
| Proper Scooter Care |
| News - Articles |
| Written by Colin Shattuck |
|
Get to know it! The vast majority of the concerns you might have during the first few days owning your new Sportique Scooter can be addressed by reading the owners manual. It’s our job to make certain that you are familiar with all of your scooter’s controls and switches (particularly the “engine kill” switch). If you aren’t, please ask us to explain again. Tip!: On most models, you must have the key in the on position and engage a brake lever in while pressing the starter button. Use it up! It’s important to run through your first tank of fuel quickly. Doing so helps in the running-in process because it helps burn off various anti-corrosive coatings and consumes aging fluids. To find the freshest fuel always try to purchase fuel from a busy station. Fuel can begin going bad within one month assuming it was fresh from the station. It does not need to smell or look bad to cause a problem. When fuel goes bad it turns to a gel, drops to the bottom of the tank, and then can clog your carburetor. If you cannot go through your fuel within a month add a fuel stabilizer. (Problems resulting from bad fuel are not coverd by factory warranties). First Service it up! Every new scooter needs to have First Service performed within the first 600 or so miles (1,000 KM). Most warranties require this service because it is our first opportunity to confirm that your new scooter is running in correctly. Wash it up! Clean scooters are happy scooters.Feel free to use the car wash, just avoid directly spraying bearings and other sensitive areas with a full force. A gentle wash with a bucket and cloth works best. Use your favorite wax to keep the paint shining. Air it up! Scooters are safer and perform better when their tires are properly inflated. We recommend purchasing a tire gauge (get one free with the Sportique PLUS Plan) and carrying it with you. Stop by Sportique any time for free inflations. Proper tire inflation varies by model but usually ranged between 25 and 32 lbs per. Charge it up! During periods of storage in excess of ten days, use a battery charger/maintainer (get one free with the Sportique PLUS Plan) to juice your scoot for the ride ahead. In trips under a few miles your scooter may use more energy in starting and operating turn signals ect than the small charging system has had time to recharge. This is how a new battery can loose charge even when ridden daily. (Batteries that go bad under these conditions are not covered under factory warranties) Fire it up! It’s always a good idea to start your scooter and allow it to run up to operating temperature regularly, even when it’s not being ridden. Tune it up! Service your scooter regularly;About every 1500 miles (around 2,500 KM) or, at a minimum, once per year. Sportique offers Same Day Service in most cases. We also offer factory service manuals and parts for the do-it-yourselfer. Remember, tune ups prevent problems they don’t fix them. If you have a concern bring your scoot in ASAP and you may prevent a more costly fix in the future! Cover it up! Store your scooter responsibly! If you cannot store it in a garage, purchase a quality cover and use it! Nothing is tougher on scooters constant exposure to the elements regardless of the season. |