Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss

Maintenance costs: scooter vs. other motorcycles??

1,194 views
Skip to first unread message

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 7, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/7/00
to
Dear All,

As some of you have experience of both scooters and other types
of motorcycles, could you please tell which is more expensive,
and which is easier to perform?

Thank you very much,

Jose B. Ruivo


-----------------------------------------------------------

Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
Up to 100 minutes free!
http://www.keen.com


Michael Cracknell

unread,
Jul 7, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/7/00
to
scooters seem to need their belts replaced every 12.000 miles and the piston
may need doing every 21.000 miles on a two stroke engine

Mike
--
www.gilera-runner.co.uk

Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:0c8b3038...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com...

Kevin

unread,
Jul 7, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/7/00
to
In article <0c8b3038...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com>, Jose B. Ruivo
<benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote:

> As some of you have experience of both scooters and other types
> of motorcycles, could you please tell which is more expensive,
> and which is easier to perform?

If I felt more sure of my skills, I'd do my 600-mile services myself. As
it is, I stretch to 900-1200 miles, let the shop do it for $58. I have
changed the tranny oil and plug myself, as well as done all the
performance modifications to date on my own.

Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--
Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/7/00: 37/40mph
LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---
Friday, July 7, 2000 || 2:00 PM PDT

Jeffrey Lam

unread,
Jul 7, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/7/00
to
Scoots are easy to maintain vs. motorcycles I think. Less oil to
change, no chain adjustments, etc...

"Jose B. Ruivo" wrote:

> Dear All,


>
> As some of you have experience of both scooters and other types
> of motorcycles, could you please tell which is more expensive,
> and which is easier to perform?
>

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 8, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/8/00
to
"Michael Cracknell" <mi...@GILLYmike-cracknell.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>scooters seem to need their belts replaced every 12.000 miles
and the piston
>may need doing every 21.000 miles on a two stroke engine

How much does that amount to where you live?

Thank you,

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 8, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/8/00
to
Kevin <ke...@quosig.com> wrote:
>
>it is, I stretch to 900-1200 miles, let the shop do it for $58.

I used to think that my car's maintenance was expensive, but I've
just changed opinion . . .

Are the cost identical for a 50cc scooter and a 250 cc one?


>changed the tranny oil and plug myself, as well as done all the
>performance modifications to date on my own.

At least that is nice!

Thank you very much for your comments,

Michael Cracknell

unread,
Jul 8, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/8/00
to
£313,05 for the 21.000 mile service and £90-£110 for the belt replacement
services....there are some photos of the 21.000 service on my website

www.gilera-runner.co.uk then click on Gillys Servicing

Mike

Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:230d1cb3...@usw-ex0107-055.remarq.com...


| "Michael Cracknell" <mi...@GILLYmike-cracknell.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
| >scooters seem to need their belts replaced every 12.000 miles
| and the piston
| >may need doing every 21.000 miles on a two stroke engine
|
| How much does that amount to where you live?
|
| Thank you,
|

Jeffrey Lam

unread,
Jul 8, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/8/00
to
Obviously the 50cc will be cheaper to maintain, but you're not going to
be able to go very fast. Relatively speaking though, the 250cc scoot is
cheaper to maintain than a car. Insurance (PL/PD) is like $45 /year!
You change the tires more often, and the oil is changed like about 1,000
miles, but if you're doing the work yourself, you save a lot of money
anyways...

-Jeff

"Jose B. Ruivo" wrote:

> Kevin <ke...@quosig.com> wrote:
> >
> >it is, I stretch to 900-1200 miles, let the shop do it for $58.
>
> I used to think that my car's maintenance was expensive, but I've
> just changed opinion . . .
>
> Are the cost identical for a 50cc scooter and a 250 cc one?
>
> >changed the tranny oil and plug myself, as well as done all the
> >performance modifications to date on my own.
>
> At least that is nice!
>
> Thank you very much for your comments,
>

dob...@sprint.ca

unread,
Jul 8, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/8/00
to
> Scoots are easy to maintain vs. motorcycles I think. Less oil to
> change, no chain adjustments, etc...

I don't know about that. I've adjusted my motorcycle chain all of 3
times in 21,000 km. One spark plug (single cylinder bike) change and
oil/filter changes every 3k km. I've cleaned my air filter 4 times now.
I'm on my third set of tires. If that's not low maintenance, I don't know
what is.
I would think if I ever get around to putting 21k on my P2, it'll need a
hell of a lot more attention than that.

FWIW
DobeMan


Dr Zoidberg

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to

Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:0c8b3038...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com...

> Dear All,
>
> As some of you have experience of both scooters and other types
> of motorcycles, could you please tell which is more expensive,
> and which is easier to perform?
>
> Thank you very much,
>
> Jose B. Ruivo
>
>
In about 6000 miles my peugeot speedfight has needed a new back tyre due to
puncture, £30
A new set of front brake bads, less than £25 and a normal service for about
£25.
Total cost £80. Had I done the work myself I could have saved about £20 but
as this is my first scood I didn't want to F**k things up. Its a 50 by the
way.

