tight, locked up brakes

[stuo]

I want to share my solution to my locked disc brake on my GV 250.

The little spring that pushes on the pads from above and is held in place by the plastic snap-on cover was installed by me backwards and although it seemed to be OK it would jam the pads and lock the brake. This could have been avoided if the factory service manual had an exploded diagram of the caliper and its parts. I wasted $30 on that manual, the worst I have ever seen. I could not figure out how to install the oil screen because the picture in the manual was too crappy to clearly see.

That, plus I was told by the factory rep that the 2007 GV muffler/manifold was interchangeable with my 2009 unit. The 2007 manifold was 3/4" too short, but luckily I found a muffler shop that was able to weld in a section of pipe from my old manifold. I am not favorably impressed with Kymco, compared with BMW or Japanese bikes. OK design but cheesy construction and materials.

[Redk]

I can understand that !

My circumstances are such that my funding for those 'Others' you mentioned is tied up elsewhere.
The choice was not difficult.

Best
redk

[Stig / Major Tom]

I found that the on-line cyclepedia.com manual's color photos are much better than the b/w photos in their printed service manual.
Also, the Honda factory printed manual for my son's CB500X is too dark to see clearly as well.
While my HONDA NSS Forza 300 manual has clear photos - + great line drawings.
My Haynes Burgman manual is too dark, but the SUZUKI Burgman manual is much better - with lighter b/w photos.
Manuals seem to be a bit of a crap shoot.
Stig

[stuo]

My manual is the black and white print edition published by Cyclepedia. It is titled "Grand Vista 250 and Grand Dink 250" but I suspect the Grand Vista was included because the two bikes are similar...but not exactly alike, which is why I have had problems with deciphering the diagrams: some are not of the GV in small but important details.

Wow! I just now read the preface, and I quote: "This Service Manual describes the... KYMCO Grand Dink 250." No mention of the Grand Vista anywhere in the text.  In fact, the only mention of the GV is on the cover page. I've been had!

[Redk]

Stuo, if you are able to grasp the basic principles from a similar model you should have no problems making repairs on your own, regardless of actual model name.
redk

[MJR]

Stuo, if you are able to grasp the basic principles from a similar model you should have no problems making repairs on your own, regardless of actual model name.

Problem is Cyclopedia selling a service manual which is printed on the front for the Grand Vista when that's what he has and there are differences not shown in the manual. This is a shame for a company that states in it's advertising that each book is based on a complete teardown of each model. It appears the service manual provided to me by a Kymco for the MyRoad is done in the same layout and while it's specific to the MyRoad it is sorely lacking in complete detail as are my Burgman 650 factory service manuals. There comes a point you need specific information.

[kingkymco125]

If you need help with anything about this, you could always You Tube the whole thing. I find it to be useful for many things I need help with. Whether is is fixing cars, or fixing bikes, there are how to videos for just about everything on that site.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Yep, cyclepedia is not as detailed as we would like....and often instructs us to remove more stuff than is necessary to access a repair. But then my Kymco  owner's manual says my LIKE200i has side stand lockout and requires a periodic coolant change.
My dealer service supervisor browsed his computer to inform me that my first valve check would require 2 hours to "get through all the plastic panels", before they could start the engine procedure.
I went home, sorely discouraged - "this scooter is not going to be as economical to own as I  thought!"
It appears that scooter ownership is more of an adventure than a person  has reason to suspect!
A bit of info here, some from over there, some heresay, some fibs, some poor translation, a dog's  breakfast of rumors and friendly, well meaning misinformation....
Great fun!
Being built for 3rd world ownership, fortunately, these things can survive many of our screw-ups and still get us home.

Stig

[Redk]

Gosh do I agree with Stig on that one !

and that's why I Do Not Like all the electronics on the new , well, everything !

...banging it with a rock will Not help !
redk

[stuo]

Thanks, Stig and Redk, you have me shooting my morning coffee out my nose. "Banging it with a rock" definitely is a good way to relieve the frustration I am having with this third world corntraption. The manual tells me to first remove the muffler to remove the rear caliper. Stupid me! No wonder the rear brake is giving me problems, I removed the caliper without needing to remove the muffler. Maybe this is all a conspiracy to drive us westerners insane.

[kingkymco125]

Thanks, Stig and Redk, you have me shooting my morning coffee out my nose. "Banging it with a rock" definitely is a good way to relieve the frustration I am having with this third world corntraption. The manual tells me to first remove the muffler to remove the rear caliper. Stupid me! No wonder the rear brake is giving me problems, I removed the caliper without needing to remove the muffler. Maybe this is all a conspiracy to drive us westerners insane.

Of course it is a conspiracy. The Russians are behind it too. Those damn Russkies must really hate scooters. Damn you Putin. Lol

[Redk]

Yah, Vlad isn't a scooter rider...



redk