MM's 2004 Derbi Atlantis Bullet 1st Impressions

[marylandmark]

I picked up my 2004 Derbi Atlantis Bullet with Metrakit SP pipe on it, variator derestricted and rollers drilled out today.


http://www.geocities.com/maryland_mark/b1.txt

I like it! The color combo looks good! The stock pipe is HUGE- glad I got an aftermarket one from the get-go! It is a 2 seater but the seat is two toned- grey and black. The grey is where a passenger would sit so it flows into the gray of the bike- making it look like a 1 person seat which in turn makes it very sporty looking. The "Atlantis City" has a solid black seat- makes it look like a station wagon compared to mine! The rims- very nice looking green and sets the bike off! I pealed all the stickers off of it except the "racing stripes" you see on the tailend and the matching set on the front fender...

http://www.geocities.com/maryland_mark/b2.txt

The rear fender is HUGE. I might be looking into a way to chop right below where the tail light ends- like sport bikes do and mount the tag under the seat dangling above the exposed rear tire. There is another "sub-fender" up under the bike-sort of in front of the tire- that protects the engine and so on and I would leave that there.

http://www.geocities.com/maryland_mark/bu3.txt

The front turn signals are not intergrated in the front head light as I thought- they are in Europe but not the USA. By law they have to be mounted like you see above. The holes are still next to the front head light so it looks easy to move them there- get amber bulbs and re-route the wiring.


I was confused between the GP1 and the Atlantis. The GP1 has a "front glove box" with a phone charger and storage space. The Atlantis has under the seat storage only.. I liked my Zuma for the cup/beer/cell holder it had...


Ok enough about looks- how does she ride?

Well it is in the mid-40's today and overcast so I only went on a few 200ish yard runs in front of my house....

My dealer drilled out my rollers to get me a higher top end. I think he drilled them too much.... (I am leaving this statement in my origianl post, however it is incorrect- he should have drilled MORE out for better take off..)

My take off is very, very slow to get going- on a slight incline I had to use my feet to get myself going. I am used to my stock Zuma- crack the throttle and go....

Next week I hear it is going to be in the 70's so that will give me a better idea of how she rides.

I told my dealer that I only ride in perfect weather- 65+ degrees, no rain and so on. So- cooler air I run leaner than warmer air, the leaner I am, the more power I produce. I am producing more power running right now (45 degrees) than I will be next week when it warms up (70 degrees). That makes me think that it will be even harder to take off....


I think I asked my dealer too many questions about top end and it looks like he tuned it to run like a rabbit on the top end. He said it had AWESOME mid-range and top end. Will test that next week and report back.... I can not really give it a fair shake as of yet but I think I would like more quickness even though that means I will be losing some on the top end...... Impressed, not so far but have not rode it enough to give it a fair shake. Disappointed, a little but I think a little breaking in (4.7 miles on it right now), a little warmer weather and fine tuning of the rollers and I will be much, much happier!


Overall:

Bike looks GREAT! I liked my Zuma as well. The rear blinkers intergrated in the tail light, the sporty two-toned seat, NO BUGEYE LIGHTS :eek: and the green rims/stripes on a grey scoot with black accents LOOKS AWESOME!

I think I am starting with a superior bike over my Zuma. It would have taken a lot more parts, money and tuning to get my Zuma where my Derbi is with just a pipe, variator derestriction and rejet. I think that my Derbi is a quicker, faster bike than my Zuma would have been with the same mods.....


Only down side (so far) is the rear brake is a drum where the Zuma had disk on both ends....](I am leaving this statement in my origianl post, however it is incorrect- Zumas have disk up front and drums in the rear...)[/I]

[Lennox]

I think he did not drill enough out of the rollers if the take-off is that bad........



Only down side (so far) is the rear brake is a drum where the Zuma had disk on both ends....
__________________

WHAT?????????????????? You had a disk brake on the rear of your Zuma?????? Typo?

[marylandmark]

Don't all Zumas?


HAHAHA- you are correct... I just went and looked and saw my Zuma, in fact- has a disk up front and drum in the rear... The Derbi GP1 has dual disk brakes...

