new zuma rider

[cpiste]

sup everyone

This will be my 1st time riding a scooter, just have a permit though
so I can't pick up chicks and ride at night.
I will be getting a zuma soon, just waiting for the owner to renew
the registration. The only thing I'm worried about is the scoot not
being used for almost a year now. It has approx. 1k mileage.
He(owner/coworker) told me to refill the engine oil, and everything
will be "good"
My thoughts are just bringing it to a motorcycle shop and get it tuned up
there. How much will that cost?
I also need to buy a new rear tire, because there's a nail jammed in the
old one.
I'm definitely buying the stage one (or two?) kit, just because its hilly
here in Frisco, but I don't want it to be loud though.

[OldGuy]

Hi Cpiste -

First, welcome to the wunnerful world of scootering. Hope to hear more from you.

My one worry is that we might hear a lot more from you. Since the scooter has a nail in a tire you can't actually ride it and it's sat for a year. That could be a big problem. Take a look on these forums for problems other people have had after leaving the scooter sit up for only about 3 months. Scooters don't like to sit. They feel unloved and develop neurosis's. .laugh.. (my opinion)

Unless you're getting a really bargain price (You didn't say what year it is but say $800 or less) I'd be really leery! Unless, of course this scooter is what you REALLY (excuse me, didn't mean to shout) want. :luvdoc: In that case no price is too much. :)

What I suggest is this. Have the owner replace the tire and add the cost into the selling price before you buy (cost=about $40). You ride the scooter for about an hour. Park it for about two hours (To let it cool down.) You ride it for another hour. That should be enough to find any major problems. Of course, check the lights, brakes and horn. If the electric starter doesn't work there's a good chance it's the battery. They are not cheap! (about $70, see Provoscooter shop site)

I don't want to rain on your parade. Scootin' is an absolute carefree joy o_o if it's running right, but remember one thing. This guy is a "coworker." You'll be seeing him every day. If there are hard feelings this could get awkward. ..weird..

That said as far as "bringing it to a motorcycle shop and get it tuned up there" forget it. If your scooter is running properly the only "tuning" it needs is to put a new spark plug in (cost=>$4). (I'm sure someone will disagree with me on this one) Do that yourself. It's very satisfying. Of course this would be a way to discover if you've found an honest shop. If they tell you, " All it needs/needed is a spark plug." than you've found a good one.

One more idea and I'll shut up. Ask the guy if he has the owners manual. Yamaha manuals are very useful.

Good luck,

[cpiste]

Thanks OldGuy,

I got my 2005 Zuma a few days ago (woohoo!) I had to buy a new battery though from a dealer and ran me $75. The scooter runs ok although it does need a tune-up. As much fun as it is doing it myself, I do not have the time doing it myself (2FTjobs) I called a motorcycle shop and quoted me $70 for the job including the oil,parts. Im waiting for my 1st stage kit too so I can get them to install that while tuning it.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I got it for $1000. Haven't payed him yet though, hehe, but I can pay him in installments so I think its a steal.

Don't worry I'm the guy who reads a whole forum before asking questions.

Now that I realized how scooting is teh cool, I'm leaning towards buying a sports bike, Need to practice shifting though.

Well back to reading the forums.