Modern Buddy

I have been noticing some rattling coming from the back of my scooter while idling at stoplights. I thought I might be imagining things and that it might just be the exhaust from the tail pipe. Well, this morning, when I started up the scooter to warm it up, I noticed that there was indeed a rattling coming from inside the transmission cover. I slowly uped the trottle, while on the center stand, and the rattling got quicker? Is this normal? Its not very loud, but it doesn't sound right. Does anyone else's sound like this?

My wife’s scooter has been doing the same thing; People 150. At first I thought it was pinging, but now I think it’s her x-mission also. I had just changed her drive belt and noticed the rollers were slightly flat spotted, maybe I should have changed the weights out. – I am ordering new weights today.

My scoot only has 160 miles though, I wouldn't think the rollers should need it yet.

Sorry, but I am really concerned about this and need to kick it back to the top.

You may have already tried this, but it could be as simple as one or more of the bolts/screws holding the cover tranny have come loose, and it'd only take a couple of minutes to check. Another thing to try would be to run it on the center stand, get the revs to the point where the rattle occurs, and then have someone (or yourself) put a little pressure on the cover. When I got my Blur, there were loose screws and bolts all over the panels/covers, so it may be something as benign as that.

Usually easiest to rule out the simple stuff first.

Hope it's an easy fix for you,

Charlie

Thanks, I'll try that

That would be a good place to start. However, if it's something in the transmission, don't panic. The CVT transmisison in the Buddy is as simple as pie for a scooter mechanic to work on. It's not like having tranny trouble in a car, which is a major headache. There are several things in the CVT that can cause a rattle. The rollers in the variator can rattle if there's something wrong with one of them. The autoclutch is very simple, but sometimes parts come loose in them and cause a rattle. There was a case (not a Buddy) of a part breaking off and falling down into the CVT and causing a rattling noise. Mostly, though, it's the rollers in the variator. Those are a normal wear and tear item like tires that has to be replaced every so often anyhow.

I'm thinking it may be the rollers too, but they shouldn't go that quickly, should they? It might be my imagination, but I am pretty sure my acceleration has lessened, and there seems to be a lot more noise from the exhaust during acceleration.

Yeah, I'd say first look for something loose on the outside.

Failing that, call your dealer. It shouldn't be the rollers with your mileage, which means it could be any number of things.

I checked all my bolts, all tight. Must be something inside, might have to take it in this weekend...Do you see anything wrong with riding it while it is rattling?

OK, it isn't the tranny cover and you say that your exhaust sounds louder. I/m assuming you checked all the connections and bolts in the exhaust system in order to rule that out as well.

I'm not familiar with the Buddy's exhaust system, but is it possible that a baffle of some sort came loose or partially loose within the muffler? Have you taken any nasty potholes or other sharp impacts lately?

Might want to try thumping (gently) the muffler with the engine off in order to see if you get a rattling sound from within. Just wait until it's cool, and give it a few shots with a knuckle (sort like giving it a glancing noogie).

- Charlie

ericalm wrote:It shouldn't be the rollers with your mileage, which means it could be any number of things.

Yeah, I didn't mean to imply that this was the result of normal wear and tear, just that the CVT rollers are an inexpensive wear&tear item and therefore not a big deal.

My Blur is making the same kind of noises, and at first I also thought it was due to worn rollers because when I checked them, they were definitely in need of replacement (9400 Blur miles). But even after replacing them, I still have a loud rattling noise coming from the transmission. I did check the clutch at the same time, but it looks fine. I may take it in to the dealer to see if they know whats going on.