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Post by lauriejennifer on Dec 19, 2011 15:08:56 GMT -5
^^That's the walkaround of my new scoot. I've wanted one of these things since I first got bit by the motorcycle bug a few years ago. I picked this one up as a project bike that has been neglected and abused. It needs some TLC, but it does run... kind of. I managed to kick start it successfully only a couple of times and ride it up and down the block. Brakes are useless on it, haha!
Anyway, info is hard to find on these machines. I had a generic Chinese scooter once before and I remember how difficult it was to find help or parts. I will be lurking around here and making excessive use of the search function. I figured it would be good idea to find a corner of the internet where a bunch of like-minded scoot enthusiasts had gathered. Power in numbers.
My two biggest questions/concerns right now are with how to adjust the idle on this carb (can't find an idle screw anywhere), and with the shift/clutch assembly. I have the semi-auto version of this bike, but it's my understanding that there is a fully manual version. I want. I want it in a bad way. I have scoured the internet, but cannot find any info on parts swapping, converting, etc.
Well, this is my big intro to the forum and I haven't even told you anything about myself! LOL My daily rider (and only vehicle, before I picked up this scooter on Sunday) is a 2009 KLX250sf... or, was. Now it's a 351 and has a whole bunch of mods. The only things left stock are the header pipe, camshafts, and bottom end. I didn't just rejet the carb-- I swapped it for a flat slide. I love this bike. I've had it about a year and a half and I've put 28,000 miles on it. I have several riding videos up on my YouTube channel, if you want to see my [other] pride and joy.
The plan for this scooter is to swap out the handlebars for some makeshift clubman bars, add some bar-end mirrors, aftermarket turn signals, completely derestrict it (exhaust? carb? I guess that's another big question I have-- where are the restrictions on the badbox cx?), and possibly swap out the semi-auto clutch for full manual.
This thing has been wrecked. Bars are bent, all turn signals broken, tank dented (but rust free, inside and out!), battery dead, shift lever assembly sketchy as hell, brakes useless.
It's gonna be so much fun to bring this thing back to life! I'll keep you guys posted and be lurking like crazy. Any leads on parts/mods would be most greatly appreciated.
~LJ
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Post by ososlow on Dec 19, 2011 16:58:18 GMT -5
that thing is cool. it has gears?
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Post by reveeen on Dec 19, 2011 17:05:20 GMT -5
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Post by 90GTVert on Dec 19, 2011 17:59:05 GMT -5
:welcome2: That thing is sweet. Never seen one quite like it. I used to be big into Chinese midbikes / super pocketbikes before I got into scoots. Always wanted a moped/scoot with that engine style. Very nice. :thumb: They wouldn't let me get away with that here in MD though, since it's not a step-through chassis. There are 3 common transmissions in those. Automatic, semi-automatic, and full manual. They go from slowest to fastest in that order too, so the full manual will be an improvement. My friend's old full manual would smoke my semi. The semi is just fun for the ease of use mostly. I guess you could swap the clutch if you got a new engine cover too (for the clutch cable setup), but I'm really not sure. Never tried. I've only swapped from one semi to another semi. One thing with the semi autos I've seen is that some shift really hard and some will not. There's a way to adjust it, but the ones that don't shift hard will always slip a bit and never kick you in the butt when you hit that lever. The easiest way to go full manual is gonna be a whole engine swap. I don't actually think I've ever seen a 49cc version in full manual, all auto or semi. Engines aren't terribly expensive for these, and a 110 or 125cc version would be like a totally different bike. Rather than big bore the 49cc up to 88cc or something, just spend it all at one time and get the clutch setup and power if you want more out of it. I think the biggest restriction in most of these is just that they're 49cc. They should be good for anywhere from 30-40MPH stock in good running form. 110-125cc should be more like 50MPH or maybe more, depending on rider weight and gearing. Here's a thread I did years ago when I was still into the midbikes. It's about an X18, but same engine style, and I think a lot of the info may be of some use... www.pocketbikeplanet.com/showthread.php?t=26843I can't honestly remember exactly where the carb stuff is anymore, but here's a site to lookover that might show you. I'm busy at the moment, but lemme know if you can't find it. This site has all sorts of parts and diagrams and I've dealt with them many times years ago with great service. dratv.com/newreen.html |
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Post by Goosey on Dec 19, 2011 18:09:48 GMT -5
That's so cute  Just kidding, I hate that when people say that about my scooter. Speed and wrenching, you will have lots of input here,  |
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Post by lauriejennifer on Dec 19, 2011 20:18:14 GMT -5
Thanks for the warm welcome, guys! I'll be sure to keep you updated as this project progresses. For now, all I've done is drained the tank and replaced a fuel line (and repaired another one).
I have considered the full engine swap. The reason for sticking with the 49cc is so that I can get away with not having to register, insure, or pay taxes on this thing.
It's a four-speed semi-auto... with a heel/toe shifter. The shifter is all messed up, too. LOL It deserves a video all of its own to show what I mean. I'd rather have a regular shift on it. And I'd LOVE to have a clutch (wheelies!). This is definitely one of the rough shifting ones.
