Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Aug 3, 2012 1:54:08 GMT -6
No, the lights definitely are flickering, at idle RPMs in the beginning. Usually revving up the motor a bit for a few minutes even out the voltage a bit.
A capacitor could possibly relieve the battery somewhat with voltage fluxuations. It might be that when the battery is not fully charged, that the power the spark plug draws, kind of causes the lights to go undervolted. The lights are not working at max capacity when the engine is idling. Once I drive around, the generator generates more than enough for the lights, but just from the battery, the voltage is a tad too low. Perhaps the capacitor would be able to even out the spark plug dips in voltage somewhat. Since it's a 4 stroke, if the engine runs at 1000RPM, the spark actually consumes electricity only 250x per second, and a flickering is visible at this ratio. Any faster and the bulb glow wire will not have time enough to cool down, and the flickering won't be visible.
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Aug 2, 2012 18:15:07 GMT -6
I use 80w90 for the gears, with success.
Manufacturer recommends SAE 15W40 on my bike, but i've equipped the bike with SAE10W30 and noticed a minor performance improvement. I don't know if 10/30 is good for the long run though.
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Aug 2, 2012 16:10:42 GMT -6
Hi, In a few weeks, I'll be ready to mod my scooter. First thing I was planning on doing is get an ALL LED bike, except for the headlights. Since the parking lights are always on, I will change them to leds too. Then on the right handle, there are 2 buttons, ready for any mod. See picture below: The switch supposed to turn on parking lights, and headlights, but my BMS has it's lights in ALWAYS ON mode (it seems that this is an unfortunate necessity). So my first project will be to paste white LED strips under the bike; then connect it to the switch on the handle. The second mod would be to install a GPS system in my bike. So far I've managed to get my hands on a good cigarette lighter adaptor and plug, to convert the 12V to 5V with USB output. So far so good, there's sufficient space under the dashboard to install it, however, 2 things I'm still working on: 1- The GPS needs to be small. I have a 4,5" GPS, an older model, that could be installed on the dashboard, but it's slightly too big. Any suggestions for GPS systems? I'm thinking of a tiny GPS, preferably with voice, and a hold, where the GPS can click into. I can glue the hold on the dashboard with Silicone glue, and click the GPS on or off the dashboard whenever I need it. In all honesty, I'm even thinking of cutting part of the plastic of the dashboard, cutting out a small window, and installing a transparent plastic window, under which I could install the GPS. The only con is, that the only possible place where it would fit, is under the steering column, which is more dangerous to place a GPS, as I need eyes on the road at all times! Also, with a transparent plastic window, I won't be able to adjust the GPS, or input data in it, nor will I be able to turn it on or off. Most GPSes turn on in menu structure, they don't even show a map. It would have been nice if it would automatically showed my location; but seeing all the cons, I think I'll have to install it on top of the dashboard, not under it. The coolest MOD ever, would be if the GPS could somehow be connected to a laser, or small LED projector, projecting the GPS data on the windshield. I'm sure that this is something for the future, but for now, I want to do with a regular onboard GPS; easy mod. 2- I'm still working out the issues with low voltage. At startup the bike has quite low voltage. I think because the alternator is not generating enough juice, and the lights flicker. THat could possibly be dangerous for the electronics. So I was thinking on buying a condenser, 1-2F, just to even out the voltage somewhat; the type that's used in cars for the audio system. It supposed to be enough to even out the voltage a bit; and takes up no more than a soda can, which can even be stored right between the battery compartment and the wall. For the future I was thinking of getting a Li-ion battery for the bike; perhaps a smaller version, which still can crank out 9V 7A (14A peak). As for the LED strip mod, I've already purchased 10-12 LED strips, they're white though, but I do believe it's possible to give them a little color (by applying a filter). Do you think it'd be illegal to put leds under the bike? It surely makes driving on the road more visible! And if it's allowed, now I only need to find out which colors I'd put under the bike! (my bike is the orange version, like on photo):
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Aug 2, 2012 15:43:21 GMT -6
I just received the maintenance manual from BMS, for the 2008 model of the TBX 260. This is the non EFI (so it's with the carburator). They told me they did not have the maintenance manual for the newer bike out yet. Just in case you wonder what screws go where, how much torque per screw or how to do this or that on your bike, see this doc: I'm sharing it with you guys! docs.google.com/open?id=0B6enKggIMfUSM0hHdXp1ODhmQU0The 2011/2012 model with EFI should be nearly all the same, except for the valve adjustments, and the carb (doesn't have any). The rest should be pretty much the same! Mind you, on page 83, to do the valve clearance is not as easy, In order to remove the cap, you basically have to unmount the whole body, before you can access the third screw on the crank case filter cover! Hope it never comes down to maintenance with these bikes! On the bright side, I know of a girl who had a (non-chinese) scooter for 15 years and aside from an oil change now and then, and changing brake pads, never done anything to it, and it still runs! Not saying it's the same with chinese scooters, but the chance is that you won't need to do much on your bike for many years, and certain things (like valve adjustments) might only need to be done when the motor starts acting up; probably on double the miles that the maintenance manual states that the valves need to be checked!
