New member and new scoot with a lot of questions! Thunder 50

[mlsmllwd]

Tomorrow afternoon via UPS Freight I'll receive my new Taotao Thunder 50 scooter! Scooting has never really been something I've considered an actual transportation option for me. I'm too afraid to drive a motorcycle around full time, and until a few weeks ago I never felt drawn toward scooters either. They're a bit out of my price range for something of a good quality, and throwing a bunch of cash into a Chinese scooting investment that may (*literally) blow up in my face didn't seem like it was worth it.

Over the past six months or so I've been particularly interested in building my credit and one of the things I signed up for in that spirit was an Amazon credit card. I was approved for a $900 credit line. If you're familiar with Amazon store cards, purchases over $149 you can finance in 6 months with no interest, $599 in 12 months, and (I think) $999 in 24. Anyway, I bought a Thunder 50 with shipping and delivery in under one week for about $850... but my two weeks of (growing) scooter knowledge is all I'm really going to have in terms of upgrading and taking care of my scooter.

We have an overpriced and unhelpful scooter shop in town that takes weeks for simple repairs and is unprofessional in their customer interactions, as well an individual that my friends with scooters contact for help, but overall I expect to be mostly on my own when it comes to working on the things.

As such, I'm trying to figure out what parts I need to replace initially before I even run the thing, what parts I should possibly stock up on because I'll need to replace later, and any sort of advice on WHEN to do particular mods.

I never expect this scooter to go 55mph or anything unreasonable. Mostly I'll be using it to deliver sandwiches for Jimmy John's, sometimes I'll use it for errands, but it's not going to be my "go to" travel vehicle or anything--I have a car, it's just trying to fall to pieces. That's really the biggest reason for the scooter purchase--repairs that won't cost me thousands of dollars so I can save up for the car repairs I already know I need that WILL cost thousands.

I've already purchased: fuel filters (2), new carb with jet upgrades, fuel lines (that I realized are the wrong diameter *sigh*), a helmet, NGK cr7hsa spark plugs (2), disc lock for the front brake, fuel pump valve, a magnetic oil drain kit.

I read somewhere that I shouldn't bother with a big bore kit until I've hit 1000 miles. Is there any truth to that, and is there anything else I should wait before changing? When should/can I change the variator?

Suggestions for where to buy: coil wire, contra/clutch springs (and is there a difference), and then sources for the following if I should upgrade them...

Is there a difference in vacuum line and fuel line when it comes to the material they're made of? As in, could I hypothetically buy ten feet of line and use it for both or do I need to be sure to buy one or the other distinctly?

Will I probably want to upgrade/change the CDI and ignition modules at all? Saw that popular orange one on Amazon which I didn't buy but it made me curious about that part and whether it's worth changing out.

Should I go ahead and buy lighter slider weights? I believe I've read the stock for my scooter is 8g, would 6 be a good upgrade or should I buy a slider pack with varying weights to try out?

What difference will an A9 camshaft make and what really is it?

When I get the scooter, I know I should change out the oils. I may install some of my new purchases as well... is there anything I SHOULD NOT TOUCH or be really wary of particularly?

Basically, any newbie questions--I've got them. This is just the beginning. Thanks for any help in advance!

[paulmohr]

Watch Brent's videos on his tao PDI. On the left of the screen there is a box, one of the options is You Tube, that will take you to his page. He has a whole series of videos on what to do with your new scooter before you ride it.

As for mods, it really boils down to what you want to do with it. Are you ok with how it is, or do you want more power? And nothing you do will make a huge difference with a 4 stroke, at least nothing mind blowing. And any mechanical mods like a big bore kit, cam and stuff like that is going to effect reliability. If your going to deliver sandwiches for work I would try to keep it as reliable as possible. I don't want to wait an hour for my samich' because your scooter broke down lol.

A camshaft is pretty much the same as with a car, more lift, longer duration. Helps the engine gulp more fuel. How big of a difference does it make? Not sure, I will tell you next week because I am hoping to install one this weekend.

