How to start a scooter for the first time
The scooter was received and assembled, now finally to the long awaited moment, the launch of the scooter. The urge to insert the key into the hole, press the button and hear the purr of the engine is almost irresistible…
But he must be resisted. While the above may sound ideal, it is not. Imagine a car that has been parked for six months; it may not start on the first try. In this case, we are talking about a scooter that may have been sitting for 6 months or more, in addition to traveling by sea for 2 or 3 weeks; carburetors love the fresh salty sea air.
This article is intended to guide first time scooter owners in starting their scooter properly without blowing anything.
Do’s and Don’ts:
1. If the scooter is 50 or 150cc, do not attempt the electric start; only on first kick start
2. Do not under any circumstances attempt to jump start the scooter
3. Avoid using a charger. The engine will recharge the battery when it is started. If using a charger, make sure it’s a motorcycle charger set at no more than 2 amps
4. If the scooter is equipped with an alarm, do not attempt the alarm or remote start until the scooter starts
5. Buy the most expensive fuel and fill the tank to the brim
6. Do not use any fuel additives or carburetor cleaning solution
7. After starting the scooter, be prepared to ride it for at least 15 minutes to charge the battery – the best option is to let the engine charge the battery
Remember that the new battery is very fragile. If it falls all the way, it can be permanently damaged, as well as damage other components such as the fuse, voltage regulator and/or CDI unit. To protect the battery and other components, all 50cc and 150cc scooters should be jump-started first, then try the electric start several times as described below.
Since most 250cc scooters do not have a quick start, 250cc scooter owners must follow the electric start procedure.
Quick Start Procedure:
1. Fill the gas tank to the top with the best gasoline available
2. Place the motor on the center stand
3. Make sure the off switch is pointing to the circle and not the X
4. If the scooter came with a remote, click UNLOCK twice in succession
5. Turn the key to the on position
6. Accelerate all the way and hold the throttle open for 1 second, repeat 3 times
7. Expand the kickstarter; gently push it down with your foot halfway
8. Let the kick come back up
9. Start vigorously 3 or 4 times in a row, making sure the starter drops all the way and comes back all the way each time
10. Then continue to accelerate all the way (step 6) and kick all the way several times (step 9)
11. Do not accelerate while kicking
Attempt the electric start only AFTER you have attempted to start the motor as described above with the kickstart.
Electric start procedure:
1. Follow steps 1 to 6 in the startup procedure above
2. Hold the rear brake
3. Gently turn the gas pedal to take up the slack; don’t speed up, just keep the slack
4. Press the start button for 3 seconds and release it
5. Accelerate all the way and let it go, hold the throttle
6. Press the start button for 3 seconds and release it
7. Allow the electric starter motor to cool for 30 or 40 seconds and repeat the above steps one more time.
Overheating the electric starter motor can also damage the scooter by blowing the starter, fuse and other electrical parts.
If the engine does not start, do not attempt the electric start procedure more than 2 times; rather, go back to the quick start procedure and repeat it 2 or 3 times. It may take a few tries, most bikes start on the 2nd or 3rd try.
If all else fails:
Some of my scooters start hard. This could be due to several factors. In 90% of cases, the failure to start is due to no or insufficient fuel reaching the carburetor. The simplest way to check and cure this is to prime the carburetor manually:
1. Open the seat
2. Unscrew the carburetor access panel screw (usually one screw)
3. Remove the access panel and locate the carburetor
4. The top of the carburetor looks like a metal dome with 2 screws holding it on
5. Remove the 2 screws from the top of the carburetor
6. Place 3 to 4 tablespoons of gasoline directly into the carburetor
7. Replace the carburetor top and secure with the 2 screws
8. Follow the electric start procedure only if it has not been followed more than 3 times; otherwise kickstart
If the scooter does not start after the above, those with limited mechanical knowledge and those who know enough to be dangerous are encouraged to contact the technical support department of the scooter dealer where the purchase was made or seek the advice of a professional motorcycle mechanic.
#start #scooter #time