--
Alex

Sig used to be here

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
"Michael Cracknell" <mi...@GILLYmike-cracknell.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:

>£313,05 for the 21.000 mile service and £90-£110 for the belt
>replacement
>services....there are some photos of the 21.000 service on my
>website

Thanks! I find that's probably not less than what I pay for the
maintenance of my car, How about you (and others)? I still love
scooters (and motorcycles in general), but I'm schoked at the
costs of mainting a scooter.

Good luck,

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
<dob...@sprint.ca> wrote:
>
> I don't know about that. I've adjusted my motorcycle chain
>all of 3
>times in 21,000 km.

You mean, you've stretched the chain? When are you supposed to
replace the chain, and how much does that cost? And when are
supposed to replace the parts that the chain runs on (the
sprockets, maybe)?


> One spark plug (single cylinder bike)
>change and
>oil/filter changes every 3k km. I've cleaned my air filter 4
>times now.

That's very low maintenance, in my opinion.


>I'm on my third set of tires.

I'm amazed at how little motorcycles tyres last (compared to car
tyres)! How much do motorcycles tyres cost, by the way?


> I would think if I ever get around to putting 21k on my P2,
>it'll need a
>hell of a lot more attention than that.

I suspect you would, from what I've just learned in this topic.
Anyone else would care to comment?


Thanks a lot,and good luck!

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
"Dr Zoidberg" <alex...@cwcom.net> wrote:
>
>In about 6000 miles my peugeot speedfight has needed a new back
>
>Total cost £80.

I find that's ok; I think that drive belts and engine repairs (on
2 stroke engines, at least) are very expensive. You're halfway to
those repairs, I think.

Thank you for your comments!

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
"Michael Cracknell" <mi...@GILLYmike-cracknell.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>£313,05 for the 21.000 mile service and £90-£110 for the belt
replacement
>services....


Would the costs for a 4 stroke scooter's maintenance possibly be
lower?


Thank you,

dob...@sprint.ca

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
> You mean, you've stretched the chain? When are you supposed to
> replace the chain, and how much does that cost? And when are
> supposed to replace the parts that the chain runs on (the
> sprockets, maybe)?

Yup, chains stretch. You replace it when it stretches past the specs
it's supposed to. Ideally you're supposed to replace the sprockets at the
same time, but I don't totally agree with that. It'll shorten the chain
life if you don't, but why spend $70 (all CDN $) to save maybe 20% wear on a
$150 chain, I just don't see it.

> I'm amazed at how little motorcycles tyres last (compared to car
> tyres)! How much do motorcycles tyres cost, by the way?

Same here. I've got a dual sport motorcycle and run road legal
knobblies so the wear is greatly faster than a road only tire. I replaced
my second set well before they were worn out but I was going on a 6k km trip
and didn't want to chance being stranded waiting for a ordered tire to come
in somewhere. Other people with my type of bike get over 20k kms when they
run road only tires on it, so that's not bad IMHO.
I didn't mention that I ride in all terrains. I ride through water up
to the top of my engine, I slog it out through mud, I ride in sand, through
the woods singletrack, I've dropped my bike dozens of times and it's still
going. I would even say I abuse the bike at times based on what I do with
it, and it still has only required the most basic of service. Low
maintenance indeed.

TTYL
Karl

dob...@sprint.ca

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
> Thanks! I find that's probably not less than what I pay for the
> maintenance of my car, How about you (and others)? I still love
> scooters (and motorcycles in general), but I'm schoked at the
> costs of mainting a scooter.

You have to keep in mind the costs of a modern car and scooter as well. In
recent years the auto manufacturers have made it a top priority to enure the
durability and reliability (and safety) of their auto's. Prices have gone
way up to reflect that.

When you are calculating the pro's/con's of one or the other, keep in mind
fuel & insurance costs as well. If you live in the big city parking is
another. Fun factor as well. It's prolly a whole lot easier to have a
blast on a bike of some sort than a car under most conditions, which is why
I have a scooter and motorcycle - to have some fun on. Resale too. I'm
only familiar with P2's and the like - so new T5'/P2's cost what, $2K??? A
few years old they sell for what, $1000-ish? I can't think of many vehicles
that would loose less than $1000 in a few years of ownership.

If you are mechanically inclined, you'd save a bunch of cash doing the work
yourself. Scooters as a rule are simple machines, especially the 2 strokes.
As they say in motorcycle circles becuase the stories of bad service are so
widespread - "why pay a shop to wreck your bike when you can do that for
free?"

Good luck with your decision!

Michael Cracknell

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
yes...you wouldn't need the piston replacing for one!!!!


Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message

news:1301cee0...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com...
| "Michael Cracknell" <mi...@GILLYmike-cracknell.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
| >Ł313,05 for the 21.000 mile service and Ł90-Ł110 for the belt

Dr Zoidberg

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to


Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message

news:16cf1ece...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com...


> "Dr Zoidberg" <alex...@cwcom.net> wrote:
> >
> >In about 6000 miles my peugeot speedfight has needed a new back
> >
> >Total cost £80.
>
> I find that's ok; I think that drive belts and engine repairs (on
> 2 stroke engines, at least) are very expensive. You're halfway to
> those repairs, I think.
>

No, I'm about a month to a new scooter! I know its more expensive than the
repairs but it will also be faster!
:-)

Kevin

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
In article <20af4918...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com>, Jose B. Ruivo
<benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote:

> >£313,05 for the 21.000 mile service and £90-£110 for the belt
> >replacement

> >services....there are some photos of the 21.000 service on my
> >website
>

> Thanks! I find that's probably not less than what I pay for the
> maintenance of my car, How about you (and others)? I still love
> scooters (and motorcycles in general), but I'm schoked at the
> costs of mainting a scooter.

