(PT. 11) The drive belt SHREDS on the most HATED scooter on the internet (Living with a Tao Tao)

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In my experience working as a technician in independent motorcycle shops I worked on everything from CVO Harley Davidsons to Honda CT90s. But there was one bike that always stood out with exceptionally poor quality. The Tao Tao 50cc GY6 (139QMB) scooter. And now I'm going to put this scooter to the test and find out if they really are little money pits, or if the issues with the bike are a result of the people who buy these kinds of scooters.
So I purchased a Tao Tao "Pony" ATM 50 and my plan is to make it my main means of transportation for 6 months. Yes from June 1st to January 1st this little scooter is going to be my daily driver. I'll be logging all of the miles, issues and expenses of keeping this scooter running in a log. Doing this will allow me to present a true cost of ownership at the end of this experiment.
The Tao Tao Pony 50 is based on the generic GY6 139QMB platform. They were sold under many different "Brand" names like Wolf, Bintelli, Fly, Rocketa, MotoBravo, Italica, and Dongfang just to name a few. You may be riding one and not even know it!
On my way home from work one rainy evening my scooter's drive belt shredded without warning. I then pushed the bike to a parking lot where I weighed my options. I was only 5-6 miles from home where my tools and spare drive belt were (I knew from experience these bikes come equipped with sub-par belts). So I decided to hail a Lyft ride home, had the driver wait as I ran inside and grabbed a bag of tools and my spare belt, and back out to my scooter.
This is another situation where if I were not a well-versed scooter technician this would have been an extremely expensive breakdown. If I did not have a spare belt I would have had to wait until the next day to get one from a motorcycle shop. In that time my scooter would have been left unattended in a parking lot and would have been easily stolen. My other option would have been to have my scooter towed to my house or a shop which would have been VERY expensive.
Ultimately I was able to get out of this one without much expense, but I DID notate the cost of the Lyft ride in my spreadsheet!
There are people who ride around with a spare belt under their seat, but for me that would reduce the amount of cargo space too dramatically. You would then need to travel with an impact driver because removing the variator nut is nearly impossible with hand tools alone. Then you need to make sure your impact driver is always charged and problems trickle down from there.
The parts I've used in this experiment are so far are:
Bel-Ray 10w40: amzn.to/3d623vR
Bel-Ray 80/90 Hypoid gear oil: amzn.to/2N3yFft
NGK CR7HSA spark plug: scooter911.com...
Brake line: www.scooterwor...
Performance Exhaust: amzn.to/2GfzQs4
Carburetor Jet Kit: amzn.to/32UtBTu
Drive Belt: amzn.to/3hC3rt2
Headlamp bulb: amzn.to/37huSVn
I make my adjustments to the mixture screw using this Digi Synch Manometer/Synchronizer: amzn.to/37B81nl
Follow my experiment in real time! Here is a link to my Tao Tao log/Health Report!
docs.google.co....
If you want to keep up with this project between videos be sure to follow me on social media!
Instagram: / garretseesing
Twitter: @SeesingGarret
Facebook: garretseesingofficial
#TaoTao #Gy6 #50cc

Опубликовано:

30 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 290

@constructdestruct360 3 года назад

So even though the TaoTao is crap, I declare the video series a success!! It's informative and entertaining.

@kylejohnson423 Год назад

Yeah, I just went through it a 3rd time. I decided to make a shopping list of tools I would need for my next moped project. Cheers!

@roryo1386 3 года назад

Lmaaaoo that distorted "Living with a TaoTao" had me coughing beer up my nose. Shame about the drive belt. I'm really happy you are still doing these vids. I loved riding my little TaoTao and it was so goofy sitting next to my dual sport.

@SegaDisneyUniverse 2 года назад

Every time something bad happens on my Tao Tao scooter, I'll definitely be thinking about that!😂

@jodycornelius8258 3 года назад

They should ship that junk back to where it came from. Now you know why its the most hated moped. Wait till the electrical problems start. Been in this biz ( repair) for four years. It's depressing . smh.