Is it disc or disk? I thought it was disc but see it listed as disk on the Derbi site...

[marylandmark]

I think he did not drill enough out of the rollers if the take-off is that bad........



WOW! It could have been even slower to engage and go?

I think tomorrow I am going to get on my Zuma and Derbi to see what they both feel like so I can give a better impression- it has been about 2 months since I have riden my Zuma so they could be closer than I think...

[Aviatrixie]

disc... disk... disq... take your pick, Mark. It's "Spanglish"! LOL

It's funny how foreign websites mangle English. I get a kick out of Malossi's site. Technomoto's is almost indecypherable!

p.s. Disc is more correct, but disk is acceptable. Disq was just me being silly. ;)


Is it disc or disk? I thought it was disc but see it listed as disk on the Derbi site...

[XPS1210]

it's disc...

and if you are at a loss on the low end... you might need to change the rollers, torque spring, or clutch springs...

Glad you finally got it... hope it's all you were expecting and more...

[XPS1210]

oh yeah... I shaved the rear off of the zuma... a dremmel works great...

and looks 100 times better without the huge rear fender... I left a little of the fender plastic intact so I could mount the plate on it and the licence plate light into it as well.. there are pics in my how to area on how I mounted the plate and light...

[Aviatrixie]

Something isn't right, Mark. You said "very very slow" to start. Maybe it's your rollers, maybe your clutch springs, but something isn't tuned right.

It was 46 degrees today at 5:30 and I decided to do my last minute running around on my Vino instead of my Subaru. I picked up a few groceries, some wine, and had so much fun I decided to explore Neville Island. There are some nice old houses on that little island!

You need to tune your Derbi, Mark. There's no excuse for poor acceleration. And you need to get out and ride. Mid forties is NOT an excuse, hunny! ;)

Erika... who got in a good ride at 46 degrees today

[florida derbi rocket]

I Like it Mark...I will be trimming my fender soon..stay tuned...Yours looks like a MUCH bigger fender than my 2002..It looks like a hand growing out of it!!( I Know..thats the Plate Light).. :p ....I am also losing my front stalks..if you look at your head light from behind.....thats with that Panel that shoulda been a glovebox...off..Not hard ...several screws...you will see where 2004?..2005...Turn Signal Holders go..in my parts manual from their website...There seem to be cups and holders available...From what I have pondered..I dont think I can Cut down the original holders to slip in the sockets without Cutting up the sockets..See ..the bulbs have to be Held quite far in the sockets to be seen from the side.......I guess I'll see how much the Retro-Fit stuff is 1st..before I cut anything...stay tuned...Hey! ride that thing some more!!! You'll get it tuned right!!... ::handleba John

[marylandmark]

Yea-

I think after getting more seat time on it things will come together... Looks like even I should be able to get the rollers changed out if needed.... Before I had nobody to fix it, now I am a little more adventurous with my tools now that I know if I screw it up all I have to do is drive 2 hours each way to get it fixed.

[van ringostein]

Hey Mark, could you zoom in on your pipe and maybe put some more light on that area, I am trying to mount my SP1 pipe and it is missing something so it would be great if I could get a better look at yours.




Ben

[marylandmark]

Sure- will send you a PM in about 5 minutes..( Anyone else want them I can post or PM but didn't want to make this thread a bandwidth hog with tons of pics...)

I only have my cam phone to take pics with right now so will do my best- if needed tomorrow PM I can send you more pics with a real cam..

[van ringostein]

either way it does not matter, I can wait another day I may try to fabricate something today so that I can at least feel comfortable using the new pipe

[XPS1210]

you can't PM pictures... post it here...

[marylandmark]

Took out my Derbi today on what I was hoping would be an awesome ride with great top end even though I need to work on geting better acceleration...

Well...

UNHAPPY CAMPER _o :confused: :( :mad:

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

I got my butt handed to me in every way by (3) Honda 4-frickin stroke Metro II's!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad:

They beat me on from a dead stop, beat me from 10MPH to 32MPH (my top frickin speed!!!!), beat me from 20MPH to 30MPH, beat me from dead stop to until they were too far ahead for me to see them anymore....

