While a motorcycle unashamedly reveals its mechanical organs, a scooter conceals them under its bodywork. Detecting potential problems requires a little more detailed inspection. But you do not have to be an expert to keep you from rolling. To help you, here are the essentials to watch for.
Ergonomics
Before inspecting your "future" scooter, make sure it fits your size. A saddle that is too tall or too wide will prevent the cubs from laying their feet flat on the floor when it stops. As for adults, they will find themselves with legs stuck against the apron of a scooter too small, which will be quickly uncomfortable.
General appearance
The plastics that dress the scooters suffer at the slightest fall. Scratches should not scare you, but slots will only get bigger in the long run and will eventually require costly replacement of the damaged part.
Mileage
A 125 scooter must not have traveled more than 4,000 km per year. Beyond, negotiate! Suitable for cutting the road, big GT scooters of 250 cm3 and more are entitled to a higher mileage.
Mechanics
A crankcase smeared with oil is the sign of worn seals. It takes from 100 to 150 € to change them. Positioned under the scooter, the exhaust system is particularly exposed to splashing water. Painted more often than chrome, the elbow and the exhaust line may eventually rust and leak. A sidewalk can also have them crushed, which affects engine performance.
Tires
Because of their small size, the tires of a scooter make more turns and wear faster than those of a motorcycle. Check that the sculptures have sufficient depth. If a tire is worn more on one side than the other, it is because the frame has been skewed due to a fall.
The brakes
Check the thickness of the pads and the surface condition of the discs. They must not be too scratched or too deep in the brake lane. To find out, run your fingers over the top edge of the discs. It must not present a bead too pronounced.
The fork
The fork must not show any leak at its joints. Chromed dip tubes must not show any scratches. Risks of oil leakage!
The test
A modern scooter must start the first time but a prolonged lack of use may have drained the battery. After a kick start (if there is one!), A few kilometers must be enough to reload. Then try a restart. When driving, check the alignment of the handlebars and the front wheel. On the bumps, the suspensions must not come to a stop. If braking, tremor enliven the brake lever before it is that the disc is veiled. And take advantage of the test to check the good working order of all instrumentation (speedometer, odometer, indicator lights and lights).