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Scooter Maintenance

Some tips and need-to-know things about keeping your scooter running in top condition

Leonie Griffiths

For some that are mechanically minded they don’t need telling twice what they need to keep an eye on. But for the rest of us, there’s a handful of things you need to know to keep you scooter running perfectly between servicing.

1.  Petrol

The first thing you’ll ever do with your new scooter is fuel up. At ScootaCo we recommend you use Premium Unleaded petrol.  For the extra few cents a litre, having better quality fuel is well worth it. Especially when the average 50cc scooter only costs $5 - $6 to fill.

The fuel lines in your scooter are very small compared to a car. The less junk you have in your fuel means there’s less chance of clogging something up.  It also means you’ll have a better scooter in the long run. If you use Premium fuel now, you’ll have less problems in future and a longer bike life.

2. Oil

The oil you use in your scooter is probably more important (initially) than what quality fuel you use. We use only the best here, and that is the Motul Scooter Expert range.

2-stroke scooters are the most important here. You’ll use about a litre of oil every 800-1,000kms. When your oil light starts flickering, you’ve got a bit of time before you need to top up. The 4-stroke scooters shouldn't use as much oil as the 2-stroke, but check the levels regularly.

The biggest mistake people make is when they’re riding home, they see the oil light come on and stop at the nearest servo and grab the first bottle of 2T oil they see.  This can destroy your engine in so many ways.

Different oils from different brands DO NOT MIX. The oil at servos is made for things like mowers and outboard motors. Comparatively your scooter is a delicate little thing. It’s a lethal cocktail that will cost you money to have fixed.

If you buy a bottle of oil from us and use it – bring it back in and we’ll refill it cheaper than what a new bottle will cost you. You save money and save the environment. If you’re absolutely desperate, we can even take your scooter around and fill it for you.

3. Tyres

Your tyre pressure is very important on any wheeled vehicle. If you run them flat you can destroy the walls of the tyres and your rims which cost a small fortune to replace. It’s also extremely dangerous riding with deflated tyres, especially in the wet.

Make it habit to check your tyres once a fortnight or so, or every other time you fuel up. 30psi is a good average on scooter tyres, but call us to check first as it depends what scooter you have and the load you carry.

4. Battery

The battery in your scooter is quite small. This means that it’s flattened easily and difficult to recharge just by riding it (as you would by running your car).

If you’re having problems starting your scooter on the electric start and have to resort to kicking it, you may have a battery problem. Other signs will be your electrics failing; indicators working intermittently or not working at all, and headlights dull. It could also be the fact you leave the ignition on overnight. It’s an embarrassing mistake you only do once, but there’s no point denying it. Secret scooterman magic tells us these things.

Scooters love to be ridden. It’s what they’re made for!  So if you leave your scooter sit in the garage for weeks or months, expect it’s not going to start. 2-stroke scooters are a bit more temperamental and may just require patience and a good kick-start, but if it’s your 4-stroke scooter, you’ll have to kick it. Alternatively, whip the battery out and give it a good deep charge to see if you can resurrect it. Keep in mind you could have loads of other problems too. Best to call us and check.

If you are going away or not riding your scooter for a while (tropical wet season anyone?) it’s a very good idea to invest in a charger. We sell chargers that monitor your battery level and charge it if it begins to get low.  It saves you a new battery and a pickup fee from us if you do.

5. Parking

Where you park you scooter is very important. You can ride in the sun and in the rain, but if you park your scooter in the elements you must expect problems.

The sun can dry out protectants and lubes while bleaching the plastic panels causing them to become weak, brittle and unsafe. If you have to leave you bike in the sun, make sure you check with us which parts may need frequent attention  with a lube and buy a can of Motul Wash&Wax or some Armourall Vinal Wipes to keep the condition of your panels. You may think it’s extra work now, but it will help keep the value of your scooter.

If you leave you scooter out in the rain you risk water getting into the electrical components of your scooter, into the fuel system and the mechanical components causing rust. Your scooter can handle a bit of weather, but the monsoonal rains we get in FNQ can destroy your scooter and give you a huge repair bill. If you have to leave your scooter in the rain, ensure it’s covered with a scooter cover or at the very least with some tarpaulin weighed down to stop it from blowing away.

Ideally, park your scooter undercover during the day and night to protect it from the damaging elements we have in FNQ.

Feel free to contact us on 4031 1144 or visit the shop at 59 Anderson Street, Manunda and we can show you how to check your own scooter, or ask us at your next service!

published 16/09/2009