I had to come back home to get my Zuma and then my stock Zuma kicked their tail all day long!!!

OMG I am GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRR

Sent my dealer- who has been awesome- an email.... This thing should go 55+ stock and I could not get my stage I over 32MPH!

GGGGRRRRRRRRRRR

[Snyeed]

putting that pipe on messed you up so bad, If you had just a stock scooter 50mph would come to you. hopefully it all worksout

[florida derbi rocket]

Derbi scooters like 70cc Pistons...When I held the 50cc in my hand..I couldnt believe how "TOY" it was......Now be careful about talking smack just yet..I dont think you have it tuned right.. ;) John

[marylandmark]

Dealer/Owner and his head mechanic called me as soon as I shot off my email...

They taught me how to pull the plug and seem to think it might be fouled. I told them I would go get another one and run it tomorrow to see if that helped... Never know- it might solve my acceleration issue as well as get me over 32 frickin MPH.

Side note- he offered to meet me 1/2 way on the drive (90 miles each way) to get my scoot back to his shop to see what the problem is. I think just to be done with it, the MK SP 18HP kit (http://www.provoscooter.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=124) might be in the works... (21mm carb, cylinder/piston kit, adjustable race clutch, 4 gram rollers, carbon fiber reed and tuned) This is NOT replacing the stock crank???

[florida derbi rocket]

Jered would tell you to buy several plugs..you will always use them..(kinda like you cant buy TOO much Laundry soap!)..The 18 hp kit will kick butt..but you will have to become a tuner...2-stroke law says things will change..( Carb settings..Rollers will wear..parts will wear..)..You will eventually get like Pinky..or Lennox..where he starts his scoot up..goes for a ride..and knows from Listening..what is wrong..Then you can keep on top of things...Oh..I dont know about the crank.I HAD to buy another...I had no choice.. ;) John

[marylandmark]

..but you will have to become a tuner...2-stroke law says things will change

That is what I am scared of...

I like the idea of a stage III but am trying to keep it as reliable as I can (Stage III and reliable in the same sentance- HAHAHAHA, yea right!)

I have heard that the Metrakit is built very well- not prone to "problems". Not as "reliability challenged" as some other kits.. maybe even venture to say close to reliable as stock?

BUT- still have the tuning issues I would guess... temp changes mean 1/2 hour rejetting in the garage if I ever figure out how to do it and so on... ;no

[marylandmark]

Hey Mark, could you zoom in on your pipe and maybe put some more light on that area, I am trying to mount my SP1 pipe and it is missing something so it would be great if I could get a better look at yours.
Ben

Just wondering how it was going? Erich send you a pipe mount? Still need pics? I am back in business on the camera so let me know if you need them still...

[florida derbi rocket]

That is what I am scared of...

I like the idea of a stage III but am trying to keep it as reliable as I can (Stage III and reliable in the same sentance- HAHAHAHA, yea right!)

I have heard that the Metrakit is built very well- not prone to "problems". Not as "reliability challenged" as some other kits.. maybe even venture to say close to reliable as stock?

BUT- still have the tuning issues I would guess... temp changes mean 1/2 hour rejetting in the garage if I ever figure out how to do it and so on... ;no Mark...do you belong to a scooter club?...southern Maryland has got to have one..Sometimes these clubs save saturday for tuning....Or some tweaker will be Craving something new to get his hands on...(Scooter)...You know..buy him a six and introduce him to some girls..hehe.. :naught: John

[marylandmark]

Scooter Club.. I guess if there was one it would be ME... I wish there was one!

HAHHAAH

My garage right now- 3 Metro's, a Derbi and a Zuma... I have 2 other friends with Metro II's that I ride with as well...

[florida derbi rocket]

ok..none of them work on their own scoots?..Just asking..John

[crxlurp]

yea mm, my altlantis city went 40 brand new. not even broke in yet. there is something going on with it. you need to talk to that dealer about getting that fixed

[marylandmark]

ok..none of them work on their own scoots?..Just asking..John

Nope....

The Derbi and Zuma are mine (might sell Zuma to roomie but want to make sure the Derbi is going to run before I commit to the sale).

