Best performance modifications for High Altitude?

[adios]

Hi, I just moved to Toluca Mexico from Chicago. In Chicago I rode a big V twin Indian Chief motorcycle. In Toluca, that’s not really practical. Lots of traffic, not much parking, bad streets with speed bumps everywhere etc. Everyone here rides scooters or smaller motorcycles and they weave through the stalled traffic pretty easily.

I’m looking for a scooter. There’s a local brand here called Italika, built right here in Toluca, using the GY6 engines. I’m interested in a model called Vitalia 150, great retro “Vespa” look and 12”wheels, with a JJ157QMJ. Ultimately though,I’ll probably want to upgrade the power. Fortunately there appears to be tons of options for that, but I’m looking for advice on what is most effective for high altitude (we set at 8,700 ft. Above sea level). All I’m a pretty big guy at @ 230 lbs. Is there any set-up that would potential allow ve to venture out on the highway, or am I confined to city riding?

I see you can go up to 232 cc with available upgrade kits, but what about transmission mods? Also would an oil cooler be enough to keep this motor from overheating if ran at top speed for some distance, or is a water cooled set up necessary?

[90GTVert]

Welcome to the forum!


First, I love to modify scoots. That said, I would suggest checking out other options because you know you will want to upgrade power and have an interest in potential highway use. GY6 150s are not meant for highway use. 150s in general aren't, but there are options that can get by with some highway use. Heavily modified engines are a very poor choice for a daily driver scoot. That's coming from experience. I put quite a few miles on some heavily modified stuff, but it's a chore with maintenance and parts failures and I won't use them when I absolutely must be somewhere, like a job or a doctor appointment, because they just aren't as reliable as something stock or with less extensive mods.

I would suggest checking out other options. There are some 250cc scoots that are still pretty small. They will likely weigh more, but can still be fairly nimble. You're from the motorcycle world, so you are likely already aware that a 250 is not what anyone will call ideal for highway riding... but they can work. There are also options for more modern ~150cc designs. I mention the Yamaha SMAX a lot. That thing is around 150cc, but many reviewers have clocked it around 70MPH. Plus, if you go with Yamaha, Honda, Piaggio or other top names, you tend to get a better scooter with more support and less headaches. The downside is the initial cost difference.

[FrankenMech]

The locally made scoot should be set up for riding at the local altitude. Your best bet is directing your questions to the dealer.

[90GTVert]

That reminds me; if you go with one of the top tier scoots with EFI instead of a carb, if you also have elevation changes then it isn't a big concern. The carb will change tune considerably with major changes, but a good EFI setup should deal with it for you.

[adios]

Mar 26, 2022 13:17:24 GMT -5 90GTVert said:

That reminds me; if you go with one of the top tier scoots with EFI instead of a carb, if you also have elevation changes then it isn't a big concern. The carb will change tune considerably with major changes, but a good EFI setup should deal with it for you.

Thanks for the advice. I did notice that one of the modifications available for the GY6 is an EFI conversion, but it sounds like you’re saying the modified GY6 is not a reliable setup. Probably going on the highway is not a reasonable goal. I think I’ll just focus on putting around town.

[90GTVert]

The aftermarket EFI may be good, but it may not. Factory EFI will work and can be diagnosed and serviced efficiently. Sometimes it's just not worth reinventing the wheel. If you are looking at this as a hobby and a project more than reliable transportation, then I say go for it.

You can modify a GY6 and it can be reliable, but you probably won't be using a 232cc for long as a daily rider. Also, have you looked at what they cost? A good 232cc is very expensive. Some people are putting 2-4k into one. You could put as much as a used SMAX or 250 would cost into just the engine upgrades. That's cool if it's what you want to do, but it's not good if you're looking for a practical rider.

[adios]

I just tried to look up the SMAX. I don't see it available here in Mexico anymore, but they doo show an NMAX and and XMAX both of which seem to by quite worthy of consideration. Bigger wheels, EFI, ABS liquid cooled etc. Thanks for the info!

[90GTVert]

I guess the NMAX is an SMAX replacement or just for other markets. At under 300lb, it should be OK for zipping around. The XMAX should be more highway capable, but not as fuel efficient and 100lb heavier, plus more expensive. See what the other big brands offer too. I just looked at Honda Mexico, but it appears that they focus on a bit smaller displacements.


Whatever you end up with, keep us updated.