@DaxtonAnderson 3 года назад

Even though it's probably treating you well, can we get maybe a monthly RU-vid Shorts (60sec) with a little update on the bike?? :) Been missing the videos and after you've done all that preventative maintenance I don't think we'll be hearing from you until the motor goes boom or you need another oil change 😂

@KyanR7 3 года назад

i see we had the same problem lol after i replaced my belt i haven’t had problems since

@tbthegr81 3 года назад

Man I can't imagine owning a moped that breaks down that much. Mine brakes down way more often...

@thatdcdude7434 3 года назад

Do you know anything about American made Wolf scooters. I just made my very first scooter purchase. A 2021 Wolf v1500. Any input on that brand?

@thatdcdude7434 3 года назад

Learned that Wolf is actually a China made brand...

@kymbrereton203 3 года назад

Talk about mixed emotions - oh no, a break down... oh yay, a video!! Keep it shiny side up

@graysongurksnis1640 3 года назад

I can’t believe you let yourself live with this for so long😂 I run a scooter flipping business and I’ve learned that I will NEVER buy a tao tao even if I plan on selling it right away

@thatdcdude7434 3 года назад

Hats off to him right? With all the vehiclece he has, he is doing this for us... Good dude!

@steveforbes6303 3 года назад

I think it's safe to say that it's a piece of crap. Way too many things wrong for 1500 miles.

@KyanR7 3 года назад

it is a piece of crap but if you know what to change they can be so much fun. i even wheelie mine but i mainly road during the summer. i put about 4700 miles on mine and the last thing to go wrong was tire pressure and that was my fault because of how much weight i put on the back tire.

@Winner3ty 3 года назад

@@KyanR7 Thats true, but with all the parts you buy, you're better off just getting a taiwan bike. My super 9 is a top of the line scoot' for not really that much more

@KyanR7 3 года назад

@@Winner3ty honestly you aren’t really buying a lot of parts for it at least in my case. I don’t know i guess i just got lucky but she’s been running ever since and i’m getting closer to 6000 Miles

@Winner3ty 3 года назад

@@KyanR7 Thats great, I just prefer Taiwanese stuff because I like 2 strokes. lots of nice LC scooters out there like mine, bit older but lots of parts and tunable, and zippy even stock

@KyanR7 3 года назад

@@Winner3ty what’s your thoughts on ice bears?

@StaitlyNatters 3 года назад

It seems that when you breakdown on the taotao it’s inclement weather. Maybe not take it out when the weathers bad

@MassiveTrackHunter 3 года назад

So to summarize. Buy a Tao Tao, move the brake cable and secure it outside the fender, upgrade the exhaust, re-jet, gates belt, rework the headlamp to use a better bulb. In the end you are still stuck....living with a Tao Tao. Love this series. Fun to learn all the small vehicle diags and repairs.

@johng.3740 Год назад

Yes, I was about to ask what kinds of preventative measures could be taken to prevent these breakdowns. I have a Taotao and I only ride it about 3 days a week total combined use about 40 hrs a week.... haven't experienced what he has.

@johng.3740 Год назад

@Jess JJCHu Ok, thanks I'll look into it. I realized that I spent more money buying parts to repair the engine in the scooter compared to simply buying a new engine and cvt assembly.

@terryvalenzuela-of3ej Год назад

@John G. Hey John I was giving a tao it sat for 2 years I cleaned it up put new battery I sprayed carb fluid I was maybe able drive a block and back died won't start at all

@johng.3740 Год назад

@@terryvalenzuela-of3ej Try checking the connections at the CDI box, sometimes they wiggle lose and the scooter won't start, also try checking the intake and exhaust valve clearances.