Shocked? I pay $40 every 3000 miles for my truck's oil change, and every
couple of years it seems to need some service that costs $250 or more
(regular maintenance). It's getting older, so some seals and smog
sensors have died, to the tune of $750 in the last 18 months. Then there
are $500 in tires every 40,000 miles, and at 22/mpg or so, all the gas.

The problem for me is, even if the scooter bills total was the same, the
bills are spread-out and smaller. Vehicle maintenance tends to come in
large dollar amounts all at once. One should also consider
insurance....for the same coverage on both the truck and my Zuma (lower
deductible on the Zuma), I pay 50% on the scooter what I pay on the
truck, and the truck is almost 8 years old versus the scooter being just
over 1 year old.

Overall, I've always felt the scooter bills sting alot less.


Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--

Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/9/00: 37/40mph


LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Sunday, July 9, 2000 || 10:01 AM PDT

Kevin

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
In article <273000a8...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com>, Jose B. Ruivo
<benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote:

> > I would think if I ever get around to putting 21k on my P2,
> >it'll need a
> >hell of a lot more attention than that.
>
> I suspect you would, from what I've just learned in this topic.
> Anyone else would care to comment?

Older anything requires more maintenance as it ages, in my case I was
speaking about newer, gasp!, "plastic" variomatic scooters.


Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--
Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/9/00: 37/40mph
LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Sunday, July 9, 2000 || 10:03 AM PDT

Kevin

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
In article <1301cee0...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com>, Jose B. Ruivo
<benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote:

> Would the costs for a 4 stroke scooter's maintenance possibly be
> lower?

How mechanical are you? In my case, 2-strokes are "unmechanical" enough
to do work myself if I choose. 4-strokes are where my common-sense kicks
in and says "take it to the shop." One of the reasons I chose 2-strokes
intentionally.

Currently I take it to the shop for service, but I've done it on my own
once in a while when getting it to the shop is inconvenient (I commute
daily on my scooterso taking it in to the shop can pose a problem).

Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--
Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/9/00: 37/40mph
LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Sunday, July 9, 2000 || 10:06 AM PDT

cford

unread,
Jul 9, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/9/00
to
I have a late ninties Ford Aerostar Van. For starters to replace the
rear left plug you almost have to drop the engine! Mainly though, the
modern car is not designed for "Home Maintaince". Even most small repair
shops have limited abilities, unless they can afford, and justify, the
expense of some of the electronic equipment required now. The result is,
for me, is a regular trip, spring and fall, to a repairshop. If you are
lucky, and I am, you can find a repair shop that doesn't charge $70 - 90
an hour, like the dealers, and replacement parts on top of that. Had a
CV joint acting up on an Olds I owned. The dealer wanted over $300 to
replace it. Local shop replaced the boot, cleaned it up, and charged me
$13. The moral here is that car maintance is expensive. My 1985 Elite
250 is low tech, very reliable, and low cost maintaince. As regards to
two-stroke vs four-stroke, I don't find too much change in the degree of
difficulty. An essential tool though, is a good workshop amnual.

Colin on the Koot Scoot

From the Beautiful Creston Valley
In the Central Kootenays of
Super Natural British Columbia
COLIN FORD cf...@uniserve.com

"Jose B. Ruivo" wrote:

> <dob...@sprint.ca> wrote:
> >
> > I don't know about that. I've adjusted my motorcycle chain
> >all of 3
> >times in 21,000 km.
>

> You mean, you've stretched the chain? When are you supposed to
> replace the chain, and how much does that cost? And when are
> supposed to replace the parts that the chain runs on (the
> sprockets, maybe)?
>

> > One spark plug (single cylinder bike)
> >change and
> >oil/filter changes every 3k km. I've cleaned my air filter 4
> >times now.
>
> That's very low maintenance, in my opinion.
>
> >I'm on my third set of tires.
>

> I'm amazed at how little motorcycles tyres last (compared to car
> tyres)! How much do motorcycles tyres cost, by the way?
>

> > I would think if I ever get around to putting 21k on my P2,
> >it'll need a
> >hell of a lot more attention than that.
>
> I suspect you would, from what I've just learned in this topic.
> Anyone else would care to comment?
>

> Thanks a lot,and good luck!
>
> Jose B. Ruivo
>

> -----------------------------------------------------------
>
> Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
> Up to 100 minutes free!
> http://www.keen.com

--

Andy Woodward

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
>> Scoots are easy to maintain vs. motorcycles I think. Less oil to
>> change, no chain adjustments, etc...

Modern scoots are a joke.You ahave to drop the exhaust to change a rear tyre!
And the access under all that plastic and space-frame is even more difficult
and pedantic than modern sportbikes. They are designed to be taken to the
dealer for servicing amnd maintainance , not to be done by hte owner.


j o r d a n

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
but dropping the exhaust only consists of 4 or so bolts. Its not a big deal.


-jordan


Andy Woodward <a...@aber.ac.uk> wrote in message
news:8kc21n$cbv$4...@dyfi.aber.ac.uk...

