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foreigner Assistantce Services in Taiwan> advice

ADVICE

1. Buying a Bike

AFTER THE PURCHASE
  • Have a professional mechanic do a full tune-up on the machine.
    • Why? Well, since you're probably not a professional, trained mechanic, there are probably people out there more qualified than you to make sure the bike is in top condition and safe to ride. Don't be offended; the author isn't a professional mechanic either. Spend a little money and let a professional certify that the bike is safe to ride.
  • Get the bike insured and registered. Never ride without health insurance and vehicle insurance.
  • Take it easy as you get used to a new machine. Respect your bike's power and abilities and get used to it

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QUIZZING THE SELLER

  • When the seller is going over the bike, giving you his sales pitch:

1.      Try to ascertain whether or not this person really cares about the bike's condition. When you come across something wrong -- say, a handlebar that got slightly bent in a parking lot tip-over, does the owner seem to think that it's no big deal and doesn't need to be replaced, or did the owner point it out himself, and acknowledge the fact that it needs fixing?

2.      Try to figure out if the owner seems like the kind of bike knowledgeable person who maintains his bikes well or someone that doesn't keep up with scheduled maintenance and just gets a different bike when he's worn one out. You can often tell a lot about someone through insight alone.

Ask the owner:

  • Has the bike ever been down?
    • If the seller says, "No," but you see evidence of crash damage, ask the seller to explain.
  • When was the oil last changed?
    • 4 stroke scooter oil should be changed at least every 1000 km or six months, whichever comes first.
  • What is the maintenance history of the bike?
    • Is the bike overdue for regular servicing, like a valve adjustment, a carb sync, etc? (If the owner hasn't lost the bike's owner's manual, open it up and look at the maintenance schedule to see if it was followed properly.)
  • How old (years & miles) are the tires? Ask the seller if he thinks the tires are good.
    • See the section on above to evaluate their condition for yourself.
  • What modifications were made to the bike? 
  • Off-road two-strokes: When's the last time the bike got a fresh top end?
  • Come right out and ask the seller:
    • Why are you selling the bike?
    • Is there anything wrong with this bike?
    • Is there anything wrong with it that you haven't pointed out?
    • Are there any maintenance/safety issues that I should be aware of if I buy this bike?
    • What work would you do on the bike if you were going to keep it for another year or two?
    • Is there any reason I shouldn't buy this bike?

Sometimes the simple act of asking these questions in a very blunt manner will get the seller to reveal things that they didn't think of, or didn't plan on mentioning.

  • Warning sign: if the seller's main selling point is that the bike is "really fast", there's a better-than-average chance that you're talking to someone who abused the bike. Beware.
  • Paranoia department: How do you know that the bike actually parts that the seller claims it has? Be careful, especially if the seller seems dodgy. Just because the seller claims that the bike has Measurer cams (or some other internal part that you're not going to see) doesn't mean that it does. Ask to see a sales receipt. (Putting an aftermarket manufacturer's sticker on a stock component is a lot cheaper than buying the aftermarket upgrade.)

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2. Engine

CLUTCH (Motorcycles)

  • Ask the owner how many miles since clutch cable was changed?. Owners who keep close tabs on bike maintenance will know. That's generally a great sign. Most owners probably don't know.
  • If there's a little slack in the clutch cable and you can move the lever 5/8" or an inch or so before the cable goes tight that probably just means that the cable adjuster needs a turn or two.

Steps

  1. Put the bike in first gear 
  2. Squeeze the clutch all the way in 
  3. Roll it forward. It should feel like neutral, with possibly a little more resistance. 
  4. Slowly let the clutch out and feel for the friction zone. Clutch engagement should be fairly smooth, not abrupt. 
  5. Put the bike back in neutral. 

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SPEEDOMETER

  • Spin the front wheel QUICKLY , see if the speedometer registers anything. If the Speedo needle doesn't rise
    • Check to see if the trip odometer's 1/10th mile digit has moved after the wheel has spun for a while. If it hasn't, the Speedo is probably disconnected or just doesn't work
    • If your bike doesn't have one of these cables off the front axle, the bike's speedometer/odometer is probably keyed off the countershaft (transmission output)...
    • Get the rear wheel in the air,
    • start the engine,
    • Get the bike into second gear
    • let it idle..................

RESULTS:

1.      Speedo needle should rise a bit.

2.      Odometer digits should scroll slowly . (If it doesn't, the speedo/odor is disconnected or just doesn't work )

If the speedo/odor doesn't work, it's hard to know BIKE MILAGE since you don't know how long it hasn't been counting off miles. Run away QUICKLY!

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3.  Article April/2006

You Didn’t Take Care of Your Wheels?!

Spend small money now, save a lot later.

"The preachy part"

I assume that most of you already know most of this following advice and tips and it is usually just common sense, but as visitors here in Taiwan with cultural differences, new laws, values, and of course new modes of transportation are different from what we are used to back home. It’s the small things, sometimes, that we tend to forget. Even at times we seek advice and get misled, misinformed or the all too common “language barrier” gives us a fresh kick in the rear for an eye opening experience. We tend to take it for granted and then it costs us later with a whopping, unexpected repair bill, an avoidable accident or being late for that special date or for school (when you just called in sick the day before with a terrible hangover). Now, you’re going to phone in sick again? WHY? BECAUSE….. YOU DIDN’T take care of your wheels?! Being proactive can be a money saver.? Pay a little now, save a lot later, a wise man once said. A little maintenance and prevention checks can give you a better piece of mind, higher resell value, and fewer or no pain staking breakdowns.

