Modern Buddy

I've been looking through the technical library for things needed at a 3000 mile service (maybe it's 2000 miles, but I just bought the scoot with 2600 on it so it's happening now regardless). In particular, checking valve clearance, inspecting anything necessary in the CVT, idle speed, etc. However, I can't find a 170i specific service manual. The threads in the tech library with service manuals and 3000 mile service advice all seem pretty ancient, and assume you have a carb, kickstarter, etc. I would imagine most service is the same, but I'm not sure how to handle things like getting to TDC without a kickstarter.

Also, I notice that it seems like my scooter's a little slower than what people are reporting here for a 170i. I'm 6'0" and weigh 200 lbs (probably 210-215 in gear and with some odds and ends stored), and I can manage about 55 bmph on flat ground. I haven't run it at WOT for upwards of around 20 seconds, so maybe there's a little more if I give it enough time. It does look like the oil is filled just a bit beyond the end of the hatch marks, so maybe it's slightly overfilled? Alternately, I might just be a bigger fan of burritos than your typical scooterist. Maybe more miles cycling will pay off with faster scootering.

Lastly, how hard is scooter service compared to car service? About the most complex job I've done was changing the timing belt/water pump/thermostat on an '05 Jetta (VW's are a PITA to service in my experience...), or maybe replacing the CV half shafts on a '90 Sentra. Will I be able to handle normal maintenance and service or are there pitfalls I may encounter? I'm curious about the CVT - I've never touched one before.

bikerbrewer wrote: but I'm not sure how to handle things like getting to TDC without a kickstarter.

You could take the CVT cover off and rotate the variator by hand with a wrench on the nut. Or you can take the fan cover off on the right hand side of the scooter and turn the fly wheel. Either way you want to take the spark plug out first to make it easier to turn.

bikerbrewer wrote:Lastly, how hard is scooter service compared to car service?

Regular maintenance is pretty easy. The valve job is about the hardest thing that needs to be done on a regular basis, and it really isn't hard you just have to pay attention to what you are doing. And if you forget how to do something there is usually a guide on here with pictures to point you in the right direction.

I think it should be giving you another 10 mph at least. I'm 265 lbs. ready to ride & saw 65 on flat ground with no wind & leaned down with the speedometer just under my eyes. (Non- GPS) Could be a few things; low tire pressure, spark plug, bad gas, oil level too high, maybe needs a shot of fuel injector cleaner like Techron, Sea Foam, etc. Plugs; The NGK CR7HIX Iridium plug cross references to the NGK C7RHSA & might last longer. I wasn't sure so I emailed NGK & they said they're interchangeable.

Thanks - I might need to adjust my position or just accept going a little slower if you had your head that low. I'll see about reducing the oil level to the top of the hatch marks too. The tires are also closer to 25 psi than 30, which I believe the manual recommends. Regardless, I imagine I'll take it in to ScooterWest in San Diego soon for a service and maybe they'll catch something.