new owner older scooter

[juice]

I just purchased a 2002 kymco people 50 . My teenage son and I have been sharing a 2007 honda metropolitan . I wanted another scooter so we could ride together . The kymco ran up to 85 kph very quickly and rides very nicely . It was carried on a motor home and used very little . My first impression is very good , but I dont know much about 2 cycle maintaince or longevity . How many kilometers are people 50's reasonably good for ? Also any tips , advice would be greatly appreciated . Thanks .

[yajblackburn]

I've always wanted a People 50 ever since I got into the hobby of finding scooters, fixixing them up and selling them.  Last year I had the chance and picked up a 200 model for $50 at a yard sale.  So far I've put about $300 into the bike (only mechanical part was new crankshaft bearings as it was sitting on a beach for over two years and sand was everywhere), everything else was mostly cosmetic.  It has to be my favorite scooter of all time.  It's a totally different ride from my ZX and Agility.  I praise this scooter.  Now that it's derestricetd and goes 50mph I love it even more.  It has over 12,000 miles on the odometer and its still going strong.  Maintinece is low on the bike.  Check your tire press once a month, top off the two stroke oil once a month, rear brake adjustment when needed and thats about it.  Sure there is other things like changing the spark plug every year and lubricating certain joints and cables which you should be able to find in the service manual link on this site.  Congrads on your People!

[zombie]

the best advice i could give is Always use synthetic oils(two cycle, and gear oil) some people balk at the extra cost, but using quality fluids will save you $'s in the long run. Also using ONLY premium gas will extend your top end life. i am still running a 1978 honda express that has had 1 set of rings in 21,000 miles. my super fever has 12,000 miles (malossi top end) and is showing no signs of wear. i am a believer.

[OldGuy]

the best advice i could give is Always use synthetic oils(two cycle, and gear oil) some people balk at the extra cost, but using quality fluids will save you $'s in the long run. Also using ONLY premium gas will extend your top end life. i am still running a 1978 honda express that has had 1 set of rings in 21,000 miles. my super fever has 12,000 miles (malossi top end) and is showing no signs of wear. i am a believer.

While I agree with Zombie on the synthetic oils idea, in my opinion using premium fuel is a waste of money. For fuel I recommend whatever octane rating the manufacture recommends. For best results I also suggest a top tier gasoline. For more information see here:

http://www.toptiergas.com/

As for long term durability most stock 2 strokes, with proper care and feeding will go about 16,000 kilometers before needing a top end rebuild. That means a new piston, rings and cylinder and miscellaneous bits. Total cost, including labor should be about $400(US). Your only other costs should be tires and an occasional belt.

[axy]

I think you can double that, 30.000 kms without problems with good 2stroke oil. Maybe even more.
Have Piaggio NRG50, 26.000 kms, runs like the first day.

However, this is valid for OEM engines. Kits (72 cc etc.) usually die after 10-15.000 kms. Especially crankshafts.