Shudder and Growl

[ScooterWolf]

Okay, I've hit 3000 + miles on my Yager. I figure that's roughy equal to one cross country trip from coast to coast here in the US. About a month ago my back fender blew out. Something blew off the left side screw mount while I was crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge doing about 57 MPH. The plastic fender came to rest on my rear tire where a good part of it melted away from the friction. There wasn't much left when I got home and took it off.

Took the scooter to my dealer who replaced the fender and did a service check -- it was time for it anyway. The blown fender had knocked loose a valve module -- not enough for the engine light to go on, but enough for air to get mixed where it shouldn't be. He fixed it, changed the oil, plugs, etc ... and I had the scooter back within 3 days.

Now I've been noticing a new problem. When giving the throttle gas the scooter will run, but when it gets to 7 mph it begins to shudder with a rattling growl, then lurches faster like its shifting to a higher gear, then runs normal. At first I thought it may have been from cold air passing into the engine, but even now in the warmer weather it happens. Some days are worse than others, but regardless it continues to happen.

Engine mechanics is not my forte. Is this a fuel line problem, carburetor, timing belt, or something else?

-Wolf

[fshfindr]

I'm not a mech so I can't help with growl.  I seee you were on the Ben when the fender blew off.  I live close to the Walt on the Jersey side.  I'm thinking about getting a Yeager or other Kymco.  There is a dealer here on the White Horse Pk.  Whick and where is your dealer?

Rich

[ScooterWolf]

Hi Rich,

Sounds like the one you're talking about -- Mini-Trailbikes. Great place, with a friendly staff and mechanic.

-Wolf

[fshfindr]

Thnx, yeh, that's the place I was talking about.  I will stop there as soon as I get my license.  Good to hear that they are good to deal with.
Do you know anything about the dealer on Passyunk Ave. in S. Phila?

Rich

[ScooterWolf]

Yeah, Philadelphia Scooters is a good place. I bought my lock, Corazzo riding jacket and my wife's helmet there. I live in Collingswood, so Mini-trail bikes is easy to get to for service. I work in Philly, so I occasionally go to Philly Scooters when I can.

Both are great places.

-Wolf

[fshfindr]

Thanks for the info.  I'm in Bellmawr.  Test in about 3 weeks.

Rich

[ScooterWolf]

Best of luck. I remember being in that endless holding pattern last year. Thought it would never end. Just remember to look into your turns, and practice counter-steering.

-Wolf

[fshfindr]

Wolf, please let me know if you got my PM.  It did not seem like it went.

Rich L.

[fshfindr]

I seem to have developed a grown between 5 & 15 mph.  It is not very loud.  How is your's Wolf?

[jprestonian]

I've seen two common issues cause these symptoms, but I'll start with the easier one to diagnose.

Glazed clutch pads: To resolve, hold both brakes at maximum, and throttle up to 5-6000RPM for 20-30 seconds. You will smell the "burning" of the pads if you do this long enough to have the desired effect. Obviously, you want to do this in a place that is safe to do so (e.g. not in your garage, pointed at a cinder block wall... duh!), and wear your safety gear... just be sure to keep on those brakes!

Worn drive belt: Many times, long before the belt needs replaced, it will wear in such a way as to cause a bit of shudder at low speeds. If deglazing the clutch pads doesn't resolve the issue and you want to be sure, have your mechanic measure the belt and inspect it for defects or irregularities. While in there, inspect the variator and clutch.
.

[Yager200i]

I just started noticing the shudder, as well. It's the clutch, chattering a bit as it's engaging. If you ride between two walls (such as in a narrow alley), so the sound is reflected toward you, you'll hear it more clearly.

I'm still trying to find an aftermarket clutch for this bike. I'd like one that's a bit stronger than the OEM unit.