New scooter

LumpySpacePrincess · Post by **LumpySpacePrincess** » Fri Jul 22, 2016 11:18 pm

I purchased a Buddy 50 scooter late November 2015, it was owned by a woman who didn't ride it but 2 times so I knew I might have some issues with it. I started it once a week during the winter but haven't been able to get it to run all spring or summer. I would like to work on this myself, I have experience working on cars but this is a whole different type of machine.

My current problem is that I went out to start it and got the key to turn partially to open the trunk but when I turned to open the trunk I accidentally turned it back to off position. Now the key won't turn at all.

Meis · Post by **Meis** » Sat Jul 23, 2016 4:40 am

That is a bizarre issue with the key, perhaps one of the tumblers broke off inside. I would contact a decent locksmith if you aren't comfortable working on that. If that is something you want to do, just remove the ignition cylinder and inspect the tumblers for damage. There are little numbers on each tumbler. Order a tumbler with the same number as the broken unit to replace and you should be good to go.

As for the trouble starting/running, it seems like you will need to clean out the carburetor and fuel system. Old gas will gum up in the carb and block the jets. A quick youtube search, a can of carb cleaner (not brake cleaner), 1 hour of your time, and some gloves and that'll be good to go. Also consider cleaning out the fuel line from the tank, the tank itself, the fuel petcock, and replacing the inline fuel filter.

Meis · Post by **Meis** » Sat Jul 23, 2016 4:45 am

Also it most likely needs a new battery depending in its age. Do yourself a favor and ditch the tiny factory battery and pick up a larger YTZ10S battery. No modifications required to fit, just remove the old battery (with the foam spacers) and place this one in its place. It'll take up all of the available space inside the Battery compartnlment. I got an 8 amp, 190 CCA unit and my scoot starts up immediately when I press the starter button.

LumpySpacePrincess · Post by **LumpySpacePrincess** » Sat Jul 30, 2016 9:58 pm

Than you Meis for your help, sorry I took so long to respond. I was sick all last week and didn't even think about getting out to look at the scooter. I have decided that this is out of my league so I am getting help from someone who knows about motorcycles. Not sure if his knowledge is applicable but it can't hurt. Or can it?

Off to explore new frontiers and seek out new life forms.

cummingsjc · Post by **cummingsjc** » Sat Jul 30, 2016 11:36 pm

LumpySpacePrincess wrote:Than you Meis for your help, sorry I took so long to respond. I was sick all last week and didn't even think about getting out to look at the scooter. I have decided that this is out of my league so I am getting help from someone who knows about motorcycles. Not sure if his knowledge is applicable but it can't hurt. Or can it?

Off to explore new frontiers and seek out new life forms.

Much of the person's motorcycle knowledge should translate but not all. Your scooter is, after all, a 50cc two stroke so the engine is about as basic as you can get. The continously variable transmission (CVT) setup with its belts and rollers might cause him a few issues but nothing that cannot be figured out from help on this forum. Also, make sure that you keep the proper 2-stroke (2T) oil in the reservoir.

Besides the maintenance on the bike, try to learn as much as you can about proper riding techniques from your motorcycle guy. He may have lots of good hard-learned lessons to pass on to you. However, ensure that he takes your bike seriously so that you take it seriously too. My experience is that many motorcycle folks tend to view scooters in general as "toys" and the fact yours is a 50cc scooter might make this worse. If this is your first bike, I highly recommend that you take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified riding course and also try to connect with a local scooter riding group for tips, tricks, and the social aspect of scooter culture. Most of all, ENJOY!

LumpySpacePrincess · Post by **LumpySpacePrincess** » Sun Jul 31, 2016 2:49 am

Motorcyle safety, sounds like a good idea. I found one at my local Community College. Thanks for the great advice.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Sun Jul 31, 2016 6:52 pm

Have you 'jiggled' the handlebar? If the bars are in just the right position the key won't turn.

LumpySpacePrincess · Post by **LumpySpacePrincess** » Sun Jul 31, 2016 10:02 pm

I have tried moving the handlebars, I really don't know if I accidentally put the lock on but a friend said if I did I wouldn't be able to move the handlebars left or right. I'm at work but will check it out as soon as I can.

I really hate coming across as a complete dummy. I have been reading a lot from the technical library here, it's a great resource.

I will keep you posted on my adventures and often misadventures but good thing is I have a good sense of humor.

cummingsjc · Post by **cummingsjc** » Sun Jul 31, 2016 11:45 pm

If you did accidentally lock the handlebars, just try turning the key back to the "Off" position while jiggling the handlebars back and forth at the same time as Syd mentioned. This should take any tension off the locking bolt that inserts into the steering column allowing you to retract it with the key.