Chain goes tight ? By steve (Read 2,453 times)

[steve]

The email has already been sent. Mine is a 2012. The issue will be to ensure that Ice Bear sends a 2012 axle with the latest upgrades and not something they have setting on a shelf in China. I know Rapid Jim has no control over that and I have no way of verifying. It would suck to have spent all that money for a new trike and then have to install an early model axle with known design flaws. Just one of the things to take into account when buying off shore, I suppose. It's not just China, though. I had a new Valkyrie with less than 300 miles twist off a cam gear at 80 mph and lock up the motor. Not fun! The difference with the Honda was that the dealer came and picked up the bike and installed a new motor. I'll have to wait for Jim's quote before I decide whether to throw more money down this hole. Thanks for your help, Alley.

[ellpee]

Nov 17, 2013 8:21:35 GMT -6 steve said:

This has to be a factory defect, but you know Ice Bears new warranty policy says that there is no warranty if you don't pay a shop to do PDI, so there ya go. I'm doomed!

I recently bought a Magnum, so I sympathize, though I don't have any giant issues so far. It's really pretty egregious and self-serving of Ice Bear to set a policy like that, while at the same time unhesitatingly allowing their product to be sold via drop-ship by umpteen on-line marketers whose "shop" consists of a computer desk in the corner of their bedroom. I live in New Mexico, but bought mine from a semi-charlatan in Georgia who, as far as I know doesn't even have a shop, but if he does, what am I supposed to do, have it sent to him for PDI, then drive to Georgia to pick it up and scooter all the way back to New Mexico on a brand-new scoot that may or may not survive the trip? Or pay another chunk for the second shipping leg from Georgia to New Mexico? At the very least it would seem reasonable to have a broad network of Ice Bear-certified shops where buyers can have their scooter dropped and PDI'd, or some other reasonable arrangement so their warranty actually means something. Sure, for $250 or so, Ice Bear will do the PDI before shipping. Fat lot of good that does me if I have to somehow get a non-operating scooter to California in case of a problem. OR wonder of wonders, they actually send me the replacement parts but then I have to either install them myself or hire some local mechanic, thereby voiding any future warranty claims. Honestly, after two Chinese scoots I'm okay that I have to be vigilant for loose and missing bolts, etc., etc., but I am rather disenchanted with their entire dealer/marketing/service/warranty model. Aside from a few glowing examples like RapidJim (assuming you live in Wisconsin), you are way out on a limb buying Chinese, seems to me. I would think long and hard before doing so again.

[steve]

I would agree that service will always be an issue where there are no brick and mortar dealers, but I will take full responsibility for my situation, because I've purchased several scooters and a trike on line, and I fully understand that I become my own dealer/service shop when purchase a unit.. That is part of the deal. I would like to see the Chinese manufactures to set minimum standards for their on-line retailers, though. Even EBay has standards that sellers have to meet.

[alleyoop]

Hey bud did you get any POOP from JIM on how much a complete axle for that puppy would cost?
Alleyoop

[steve]

Got an email saying he would check. I really would like it to be shipped to him to check what version it is and put in the correct grease fitting, and any mod needed, but I know the additional shipping would make it plumb crazy. I will post info on price and try to post pictures on the swap. The parts diagram shows the hubs as part of the assy, but I don't think I need those.

It looks like all I have to do is remove the fenders, break the chain, pull the caliper, and yank her off. I'll want to measure from the shock eye to the opposite axle mount bolt before I start so I'll have a reference point for the re-install also. Can you think of anything else? I'm so glad I don't have to mess with panels.

It's a Chinese clone of a Japanese scooter with Taiwanese tires and American cruiser styling. I think that makes me a Genetic engineer!

[alleyoop]

Great!! Yea it is pretty easy to pull the whole axle off. I don't know how many Brackets you have on yours but on mine it has 4 brackets to hold the axle to the swing arm. So for me it is 8 bolts 2 on each bracket plus the fender holders 2 on each side plus the 4 screws on each fender holding it to the fender brackets. Actually YOU DO NOT have to break the chain, just unbolt the axle and slip the chain off the axle and then slip it onto the new one.
Alleyoop

[steve]

Good idea on the chain. I always lose the master link. Should I back pff the 2 bolts that serve as "adjusters" before I reassemble?

[alleyoop]

Nov 18, 2013 17:49:19 GMT -6 steve said:

Good idea on the chain. I always lose the master link. Should I back pff the 2 bolts that serve as "adjusters" before I reassemble?

Yea back them off the same amount of turns and notice where the old axle EYE bolts adjusters are set so you will be close.
Alleyoop

[alleyoop]

Steve,
Can you take a picture of your axle on that Viking, I have a folder of the different axles of most of the trikes I use to help others with problems.
Alleyoop

[steve]

I can and will try to get it tomorrow, but I have seen the folder and I think you already have that axle. It's solid with the rotor in the center and the bracket at the back where the hitch mounts. 4 mounting brackets and dual shocks on the swing arm. this is a rear view of the trike. If you don't have that axle already, let me know?

[alleyoop]

Almost looks like my axle, but mine has 4 EYE bolt adjusters one on each bracket on the bottom bolt of each bracket.
Alleyoop
Ok I checked and I do have your axle you had put it up earlier.

Here is my axle as you can see it is a little different than yours but mine is an early version from 2008.

[tomcat]

I will post info on price

Please do, I may or may not have an issue.
Occasionally the axle will make a clunk-type noise when engaging, other times it's smooth.
Never having a trike before I'm not sure what's normal & what isn't.
If the axle goes south I'll have two choices. Either order a new one or find a local repair shop that is familiar with small engine rear axles. I'm not mechanically inclined enuff to do the repair myself.
I'm determined to get this thing running perfectly, and then get a solid 20,000 miles out of it. Wishful thinking?

[steve]

Can't tell you about longivity. Mine has less than 200 miles. I will say that if you think of the Chinese trikes/scooters as just transportation, you will probably be dissapointed. They are more like cars of the late 50's early 60's where part of the Saturday routine was to work on the car. You will need basic metric hand tools, and a certain amount of mech skills. Info and help comes from this forum and others like it. As for axle repair, I would bet these axles come from someones ATV, so an ATV dealer/repair shop might be a good place to look if you're not inclined or unable to do the work yourself.

[ellpee]

Steve beat me to it. When I had to buy brake pads for my Magnum they came from an ATV parts house, and the one cycle repair shop in our little village actually has more ATVs on its lot that cycles. Don't know where you are, but if there's any hunting or off-roading going on, those are the guys most likely to be able to help, I'd bet.

[tomcat]

I'm in SE Michigan & there are a couple ATV-type places within 10 miles of me. Good suggestion(s)!
As for working on the trike, I'm not adverse to that for minor things, having worked on my own cars for the most part since a teenager.
At 68 years old though, with major back & hip surgeries in the last 2 years, I'm not quite as flexible as I used to be.
So it's not so much being mechanically challenged as being physically challenged to do an axle repair. If one is ever needed (knock on wood).
Must say, it's great to have a place to converse with intelligent, understanding, and polite peeps.
Thanks!