Just got a 2004 Vino; disappointed in mileage

[Buckybuck]

I purchased a 2004 Vino 50 with 23 miles on it off a retired guy last weekend. He claimed he bought it to ride around his RV lot in Florida, and the darned RV lot owners banned scooters right after he got it. It does look brand new.

I realize that it's still in the break-in period, but I filled the tank, rode 50 miles (gotta admit I was a little heavy on the throttle at times; you know, keeping up with the traffic flow) and filled the tank again. Took like .97 gallons! Geez, I get 50 miles to the gallon in my 1000cc Kawasaki!

Why is my mileage so awful? Will it get better once it gets broke in? I took the spark plug out and it looks clean.

I've already done the exhaust derestrict. I haven't yet successfully accomplished the variator deregulation; I've tried twice and am getting closer each time (the first time I wasn't able to get all the bolts out so I got an impact driver, and the second time I couldn't get my strap wrench to stay around the pully, so I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and buy some cheap channel locks for my next try). I'm hoping maybe being able to run 35 mph without having the throttle wide open might help mileage.

Lastly, I've noticed that the wind is much more noticeable on this little scooter than it is on my Concours at the same speed. So I'm thinking a windshield might also be in order. Does a windshield help or hurt gas mileage on these?

[sooznd]

Check your tire pressure. My 03 Vino 50 got 75 - 85 mpg. I got around 95-100 miles per tankful. Can you adjust the idle-- is it too high....that scooter has sure been sitting for a long time.......might need carb cleaned. Others here can help.

[StepVino]

Yes, check tire pressure. Also try cleaning the air filter, might
help, might not. Your odometer might be slightly off as well,
not that much, but a bit.

You can use a cheap electric impact wrench to remove the
variator nut. You still need to use the strap wrench when
reinstalling, so you can torque it down properly, but at least
it saves half the hassle.

[Buckybuck]

Definitely not tire pressure; I pumped them on the high side right away.

I found this link to carb cleaning:

http://vespamaintenance.com/vino/carbjet/index.html

Is it really that much work? If so, would you go ahead and upjet like that tutorial suggests? For that matter, how much and where can I find a jet? I'm at around 900 feet, so what size do I want if I go this route?

And just to prove I am a complete dope about this, another question about the impact wrench. You're saying I can go to Harbor Freight and get one of their $30 cordless impact wrenches and remove that pesky nut on the variator? That's all I need to remove it; just an impact wrench and no strap wrench or channel locks to hold the pulley in place?

[StepVino]

Don't get a cordless. Can't see the real cheap ones like I have,
but this one looks good:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45252

[Buckybuck]

Don't get a cordless. Can't see the real cheap ones like I have,
but this one looks good:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45252
I went, but that one was on back order. On my way out, I saw this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40678

Got one, worked perfectly. Now I've got another 3 mph. I still can't believe how much more wind there is on the Vino than there is on my motorcycle. I searched here and found mixed thoughts about a windshield, but I think I'll try one anyway.