When did you last change your belt and rollers on your scooter?

So when was the last time you checked your belt and rollers?  If you're not mechanically inclined the answer is probably never.

Check your scooters owners manual for recommended belt mileage change and then look at your odometer.  If you've had your scooter a few years and have ridden it daily - it's probably time to get it changed.  If you have a mainland chinese scooter with those substandard belts, it's prolly time for a change too.

There may or may not be signs that your belt needs changing.  If it doesn't accelerate like it used to, that could be a sign.  The definitive sign is that if you twist your gas handle, the scooter runs, but the scooter doesn't move.  Most likely you have a busted belt.  If that happens at 70 mph, not good.

When you change your belt, it's also time to change your rollers.  What are rollers?  The ultra simple answer - they are these weights that roll out when your accelerates.

All automatic twist and go type scooters have rollers.  They do wear out.  The scooter dealership isn't trying to sell you extra parts or rip you off.  They are looking out for you and trying to save you some money.  It's cheaper in labor to go ahead and replace those rollers ($13) while they have things torn apart.

You'll love your scooter much more if it gives a smooth dependable ride and is reliable.   Go take care of that belt and the rollers.


© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

It's springtime - time to change the scooter oil

If you didn't change your scooter oil before storing it away for the winter last fall, it's time to change the engine oil. Your scooter will thank you for your kindness.

If you own a Vespa ET4 scooter with a Leader engine, I typed up two oil change procedures. One is a written guide while the other is a step by step picture guide.

The written guide can be found at Yahoo! Voices at:
How to Change the Engine Oil in Your Vespa ET4 Scooter

The pictorial guide is posted at Helium.com at:
How to change the engine oil in a Vespa ET4 scooter

Have plenty of paper towels and hand cleaner available. Changing the oil can get really messy sometimes.

I like Motul 5w40 300V 4T oil for my scooter. There are several other scooter oil brands around that also provide excellent engine lubrication and protection. Whatever you do, don't scrimp on price for quality oil.

© 2011 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.