 

Darryl Mackie

F.A.S.T.

  1. ADDING OR CHANGING MOTOR OIL AND GEAR OIL

Regarding 2-stroke engines, you have to add oil yourself. Generally, all 50cc, 90cc, 100 cc and some 125cc are 2-stroke style engines and have a filler cap similar to your gas cap to add the oil.? They usually consume about a quart of oil monthly depending on mileage and whether your old, tired bike has oil leakage.
I highly suggest using the recommended manufactures oil. Try to refrain from buying and using the cheap NT $80 generic gas station or hardware store crap. If you have a Yamaha, then use Yamalube oil. If you ride a SYM, then use the oil they suggest, and so on. Regular oil changes can increase the performance and longevity of your engine in both 2 and 4-stroke engines. 2-stroke engines require special 2-stroke oil, adding a little extra expense and a minimal amount of hassle. You can wait for the oil indicator to go on before adding a quart, but it’s a good idea to top up every week or so if you are putting a lot of miles on your bike.? Once you fill it up, from a quart bottle in a separate reservoir, it automatically mixes with gas as your engine is running. A 4-stroke engine has a dedicated lubricating system. 4-strokes usually have little green, neon light which rolls around with the odometer.? It can be misleading and not so accurate. If your odometer is working, then track the mileage for your next change.
You don’t keep adding oil, YOU CHANGE IT.
4-stroke engines should have their oil CHANGED about every 1000 Km. Transmission or gear oil lubricates the gears and moving parts in the transmission and it’s separate and different from your engine oil. I suggest changing these oils about every 3000 km.? It only costs NT $50.

1.MAINTENANCE TIP
If there is a typhoon or heavy rainfall, then typically it comes with some flooding and your bike may sit in the knee high deep water overnight. Water can get in the pan and water down your oil and easily assist in leaking out or draining out prematurely. “Oil and water don’t mix” and the gears don’t like it. Consider changing the gear oil a.s.a.p.? Some warning signs of this incident are a whiny, high pitch sound, grinding noises, or a dip in performance.? The replacement oil comes in a toothpaste-like tube and can be changed in 10 minutes for about NT $180.
3. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2 and 4-stroke engines.
2-strokes have faster wear and shorter engine life than a 4-stroke due to the lack of a dedicated lubricating system. Also 2-strokes heavily pollute because of the simpler design and the gas/oil mixture that is released prior to, and in the exhaust (this also creates an unpleasant smell).
 

2. REPAIR TIP
The gas gauge, if not working, can sometimes be fixed as simply as a loose wire connection.

3. SAFETY TIP #669
If your gas gauge reads E, then it’s pulling up to the gas pump time. The attendants like you to turn off your scooter engine, open the gas cap yourself and replace afterwards.

4. SAFETY TIP # 666
Driving up to the pump with a cigarette in your mouth usually gets a strange glance and they don’t rush to serve you in fear up being part of the new fireworks display.? Put the butt out before refilling your tank.

5.GAS
Use the recommended gas type.? Generally 92 gas is for 2-strokes and 95 gas for 4-stokes.? Do not burn 97 in any scooter. 97 is of too high an octane and can cause damage to your engine. There is usually sticker to tell you what to burn in your bike. They tend to wear out and are in Chinese. We have bigger, English stickers for free. It’s a good idea to have one especially when you loan your bike out; others may put the wrong gas in your bike

6.QUICK FIX
A bent side-stand or center stand can cause the scooter to fall or topple over easily, causing many scratches or damage.

Fix it 1-straighten with simple, strategic hits with a hammer, so scooter sits at proper angle.
Fix it 2- a quick metal welding is sometimes a cure.
Fix it 3- Changing for a stronger or weaker spring generally costs about NT $50- NT $200 in repairs
Replace it- with a new stand for about NT $200 (sidekick) to NT $400 (center stand)

7.STARTING THE ENGINE HINT
Warming up for too long of period and just letting the bike sit and idle for a long period, as you spend an half an hour chatting it up with the bin lan girl with bad attempts at pick up lines in Chinese, is not very good wear and tear.

8.RIDING TIPS AND BREAKDOWN ADVICE
Driving Tip # 1----Talking on cell phones IS dangerous and illegal. You are expected to pull over, turn off scooter and dismount her. Use an earpiece when you feel you have to keep driving and talking at the same time.? You can purchase a helmet with built in earphones which is handy.

Driving Tip #2----In the event of a breakdown and you need leave your bike stranded, consider asking for a business card of a large, recognizable store on the corner near your mishap or pushing it to a more major intersection, if not too far, is a great idea. Try to make note of the address or land marks. This way you can phone a shop with pickup service to easily locate your bike for simple analysis of the problem. Like our shop, some will supply you with a free loaner bike as we repair yours.

 Driving Tip #3----Backpacks…place on front of body if raining.
Ponchos are generally larger in front.


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