Hey guys, heres my introduction!

[nathan]

Hello, thanks for taking an interest in a new member by reading this! So lets get rightdown to business shall we? I'm looking for a scooter right now, as I can't afford the motorcycle I want at this time. I did some looking around online and found provenpowersports.com has a cheap scooter for sale, a Taotao ATM50-A1. Not to mention they ship for free. So yeah I read about it from thier site and I have some questions for you guys. I'm sure someone out there reading this could post me a link or two regarding this model I'm looking into. I know it does not come assembed completely, and I have a mechanic friend who can help me put it together. I'm basically trying to make everything go perfectly once I get it, and get it running the right way from the start so I don't run into problems down the road. I want to maintain it perfectly too. So what do I need to know about these Taotao's? I've read mixed reviews, but I figure if I do everything absolutely right with it from the very beginning, I'll be sitting pretty.

By the way, I will be using the search button here as well to try and answer my questions and what not about this Taotao. I know the insurance is cheap, but I have no idea how much I'll be looking at paying for registering the scooter at the DMV. I live in Minnesota if that helps.

Now, I'm not 100% locked onto getting a scooter, but with my buget (I got only about 1100 at the moment) I feel its possible. I'm just looking to avoid running into problems if/when I do order it. To be perfectly honest, I actually don't have a true need for something like this, but it would really convienient for me to own. Also, I don't have a jack or anything like that at my house, is there anything that I would *need* to buy once the scooter arrives?

Thanks for your time, feedback would be much appriciated, although I know you guys do have a search, but I figure I'd like to introduce myself anyway! I'm planning on ordering it tommorow, but I need to make sure it comes at a time I'm at home, not working. Oh yeah, heres another one, is that website a good idea to order from? Thanks again.!!

[90GTVert]

Check the link below out. It's my new ATM50-A1 project. I did nearly 2hr worth of vids detailing uncrating, assembly, and PDI that's linked in there. Info on the dealer I used. All my experiences so far with that model, good and bad.
49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/6365/project-taotao-stroke-experiences-upgrades?page=1

If you want a good scooter that needs less attention, consider a used Honda or Yamaha or Kymco. Chinese scoots can be great and can be a mess.

[nathan]

Thats probably the best link ever, lol. Exactly what I was looking for man, thanks.

[90GTVert]

This one may be worth browsing as well...
49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/6411/chinese-scooters-worth-buying?page=1

[nathan]

I really like the videos, they would be awesome to use, going step by step with it to get it all ready to go. Its almost like I'm asking for trouble, buying one of these. I wonder, how much would I be spending on parts and such to do a proper PDI? I've only watched the first few vids. Basically, if its not too much for the parts and everything else needed, I'll probably go for it. The biggest thing that would prevent me from getting this is if my mechanic friend's schedule works with mine to get it done together. I'll be talking to him tonight about it. If he doesen't want to work on it even if I were to pay him, I'd be kinda s*** outta luck. I don't have an air compressor or the proper tools like he's got. I guess I would need to buy some tools for myself to do maintanence, but I don't have the stuff to do the PDI. As far as performing a PDI like yours, how long would you expect it to take my friend and I to do it? I would watch all the videos and take notes on what we would need in preparation of the delivery before hand. Thanks for reading

[stepthrutuner]

Be sure that a 50 will fulfill your needs. If you already have or are planning to get your motorcycle endorsement someday you might consider a 150 which can be had for that much cash.

[90GTVert]

What step says is quite true. If you're not gonna be happy with 30-35MPH stock, a 150 will do 50+ stock. You need to tag it as a motorcycle though.


Give yourself a day. 2 people could do it pretty quick though if you each take on a different task. Maybe have him do the valve adjustment and things you aren't comfortable with while you take on the stuff you feel confident doing.

I'd guess $75-100 to do a PDI as I did. Gear oil, engine oil, dielectric grease, thread locker, silicone, sand paper, spray paint, brake/carb cleaner, valve stems, electrical tape, fuse holder, fuses, magnetic drain bolt kit, fuel hose, fuel filter, manual petcock, spark plug, plug cap. Chemicals and supplies add up quick.

The tools will be an investment if you own a Chinese scoot. If you can't get your bud's, check out Harbor Freight for some budget tools.

[aeroxbud]

Welcome to the forum Nathan

[creeper]

yeah a good pdi as brent did I think there are 14 or s videos that take u step by step if you follow the link on the page he gave a link to 1st

his youtube Chanel rocks you can use the scoots center stand once you get it on for most all work u will do.....i just put a whole new top end on mine & only used the center stand....you may need tools if you do not have any like a metric socket set screw drivers n a few metric wrenches..GET A 9MM WRENCH! YOU WILL NEED ITFOR VALVE ADJUSTMENTS n maybe a set of needle nose pliers.

If you wish to go more then 35 from stock deffinetly look into a 150cc but if you wish to try some top end work you can get a big bore kit & boost performance of a 50 by about another 10+ mph even more if you get a few more odds n ends.......but a 150 will reach 50mph easy or should out of the box.
CHANGE OIL N GEAR OIL BEFORE YOU RIDE TO FAR the stock is often just for packing to prevent rust on the boat ride.

hope my 2cents added sumthing more then rambling;