New 2T Stella - break in tips, set up for riding doubles?

[Alexis Ford]

I recently purchased a 2007 two stroke Stella. I am doing a good job breaking it in and it seems to be responding well to the varying types of driving I'm doing. I have about 200 miles on the odometer

One concern, it's very tough for it to ride doubles with the extra weight. I've only rode two-up a handful of times on the new bike, since I'm trying not to stress it out. I have decided to quit since it's been too difficult for the time being, but once the bike is fully broken in, any tips on how to improve the weight balance and handling for riding two up?

Another issue - I've searched the forum for people having issues with their choke pull levers - mine is rather sticky so I'll take the advice given and try to look at the cabling. I have greased it a bit and it helps.

Any other things I should look out for during the break-in period? I'm used to vintage bikes and thus I think I have a tendency to be kind of paranoid about the wrong things and inattentive to other things that might be a red flag on a new bike.

[Robbie]

Alexis,

I agree two up on any scooter really amplifies the, now much higher, center of gravity.
I believe the small wheels, ie, the low axle centerline, can really make waiting at a light and starting off, a potentally wobbly experience.
In my case, 190 lbs and a 115 lb passenger, makes it fairly easy.
But, that same passenger, on one of my full size motorcycles, really has little effect at low speeds or stop lights.
For now, I think your decision to ride single is very wise.
Once you have grown familiar with the characteristics of this machine over time and miles you can then consider more two up operation.

Also, you should spend a bit of time instructing your passenger on the need to not shift around at stops or when starting out since it makes balance so difficult.
On a full size motorcycle, the wheels become gyroscopes above 20 mph or so.....scooters, due to their small wheel weight and diameter, don't enjoy this phenominum.

As far as break in, I too am breaking in a new 09 2T....now over 700 miles.
I changed the transmission oil at 300 and again at 600 miles.....the first change resulted in much smoother shifting....the factory fill oil is rather heavy bodied IMO compared to the Bel-Ray trans oil it now has installed.
I also had to touch up the shift cable and clutch cable adjustments at the 300 mile point.
At 600 miles, in addition to the second trans oil change, I lowered the idle speed a bit.
As the engine loosens during break in, it is normal for the idle speed to get a bit high.

Lastly, keep an eye on tire pressure.....I operate at the maximum rear pressure of 35 psi but I run the front a bit above the recommended 17 psi....I keep mine at 25psi.
IMO this combination makes the handling a bit, uh, sharper.....the suggested front pressure made the machine feel a bit sloppy.
But, the reason I mention tire pressure is because scooter tires don't have a lot of volume, so ambient temperature changed can make for a fairly large change in tire pressure.
Also, use a quality digital or a analouge gauge used for racing.....these will lock the needle at whatever the pressure is by just pressing it to the valve and immediatly removing it, this to avoid letting air out of the tire...not cheap though.

As long as you are operating at different speeds, normal upshifting without revving the engine to high between shifts, and staying away from wide open throttle during the breakin process, you will be just fine.

Good luck, ride safe,

Rob