Andy Woodward

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
>but dropping the exhaust only consists of 4 or so bolts. Its not a big deal.
>> >> Scoots are easy to maintain vs. motorcycles I think. Less oil to
>> >> change, no chain adjustments, etc...
>>
>> Modern scoots are a joke.You ahave to drop the exhaust to change a rear
>tyre!
>> And the access under all that plastic and space-frame is even more
>difficult
>> and pedantic than modern sportbikes. They are designed to be taken to the
>> dealer for servicing amnd maintainance , not to be done by hte owner.

Assuming they havent rusted up. On a low mileage machine, this could well
happen between tyre changes, in which case you're lookingat lots of grief to
do a very small job. A well designed machine would no require it. It's merely
an example of how modern bikes and scooters are designed for fashion not
function.


Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
<dob...@sprint.ca> wrote:
>
> Yup, chains stretch. You replace it when it stretches past
>the specs
>it's supposed to.

Right, same thing with bicycles. What milage do you get from a
new chain on a new sprocket?


Thanks,

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
<dob...@sprint.ca> wrote:
>In
>recent years the auto manufacturers have made it a top priority
to enure the
>durability and reliability (and safety) of their auto's. Prices
have gone
>way up to reflect that.

I think otherwise - my first car at to be serviced at 10.000 km,
while my second one is supposed to be serviced at 15.000km, and
the cost are about the same . . .

>When you are calculating the pro's/con's of one or the other,
keep in mind
>fuel & insurance costs as well.

Fuel yes, although the diference is probably not as significant
as in your case - I drive a 1.300 cc Ford Fiesta with a manual
gear box; but insurance not so much, as I think that in the part
of the world where I live (Portugal) insurance for a motorcycle
is more expensive than for a car, and most insurance companies
are only interested in doing it for someone who already has other
insurance policies with that company.


>If you live in the big city
>parking is
>another.

Definitelly!


>If you are mechanically inclined, you'd save a bunch of cash
>doing the work
>yourself.


I guess so - I even have a couple of friends who could show me
how to do it.


>As they say in motorcycle circles becuase the stories of bad
service are so
>widespread - "why pay a shop to wreck your bike when you can do
>that for
>free?"

I like that! :-)))

>Good luck with your decision!

I'm decided to get a motorcycle, most likelly a scooter - which
other kind of motorcycle could protect my legs from the wind
chill? (I'm not interested in wearing fancy trousers in order to
drive a motorcycle, either.)

My indecision is as to make it my main mean of transport, or not.


Thnak you, and good luck,

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
<dob...@sprint.ca> wrote:
> Yup, chains stretch. You replace it when it stretches past
the specs
>it's supposed to.


On the subject of belts and chains, I forgot to mention it:
apparently Yamaha has replaced the drive belt in its new scooter
- the Tmax 500 - with a drive chain, enclosed in an oil bath. I
hope this starts a trend that makes scooters cheaper to maintain.

See you,

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
"Michael Cracknell" <mi...@GILLYmike-cracknell.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>yes...you wouldn't need the piston replacing for one!!!!


That's good to know, thank you!

j o r d a n

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
fashion is a large part is most people purchases.

-jordan


Andy Woodward <a...@aber.ac.uk> wrote in message

news:8kch7a$jbb$2...@dyfi.aber.ac.uk...

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
Kevin <ke...@quosig.com> wrote:
>
>How mechanical are you? In my case, 2-strokes are "unmechanical"
>enough
>to do work myself if I choose. 4-strokes are where my
common-sense kicks
>in and says "take it to the shop."


I have a couple of friends who can probably teach me how to
perform easy maintenance tasks on both 2 and 4 stroke engines - 4
stroke may need a little more tunning (of the valves) but
apparently needs less replacement of parts, I'm told . . .


See you,

cford

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
No, you are the joke Andy. The removal of the exhaust is not a big deal and
working on any scooter is as difficult as the person working on it is capable.
One of the advantages of the "modern" scooter is the belt driven transmission.
The belt requires no manitaince as opposed to a chain driven transmission that
requires adjustment and oiling frequently. This is why Harley Davidson, and
others use a belt final drive and often for the secondary drive as well. I am
surprised that Yamaha would not use a belt on on the new Tmax. By the way Andy
tire is not spelt with a y

Colin on the Koot Scoot.

From the Beautiful Creston Valley
In the Central Kootenays of
Super Natural British Columbia
COLIN FORD cf...@uniserve.com

Andy Woodward wrote:

> >> Scoots are easy to maintain vs. motorcycles I think. Less oil to
> >> change, no chain adjustments, etc...
>
> Modern scoots are a joke.You ahave to drop the exhaust to change a rear tyre!
> And the access under all that plastic and space-frame is even more difficult
> and pedantic than modern sportbikes. They are designed to be taken to the
> dealer for servicing amnd maintainance , not to be done by hte owner.

--

Hilbert

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
well, anything I wanted to do on my cbr 600 f2 (replacing spark plug,
syncing carbs <- regular maintenance) I had to take out the seat and the
fuel tank.
other than changing oil (for that you also have to take all the plastic off
almost) and adjusting, cleaning the chain you cannot do anything easily. and
yes, you do not have to take the exhaust off to take the rear tire out, but
have you ever tried to take the rear tire out on a 300+ lbs sportsbike?
because it stands on the rear tire, unlike my scooter...
and no, I do not have to drop the exhaust on my Yamaha Zuma to take the rear
tire out.
and no, I do not have to strip my scoot to change the transmission oil.
and yes, I can replace the plug without taking any plastic stuff off (except
for the little door that is for replacing the spark plug).