@terryvalenzuela-of3ej Год назад

@John G. I think it's flooding because it's leaking gas from back of carburetor causing to come throw filter

@ozferim5235 5 месяцев назад

I got my powermax 150 for like $850 with shipping in 2019 and the belt never shredded and the exhaust never fell off and a lot more. I needed to replace the battery and a couple bolts but that's about it.

@Pinhead_larry265 3 года назад

Point in case. Dont buy a motorcycle unless you know how to work on them.

@crowetablets764 3 года назад

I have really enjoyed your Tao Tao vids, makes me glad to jump on my Sym scooter and think this thing isn't so bad!

@lampshade9323 3 года назад

Still loving the Tao Tao videos, you going to take it for a road trip soon?🤪👍

@mutevibesgaming8616 3 года назад

and yet i had one from the brand Sanya, and i did own maintenance whenever i wanted to.. managed to get 6000km's on it without big issues. untill the clutch blew off and snapped the belt.

@Blakethegoat 3 года назад

Man I got into a head on collision earlier with a Harley (he went to pass someone and slammed me) and all I could think about before I got hit was “living with a taotao” the little jingle

@soosaucy2866 3 года назад

Lol

@ehllyINTHEYEAR8642 3 года назад

I have a tao tao 🤣 I'm always singing living with a taotao!

@cherbelmorad1936 3 года назад

Hahaa🤣

@ehllyINTHEYEAR8642 3 года назад

4 months later still running ! I got new light bulb fixed front brakes and oil change! Ya dig

@blairtheageese5269 3 года назад

Great video, Yes a 2 stroke is so much better, In Canada they only sell the dam 4 strokes now, due to climate change,

@18wheeler77 3 года назад

When are you gonna continue the car videos?!!

@dr.samsung_8855 3 года назад

My taotao is a little over 10k miles and is just about ready for it's 3rd crankshaft 😂😂

@smoothcriminal9698 3 года назад

I smell big bore kit...

@dr.samsung_8855 3 года назад

@@smoothcriminal9698 80cc to be exact 👌

@GYccUsefultips 3 года назад

@@dr.samsung_8855 Install a decompression tube to ease the load on the crankshaft.Make sure it is not running lean by checking the spark plug..Use 5 ml per gallon of gas of Lucas fuel treatment and 2 cycle marine oil blended..75 % Lucas/25 % 2 cycle oil..Use an NGK spark plug..

@BF-km3qp 3 года назад

Thank you for the content, it helps a lot!

@CaptainHDY Год назад

What Happened? 2 months and you gave up with the Tao Tao? Been on mine 3rd Year. is not my only Vehicle but the main one I drive. 140 mpg average (Well guess that is Kilometers) vrs 11 in my 94 Chevy Truck or 17 in Dodge Caravan. use Scooter as Back up Trans and use it for Uber Eats Deliveries months on end as example Van is getting rebuilt engine, 180k Miles but has take almost 6 months to to parts issues, funds issues, and a damn slow mechanic, But quick Log:11/15/2022 - 01/05/2023, 3300 on Odometer. average 165 a day driving that scooter for 20 days in that ;little sample. so about 3 or 4 days a week I drive 6 to 10 hours doing deliveries and 6 of those 20 days were over 200mile days. So yea it is tough but has been my only trans for 6 months now other then the above mentioned 2500 pick up truck. would have like you to prove yourself wrong as the scooter will probably out last its tires if you take care of it. Well was interesting series but guess you gave up. Some of us on those things have no choice and have to keep them running. Just did it's 2nd Clutch last week and new Varieater yesterday and am off to do Eats Deliveries for about 10 hours today. (Depending on how the Varieater works out, think the weights are heavier and not sure how well it is gonna preform.

@JumpFloater4 2 года назад

Sold my TaoTao ATM-50. Must’ve gotten a god like one cause I hit 17 thousand kilometers. Only changing the belt once. Exhaust once. Cleaned the carbs every month. Cleaned it every week. And never rode in the rain and kept it in a shack over night. So idk but I sold it for $200.