CDI's and coils from what we can tell here seem to be a gimmick. Unless your stock one has a limiter it will work just fine. Brent has a video on how to advance your timing at the fly wheel and this seems like a better mod than a new CDI.

And these things are touchy, almost any mod you make to the intake or engine is going to require re jetting for it to run properly. I personally don't see the need for a pod air filter unless you are doing serious internal work. You can do minor mods to the stock air box that should let it flow plenty well. The new carb is a nice edition though, the stock ones are not that fantastic.

I would say maybe some mods to your variator and clutch would be a good place to start. As for weights you really have to experiment I think. Mine has upgraded clutch springs in it and I like it. Takes off much better off the line.

I say get it and ride it to start. Get used to it, get to know it and then tinker maybe. You sound pretty smart it shouldn't be a problem. They are fairly simple machines, just finicky is all. Because they are so small the smallest change seems to effect it.

[90GTVert]

A bunch of PDI info including links to the vids :
49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/8006/chinese-scooter-assembly-pdi

Tuning help :
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5j8gHg5kMc

Free ignition mod and more info :
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p63JXW29tVo

You should get vacuum and fuel specific hoses. They are different.

[aeroxbud]

Welcome to the forum mlsmllwd
.
Going from 8g to 6g is a big jump in weight. The variator needs fine tuning, even 1/4g can make a big difference

[derbiman]

Take your time and don't do too many things at one time. Each rider has their own likes and preferences and no 2 scooters are the same. It all comes down to your specific needs.

[scooterpimp]

[mlsmllwd]

Put the scooter together yesterday. When I was doing my PDI and actually dug into things the way you suggested in your video 90GTVert, I found a disconnected fuel line so I'm grateful for your advice to be thorough! I reconnected it and actually changed out my carb all in one go. Pushed the scooter out of the neighborhood to a gas station to fuel it up (after changing/filling motor and gear oil) and it started up just fine. I feel so proud of myself.

I drove my first delivery shift on it today. Put about 55 miles on it for the day, all on $2 of gas... Gotta love that! Started fine, drove fine... maybe a little too slow on the uphill. I'm lucky to hit 10mph. Any advice specifically for a bit more power uphill? On the straight away and downhill I do just fine, easily 30-35.

My speedometer seems to be about five off (high) and I realized I don't have an RPM gauge... what's the easiest way to set something up for that: reading RPMs?

My fuel pump valve came today. I haven't installed it. I'm probably going to change everything out once my magnetic drain kit comes in.

I'm a bit disappointed in the lights on this scooter for how I expect things to go *I HAVEN'T ACTUALLY DRIVEN WITH THEM... I just wish that they both lit up at once. Maybe eventually I'll bother with trying to figure something out with the wiring. As for now, I'm a little wary to ride it at night because there can be some serious potholes and I don't want to hit one because my scooter lights were too pathetic.

[walleye1963]

I to had the thunder. I no what you mean about the lights. I don't like them eather for going up hill you can thy different variator weights it might help for take off the best thing is to put a bbk on.I put one on mine best thing I did I put 6gr rollers in with a 72cc bbk thing was fast. Had great take off and was good on hills.best thing you can do is a lot of reading on here.good luck and hope its a good scoot for you .mine was.

[90GTVert]

A big bore kit will provide the most substantial gains for acceleration and going uphill. If you are going to be using the scooter for delivery putting 50 miles or more a day on it, then I would say consider how much you need the extra power and if it may be worth more trouble down the road. The 72cc (called 80cc by many, 47mm bore) kits don't seem to be too hard on everything, but any time you add more power to these you're bound to wear things out more quickly. I would assume using it for a delivery job your primary concern would be reliability, and that will likely be best with a stock bore.