The 5 Metro II's are all chicks- "I" am their tech support.. The dude at the local dealership told them to use a uni-bit to drill out the washer in the exhaust and they should be able to go 50MPH! Now I have to deal with them asking ME when I am going to do it for them.. I don't even work on my own scoot!


yea mm, my altlantis city went 40 brand new. not even broke in yet. there is something going on with it. you need to talk to that dealer about getting that fixed


I have talked to him and he said some thing is not right- could be a fouled plug. I am going to get one tonight and give it a spin if it warms up (43 degrees right now at 8:45AM).

He said he would meet me 1/2 way on the drive (90 miles each way) to take it back to his shop to see what is wrong and tune it to my liking, however I think the route to go might be the 18HP Metrakit! Tired of playing with this thing- want to get on it and go. I also talked a lot of smack about how fast my new scoot was going to be and it is a turd so far... Might have to break out the 18HP- wheelie by them on my way up to 70MPH!!! :p

[marylandmark]

I have talked to him and he said some thing is not right- could be a fouled plug. I am going to get one tonight and give it a spin if it warms up (43 degrees right now at 8:45AM).

Ironic.. The local paper comes on on Wednesday and Friday. I am getting around to reading yesterdays paper today and in the Auto section they have an article about fouled plugs- mine looks EXACTLY like the fouled plug in the pic!

I think the answer still is going to the be the 18HP SP Metrakit but this might render my scoot rideable until then!

[crxlurp]

if you have th money that would be incredible. but it think you should still look into getting a new plug in the mean time. it makes me cry hearing that a derbi got beaten by a couple of metro's. you should kick there *** once before you do anything to the motor. it will make you feel like you didnt waste your money.o_o o--

[marylandmark]

if you have the money that would be incredible.

Remember I am 32- old man on here.. :) Money has never been an issue getting my scoot done- just don't want to have to work on it and looking for the "best setup" was the issue. I had to go out and buy a whole brand new scoot to get what I wanted- no reason to stop now...I should have less in mine than some others on here (sorry Jered!) and should be a wheelie monster with a low 70's top end I am guessing... ::handleba

Ordered the kit last night. I had to order through the dealer for several reasons (read- sorry Erich!):

1. install is $25/hour instead of $75/hour since parts are from them (I know they are going to make it up on parts but seemed that the part prices were inline with advertised prices elsewhere..)

2. they ordered 6 flavors of rollers to see what works best, with me only buying the set I need- even if they are not a matched set. Saves me $10-$15 times 5 sets..

3. Easier- I bought the bike from them, they have done what is done to it so far and so on. I have to meet the guy 1/2 way and he will take it back to his shop, then when done I will meet him 1/2 way again and pick it up... He knows what I am looking for and will buy the bike back if the SP kit doesn't give me what I am looking for!

but it think you should still look into getting a new plug in the mean time.

Got 2 plugs last night but too cold/wet to ride. GRRR Next week going to be nice so will give it a try when the rain stops.



it makes me cry hearing that a derbi got beaten by a couple of metro's. you should kick there ass once before you do anything to the motor. it will make you feel like you didn't waste your money.o_o o--

I KNOW! I was PISSED when my butt got kicked by the Metros!!! :angry: I had to go home and get my ZUMA to even keep up with them- not a good feeling when the ink on my $2900 check has not cleared yet!!!! I do still feel that I am starting with what arguably is the best and fastest scooter out there. I still feel like I am going in the right direction- just have not gotten there quite yet...

Thanks again for your help Bro!!! and all!!!

[florida derbi rocket]

MM..this is just me...but check your mileage for excessive fun when you get it back....I once watched my Daytona Screech out of a Body shop..and Return with Burger King for the Crew...YOU should be the test driver when you pick it up..dont leave till you like it!! ;) John

[marylandmark]

I agree- I rode my bike in a circle in the parking lot when I got it.. The take off was pretty slow but figured that was because it "geared" for higher top end, was brand new, no tags to ride on the road and so on...

New kit on the way and I will be riding it for about 5 miles before I sign over any more $$$$!