07xciting 500

[blukym001]

I have an 07 xciting 500 that give a sound like a belt squeal almost every time the clutch engages. The bel doesnt have 300 miles on it at this point. I am looking for advice as to how to eliminate the squeal. Thanks Curt

[Shaka]

With it being relatively new, you probably have a build-up of clutch dust in the clutch bell.  This is probably from the clutch breaking in.  Try removing the clutch bell and cleaning the clutch pads and bell with rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner.  I bet that will remedy the squeal.

[wordslinger]

...what kind of belt did you install...OEM, kevlar, or something else?

..i ask because i bought an aftermarket belt the other week that didn't measure what the sleeve said it was...

..gotta watch those aftermarket belts....


peace

[blukym001]

Im assuming that the belt is a oem. It was installed by the dealer.  I bought this bike from the dealer as a used bike with 5600 miles on it. The tires were worn out and the belt was squealing at engagement. He agreed to replace both tires and the belt. I rode a Reflex for 27,000 miles a few years ago and these milages seem to be horrible. On the Honda I averaged 7,000 miles out of the rear tires and 12,000 miles out of the front. I also went almost 20,000 miles on the oem belt. I admit it was toasted when I changed it, though.Why is this bike using up consumables so much faster?  Curt

[wordslinger]

..as far as the tires are concerned, oem tires are pretty low end..a lot of the scoots come out with the Cheng Shin tire, which are one step above junk...also, the previous owner might not have maintained the proper tire pressures...

..did you check/cean the clutch bell yet?

..could be that the torque drive is not releasing...

,..how does the scoot perform otherwise?

[Hoolander2]

The squealing was discussed in the thread: "does your x500 "growl" when first taking off" on page two of this Xciting 500 forum.  The opinions seemed to say it was from glazed clutch pads and dust and was not really a problem.  Could be fixed by cleaning the clutch and pads. Mine does it too -- I just don't worry about it till I can get in there and clean it. 

Your Reflex probably just had better tires to start with. 

Overall, though, the Xciting seems to be a nice quality scooter.   

[zombie]

It may be the clutch pulleys are glazed also. The torsion spring that controls them may be weak also. Heat from the slipping belt will degrade the tension of the spring making the situation exponentially worse. I would order a new torsion spring, new clutch springs, and de glaze the pulleys w/ a bit of Emory paper. The parts should run about $20.00.   http://www.stadiumyamaha.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/default.aspx   These guys are most likely cheaper than your dealer. There are lots of links to How to's, and a link for the service manual in the general section.

[blukym001]

Thanks guys, The dealer that I bought this bike from is a Yamaha, Kawasaki dealer. I think his techs are more familiar with motorcycles than Scoots. He has ordered the parts on his dime and is going to install them next week for me. He has been more than honest with me.  I just think his techs need more training on the scoots. If any one gets to the Tampa Bay area and needs help, They are Cahills Motorsports in both Tampa and Zephyrhills.  When a dealer does things right, I like to let others know. Too many of them are stealers rather than dealers. Curt

[blukym001]

I also need to add that he is a Kymco dealer, but scoots just dont sell real well in this area. If you dont ride a crotch rocket or a hardly type cruiser most of the local dealers dont know how to deal with you. I traded a Suzuki V Strom and I was in the same predicament with it. The only one who had accessories for it was the BMW dealer. The local dealers just dont know how to service long distance riders. When I go in and tell them of riding  the Reflex from Tampa to Saginaw Mi, they just look at me in disbelief. I sure hope that this Kymco has that kind of riding it.  I had to trade because I broke my right leg an couldnt ride the Stom for the next 6 months. I just strap my crutches to the back seat and off we go with the xciting. My foot just sits on the floorboard. So far I think it is going to be a pretty good bike. When I get these little glitches out of it, it should be perfect for my needs. Curt

[sidthesloth]

G'day Curt, as an aside from your problem, it is unfortunate that you broke your leg, but it is good to see you are finding alternatives like the scooter. scoot on.

[wordslinger]

..it is refreshing to hear a good dealer story..

..it seems to me that most of the x500 ppl here have had pretty good relations with their dealers...

..not quite the same story when you get into the smaller bore scoots though..

..hope it works out for you brother!


peace