A little bit of tuning may help some. Lighter rollers or sliders could keep the revs up going uphill better.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5j8gHg5kMc

Here's a little info on a couple of tachs :
49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/1114/trail-tech-tachometer-installation
49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/1321/homemade-mount-small-gauges
49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/7326/cheap-universal-analog-install-reviews

[rainmaker74]

I ordered my tao tao 49cc from power sports max almost a year ago as my primary transportation and its been great so far. When I did the initial pdi I noticed the fuel line from the fuel valve to the carburetor was left off completely but I had already bought new fuel lines, manual shut off valve, and a new filter so it wasn't that big a problem. I learned alot from brent and his videos and if not for him and this forum I would still be scratching my head on alot of things. I would definitely say only do one upgrade at a time and make sure to change your oil religously. Its probably the cheapest thing you can do for your engine that will help the most. If you ever have a question then you've come to the right place !! Best of luck

[mlsmllwd]

Aug 20, 2015 20:37:34 GMT -5 paulmohr said:

A camshaft is pretty much the same as with a car, more lift, longer duration. Helps the engine gulp more fuel. How big of a difference does it make? Not sure, I will tell you next week because I am hoping to install one this weekend.

Any news on this? How do you like it?

You guys are so great!!
Gonna try some 6g rollers eventually.. that'll be the first weight I test after these stock ones.

Following your guide, Brent, I tuned my carb today and it takes off great! I found out that the carb I bought has both air and fuel adjustable pins... I think I flooded the carb or something at some point because I unscrewed the air one (while the engine was off) and fuel leaked everywhere! Cleaned it up and finished my adjustments and everything worked out well.

I ordered a tach from Amazon today that I should have by Sunday night : www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JL4803U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00. Not sure how I feel about this but I wanted something cheap and quick just for the sake of some measurement and I figured I can upgrade later.

I put the scooter together last Friday. On Monday, the speedometer & odometer stopped working. The scooter bumps around a fair bit on the roads I have to drive so I thought it may have become disconnected. I checked the connection on the wheel and it was fine. I unscrewed it, pulled it out and put it back in... checked that the inside was turning when the wheel spun forward (which it was), and also pulled off the top cover behind the speedometer to check that it wasn't disconnected (it was connected. I disconnected and reconnected it there but forgot to check if the inside of the wire moved)... I found a speedometer cable for $8 that I'll just try out. If that doesn't fix the problem, any ideas what to check next? I can just wait and ask later, though. Ha.

Changed the oil to Shell Rotella T I found at Advance Auto Parts at around 150 miles, I think. The speedometer has been stuck at 113 for about 300 miles now so I'm almost losing track of things.

I have clear yellow fuel lines on the way. I haven't found any clear vacuum lines. Suggestions?

[90GTVert]

I just use regular black vacuum lines that you can get at about any auto parts store.

Unscrew the cable from the speedometer and spin the wheel and see if the cable is rotating or not.

[FrankenMech]

The fuel line is often removed during the factory PDI they say they do. It is used to attach a fuel bottle so they can start the engine. The carb is then drained afterward. The drain valve is often left open also. They can not ship a vehicle as regular freight with gas in it.

I use fuel line as vacuum line in a pinch. Don't use vacuum line as fuel line though. Like Brent says, the vacuum line is available at any auto parts store.

[stoneforth]

I would do a valve adjustment with a new chinese scoot. I've heard they're not set right alot of the time.

The speedo cables in these are terrible, it's like a maintenance part with these scoots they're so weak. I would lather the new cable in the right sort of grease before installing. There are a few different types of cables and drive gears. I've also had a speedo drive gear break.

[mlsmllwd]

Tuned the carb, or so I thought... and my boyfriend drove the scooter without checking with me and we actually lost the drain screw on the bottom of the car... Took it to the scooter shop and the dude just traded out the bottom of my barb with one where the drain screw wasn't removable. I wish he hadn't done that and had just explained that was an option bc I still have my stock carb sitting around... But I don't actually mind because he only charged me $5.
Tuned carb again, Takes off quickly, no hesitation.. But top speed is still only 25 and that is downhill using some acceleration. Flat ground straight aways I'm excited to hit 20mp. Haven't tuned CVT yet, don't have the scooter at the moment.