Modern Buddy

I just noticed a really strange sound coming from the back of the scooter, that sounds kind of like plastic scraping on concrete.

A visual check reveals nothing. The sound only comes on every so often when I've accelerated past maybe 20mph AND released the throttle, leaving the scooter just travelling on its own momentum. It isn't always audible on my ride home tonight, so I'm not sure what to look for to diagnose.

Some background: I just recently changed the oil, replaced the spark plug, and rear tire. The noise doesn't feel like it's related to any one of those things. I haven't replaced the transmission oil, air filter, or oil filter yet. Mileage-wise, it's around 7,300 miles so it's probably almost time to replace the belt.

Thoughts?

That does sound like it would be something within the variator assembly since those things would be dragging down under deceleration. You can pop the cover off of that area pretty easily and take a peek inside. You probably need a belt and/or rollers. I replaced the rollers on my Italia around 8,000 miles and they definitely had flat spots on them. I did that work myself and it really wan't difficult at all.

Yes! Check your belt soon. The plastic sound could be shreds of the belt giving way and scraping against the inside of the driven face or clutch bell. If you have to change your belt, please be sure to use loctite blue on the variator bolt. Also, if you have changed your tire recently, check the rear wheel fender to make sure there are no missing bolts or screws.

thanks for the responses... i just did a quick look through the tutorial and couldn't find anything... going to have to see if there are more resources online somewhere. if you're feeling generous a couple of quick pics would really help.

This should get you started:
viewtopic.php?t=5411

You don't need to remove the kickstart lever.

Thank you!!

I just looked on Scooterworks for belts:
http://www.scooterworks.com/Belts-C582.aspx

Which one did you use? The Gates Belt looks to be the same specs as the standard Drive Belt (743x20x30, Standard); GY6 except that the Gates Belt is Kevlar. Is it worth the extra $20?

Same goes for the roller weights... There are a couple of choices at:
http://www.scooterworks.com/Roller-Weights-C584.aspx

Is one better than the other?

I've heard many on here steer folks away from Kevlar as does Sportique.
A regular belt will just break where a Kevlar belt will cause all sorts of nastiness in the transmission when it starts to disintegrate.
You should be able to pick up a new belt in the store rather than wait for shipping.

Stay away from the Prima roller weights. A lot of folks complain about the short life span. Go for the sliders. They have both 12 and 11 gram in stock. But, call Sportique in the morning, I'm pretty sure I saw Dr. Pulley sliders on the peg board behind the counter last week. Again, no waiting for shipping.

good to know. thx! i guess i probably should stop riding for the time being then, just in case.

un_designer wrote:...I haven't replaced the transmission oil, air filter, or oil filter yet. Mileage-wise, it's around 7,300 miles so it's probably almost time to replace the belt.

By 7300 miles you should have had 4 oil changes (500 mile, 2000 mile, 4000 mile, 6000 mile, with the oil filter changed each time), 4 gear oil changes (change it every time you change the oil. It's more than the maintenance schedule suggests but it is cheap and a good practice for longevity), and 1 new set of rollers/sliders. You should also have had the valves adjusted once, new air-filter, and the brakes checked and adjusted.

At 8000 miles you'll be due for belt, oil, oil filter, gear oil, air filter, valve adjust, check/clean/adjust the carb...

Here is a maintenance schedule for you. Some things in it are simply good preventative practices, and some are, IMO, a little too lax for optimum engine longevity. But that is somewhat determined by the kind of riding you generally do.

viewtopic.php?p=151886#151886

And ditto on the sliders. I also prefer them.

Nothing to add, other than that the post title is a prime candidate for the double-entendre thread, the next time the mods revive it.

-Rusty

pauling wrote:I think you are really very close on your opinion. Anyways keep it up and keep continue with your valuable thoughts. In the near upcoming future.

I did a double take when I saw a thread that said something about a "flasher relay". Oh really??? Is that a new addition to the Summer Olympics?

There are some tricks of the trade to pulling a CVT apart and servicing it. If it's possible, it'd be helpful to have somebody who's done one before walk you through it the first time. Also, in the event that the belt is not the culprit, an experienced observer will be more likely to notice other problems like bad rollers or non-obvious problems in the clutch.

He's going to be posting a writeup but we had tons of fun and learned a lot servicing his scoot.

With "TONS" being the key word here... we did take a lot of pictures and discovered a handful of "gotta pay attention" moments. Where having taken pictures along the way definitely helps in making sure that we put everything back the way it's supposed to.

un_designer wrote:roller weights . . Is one better than the other?

Related discussion.
Dr. Pulley round rollers.

I wanted to post a follow-up to close this thread. I was able to figure out and remedy this mysterious problem last night! So far that noise hasn't returned yet, but I'll keep on keeping an ear out for it.

I've posted the updates on this thread as well, because the solution is related to the picturial.

Long story short: I over-torqued the rear axel nut when putting the wheel back on. A torque wrench is your best friend.

the title of this thread would have a whole different meaning on a different forum

I'm sad to report that the problem DID NOT go away It went away for a few days, and then came back and has been so since my post on June 29th. I've been busy with work and family visiting so I haven't had a chance to look more into this. The scooter's been sitting there mostly, with the occasional short errands around town. At this point I'm not even sure what to do anymore, that clicking sound is driving me insane!

does it sound rough or have resistance when you freely spin the rear wheel? If that's the case, could be the clutch springs worn out.

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:does it sound rough or have resistance when you freely spin the rear wheel? If that's the case, could be the clutch springs worn out.

No I don't think so. The rear wheel spins normally AFAIK. Everything else about the scooter seems normal except for that clicking sound that I can't unhear now that I am aware of it.