Modern Buddy

When I get to around 50mph on the speedometer the scooter begins to learch off and on. What I mean is it feels as if something is restricting my rear wheel sporadically, it doesn't sound like or feel like an engine problem (I could be wrong). When I slow down to 45 the problem goes away.
I have had this problem ever since I bought the scooter, but when it was new (after break-in), it didn't start learching until I hit 65, I figured I was doing to much WOOOOT. The speed at which it occurs has been happening earlier now.

I think it might be the clutch, because it reaaly does feel like its grabbing at the back wheel.

Anyone else have this issue or answers?

New scoot? Walk that back by a dealer and let them have a look. Maybe a wheel bearing? check that RIGHT AWAY. And check the wheel. Free spin it with your hand and see if there is a tight spot in the wheel. Last thing? fuel related?

Some of the 170's had a misadjustment in their EFI (or something like that) and Genuine has since released a fix. Perhaps that has something to do with your problem. If so, your dealer can hook the scooter up to the computer, upload the new EFI programming, and you should be off to the races both literally and figuratively

Either way, it's a new scooter. Take advantage of your warrantee and let a dealer fix it.

Skootz Kabootz wrote:Some of the 170's had a misadjustment in their EFI (or something like that) and Genuine has since released a fix. Perhaps that has something to do with your problem. If so, your dealer can hook the scooter up to the computer, upload the new EFI programming, and you should be off to the races both literally and figuratively

Either way, it's a new scooter. Take advantage of your warrantee and let a dealer fix it.

The EFI problem was that the computer's temp sensor was reading too hot and sent the scooter into limp mode and lighting up the CEL, generally after traveling WOT for a period of 10 minutes or more. It shouldn't have anything to do with the rear wheel's functionality aside from a significant loss of power.

2Wheel, what work have you done to that thing in total?
I remember that you put too much gear oil in and it splattered all over your rear wheel a few months back... other than that I don't remember what else you've done. If you did get some gunk in the wheel bearing, that could be part of your problem. Looking back at all of the things you've done with your scoot may help you figure it out. It is possible that something is just not sitting quite right somewhere.

AWinn6889 wrote "The EFI problem was that the computer's temp sensor was reading too hot and sent the scooter into limp mode and lighting up the CEL, generally after traveling WOT for a period of 10 minutes or more. It shouldn't have anything to do with the rear wheel's functionality aside from a significant loss of power."

This is exactly what it feels like "limp mode" I can sputer along but its irritating.
As far as the minor gear oil over fill, I only rode like ten miles and noticed it, posted it then drained it and refilled with 90cc and no more problems.
I have done all my maintainance, clean CVT, valve lash adjustment (500mi and 2500mi.), spark plug replacement (2500), oil and gear oil changes @ 500mi. 1500mi. and 2500mi. I'm waiting on the new rollers and air filter.

Scootz Kabootz wrote "Some of the 170's had a misadjustment in their EFI (or something like that) and Genuine has since released a fix. Perhaps that has something to do with your problem. If so, your dealer can hook the scooter up to the computer, upload the new EFI programming, and you should be off to the races both literally and figuratively".

I'll call the dealer tommorow. Unfortunately it will cost me about $200 to get it there, not counting the cost of the visit.

2wheelNsanity wrote: This is exactly what it feels like "limp mode" I can sputer along but its irritating.
As far as the minor gear oil over fill, I only rode like ten miles and noticed it, posted it then drained it and refilled with 90cc and no more problems.
I have done all my maintainance, clean CVT, valve lash adjustment (500mi and 2500mi.), spark plug replacement (2500), oil and gear oil changes @ 500mi. 1500mi. and 2500mi. I'm waiting on the new rollers and air filter.

Is your CEL coming on when it does this? I mean, it's possible that it's the EFI problem, but it would be strange that you're experiencing it after so many miles, and how much you have traveled at WOT without encountering any serious problems. Also strange that it had been happening at higher speeds, and is now happening at lower speeds.
I would take it to the dealer just to be sure, but this sounds like something else entirely, could still be an issue with the CVT.

No lights come on and it runs great if I don't go past 50 now. It does have a bit of a rough idle, always has, the rpms dip and it sounds like it may stall then it revs up again, kinda like a roller coaster.
Well I emailed the scooter store that sold it to me and I hope I hear from them soon.

2wheelNsanity wrote:No lights come on and it runs great if I don't go past 50 now. It does have a bit of a rough idle, always has, the rpms dip and it sounds like it may stall then it revs up again, kinda like a roller coaster.
Well I emailed the scooter store that sold it to me and I hope I hear from them soon.

Seriously, I prefer e-mail for most things too, but this is a phone call situation. Some places get inundated with e-mail and yours could get lost in the pile, but also they could just put it off, where if they answer the phone they need to deal with you then.

AWinn6889 wrote: The EFI problem was that the computer's temp sensor was reading too hot and sent the scooter into limp mode and lighting up the CEL, generally after traveling WOT for a period of 10 minutes or more. It shouldn't have anything to do with the rear wheel's functionality aside from a significant loss of power.

Pretty close AWinn. To be specific (it happens on ma Blur), I think that the EFI issue is an overly conservative oil temperature warning threshold in the EFI programming. The oil reaches a certain temperature (through a lot of WOT in high ambient temps) and the CEL lights, the EFI increases idle and over fuels to try to cool down the engine. I think that it's a very rare occurrence (unless you WOT the heck out of a poor, innocent Buddy 170i or Blur 220i), but still, some of us are working on a workaround. Genuine also has a tech that can help your dealer diagnose the condition and I think has a workaround. Remember that no actual damage is being done to the engine when the CEL lights, it's just a little conservative in this land of the wide open spaces

Now, for the OP, I think that we need some more info on what the scoot is doing to help

If I don't here back from them by the end of Friday, I'll call them first thing Monday.

turn the back wheel it should be smooth if its rough and rumbles it's a bad bearing

The dealer emailed me back, quick, they are up to date on the EFI problem and they said to bring it in and they'll hook it it up to the computer. Now, getting it there, 120mi away, without a pick-up.

As for the back wheel, it turns smoothly, doesn't hook up or anything, however, it does have a grinding noise. Its not like a bicycle wheel smooth.

Do you have a car? Have you checked with U-Haul? Maybe you can mount a hitch to it, even a bumper mounted one. Trailer renting can be pretty cheap.

I thought about that and it is reasonable, however I have no way of hooking up the trailer to my car. To get a tow hitch cost alot. I'll probably end up riding 45mph all the way there Tee Hee JK .

Friend with truck and a case of beer perhaps?

Friend sold truck, bought an SUV, LOL

Oh, forget the beer then, if he's got an SUV, offer him gas money!

I've been meaning to chime in on this, but have been mulling over the possibilities. Since I only have your description to go by, the rear wheel bind may be caused by a warped brake lining or drum, that doesn't become apparent until you get to higher speeds. This could cause the scraping/grinding sound.
As for the engine surges you said you are experiencing I would have too guess it has something to do with your EFI, just not sure what since none of the "idiot" lights come on.
Just hope you get your scoot back in descent running condition.

Thanx, I'll let you know when I get it to the dealer what was wrong.