Buddy 125...exhaust sounds louder...am I crazy???

kmrcstintn · Post by **kmrcstintn** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:35 pm

I've been without my Buddy 125 for @ 3 weeks waiting on a new rim and when I rode it yesterday and today it sounds like the exhaust note is louder, especially @ 3/4 to full throttle; I did an oil change on Saturday just over 1000 miles...am I crazy or does something change on these engines when they break-in???

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:03 am

Is the loudness unusual or rumble like? Is it the exhaust or engine noise?

You say exhaust though so I guess that's it. Sometimes it's hard to tell. In my experience the Buddy sounds the same after 1200m. Don't know if that is "broke in" though.

If its something out of the ordinary check it out or get it checked out. Could be an exhaust leak at the gasket or another point. If at the gasket (manifold? idk about this stuff just telling you what I do

) it could suck cold air into the engine with bad results. Very bad.

This is only what I have read. Thought i might pass it on.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:01 am

You can usually tell exhaust leaks by moving your hand around where it connects. and any joints. if it cracked or got a hole anywhere, you'll get a puff of air!

the LX pipe came a bit loose on my Zuma after a New Year trip. I didn't notice it due to a person in front of me with a leak. the next day I was like "holy crap thats loud!"

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:04 am

As JHScoot says, it could be any number of causes. Two likely ones though. An air leak between the exhaust header and the muffler. Common, won't hurt anything though can cause an occasional backfire, not hard to fix. Also possible that a baffle in the muffler has broken. Not so easy to fix but basically harmless.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:26 am

Mine can sound louder when the temps are warmer.

If it was the rear wheel, it means the pipe was off so there is a chance it was not put back on without a leak. If there is any popping (usually on deceleration) it can signal an air leak.

I don't replace the gasket/crush ring when I have my pipe off but I started adding a bead of Permatec Ultra Copper whenever I re-install it and I've never had a problem (this is at the suggestion of a mechanic at my scooter shop).

Or, maybe you're just not used to it after 3 weeks separation?
You don't happen to have a new helmet, do you?

kmrcstintn · Post by **kmrcstintn** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 7:00 am

same helmets as before...it is significantly warmer than before the hiatus;

I have to take Bianca back to BMA since they installed the front tire backwards on the new rim, the valve stem innerds are bent, and I got NO power to the 12v outlet...wish I found that before the front rack was installed

I will have them check the exhaust/manifold connection at the same time...

am I ever gonna get Bianca roadworthy for more than 1 lousy day at a time?!?

easy · Post by **easy** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:02 pm

I just started using that ultra copper instead of a exhaust gasket blackjack with prima pipe and for the first time no back firing when slowing down.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:50 pm

My scooter "feels" a little louder than it used to a couple months ago. I'm thinking it's probably the warmer temps and dropping the cold-weather scarf, though.

kmrcstintn · Post by **kmrcstintn** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 5:41 pm

Bianca is home...new valve stem, tire rotation set in correct direction, blown fuse replaced, exhaust manifold bolts checked, front end & rack remounted; the shop took everything in stride & I offered them some 'barter' to cover labor costs on the fuse replacement (since the front rack and fascia had to be removed) and flipped $10 for their lunch today

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 5:56 pm

Good deal! So were any bolts loose? I noticed my exhaust note changed as it broke in and I wonder if it could just be that.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:09 pm

My exhaust note also changed a little during break-in. I haven't felt around for leaks, but it's not backfiring or anything weird like that.

kmrcstintn · Post by **kmrcstintn** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 5:23 am

no bolts loose...just a bit louder & throatier; it is easier to get to 50 mph + without going WOT, so I think it's just a side effect of break-in