@rodgerwill1042 3 года назад

Cue the defenders. Popping the popcorn.

@Scooter_911 3 года назад

Hahaha I know right?!

@RustyGlovebox 3 года назад

Really brings home the real cost of the Tao Toa to operate

@joeybomba8046 2 года назад

This drive belts are known to be bad and cheap you have to get a Gates belt and any drives in the rain in the CDI box gets wet and damp they can't be wet it's just simple things and they're not costly

@cemtkeenan2750 Год назад

You can remove and replace the drivebelt without any tools, but gloves would help. Grab clutch pulley with both hands, squeeze or pull it towards the clutch bell. The belt should now easily slide out both clutch and variator- install new belt.

@Dziki_z_Lasu 3 года назад

This is the point when a lot of people sell them for a small money to get rid of them. However a potential buyer will get something a lot more decent for no money, so everything that could happen, happened before and people tend to buy better parts, because the difference in cost is marginal. The next critical period will be at 4-5 year, when all rubber things will disintegrate, most probably also fuel tank (quite a lot of work). Then corrosion will kill that thing soon if it already didn't. If you must periodically road legalise moped in yours country, take a special care of the frame serial number. A bit of rust there or even chipped paint in an unfortunate part of a symbol will send your perfectly fine scooter to a scrap yard.

@ronsmith7262 3 года назад

For the algorithm

@lethargicstove2024 3 года назад

Living with a Tao Tao in that creepy voice lol

@alexwoods1094 3 года назад

Come on Garret! Hungry for TaoTao content! The people demand more TaoTao!🤣

@albertwu847 3 года назад

Yeah indeed but I think he got tired of it...

@joshuadavis6094 3 года назад

Hey Garret I wanted to thank you... Between this series and your scooter 911 video on setting valve lash on the tao tao I just bought and assembled today...I was able to get the bike properly set up and serviced and ready to go... Went for a carb and exhaust and gates belt right out of the box... My valve lash was very similar to how you got yours right out of the box the lash was way too tight on both intake and exhaust and I found a loose connector for the ignition switch... Your series of videos really helped out and I wanted to thank you!

@brianwilliams309 3 года назад

I pushed my tao tao more than i was able to ride it. Mine had 1200 km just had it bored out to an 80cc. Then the valves went to crap and the carb and the intake. The day i got it back from the shop. After that i got to ride it for a grand total of 30 km before the transmission went

@JumpFloater4 3 года назад

I'm at 9 thousand kilometers and Ive only replaced the exhaust. I guess I got a good one.

@emiliejade1910 3 года назад

Over six months in and the project is still on going, I'm impressed with your commitment and perseverance, and for bringing us the most watchable motorbike/scooter video's I've ever seen. But as you've pointed out on more than one occasion the Tao Tao really is a false economy, especially when most of the people who buy one probably aren't mechanically competent (and why should they be?) and would have to pay for the dubious "privilege" of keeping it going, they really would be better off buying a better quality bike for a little more money to begin with, or buy a quality second hand scooter. As ever thanks for bringing us a brilliant video and series and a Happy New Year to you.

@Scooter_911 3 года назад

Thanks! And you're absolutely right and "false economy" is definitely the best way to put that. I might be borrowing that term for the next video. Happy new year to you as well!

@crpth1 Год назад

I'll play devil's advocate on this one. You all complain that's bad, it's this and that... In fact I agree with most of these. BUT, now comes the but. How would you explain that literally millions of these cheap Chinese scooters, are right now. Running not only in China, but around the world. It's not a few hundreds, or thousands. It's millions of them! ;-)

@JeffreyBaconBacon Год назад

Thank you for all of the work that you put into this series in general. I bought a used TaoTao for myself, and I am having a blast with it. It's my first motorized 2 wheel vehicle. I wanted a scooter that I could learn to ride on, before moving up to something a little bigger. I also wanted something to help me learn the basics of motorcycle mechanics, and your videos have gotten me through the little bit that I've needed to do so far. I'm putting together a shopping list using the links that you provided, and I hope that you get a kickback from those links.

