Hello,
Last week I bought a 49cc scooter. I'm the 3rd owner; the first owner was an old lady, who crashed the bike one time. A scooter dealer rebuilt it and sold it to another couple, who sold it to me. I paid $350 for it.
I never expected a perfect bike, because I wanted to pay as little as possible. I'm not disappointed... it has some relatively minor external flaws but it seems to run pretty well. I've never ridden a scooter or motorcycle so I'm having fun with it.
The only real problem is that it's a bit hard to start... it seems like the engine isn't getting enough fuel when it starts. A lot of times I will start it, and the engine will turn and seem to run for a few seconds, but it is not responsive to my attempt to give it some gas, and it stalls. After 10-15 tries it usually starts, and once it's revved up for a while it won't stall any more, and it will be easier to re-start (just 2-3 attempts).
Any idea of what I might check, to see if it would start more reliably?
Also, I'm interested in derestricting it, and doing some simple mods. I just need it to go a bit faster. Usually on flat ground it will take me to 37 mph or so (I'm 180 lbs), but that's according to the speedo on the bike, which apparently runs a bit high. I'd like to be able to use it for commuting to campus, and delivering pizza, so if it would take me to 45 mph consistently that would be perfect.
I've read something about removing what looks like a brass wedding ring from behind the variator assembly. I tried to do it today, got the kick starter module off, and 2 of the 3 allen bolts off, but the 3rd wouldn't come off and it stripped. Should I be able to see this ring from the side? Do you think the dealer took it off when they rebuilt it?
I'd really appreciate any tips for some things I could do myself, for cheap, to get just a bit more out of this scooter.
Please note that I am not a mechanic, and while I have some basic tools and I'm not an idiot, I have little knowledge of engines and comments like "clean out the carb" or "get new roller weights" on their own are pretty useless for me, because I don't know where the carb is, or what roller weights are, or how I should go about doing anything to them.
Thanks a ton in advance for any advice.
-Joe