Another positive, I've read and re-read the PDI walkthrough so many times, I should be able to get it done in a single evening when I get the new bike in...
Last Edit: Jun 24, 2013 12:39:30 GMT -5 by keltex78
A lot of reviews on the China-scoots report noise/rattling due to the cheap plastic used for the body. I've read about using the rubberized spray-on Plasti-dip to paint body panels, but what about spraying on the INSIDE of the panels to dampen vibrations and reduce noise?
...or one of the specialty sound dampening products available.
These products could be sprayed on the inside of the body panels and inside the trunk to (in theory) reduce noise due to vibration and resonant road noise.
Has anyone tried this? Just me pondering mods while I'm waiting for delivery of my new scoot...
I've posted bits of this around the forum, but I'm putting my story together here...
After extensive research, I finally took action and on May 15, ordered a new Roketa MC-54b which was in stock at Superior Powersports. Superior was the cheapest dealer I could find (No dealers local to my area) and reviews indicated that they were typically pretty quick on shipping. Unfortunately, they messed up my payment and my order went to a 'payment declined' state. By the time I had gotten concerned with the delays without communications, discovering the issue, and working with Superior to get it resolved, the scooter had gone to a "Pre-order" stock status with an expected date of 6-30.
Since placing my order, I have scheduled and completed the MSF BRC, went to the DPS to get my cycle license, received my new permanent license in the mail, and received a quote from my insurance company for the new scooter.
A lot of assumptions here, but IF they receive their shipment promptly on 6/30, I would expect a few days as they prepare my scoot (rudimentary PDI), a few days preparing for shipment, and a few more days in transit to my location in NE Texas. Even if everything goes well, I would expect it to be the middle of July before I receive my new scooter. That's two months from time of order to delivery, with the best-case scenario!
Once I receive the bike, it will still take time for me to get the paperwork, register the bike, and get the insurance taken care of. It will be August and 114 degrees before I'm even able to ride!
I guess there is an advantage; as they are receiving what I assume will be a cargo container full of these bikes, then I think my chances of getting my preferred first choice of color (BLUE!) will be greater. I wouldn't mind the silver, or even the red, but I really don't want the black.
Last Edit: Jun 24, 2013 14:34:33 GMT -5 by keltex78
Just a brief update on my current level of satisfaction with my ongoing order with SuperiorPowerSports:
I initially chose them for the obvious reason, they were the cheapest dealer offering the MC-54b style scooter I wanted. Reviews seemed to be mixed/favorable reporting fast service and shipping with the majority of problems being support after the sale. I was okay with this so I ordered my scooter and started waiting.
I placed my order on 5/15/13 and my scooter has not yet shipped. It was in stock when I placed my order. There was (apparently) an issue with my payment, and by the time it was cleared, the scooter was no longer in stock. I have been waiting since then without a solid ETA. I have not been hounding them with requests for status updates, but on Monday, 6/17, I contacted them via email and requested a status update with an ETA and they have not yet responded. I'm rapidly getting discouraged with this order and am considering cancelling, getting a refund, and purchasing another scoot from another dealer.
Superior now lists my scooter as a Pre-Order item with a shipping date of 6/30. I'm hoping they are able to ship mine promptly...
Since placing my order, I've completed the MSF BRC and received my motorcycle license. I'm a licensed motorcycle rider with no bike.
I'm looking for a scooter cover for the 54b scooter I'm expecting soon. I'll normally be parking the scooter in a covered area, so I want a cover to carry in the luggage compartment for occassional use only. I'm looking to buy one of the cheap/small/lightweight covers from Amazon, typically around $30. The covers listed for scooters seem to typically be for the smaller 50cc-150cc sizes and the 54b is larger and has the fairing/windshield. Should I get a motorcycle-sized cover?
I used to work with a guy who bought a Valkyrie but he ended up selling it. HE said it wasn't comfortable due to the large/wide motor requiring the foot pegs to be too far back without the ability to stretch his legs out forward.
Pics are small, but it looks like what you are showing is the brake zerk cover for bleeding brakes and isn't critical. It's just a dust cover to keep the plug clean.
If the gold assembly is loose: that appears to be your brake caliber and it shouldn't be loose and I definitely wouldn't drive until that was tightened up.
Unless someone else has some better thoughts because I'm no guru on these things yet...
Have the Harbor Freight model and four 2,000lb capacity ratchet straps are plenty secure.
Hey Rockynv: What scooter do you carry on that Harbor Freight hauler? I've ordered a MC-54b and am curious if that hauler will work with the long-wheelbase scooter...
Cool but stupidly expensive: I just looked on Amazon and found standalone GPS speedometers; both HUD models and OEM-style analog gauges. It would be cheaper to buy a full GPS unit though.
SylvreKat: LOL, yeah. Okay... The scooter purchase is strictly intended to be a financial investment as my current vehicle is less economical to operate, but I'm torn as I know that a scooter would be FUN to drive... I know I would be taking it down county roads and going placed I wouldn't travel in my truck. A scooter would probably make my ride to work the highlight of my day! I don't want to let that influence me so I'm doing everything I can to focus on the logical aspect of the purchase... I've looked at the Aprilia, but I'm still drawn to the large fairing/windscreen/storage available on the Roketa. And if my puchase was made on what I really want, I would be getting a Yamah V-Star V-twin cruiser. Finally, I've looked over Craigslist, but: 1. In deep-woods East Texas, scooters aren't that poplular/common 2. What I did see there was scary at best.
prodigit: I hadn't thought about those dedicated motorcycle carriers; that looks like it would be MUCH easier than ramping into the bed of the truck! The ones from superior are a bit pricey, but Harbor Freight has one rated at 400lbs. @ $115; if I can add a 20%-off coupon, that becomes a very nice option! Thanks for pointing those out!
<edited to add>Hmmm.... Looking at those truck receiver bike racks; it looks like it would be a good idea to add a pair of trailer lights as it looks like having a bike mounted would obstruct the brake/tail lights on the truck. It would be easy enough to mount; just tie into the existing trailer light connection...
Last Edit: May 7, 2013 10:34:07 GMT -5 by keltex78
Nice tour... My parents used to live in Pittsburgh... And the next time you are passing through Quitman, I can point you to an excellent Mexican restaurant; Peralta's (sp?) built in an old house a couple of blocks down from the courthouse. Excellent stuffed poblano. In Sulphur Springs, try Los Mochis in the outlet mall shopping center; my favorite place by far. My favorite fajita beef chimichanga.
Also, I can't belive you admitted to driving through Quinlan...
I would say if work has a parking area . Keep it at work and shuttle from there . In the event of bad weather use you truck . 250cc is the way to go
Do your homework on the vendor you would like to buy from . John
Thanks, yeah, I thought about that, but still, shuttling back and forth between the sites I support has me going through 60mph speed zones so I think the 250 will be best. Also, my work commute makes up a lot of the miles I drive, so I'll be putting as much milage on the scooter as possible to save on the fuel expense.
Also, regarding my vendor: I don't have any local vendors, so I'll have to go through an Internet seller. I've been reading up on them, but they all seem about the same, other than their shipping policy (If it's "free"/included in the price or listed separately). If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations, I'm glad to take any information I can get!
