Looking at another scoot

[gtp]

What do you all think of this scoot. Also local. I am lookng at the 2006 Maxfine scoot tomorrow (parts are what worries me). I came across this Vento on ebay.

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vento-sauron-2005-Vento-Scooter_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem2ea705daa0QQitemZ200370674336QQptZUSQ5fmotorcycles#v4-32

opinions?
George

[90GTVert]

That's a 150cc (4 stroke with a decorative tuned pipe) and the other is a 50cc, so this one would require you to have a motorcylce license, tags/registration, and insurance. In some states 50cc scooters don't require any form of registration etc... You probably were aware of that, but I just wanted to be sure.

I own two Vento scooters and would gladly purchase another if the opportunity arrises. Parts seem to be better quality than some scooters, they definitely aren't the bottom rung. Vento's parts site has made things easy for me to get replacement parts, although online ordering has been screwy lately so you may need to call them if you need something. That is one quality that is often overlooked. It's very nice to be able to find pretty much any part of your scooter. Working on my Sunl and not being able to find specific parts for it really makes me appreciate this.

I read soemwhere that some models don't have a GY6 engine. If upgrading is on your to-do list, you might wanna do some more research on this model.

[gtp]

Thanks Brent. I went and rode-looked at the 50cc Maxfine scoot today. It has some broken plastic, a torn front brake line and some scratches here and there. Guy wants $200-$250 for it. Parts may be impossible to find but the plastic looks fixable and the brake line I suppose I can find a universale rubber one and replace the ends to make it work...and I can do a decent job of repainting tiddying up the rest. No leaks idles smooth, all lights and horn work as does the brake light and electric starter.

It ran STRONG. Started up and scooted to 40mph (indicated) although the last 5 mph took a LONG time.

One thing bothered me-besides the parts issue-that was on slow speed turns it tends to want to turn very sharp and fall in. Is something loose in the steering head that is causing a wierd caster issue? Could it be bent? How can I check for these issues? Its consistent in left or right slow speed turns. Handle bar just seems to grab you and want to keep turning in....at hgiher speeds there is no side to side shimmy though, just slight vibration (tires?).

As for the 150cc Vento. I like parts availability that is GREAT issue to me-this guy wants $650 for it-and I showed you the pics...it looks decent. How can I find out if it is indeed the GY6 engine? I suppose I can call him (owner) get the exact model, year and serial and call Vento? What do you suggest? I definitely want the GY6 plant for aftermarket.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
george

[90GTVert]

Not sure about the steering issue. If something was bent the handlebars should be slightly off center when the wheel is straight. I'd think it would be more one sided (L or R) if it were that. Have you driven a 10-12" wheeled scooter before? I know you said you are used to motorcross which have large wheels. If you put the effort into turning on these that you do on a big wheeled bike it may feel like it wants to turn hard. I rode a friend's 16" wheeled 150cc and got on my 12" wheeled scoot and the first turn AI thought I was gonna wreck myself when I pushed as hard on my little wheels. lol

Parts may be available for the maxfine through Vento, and probably others. Take a look at a Vento Zip and then go look at the pic of the maxfine...

www.buymyscooter.com/used-scooters/DCusedventozipr3iscooter.php

You could tell if it's a 150cc GY6 by engine numbers. 157QMJ or 1P57QMJ or something very close. Maybe the seller could take a look for the engine numbers for you. They should be down low on the engine near the CVT cover I beleive. I saw on Provoscooter that a GT version has a GY6 and the non GT is something else. Otherwise, you'll just need to do more research. You can try calling Vento, but I dunno how much they'll tell you about that.

[gtp]

Thanks Brent you are a blessing! I've been riding big KTM motorcross bikes and no I haven't ridden a little fat tired scooter like this EVER. It just seemed really quick to want to lay on down. As i got used to riding it though it was less of an issue-just surprised me at first.

The Vento Zip is the Maxfine's twin (visa versa). Looks like the exact same thing!!

I guess I could make the hour drive to check out the Vento-but I really like the 50cc 2 stroke Maxfine. I think for $200 it should give me grins...and allow me to mod the Minarelli/Yam motor.

Thoughts.

[90GTVert]

Since it sounds like it's running well, if the electrical components are in working order it should be worth $200. If you do get it, make sure you look over parts carefully before ordering. It's prob a clone, but jsut make sure the parts look right before ordering. Vento's got enough diagrams to give you a good idea.

[gtp]

Thanks...I made an offer of $200 he wants $250..I'll see if he takes it.