Hilbert

"Andy Woodward" <a...@aber.ac.uk> wrote in message

news:8kc21n$cbv$4...@dyfi.aber.ac.uk...

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
cford <cf...@uniserve.com> wrote:
>$13. The moral here is that car maintance is expensive.

Wow! Maybe my car is too "young" yet - bought new in 1994, 55k km
so far.


>An essential tool though, is a good workshop amnual.


I might buy a used Yamaha BW (Zuma elsewhere). How can I get a
workshop manual for that?


Thank you!

Nola J

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
cford wrote:

> By the way Andy
> tire is not spelt with a y
>

Just for clarification --
Andy is from the UK. Over there, many words are spelt the "correct English" way.
In reality, us Americans spell things "funny" and "wrong".

Nola J


Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
a...@aber.ac.uk (Andy Woodward) wrote:
>
>Modern scoots are a joke.You ahave to drop the exhaust to change
>a rear tyre!
>And the access under all that plastic and space-frame is even
>more difficult
>and pedantic than modern sportbikes. They are designed to be
>taken to the
>dealer for servicing amnd maintainance , not to be done by hte
>owner.

Doesn't seem worse than the modern car, with the exception that
I can always turn the motorcycle "upside dow", which I can not do
with the car . . .

Thanks for your comments.

Benji

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
On Fri, 07 Jul 2000 14:01:03 -0700, Kevin <ke...@quosig.com> wrote:

>In article <0c8b3038...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com>, Jose B. Ruivo
><benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote:
>
>> As some of you have experience of both scooters and other types
>> of motorcycles, could you please tell which is more expensive,
>> and which is easier to perform?
>
>If I felt more sure of my skills, I'd do my 600-mile services myself. As
>it is, I stretch to 900-1200 miles, let the shop do it for $58. I have
>changed the tranny oil and plug myself, as well as done all the
>performance modifications to date on my own.
>


As for maint costs

Gas mileage is great, but 16 miles per engine gets expensive.

giles

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
Jose B. Ruivo wrote in message
<0c8b3038...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com>...
>Dear All,

>
>As some of you have experience of both scooters and other types
>of motorcycles, could you please tell which is more expensive,
>and which is easier to perform?
>
>Thank you very much,

Dunno 'bout bikes. I've only got a few miles on my scoot, but it costs
me £2.50 - £3.00 to fill up, a fiver for the first and only service to
date (free labour - i'll presume an oil change) and a new Michelin is
under £20.

Problem is insurance: it would have been £350 for first year had I not
got it free with a new bike and it *will* be £350 this time, as I'm
upgrading (a hopeful 60mph), though I'm paranoid about keeping my NCB!

My clutch aint too good at the moment - i'm hoping the new rollers
with the exhaust i'm getting will help. Any thoughts on the LeoVinci
Handmade Works?

~
giles

Piaggo NRG
Black with "Porche" livery (stickers)

Hilbert

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
Jose,

I have upgraded my Zuma (BW) with a new cylinder kit (70cc), took me a
couple of hours + it was a lot of fun. (Maybe 20 screws in the whole thing.)
On my cbr 600 f2 synching the carbs was a bigger pain in the ass. Not even
mentioning adjustment of the valves...
I'd say replacing the sparkplugs on sportbike is comparable to rehauling a
scooter engine.


Hilbert


"Jose B. Ruivo" <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:329f7180...@usw-ex0107-055.remarq.com...


> Kevin <ke...@quosig.com> wrote:
> >
> >How mechanical are you? In my case, 2-strokes are "unmechanical"
> >enough
> >to do work myself if I choose. 4-strokes are where my
> common-sense kicks
> >in and says "take it to the shop."
>
>
> I have a couple of friends who can probably teach me how to
> perform easy maintenance tasks on both 2 and 4 stroke engines - 4
> stroke may need a little more tunning (of the valves) but
> apparently needs less replacement of parts, I'm told . . .
>
>
> See you,
>

dob...@sprint.ca

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
> On the subject of belts and chains, I forgot to mention it:
> apparently Yamaha has replaced the drive belt in its new scooter
> - the Tmax 500 - with a drive chain, enclosed in an oil bath. I
> hope this starts a trend that makes scooters cheaper to maintain.
>
> See you,
>
> Jose B. Ruivo

Drive chain wear is directly related to lubrication and riding style.
I'm at 21k kms on mine right now and I think it's got plenty more to go.
One guy with my type of bike has 49k kms on his and it's still going strong,
others have worn them out at 15k kms, so go figure.
Modern era Harley's have an exposed belt system and they are maintenance
free and are supposed to last 80k kms + easily, assuming nothing unusual.
I'm sure the belt in a varimatic type transmission will wear much faster
since it's taking a lot more sideways stresses, but that's just a guess on
my part.

TTYL
Karl


Kevin

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
In article <8kc21n$cbv$4...@dyfi.aber.ac.uk>, a...@aber.ac.uk (Andy
Woodward) wrote:

> >> Scoots are easy to maintain vs. motorcycles I think. Less oil to
> >> change, no chain adjustments, etc...
>
> Modern scoots are a joke.

