[Jeff in Kentucky]

This is probably a good bike for a beginner- no shifting, but a little heavy for a beginner, but the weight makes it better for cruising at 75 mph on the interstates. The Yamaha T-Max 500cc scooter is a lot better in corners and smoother, but also a lot more expensive. Here are some tips I found for the 500cc Kymco, made in Taiwan:

“The alterations I have made are not major.

1. Raise front tyre pressure to 33lbs sq in. Rear 34-36lbs sq in.

2. Adjust both shock absorbers to No. 4 setting.

3. Change rear tyre to Pirelli GTS (it cost me $99 retail)

4. (This takes some minor skills) Improve air box efficiency by removing/cutting out the internal plastic moulding material (this is included in the design in order to divert any solid objects) Enlarge air intake by cutting out tube and replacing 20mm tube with 50mm tube.( I used 50mm plastic plumbing connecting pipe about 100 mm long bonded in with ‘tough-as-nails’) Make sure tube is snug and leak-proof and will fit beneath wiring loom. The original inlet tube actually touched the loom further restricting air flow. In order to get at this air box a. Disconnect battery. Remove seat/strut b. Remove storage section (carefully disconnect electrical connections). c. Unbolt LH shock absorber. Disconnect main air-box-to-fuel injection unit hose.(Do not tamper with injection equipment) Make sure this main hose seats correctly/snug upon reasembling so that no air leakage occurs.Do the biz.

5. Replace original plug with one that is one grade colder (engine will run leaner due to increase in higher air-fuel ratio – NGK CR8E. ($5)

6. Replace standard air filter by cutting out the paper insert and fitting with suitable oil-resistant foam (this allows for better breathing as well) Use at least semi-synthetic oil with better SAE range for better overall running (I use Penrite 15/60)

7. Use 95 octane unleaded fuel [note that other countries have a different octane numbering system- this might be like 89 octane fuel in the US]. The extra cost is more than covered by decreased fuel consumption due to lower revs needed. e.g. 60kph revs dropped from 4200 down to 3600 rph. Plus – the motor runs quieter. My bike never does less than 26kms per litre even around town. On country runs I get up to 33 kms per litre.

8. If you are a large person remove adjustable seat support for more leg room. Each alteration is minor but will make the bike more agile.

9. Do be patient with running in. You will find the bike really comes to life after about 4000 kms. This is my 7th new scooter in 6 yrs and is easily the best. Very,very reliable and pleasurable. I have not had to have any warranty work done at all in 11000 kms. It is almost impossible to beat for the money. Cheers.”

[Author]

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