Bucket List

[Mike Green]

Hello everyone. I'm a 64 year old guy who has never ridden a motorcycle or motorscooter. So what do I do? This past February I bought myself a brand new 2009 Xciting 500Ri. So far I have practiced, practiced, practiced. Fortunately I live away from any busy streets or roads and I have about 4 miles of country (paved) roads around my home and a state park behind my property that I like to practice turns in their parking lots. I'm waiting for the Motorcycle Safety training to come to town. But what scares me is reading the forum and hearing about variators and sliders and rollers and other very sophisticated mechanical chat that I don't have any clue what you guys are talking about. I love my scooter and I'm being safe and I have a local dealership about 12 miles from home but I am concerned that my mechanical lack of knowledge has allowed me to bite off more than I can chew. Any other virgins out there who started out COLD ? I love reading the Forum and I have learned a lot. Any comments, concerns, or criticism would be appreciated.
Thanks, Foxtrot

[Hoolander2]

Welcome, Foxtrot.  And welcome to two wheelin'!  You've done just fine and shouldn't have any major technical problems.  All that talk about variators and so on is just that some of us who can't leave well enough alone.    The Xciting is generally a solid bike.  Take it to the dealer for it's scheduled services and it should be fine. 

Yes, there have been a few common problems as with any other vehicle but the dealer should be familiar enough to keep you riding happy.

You're doing right by getting in lots of practice time! 

[MaryK]

Welcome,

Just remember that there are millions of us who don't write about all those technical things, either!

Just gas and go!  To be able to check the oil level and tire air pressure should be all you need.

Let the dealer do the rest... Be glad your dealer is so close... take him donuts once in a while.

Scoot Safely,

[Cortez]

+1 on what everyone else said.

Oil and tires are what you need to do as often as possible, and just the regular maintenance done by
the dealer. The XC500 will not let you down, but take it easy at first, and practice especially low speed
maneuvers since it's one of the heaviest scoots in it's class.

[sissy mary]

I am one of the people who have had problems with his variator. What I have learned is that the non Kymco mechanic (the guy was about 18) probably did not torque down the variator nut to specs, the boss was able to spin, caused heat to build, and locked up inside the inner pulley half, and no grease was used! Also the nut is a single time use locking nut. If used a second time or more, it requires blue lock-tight. I guess you live and learn. Do normal maint, ride and don't worry about it. In your case forget about Dr pulley sliders, HIT clutches and so on. This stuff is all to increase power, top speed, take off speed etc. Change your oil to synthetic after a proper break in, and when they adjust your valves, have them inspect and mesure the width of your belt. When you change your belt include a new set of rollers. Thats about it. The X500 is a gear drive rear wheel system. Many other scoots use chains and other systems that require more maint. You made a good choice. Your bike is fuel injected, not much to do there. I have had no issues with my 2007 other than explained above. It has been rock solid. Oil/air filters, belts & rollers when needed, tires & break pads when worn, that's about it. Ride, enjoy & don't think about all the other stuff. Welcome and good luck to you.

[Urbestfriend]

Mike Green...You are Urbestfriend's age.  Because I am cheap,  I've become adept at many mechanical issues.  Regarding the clutch / variator issues,  you should be able to go maybe 10,000 miles before any attention is needed.  However... it may be good to pull off the cover once or twice and clean the dirt that may build up from use.  After all,  it's a rubber belt against a spinning steel surface.   I've recommended this before.  Be sure to have commonly used parts ordered ahead
of time.  (Brake pads, oil filters,  air filters, etc.).  Unless your dealer is exceptional,  rarely are many
parts stocked and have to be ordered from Tiawan.  This saves 2-3 weeks of downtime for an investment of $100-200.   The best recommendation is internet search for Kymco Parts and look
over the various assembly blow-ups and costs.  The service manuals are fairly available and free
anymore.   I have two bikes,  a 325 BMW and two Wheelhorse's.  I couldn't afford any of them
if I had to have somebody work on them.  This doesn't mean there's an investment in a few tools
either,  but Harbor Freight is a good source for periodic repairs.   DON'T BE OVERWHELMED....