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 31, 2012 17:36:24 GMT -6
Something like GL-6 then? *edit: Darn! GL-3 could be right!
I'm so stupid for throwing away that sticker; but I haven't seen any GL-3 or GL-6 oil anywhere! THanks for suggesting; investigating in GL-3 oil!
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 30, 2012 19:51:37 GMT -6
Starter consumes a lot of power. If brake lights bring the battery down to 9.4V, means that your battery is either bad, or de-charged (empty). Just go to a gas station, and ask to charge the battery; or jumpstart your bike by connecting the leads to a car battery (car does not have to be running). You can remove the clamps as soon as the bike is running (as the alternator supposed to charge the battery).
When jump starting (with car battery), or with charged battery, and the bike does not start, try to see if you can hear the starter engage.
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 30, 2012 18:49:26 GMT -6
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 30, 2012 18:46:43 GMT -6
The only problem I might have, is finding the hoses. I'll probably drive around with the Chinese hoses for a while, until I gained enough info on how to change them; what sizes they have, and where to connect/disconnect them (and where to buy them).
I don't know if they equipped mine with bad hoses, as they upgraded the bike in many fields compared to the other chinese scooters. But regardless I will be looking into changing the hoses.
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 30, 2012 11:17:22 GMT -6
Okay, I'm about to shoot myself in the head for yet another stupid thing I've done! So I found this tiny sticker on my gear box, right below the gear oil fill-hole, and took it off to read it (as the letters where too small to read). It described the oil used for the gearbox. It said something like 'Use only with GY6 gear oil) or something... The stupid thing was, I tried memorizing it, and threw away the sticker. Now I forgot the name of the oil. I put in 80/90 oil. What kind of other gear oil is there that sounds like GY6 or GY3 or something like that, that could be the oil I need for the gear box?
Thank you!
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 30, 2012 11:13:10 GMT -6
Not worried about the tires, Worried about the many reviews I read about cracking hoses on chinese scooters. Thought some UV spray could do good, as over here you can get burned in 1 hour driving in the afternoon sun.
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 30, 2012 11:11:08 GMT -6
meaning, I can't wait till the PDI and break in is over.
I drove it today for the first time on a 40MPH road (after some 11 miles on 25/30MPH roads), it seems like the clutch does not release the motor quickly; I'm actually braking on the motor when releasing the throttle. Is that normal? On lower speeds (upto 25MPH), there's very little difference between neutral and braking on the motor. But on 40MPH it brakes almost as fast as using the front disk-brake!
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 29, 2012 9:41:58 GMT -6
You think it's a good idea to spray UV protection on the hoses of my bike and tires? (The type of spray they use to make tires look like new; supposed to also prevent cracking).
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 28, 2012 19:48:43 GMT -6
I just don't know if the information is true, and how the system works. Seeing some video's on how to manually adjust the valves, makes me wonder how the self-adjusting process works?
I don't want to base my knowledge on sales lies of some webpage writing down crap to sell their bikes...
Edit: Never mind! Google is my friend, and I've found quite some info on self adjusting valves. They still need a checkup, but not every 2k miles. SAV's need a checkup only once or twice in their lifetime (usually around every 60k miles benchmark).
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 28, 2012 15:24:52 GMT -6
There are some indications that the 2012 BMS 260 has self adjusting valves. Not more is said about this, other than a few mentions on webpages. Does this mean I'll never have to adjust the valves (ever)?
And any carbon deposit making the valves less efficient, can it be cleaned with some cleaning liquid (just like on my car)? The question I basically will be asking is: Do I ever need to bother opening the engine to work on the valves (either adjusting or re-polishing or something); or can I expect this engine to be fairly maintenance free valve wise?
Thank you!
|
|
Sophomore
Currently Offline
Posts: 88
A+'s: 0
Joined: Jul 23, 2012 17:44:02 GMT -6
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 28, 2012 15:21:21 GMT -6
Do know that my scooter has the 260cc motor (257cc actually). I hope the rest is the same... Thanks for the link to the user manuals; I'll be downloading a few of them! This forum has been really helpful; I feel like I get a lot of professional responses here! Thank you all for the extra effort you put into answering many of my questions! Many thanks!
|
|