Great input and advice here already. It feels good to be back in the scooter world! I've been in the supermoto world for a bit now.
The wrenching will be on hiatus until I get back in town at the end of the month. Going to visit family for Christmas.
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Post by stepthrutuner on Dec 19, 2011 23:54:51 GMT -5
I watched your winter riding vid. Nothing's as slippery as sun drenched ice. |
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Post by lauriejennifer on Dec 20, 2011 0:37:46 GMT -5
I watched your winter riding vid. Nothing's as slippery as sun drenched ice. Heh... Yeah. I had a good feeling that was gonna happen. It's not the first time I've ridden on ice. Only cost me a $40 shift star and some torn ligaments in my hip. It's not the first inappropriate situation I've put this machine through. Everything from mud to stairs to road race tracks to the Interstate. I have put this thing through the wringer in every way that Kawasaki never intended for it to be used. If I ever do sell this thing (can't imagine!), it would certainly NOT be listed as "never dropped, scratched, or raced." However, it IS maintained and well loved (adored, actually). But, yes... also wrecked and raced-- mercilessly. :riding: Hey, I bought it to ride it, not just look at it. Makes me wonder what I'll end up doing to/with this scoot... *maniacal laughter*Here I am running the ever living snot out of the KLX. I was holding back in the corners, because it was cooler that day and there were a LOT of lowsides. I've got about... I dunno... 25hp? I think the next smallest bike has at least 3 times that... LOL! Nothing like running a 350 single with a bunch of 600's and liter bikes! :riding: And to think I originally bought this thing to "be my daily commuter." :lol2: Faster is never fast enough, is it? |
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Post by stepthrutuner on Dec 20, 2011 1:26:19 GMT -5
That's what I call quality time with your machine. :thumb: You rock in my book, LJ. :rockon:
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Post by lauriejennifer on Dec 20, 2011 13:28:30 GMT -5
There are 3 common transmissions in those. Automatic, semi-automatic, and full manual. They go from slowest to fastest in that order too, so the full manual will be an improvement. My friend's old full manual would smoke my semi. The semi is just fun for the ease of use mostly. I guess you could swap the clutch if you got a new engine cover too (for the clutch cable setup), but I'm really not sure. Never tried. I've only swapped from one semi to another semi. One thing with the semi autos I've seen is that some shift really hard and some will not. There's a way to adjust it, but the ones that don't shift hard will always slip a bit and never kick you in the butt when you hit that lever. The easiest way to go full manual is gonna be a whole engine swap. I don't actually think I've ever seen a 49cc version in full manual, all auto or semi. Engines aren't terribly expensive for these, and a 110 or 125cc version would be like a totally different bike. Rather than big bore the 49cc up to 88cc or something, just spend it all at one time and get the clutch setup and power if you want more out of it. I think the biggest restriction in most of these is just that they're 49cc. They should be good for anywhere from 30-40MPH stock in good running form. 110-125cc should be more like 50MPH or maybe more, depending on rider weight and gearing. Here's a thread I did years ago when I was still into the midbikes. It's about an X18, but same engine style, and I think a lot of the info may be of some use... www.pocketbikeplanet.com/showthread.php?t=26843I can't honestly remember exactly where the carb stuff is anymore, but here's a site to lookover that might show you. I'm busy at the moment, but lemme know if you can't find it. This site has all sorts of parts and diagrams and I've dealt with them many times years ago with great service. dratv.com/newreen.htmlCan I hug you??? ...Too soon? MY SALVATION: dratv.com/clutch2disk.html |
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Post by lauriejennifer on Dec 20, 2011 16:27:01 GMT -5
Oh, and I really wasn't kidding about always wanting one of these. I just stumbled upon this when going through my old Facebook photos. See the post date? Almost 3 years ago! LOL  AND NOW IT'S MINE! :riding: |
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Post by aeroxbud on Dec 20, 2011 17:15:44 GMT -5
Nice bikes you have there. your kmx sounds like fun. I used to have a kawasaki klx two stroke years ago and a few more trial bikes they are great fun
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Post by 90GTVert on Dec 21, 2011 1:10:31 GMT -5
Very nice. Didn't know that kit was out there. It's been a while since I've browsed for those parts. ;D
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Post by lauriejennifer on Dec 21, 2011 2:07:11 GMT -5
I've gotten addicted to clutches. I feel they let you squeeze a bit more of an engine when you want it. That said, I do kinda miss the twist-and-go of my old, first scoot. Gosh, that thing made me fall in love with two wheels... I named it "Lemonade," because... well... I was *always* fixing it. In fact, it broke the first time after I had literally put 9 miles on it. LOL Nothing says quality like "Made in China." hehe... But, darn it, I was gonna make it work! Hence, "Lemonade." Also, it was yellow:  |
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Post by aeroxbud on Dec 25, 2011 18:48:17 GMT -5
Nothing teaches you about bikes more than when they break down
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Just kidding, I hate that when people say that about my scooter. Speed and wrenching, you will have lots of input here, 