Haha!

> You ahave to drop the exhaust to change a rear
> tyre!

Yeah, pain, isn't it?

> And the access under all that plastic and space-frame is even more
> difficult
> and pedantic than modern sportbikes.

It's not *that* hard. I'm down to 10-minutes flat. Zuma is 1-piece body
for the under-seat (i.e. engine) area.

> They are designed to be taken to the
> dealer for servicing amnd maintainance , not to be done by hte owner.

Say what? Not further from the truth. I'm not mechanically inclined, yet
here I am mucking with variomatic rollers, exhausts, piston, CDIs, the
works. Now a motorcycle or car I'd never touch without a mechanic...

Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--

Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/10/00: 37/40mph


LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Monday, July 10, 2000 || 7:11 PM PDT

Kevin

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
In article <27f153bc...@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com>, Jose B. Ruivo
<benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote:

> On the subject of belts and chains, I forgot to mention it:
> apparently Yamaha has replaced the drive belt in its new scooter
> - the Tmax 500 - with a drive chain, enclosed in an oil bath. I
> hope this starts a trend that makes scooters cheaper to maintain.

How do you figure cheaper? I'd let a service center mess with a
chain...I do it wrong it eats the transmission alive. Variomatic belts
are a no-brainer and even when they snap they don't cause quite as much
damage (or any of consequence?).

Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--
Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/10/00: 37/40mph
LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Monday, July 10, 2000 || 7:14 PM PDT

Kevin

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
In article <3969ff17....@news.egl.net>,
b...@dubnospamwithmyheadman.wlokcorp.com wrote:

> As for maint costs
>
> Gas mileage is great, but 16 miles per engine gets expensive

Huh? I'm up to 6,000 miles on mine in under 18 months. Will be putting
in a 70cc kit, will let you know how "worn" my 50cc setup was. ;-P

Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--
Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/10/00: 37/40mph
LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Monday, July 10, 2000 || 7:19 PM PDT

cford

unread,
Jul 10, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/10/00
to
Yamaha dealer, part # 4RW 28197 20

Colin on the Koot Scoot

"Jose B. Ruivo" wrote:

> cford <cf...@uniserve.com> wrote:
> >$13. The moral here is that car maintance is expensive.
>
> Wow! Maybe my car is too "young" yet - bought new in 1994, 55k km
> so far.
>
> >An essential tool though, is a good workshop amnual.
>
> I might buy a used Yamaha BW (Zuma elsewhere). How can I get a
> workshop manual for that?
>
> Thank you!
>

> Jose B. Ruivo
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
>
> Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
> Up to 100 minutes free!
> http://www.keen.com

-


Harvey W. Harbicht

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
In article <3969ff17....@news.egl.net>,
b...@dubnospamwithmyheadman.wlokcorp.com says...

> >it is, I stretch to 900-1200 miles, let the shop do it for $58. I have

Before you read my comment tell me what that sign is before the "58". My
default font displays the same character for US dollars and
English pounds. If that's pounds then forget what's written below.

----------------
Where is this??? The lowest price I was ever charged for a general going-
over (Helix) was $130-$180 plus parts. Dude said it would take an entire
day so drop it off and pick it up day after tomorrow (maybe). Buncha
boogers!

Harvey W. Harbicht

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
In article <kevin-0B9640....@nuq-read.news.verio.net>,
ke...@quosig.com says...

> are a no-brainer and even when they snap they don't cause quite as much
> damage (or any of consequence?).

Doesn't the sudden power surge do some damage to the engine?

Kevin

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
In article <396aaee3$0$56828$3929...@news.execpc.com>, Harvey W.
Harbicht <mrdo...@execpc.com> wrote:

> > >it is, I stretch to 900-1200 miles, let the shop do it for $58. I have
>
> Before you read my comment tell me what that sign is before the "58". My
> default font displays the same character for US dollars and
> English pounds. If that's pounds then forget what's written below.
>
> ----------------
> Where is this??? The lowest price I was ever charged for a general going-
> over (Helix) was $130-$180 plus parts. Dude said it would take an entire
> day so drop it off and pick it up day after tomorrow (maybe). Buncha
> boogers!

Wierd font friend (and as a graphic artists, I've seen plenty of strange
ones!). ;-) It's a US dollar sign.

:-)

Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--

Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/11/00: 37/40mph


LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Tuesday, July 11, 2000 || 12:23 AM PDT

Kevin

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
In article <396ab1d8$0$56828$3929...@news.execpc.com>, Harvey W.
Harbicht <mrdo...@execpc.com> wrote:

> > are a no-brainer and even when they snap they don't cause quite as much
> > damage (or any of consequence?).
>
> Doesn't the sudden power surge do some damage to the engine?


No from the stories I've heard thus far, anyway...

Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--
Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/11/00: 37/40mph
LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Tuesday, July 11, 2000 || 12:24 AM PDT

Andy Woodward

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to

Whereas I am well known for never spelling anything wrogn.

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
Kevin <ke...@quosig.com> wrote:
>I'd let a service center mess with a
>chain...I do it wrong it eats the transmission alive.


Can't possibly be that dificult, and likely there are some books
available that tell you how to do it.