@znentitan4032 3 года назад

"Living with a Tao-Tao" Sung by Peter Frampton.

@Foggyfighter 3 года назад

hope things are ok with you... still hoping for content. O:)

@peterhallbus1114 3 года назад

A small tip, I had the same problems with that kind of bulbs, last replacement was with a led one and that gave better light and has so far lasted as long as 4 regular 35w bulbs, and the price was the only $3 shipped ;)

@paulbudford 3 года назад

You definitely get what you pay for. A more premium scooter like the typhoon would also come with a dealer backed warranty. I have a 2019 typhoon. The build quality is definitely not as good as the earlier built in Europe version. Still guessing way superior to the Tao Tao. With the Chinese scooters, you need a bit of mechanical know how.

@paulbudford 3 года назад

@Blitzen I don't think they imported the Zip to the US. ☹️

@paulbudford 3 года назад

Here in the U.K. The zip was a two, or four stroke. My typhoon is a two stroke. But from 2021 no more two strokes. It's funny how some markets get models, and some markets dont. The zip is a great city bike. Loads of delivery companies use them.

@JumpFloater4 3 года назад

Any update to the TaoTao? I'm at 13k miles. And I feel like something's wrong there's no way I haven't had any issues with this damn bike at all. Besides changing the exhaust I've done nothing to it and it's still pretty much brand new. Could not pushing it hard be a reason? I never need to go above 35.

@JumpFloater4 2 года назад

@jefroli evertinitz I never drive in the rain lol

@MinibikeMadness 3 года назад

I have noticed that chinese rubber parts degrade way faster than they should.

@Undeaddeaths 3 года назад

Hi Garrett, just so you know, the google doc and your instagram links do not work. I think you copy and pasted them, but the links get shortened by youtube.

@Scooter_911 3 года назад

Thanks for letting me know! I'll try to get on that asap

@RadioIlluminaticom 9 дней назад

I also have a Chinese scooter (Giantco Stealth). I love it. My lock and tracker cost the same as the scooter. The scooter thief will probably not steal a Chinese scooter. I'm working on changing the belt - it snapped and I had to drag the scooter many miles. I need an impact wrench.

@allenwalker4701 3 года назад

The voltage regulator/rectifier might be on the way out. I was randomly blowing headlight bulbs, then it progressed to rear tail/brake light bulbs on my 2008 gy6 150. It took me a while to figure, but the giveaway was I'd see occasional spikes in the headlamp brightness. The vrm cost like $9 on ebay, and lasted whilst I still had the scooter. Unfortunately I'm not aware of a quality vrm. Not sure if there is a LED bulb you can change for the headlamp but the tail/brake lamp is usually just a bayonet replacement. LED can handle voltage spikes better, as well as using negligible electrical power. Sorry you are having troubles with it. I think we all want to see you somehow persevere with it...^^

@obivaughn11 3 года назад

Just happened right before winter. These scooters are a pain!

@johnwilliams-ge3es Месяц назад

Can I bypass my cdi box on my 1988 honda elite

@Scooter_911 Месяц назад

The CDI controls the ignition system. No CDI, no spark from the spark plug my friend!

@m103904 3 года назад

Seems ok if you like to tinker. And do all your own work.

@Romin.777 20 дней назад

Finally the protection came off inthe previous video.. :)) At least now you can modify the variator. ;)

@jamesmoore5511 16 дней назад

Hey dont be hatin on my tao tao now, i got twp from a garage sale for less than 200. And the one was new because owners didnt know how t9 add oil and poured 2 quarts in it floodi g the carb out with 20 50

@BenoitMarcBernardin 3 года назад

2 strokes are service free ... hum... I cannot agree there, otherwise real nice content !

