before anybody comments.....I have been to the motorcycle foundation course I learned the clutch control, shifting gears, emergency and lifesaving maneuvers ect on a 250cc motorcycle.
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Post by bwader on May 27, 2013 15:23:55 GMT -5
I want to get this kit! It looks well worth the price
A stock engine costs $385 Partsforscooters then with oil cooler running about 150+ would equal $535!
The kit is $540 it is a real 170cc with an oil cooler, I think that's a of a deal.
Just I have other priorities like paying the bills and keeping my car maintained.
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Post by bwader on May 26, 2013 16:53:58 GMT -5
I'd try listing all the items separately and get money from people who'd really want them.
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Post by bwader on May 25, 2013 17:40:01 GMT -5
Here's what the spark plug that was in there when the engine got impaled. I clean it with a wire wheel days before. I have 2 NGK Irridiums I swap out and wire wheel clean. Attachments:
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Post by bwader on May 25, 2013 15:56:30 GMT -5
I think it might help you have a Vespa!  Funny part was I was trying to sell my scooter last fall for $700 lowest I'd go was $650. I had a guy who had $600 (along with many low ball offers  ) I turned it down. Looking back, man that wouldn't be a bad deal.....for me anyway. |
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Post by bwader on May 25, 2013 15:41:39 GMT -5
I didn't think it seized I thought it threw a rod... Yeah the rod could have broke and kept reciprocating until it went out the way it did. I was thinking maybe a part jammed it somehow, and the piston rod couldn't handle the stress, so it broke under the load and went through the engine case. That remains to be found out when I take apart the engine case for S.A.Giggles. Plus I like to know what happened and to prevent it and to know if anything else was damaged. I'm going to use everything I can salvage and use. If not then - recycling plant down the road. |
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Post by bwader on May 24, 2013 18:29:57 GMT -5
I guess maybe I was running too lean. Sometime when I'm up to it, I'll take the case apart and look inside.
Also I wasn't able to pull apart the cylinder from the case from that rod preventing it. At least I can take it apart without worrying about messing it up like a good engine. I can just hammer and dent and scratch and go to town.
When and if I do I'll be sure to post and picture about it.
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Post by bwader on May 24, 2013 18:18:56 GMT -5
So since my scooter threw a piston rod I've been spending more time to my other hobby that doesn't involve motorized bicycles or a scooter. So to help me keep my mind off my scooter, I have gotten back into playing my drums. I used to play for years and met random people to jam with and a couple years ago it came to the point I lost interest in playing at all. Because it gets really boring playing an instrument, they are meant to be joined together with others. My main kind of music taste is: Thrash metal- Slayer,Metallica,Anthrax, Megadeth, Testament , the old school thrash Speed metal, metal that stems off of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest I like the old school Death metal: Death,Obituary, Deicide, Along with Classic rock Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin, Rush So summing it up I like Classical, Classic rock, Heavy Metal to death metal and some extreme metal. So I practice to guitar riffs and drumless utube videos. I had known this one guy on facebook and his guitar player put up a couple songs and I added to them best I could, they still need some work but this one BrianWadeDrumsOlympusHasFallenDemo is the best drums I have added to these guitar tracks. soundcloud.com/brian-wade-3 |
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Post by bwader on May 24, 2013 16:54:42 GMT -5
I had 6,000 rpms max with 15/37 gears only went 3 miles when this happened.
FOT too so I had figured I just needed to use lighter sliders.
I think we all would like to know
What is the SAFE rpms, and how was I supposed to know my engine was going to throw a piston rod. Some chattering?
Gee whiz if I ever get another engine for my scooter, and if I happen to hear a little chatter or some sound inside the engine I will go home immediately and take the engine apart. Once cool anyway
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Post by bwader on May 23, 2013 18:40:13 GMT -5
I took the engine off yesterday Attachments:
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Post by bwader on May 23, 2013 18:38:39 GMT -5
So as many people know my scooter threw out a rod through the engine case which also prevents the piston and cylinder to be removed easily. I would have to replace both halves of the case. So from what I found from searching around I could get a 150cc engine kit from Partsforscooters with shipping $385. Best deal I found was the "200" kit with oil cooler off scrappydogscooters which is a real 170cc 61mm bore and standard 59mm stroke. Its $540 with shipping so I think its my best bet. Only problem being the money it will be a while. I just wanted to hear anybody else's suggestions. I like to know my options in advance. Also once I get a new bolt on engine I'm keeping all the salvageable parts and especially the 15/37 gears and variator. Then it will be the whole fun of changing fluids often and keeping rpms low for break-in. Attachments:
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+ mph, it will cruise at 75 all day long. The Suzuki air-cooled engine doesn't care if it's a 100 degrees out, you can it ride it WOT all day long.
