SOS!!! Buddy 50 wont get out of its own way

jronan · Post by **jronan** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:48 pm

I have a buddy 50cc running very sluggish. Here is what I have done so far to no avail.

1. Compression test - good
2. spark test - seems good
3. changed magneto
4. tested new carb
5. new cdi
6. cleaned clutch pack
7. changed reed valves
8. changed exhaust
9. changed voltage regulator
10. changed roller weights

The scooter still will not move past 20 mph and feels like it is some how being restricted. Any suggestions at this point would be greatly appreciated before I roll it off of a cliff.

Thanks

Pete

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:59 pm

I am not a mechanic, so I'm guessing. However, if you don't mind, I have a couple questions while we wait for the real mechanics to pick up on this thread.

My first guess is that the diaphragm in the carb is torn or otherwise not seated correctly in the carb. Can you give us a little more detail on the "tested new carb?" Did you install a new one? Swap a known-good one from a known running Buddy scoot. Or...?

My second guess (since you say it has compression) is that either the clutch is slipping big time or the weights in the variator are jammed and therefore not sliding and allowing it to work properly. I say this because we've had reports over the years of weights that somehow get dislodged and turned sideways inside the variator and stop it from working correctly. If you put it up on the center stand and gas it (gently), will it run on up to speed? Or no?

Good Luck and,whatever the outcome, please let us know what it turns out to be!

spr0k3t · Post by **spr0k3t** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 12:01 am

You need a bbk, upgraded carb 21mm would be a good start, and upgraded exhaust with a nice expansion chamber tuned for the bbk. I've go my 50 going around 56mph with all the work done to it. Not even completely broken in yet.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 3:34 am

spr0k3t wrote:You need a bbk, upgraded carb 21mm would be a good start, and upgraded exhaust with a nice expansion chamber tuned for the bbk.

Um... he isn't talking about a normally functioning 50cc that he wants to go faster. He's talking about a 50cc that isn't performing like it should. It needs repairs, not upgrades.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:35 pm

Can you tell us exactly what it is doing? Is it starting OK? Idling OK? What happens as you are getting up to 20 mph?

spr0k3t · Post by **spr0k3t** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:41 pm

TVB wrote:Um... he isn't talking about a normally functioning 50cc that he wants to go faster. He's talking about a 50cc that isn't performing like it should. It needs repairs, not upgrades.

Good point. Could be a tuning problem, I'm going to guess it's the variator tune.

What weights are you currently running, stock/sliders/rollers #gr?

Try the sharpie test on the variator. Using a sharpie, draw a good thick line on the moving face from the center all the way to the outer rim. Take the scooter out for a good run. Check the sharpie line, if it's completely gone, your weights may be too heavy and there just isn't enough in the engine to push past the maximum speed. If there is still a good half inch or more left on the line towards the outer rim of the variator, you need heavier weights for a proper tune.

Also, could I get a few more details on the upgraded equipment? Tested a bigger carb but was it left installed? What jets did you end up using? Have you performed a plug-chop to determine rich/lean on the spark plug? Which exhaust are you running? If you have upgraded the exhaust and the carb, have you done any modifications to the airbox? Regarding the reeds, I'm going to assume you went with a carbon fiber reed, is this the heavy, medium, or light stiffness? Primarily, lots of elements have changed on the combustion of the scooter and the air/fuel mix may be off.

I'm wondering why the electronics components were changed, has there been a problem with starting or cutting out at idle or bogging heavy under WOT while on the center stand?

How many miles, what year, when did it first start doing this? Has the scooter sat untouched for longer than a couple weeks?

There are many questions left unanswered, but I'm sure we can narrow down what the real issue could be.

My Buddy125 · Post by **My Buddy125** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:09 pm

Check the exhaust port in the cylinder. Some tines this will be carboned up. Also try a new spark plug. Good luck.

jronan · Post by **jronan** » Wed Jan 09, 2013 9:36 pm

DING DING DING - before reading the last post I did just that and cleaned the carbon out of the head and the bike runs like a champ. albeit not perfect but from 20 mph to atleast 35...... This bike was used for 5000+km restricted before this issue occurred. Some thing to be said for flooring it once and a while and burning out that carbon. SUCKA