> Variomatic belts


>are a no-brainer and even when they snap they don't cause quite
>as much damage (or any of consequence?).

Glad to know that!

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
cford <cf...@uniserve.com> wrote:
>Yamaha dealer, part # 4RW 28197 20

What on earth are you talking about? Is this the part # for the
service manual?


See you,

Jose B. Ruivo


Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
Something no one has mentioned yet: how much and how often do you
have to spend on brakes related parts? I'd assume that a veicule
without manual gear control would wear brake parts faster . . .

Thank you,

Dr Zoidberg

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to


Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:10484d42...@usw-ex0105-034.remarq.com...


> Something no one has mentioned yet: how much and how often do you
> have to spend on brakes related parts? I'd assume that a veicule
> without manual gear control would wear brake parts faster . . .
>

True, without engine braking they do wear faster. About 4000 miles sees off
a set of front pads on my speedfight. The rear pads are still the originals
after 6000. I have done a fair amount of -up riding though, and braking from
50mph with that weight on doesnt do them much good.
--
Alex

Sig used to be here

j o r d a n

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
yes it is.


-jordan


Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message

news:069342a2...@usw-ex0105-035.remarq.com...


> cford <cf...@uniserve.com> wrote:
> >Yamaha dealer, part # 4RW 28197 20
>
> What on earth are you talking about? Is this the part # for the
> service manual?
>
>

> See you,

Kevin

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to
In article <10484d42...@usw-ex0105-034.remarq.com>, Jose B. Ruivo
<benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote:

> Something no one has mentioned yet: how much and how often do you
> have to spend on brakes related parts? I'd assume that a veicule
> without manual gear control would wear brake parts faster . . .

6000 miles into my Zuma and the shop says I have like 70-80% of my
brakes left. Got a ways to go. Guess I'll probably wear them faster when
I get to *going* faster, but still not bad so far.

Kevin
'99 Red Yamaha Zuma II
49cc, aka "Turbo Mule"
(San Leandro, CA)
---
http://www.quosig.com/quosig/kevin/zuma/Zuma_34p.jpg
Photo Taken: 04/00 || Just over 5100 Miles
--
Speed (cruise/top) as of 7/11/00: 37/40mph
LeoVinci SP3 exhaust || Malossi Kelvar drive belt
Fixed Spark, Derestricted CDI || 3 x 5.8g rollers, 3 x 4.3g rollers
---

Tuesday, July 11, 2000 || 7:07 PM PDT

cford

unread,
Jul 11, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/11/00
to

"Jose B. Ruivo" wrote:

> cford <cf...@uniserve.com> wrote:
> >Yamaha dealer, part # 4RW 28197 20
>
> What on earth are you talking about? Is this the part # for the

> service manual?-------Yes

Colin on the Koot Scoot

>
>


> See you,
>
> Jose B. Ruivo
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
>
> Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
> Up to 100 minutes free!
> http://www.keen.com

-


j o r d a n

unread,
Jul 12, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/12/00
to
not like spaps are very expensive.. Unlike caar brak jobs.. My 94 Mazda
Mx-6 had a brake job, $150!!! and today one brake started swealing like mad,
i think the pad fell off..

-jordan


Kevin <ke...@quosig.com> wrote in message
news:kevin-F34A62....@nuq-read.news.verio.net...

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 12, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/12/00
to
"j o r d a n" <kn...@home.com> wrote:
>not like spaps are very expensive.. Unlike caar brak jobs..


A friend of mine who owns a Fiat Uno and a Suzuki 250 (not a
scooter) says his motorcycle brake pads cost twice as much as his
car brake pads, and still last only about half the milage . . .

Oh, and he does the replacing of brake pads himself (in both his
car and his motorcycle), so it could not be the case that the
garage is replacing half worn pads . . .

Hasn't anyone here yet had to pay for brake pads for his/her
scooter? How much do they cost? 4 break pads - and pads alone
- for my car cost about 80 Euros, and they last about 40.000 km
(without the garage replacing them half worn, that is).

>Mx-6 had a brake job, $150!!!

For my car- a humble Ford Fiesta 1.3 - a couple of front brake
discs cost 85 Euros, the pads for front and rear brakes cost 80
euros, and the rear drum brakes cost about 50 Euros; 4 brake
pumps cost another 80 Euros. So, in the worst case scenario,
that's about 295 Euros in parts only, and about another 100 Euros
for labour!

Good luck,

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 12, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/12/00
to
"Dr Zoidberg" <alex...@cwcom.net> wrote:
>True, without engine braking they do wear faster. About 4000
>miles sees off

That's similar to what a friend of mine sees in his Suzuki (not a
scooter).

Anyway, you now know how much a set of front (disc?) brake pads
cost. How much is it?


>a set of front pads on my speedfight. The rear pads are still
>the originals
>after 6000.

Can I assume you've using your front brake much more than your
rear brake?

Thank you,

Andy Woodward

unread,
Jul 12, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/12/00
to
>>True, without engine braking they do wear faster. About 4000
>>miles sees off

>That's similar to what a friend of mine sees in his Suzuki (not a
>scooter).

Bkes will get thru brake pads and tyres ten times as fast as cars! And hte
replacements cost a lot more too.

