Bring a new owner up to speed

[CosmoKorny]

Hi guys, I couldn't find an intro section here, forgive me if misstep.

Today I picked up a clean 2006 Xciting 250 with 5K on the clock, somewhat impulsive but at 1800.00 it seemed like a good deal. 

There are a couple of maintenance items I need to complete right away, as the seller bought it used from a dealer two years and 500 miles ago and "thinks" the dealer took care of everything up to that point. 

A couple of quick questions:

The Kymco driver's manual shows no oil filter for the 250, only the 500.  Is this right?

I want to replace the rear tire, and possibly the front.  Tread is ok but the rear is worn flat, which I assume is effecting low speed handling.  I've always run Dunlop Elite's on my motorcycles, but is there a preferred tire for this bike?  I'm going to teach my teenage boys to ride this thing, so no Cheng Shin's.   

Thanks in advance.   

[ophelia]

If it's the same liquid cooled motor as my Bet and Win 250, then the only 'filter' is a reusable cylindrical oil strainer. I wipe it off and rinse with a little fresh motor oil before putting it back into the engine.

I use the Michelin City Grip, but Michelin Pilot Pure SC would have been my first choice... if they were in stock when I needed tires. My SO has Pilot Pure SC on the back of her Downtown 300i.

[Vivo]

Lots of guys here use Michelins.. 

[Urbestfriend]

That's right, no filter, just the screen.  Recommend a cheap plastic measuring cup with ml and oz. levels.  Then you can measure exactly 900 ml.   Be sure to search these X250 forums as most subjects are covered.

[CosmoKorny]

Thanks!   

The no filter threw me, it just seems odd an "expensive" motor would just have a screen.  And I'll pick up a measuring cup at Walmart today along with a quart of 10w50? oil... doubt they have that, will go with 10w30.

I am a huge fan of Michelin, just have never used them on a bike.  Since its a low powered scoot I fully intend to do lots of peg dragging... I mean centerstand dragging , so grippy is good.

Took her for a ride around the block last night, the whir after letting go of the throttle is sooo cool     I've always been a fan of quiet sports.

[ophelia]

10W30 might be okay if you live in a relatively cool region (I've used synthetic 0W30 during the winter). The manual for my Bet and Win 250 specifies 15W40, but I found that to be too thick when cold and harder to start where I live.

10W40 is a better bet, and should be easy to find at Wally World. Synthetic 5W40 for four-stroke motorcycles or scooters is a good option too.

[MotoRandy123]

Well most oil filters just pick up sticks and twigs. The stuff that wears the engine isn't caught in the
filter but instead is suspended in the oil to be drained out. So change it often. I'm running straight
30W for breakin then plan to use the diesel oil, it is 15W40 but should be OK until it gets real cold!

[CosmoKorny]

I changed the oil twice today, dropped the screen and washed it in gasoline.  The oil was still dirty after the first change so I ran it and dumped it again.  Used 5w40 RotellaT,  I'll probable change it again next week.  I am guessing that oil was in there since October 2010.   

I have another question if I may.  The brakes work fine and stop the bike quickly and smoothly.  However I have to pull the levers quite hard to get results, substantially harder than I'm used to.  Perhaps I'm not just getting older, but weaker as well? 

[ophelia]

The brakes need quite a squeeze, but they should still stop. Otherwise, it might be a good idea to bleed out air bubbles from the brake line or refill with fresh DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid.

[CosmoKorny]

After having the Xciting for three days now I can definitively report that it is a chick magnet.  It must be that this scoot amplifies the sensitive side of me.   

An update on the braking issue, and I feel almost embarrassed to admit this.  After adjusting the brake lever position they work fine, the levers were set at 1, the position furthest from the grip, I changed them to 4, the closest.  Apparently my grip is weaker with fingers extended, makes sense now that I've had the chance to think about it.

As for tires I think I'll be replacing the original Maxxis pos with front and rear Michelin Pilot Power Pure SC.  I am a little concerned about the reported wandering in rain grooves and grated bridges, but everything else about the tire sounds like the cats meow.  Will keep you posted.