@Scooter_911 3 года назад

Hahaha well note the "air quotes" around service free. I most just ment you dont need to change the oil every 600 miles like the tao tao recommends and you don't need to be constantly adjusting the valves, because there are no valves. But your point is taken

@davidroman9300 29 дней назад

First thing you do is change all the rubber gas lines and use real gas line , those will always clog the jets in the middle of a ride and it won't run . after that there pretty good. I've got a 2012 Tao Tao and it still runs pretty good.

@Nunya_Bidnez 3 года назад

I love watching your content. You fail so we don't have to. Sorry dude.

@sharkfin4256 3 года назад

Hang in there buddy

@FirstnameLastname-bp5cm 2 года назад

This series is great! Seems like it may be completed at this point. I know you got a lot going on with your new business and we wish that well!

@applepoop10 4 месяца назад

What happened the Tao Tao videos? It’s been 3 years since the last video.

@Beto_de_laredo_texas 5 месяцев назад

i just bought a Xpro fiji200 scooter, do you think I'll be having all these same problems with that one?

@thelagmeister 2 месяца назад

You just need to do your oil changes, check your valve lash every so often, get an NGK plug and a gates belt. Basically regular maintenance. Never buy an orange coil/spark plug wire. Make sure your bolts are tight but not over tightened. I've had many problem free miles with my 171cc. You just need to take care of the bike.

@Beto_de_laredo_texas 2 месяца назад

@@thelagmeister thank you

@thehotrodguyskai2377 3 месяца назад

I think we need another update it's a little overdue

@Scooter_911 3 месяца назад

Working on it as we speak!

@janialander414 7 месяцев назад

This was nice series...I do own 50cc Kymco Agility, 2006 model. For most of its life that scooter has just been stored in garage, untill I got it cheaply, with 3000 km in odometer...I replaced belt and battery and so on as those parts simply had aged a lot. Now there is about 15 000 km in odometer, little less than 10 000 miles. Needed new rear tire as original was worn out. Engine runs nicely, clutch started show need for replacing. Belt I bought is still thicker than change limit. Never has let me on the side of road. And I do run some longish trips at summertime, longest was somewhat over 400 km round trip, about 250-260 miles. Does climb hills acceptably, acceleration in city is acceptable. Makes me wonder why buy a new chinese suspicious quality stuff when you can buy secondhand quality brand stuff.

@roseanncloskey 27 дней назад

Excellent service work. Have a good day. 9/3/ 2024 .

@FixUntilBroken 3 года назад

....to shreds you say....

@loganwashere24 3 года назад

And how’s his wife? To shreds you say.... very well.

@billrimmer5596 3 года назад

I absolutely love this channel. Their is a guy that claims to change the belt by just squeezing the two parts. I don’t know if that’s possible. I c u used your impact to do it. Is the Buddy 50 a lot lighter than my Buddy 125?

@almostabeast240 3 года назад

I habe replaced belts both ways. It's really easy to replace the belt with the squeeze method, but usually you should replace rollers at the same interval as the belt, so the front pulley needs to come apart anyway.

@Mayranos 3 года назад

check the manufacturers spec sheets, they list the weights and dimensions, on them.

@mario022594 Год назад

No new videos?

@VanAuMc90 Год назад

I was riding down the street yesterday going about 55 mph my belt broke felt a shudder had to move to the side of the road it did the same thing yours did when i pulled the gas no wheel movement I can hear the belt flapping around...I have a X-PRO 150CC PRETTY BOY VIP

@MultiEldridge 3 года назад

Man, I've never seen you so annoyed at something on one of your videos - and I like your videos because you're normally so upbeat! I can understand the frustration, though.

@hardballvolle 3 года назад

Hmm my gilera runne. Is using the same belt it was born whit, have driven 19800 km on it.

