KymcoForum.com
General => Technical | How To => Topic started by: CosmoKorny on September 02, 2013, 07:29:02 PM
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I have the Xciting 250, smaller sibling to the xc500. As far as I know the only difference between these two scoots is the engine size and thereby the dry weight, 407 pounds vs 473 pounds, making my 250 lighter by 66 pounds. The frame is exactly the same.
It also appears that my engine is mounted higher than the 500's, as there are two lonely threaded holes in the lower part of the frame just forward the center stand. So the 250's engine is not only lighter but as you can see from the picture mounted quite high in the frame.
What I would like to do is to lower my center of gravity by adding 30# to the frame. I'm considering steel plate mounted just below the engine, 7" x 10 3/8" x 1 1/2" thick, bolted through the aforementioned holes and resting on the tubular section of frame. It sounds simple in theory but I know it adds stress to the frame and if it came loose could have devastating results. Anyone have a better idea, I chose a smaller displacement bike so my learning-to-ride teenagers wouldn't get into trouble by grabbing too much throttle, so won't be trading up.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/11t4hox.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/e8agiv.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2hi35ds.jpg)
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(I was going to say that if your scooter is top heavy - you could try Jenny Craig, or nutrisystem, for a few months. But I won't say that.)
Wow, I will be interested in what the veteran scooterists here have say about this.
Me, I've added 1/2 of the Craftsman tool isle to my underseat box. Just in case.
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No, this scooter is top heavy.
(http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv269/916spsman/S_BikePics/PG13/Jordan-Carver-Vespa_02.jpg)
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Will you benefit a lot from all of the efforts?
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Probably. :)
At this point I'm leaning toward 3" ABS drain pipe filled with lead. I think I can pick up some lead at the local shooting range, or perhaps some used wheel weights at the tire shop, and melt them down.
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I would definitely benefit from Pimpy's top heavy scooter.
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The cheapest lead is from wheel weights because of the steel mounting brackets in them,
which should not bother your application. I would just pack them tightly in the pipe and not worry about melting them.
scoot safely,
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How about lowering the suspension? Lower profile tires? Maybe shave the seat to lower the rider? Just thinking out loud, not sure if adding weight wouldn't affect handling negatively
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My original point was that my scooter's frame and suspension were engineered to carry 66 additional pounds of dead weight, lower in the frame. The bike fits me fine, that's why I bought it. :)
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Me like top heavy scoots................ ;)
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I think Pimpy1 should post that "top heavy" picture under the "head lights" thread.
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I think Pimpy1 should post that "top heavy" picture under the "head lights" thread.
Nope, under my "airbag jacket" thread...
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A little extra weight in the right place can be a good thing... and dramatically improve handling... ;D
(http://i43.tinypic.com/orrwcx.jpg)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/28mojzl.jpg)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2ed8igm.jpg)
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2cqe1b5.jpg)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2eeztra.jpg)
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DISCLAIMER: FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!! THIS IS NOT A DIY PROJECT FOR ANYBODY BUT THE CLINICALLY INSANE.
ABS pipe was hard to come by, and my tire shop wouldn't sell me lead without talking to the owner who wasn't there, so being the impatient type used what I had on hand. I stuffed a 4" drain pipe with rebar and filled the gaps with hydraulic cement, drilled out the threaded inserts in the frame and ran a 12" length of 3/8 threaded rod through the holes, threw in a couple fender washers for spacers and tightened it up. I don't have a scale at my house but would guess it weighs in at 30 pounds.
For the safety police, I am a belt and suspenders kinda guy and will ultimately secure the pipe to the frame crossmember with a couple of stainless hose clamps. And for the fashion police the green and white will be painted black.
All I can say is holy sh*t the scooter handles like a whole new machine! Happy happy happy!! ;D
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And any additional steel should help activate traffic sensors at intersections.
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Wasn't sure where you or this thread was going. . but I like the way you got there. It's all about the end result. WTG!!
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What's the weight of that thing Cosmo?
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My best guess without a scale is 33 pounds.
The cylinder is approximately 4"x10", or 126 cubic inches. If steel weighs .2904 pounds per cubic inch, and if the cylinder was solid steel it would weigh 36.59 pounds. The rebar packed in pretty tight, I would estimate fill at 90 percent, so 36.59 x .9 = 32.93136.
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...or did you mean this thing? I would be a fool to venture a guess without actually putting my hands on it. Maybe giving it a little squeeze. Rumor has it estimating is an art. :)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/28mojzl.jpg)
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I meant the green and white thing....oh ... they're both green and white... :o
Just paint it black and try it out on pot holes if the ride would be bumpy.....
(http://therynoshorn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/bouncing-butt-gif-3.gif)