Jose B. Ruivo

unread,
Jul 12, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/12/00
to
a...@aber.ac.uk (Andy Woodward) wrote:
>
>Bkes will get thru brake pads and tyres ten times as fast as
cars! And hte
>replacements cost a lot more too.

Thank you for confirming this!

Any possible explanation for these 2 phenomena: with they wear so
fast in the first place, and why they cost so much???

See you,

Andy Woodward

unread,
Jul 12, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/12/00
to
>>Bkes will get thru brake pads and tyres ten times as fast as
>cars! And hte
>>replacements cost a lot more too.

>Thank you for confirming this!

>Any possible explanation for these 2 phenomena: with they wear so
>fast in the first place,

Cos bikers are stupid enough to put up with it. The manufacturers claim that
rapid wear pads give better braking, but since the ones on my landrover can
lock hte wheels with 3 tons on em, this argument doesnt cut the mustard.

> and why they cost so much???

Cos bikers are stupid enough to put up with it.


Dr Zoidberg

unread,
Jul 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/13/00
to


Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:22c305ce...@usw-ex0105-035.remarq.com...


> "Dr Zoidberg" <alex...@cwcom.net> wrote:
> >True, without engine braking they do wear faster. About 4000
> >miles sees off
>
> That's similar to what a friend of mine sees in his Suzuki (not a
> scooter).
>

> Anyway, you now know how much a set of front (disc?) brake pads
> cost. How much is it?
>
>
> >a set of front pads on my speedfight. The rear pads are still
> >the originals
> >after 6000.
>
> Can I assume you've using your front brake much more than your
> rear brake?
>

They were less than £25 fitted. I think the parts were about £12. That to me
isnt really that bad. The front brake will always wear more than the back
one , as when you brake the weight is shifted forwards. Especially when you
ride like I do which is flat out all the time with a lot of late and heavy
braking :-}}

Martin Bennett

unread,
Jul 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/13/00
to

cford <cf...@uniserve.com> made the following mistake in message
news:3969ED10...@uniserve.com...


> By the way Andy
> tire is not spelt with a y

Sorry to disappoint you, but here in the U.K. we happen to use the correct
spelling for tyre. Please be aware that not everyone in this fine group is
an American.

Tyre n: a protective rubber covering around the rim of a wheel

Tire: to exhaust the strength of, to weary, to become weary, to loose
patience, to become bored
--
The Blue Flush
(Martin Bennett)

http://www.flush.clara.net/


Martin Bennett

unread,
Jul 13, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/13/00
to

Dr Zoidberg <alex...@cwcom.net> wrote in message
news:8kfkko$4s0$1...@uranium.btinternet.com...


>
>
>
> Jose B. Ruivo <benandcri...@bigfoot.com.invalid> wrote in message

> news:10484d42...@usw-ex0105-034.remarq.com...


> > Something no one has mentioned yet: how much and how often do you
> > have to spend on brakes related parts? I'd assume that a veicule
> > without manual gear control would wear brake parts faster . . .
> >

> True, without engine braking they do wear faster. About 4000 miles sees
off

> a set of front pads on my speedfight. The rear pads are still the
originals

> after 6000. I have done a fair amount of -up riding though, and braking
from
> 50mph with that weight on doesnt do them much good.

Speaking to the guy who does my servicing on my Speedfight 100, he says that
it's quite common to have to replace the rear pads at 5000km and 7500km for
the front. My scoot had its 5000km service in June and had to have new rear
pads. If you have got 6000 miles (not kilometres) out of your rear pads,
then you are doing well, no matter what your braking habits are.

adam g

unread,
Jul 21, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/21/00
to
dob...@sprint.ca wrote:

> > On the subject of belts and chains, I forgot to mention it:
> > apparently Yamaha has replaced the drive belt in its new scooter
> > - the Tmax 500 - with a drive chain, enclosed in an oil bath. I
> > hope this starts a trend that makes scooters cheaper to maintain.
> >

> > See you,
> >
> > Jose B. Ruivo
>

> Drive chain wear is directly related to lubrication and riding style.
> I'm at 21k kms on mine right now and I think it's got plenty more to go.
> One guy with my type of bike has 49k kms on his and it's still going strong,
> others have worn them out at 15k kms, so go figure.
> Modern era Harley's have an exposed belt system and they are maintenance
> free and are supposed to last 80k kms + easily, assuming nothing unusual.
> I'm sure the belt in a varimatic type transmission will wear much faster
> since it's taking a lot more sideways stresses, but that's just a guess on
> my part.
>
> TTYL
> Karl

Considering the cost of a modern Harley, they damn well better last a helluva
long time.


dob...@sprint.ca

unread,
Jul 22, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/22/00
to
> Considering the cost of a modern Harley, they damn well better last a
helluva
> long time.

Forget the cost of the machine - it's the aftermarket parts that the real
money is made! My boss's friend just put dual front disks on his, $2500 CDN
!!! All my local bike shops were out of spoke weights (I just mounted new
tires) and I needed some for my motorcycle - figured Harley have them since
they use spoke wheels - well $10 CDN an ounce later I have a very light
wallet and my spoke weights.

In all fairness, they do have the most amazing resale value. Around here
the Sportsters usually sell for more 3 years old than do they do new! The
big tourers seem to hold their value almost as well. I can't figure it out
for the life of me.

DobeMan

0 new messages