@Scooter_911 3 года назад

Exactly!

@hardballvolle 3 года назад

@@Scooter_911 and i got i in 2006. Almost only use i for work.

@adam2084 Год назад

After watching all of these, I’d say bad owner. I’ve never had any of these issues and I’m at 6000km now with stock everything. I’ve only changed engine oil, gear oil, and added brake fluid.

@gerrynightingale9045 2 года назад

*Honda #1...Yamaha #2* *Anything else is 'iffy' including the 'Vespa' because parts-cost involve 'human sacrifice'* __________ *I just did a 5-yr. service on coolant for my '08 'Metropolitan' just 'because' even though the coolant checked-out fine that was in it* *I hear/read 'Octane Rating' doesn't mean that much' but my Honda says different...MUCH better compression climbing grades* *The Honda just runs and runs and runs like magic, hauling my 230lbs. of fat-ass 'maxed-out' all the time and looks/runs 'Showroom Fresh' as it was when I bought it 5.5 years ago from a guy who collects only 'Metros' and he wanted a new one* ( *Minor performance upgrades = 42mph top-end including a 14" windscreen* ) ___________ *Unless I'm on it my 'Metro' stays parked in my KITCHEN! where it's safe from 'mud-daubers' kids w/BB-guns and 'two guys w/a pick-up'* ( *I don't have a garage* ) *No rust anywhere, no bugs, no nothing...I treat my $1150 machine with the respect it deserves and in turn all I need do is 'One press on the starter' and it's 'game-on' every single time although I did have one incident where I was playing slots for a couple hours, engine dead-cold and it restricted itself to 'low rpm's' until a couple of minutes running-time* ___________ *I don't know what the future holds...but my 'Honda goes with the house when I croak'*

@lambodp 3 года назад

1500 miles on a drive belt is just plain pathetic. I'm glad you have enlightened a lot of potential scooter buyers for the actual cost of the scooter, not just the initial purchase price. This scooter demonstrates the saying "you get what you pay for" quite well, and being handy to fix things is great, but breaking down and walking/ubering home sucks. Thanks for the series!

@jonnyb9982 Год назад

I bought my kymco agility 50 in 2016. It was one year old with 500 kilometers when I bought it for $1000. A steal. Today I have almost 14,000 kilometers. So far the only problems I've had were the automatic choke, and and had to get a new starter. That is it. Other than that, I just put new tires on it, and did the breaks last year. It fires right up, and I drive it a total of about 20 miles a day.

@williamhaskellhaskell3162 Год назад

Your Chinese 9 dollar belt lasted 1400 miles. Because it's built lite it may go easier on the clutches and get better mpg! ??? Gates power link is 13 bucks on e bay. The 2 dollar headline burns too hot. Also at 1400 miles. Put a switch on it and vent it ! Or go led. Bill. Jonway 50cc is running well. Cheap Chinese 49 cc scooter are only good if you like to hobby tinker with them. And get them faster. Honda 50s are 3800 bucks ???

@verablack3137 2 года назад

So in 2017 I bought a used Honda PCX 125 for $1500, about 10,000 miles in and I have had to buy tires, oil, air filter, and I replaced the belt because it was looking a bit old and had cracks in it. It is also fuel injected, starts every time and goes 60mph with a popular national dealer network to get parts from, so it really was much cheaper for me to have spent slightly more cash up front.

@CaptainHDY Год назад

Just Broke 30k on my scooter and yea it is Crap but easy to fix. just replaced a Crankshaft last month in mine and she fired right up and is driving again.. Guess you gave up on yours. as part of the upgrade went to an 80cc Big bore kit and I messed up the install but she ran 500 miles till my Belt decelerated too so rebuilt everything including a new crank kit. and at about 1000 miles on the latest build...

@jorgeconde5956 6 месяцев назад

If your belt breaks you're not supposed to be trying to rev it up because the pieces of the belt will get stuck inside the cluch & varaitor.

@acorredorv Год назад

Just to add some motivation and keep this series alive. I managed to nurse a Chinese 150cc bikie up to 15,000 miles and I never had any spectacular failures, just the usual; brittle plastic would break, rubber parts disintegrated, random stuff would come loose and what not. It had this weird electrical gremlin, whenever the headlight bulb went out the ignition coil would follow, but I was never able to measure a spike in voltage. I got rid of it after the 2nd time the gas tank leaked, walking to a bike in the middle of a gas puddle in the garage? Not worth it, setting my house on fire was a risk I was not willing to take.

@dasriechen1140 2 года назад

My tao tao had one single valve adjustment, and is at over 6000km, literally drove till the tire exploded (I never checked the tires whoops) while I was driving down the road with my hanging muffler and air intake, and wiggly handlebars. Minor shoulder injury. Didn't get a new tire, but that damned TaoTao will still crank and run, 5 months later, no work done since the wreck. I didn't know they were so bad but mine literally has only ever broke down on me once. My complacency led to the tire exploding. It's a piece of crap, but the damn thing just won't quit. However my trailmaster has broke down on me twice in 2 months.

@nct9466 3 года назад

I bought a Znen 50 at 7000km n belt broke - belt can be bought for NZ$10 $55 or $95 I bought the starter gear locking tool for next time. Easy fix... You could carry a couple tools n belt just Incase......

@sixvollett39 Год назад

I have chucking my bike to a scooter store to get my belt fixed four times and the belt keeps breaking the same day. I get it back all four times. I don’t know what to do. Can you help me figure out the problem?

@marshmower 2 года назад

$1700 is for a 20 year old Honda 50 or Zuma 50 in my area. Yamaha and Honda are like $4000 new now. More like $5000 for anything 50 MPH. I'll keep my crappy 150cc as a project. Tag will probably cost a million dollars by the time I relicense it. Lol

@RayMoney561 3 года назад

I have an ATM-50 and it is my first time with a motorbike of any kind. So far with the preventive maintenance outlined in the manual and quality replacement parts I am at just under 6k Km and only spending about $1500 in total. 2 drive belts caused (presumably) by a sticking throttle eating them alive (stuck at 3k rpm at stoplights, it was a poor throttle cable install from the shop and the system never had a chance to cool off) 3 headlight bulbs (finally replaced with LED and it has been the best so far) and 1 recitifier. I'm not sure how our experiences can be so vastly different but at the current rate I should hit 10k Km by December and as long as there is no catastrohpic failure, I'd say I got a decent (not great) deal. [Purchased Nov 2020, 6 Months of ownership] Also your video's have been a great help in doing what little work I've had to do on the bike! I hope you continue the series enough to defeat the 10k Km (or was it miles?) Marker you set in your earliest video.

@gregnixon1296 2 года назад

The end of the story is a recommendation to buy an expensive Japanese scooter for peace of mind. A 2021 Honda PCX 150 has an MSRP of about $4000. Looks to be money well spent.

@jarikinnunen1718 Год назад

I have Kymco Filly. Nearest looks like same scooter with "same" engine model. Only weak points are floor fuel tank and fuel pump. I did small tank under saddle.

@pb6839 Год назад

My Honda lead 91’ has close to 30,000 km and has never broken down on me. At least not to where I couldn’t get home without some improvising.

@noq1880 3 года назад

I have a Baotian (Basically tao tao for european countries, i even think they come from same factories) from 2001 and it somehow still works. Not a single part replaced. I can prove they dont build them like they used to because i have a very well tuned carb, rubber grips, better exaust and plactic of higher quality than this one.

@ErAcEr100 2 года назад

Coming back to this old video and took your recommendation and bought a Genuine Buddy 50 to replace the TaoTao. May I request a video of how to properly remove the restrictor? The dealership gave me a washer/gasket like item that I think it is supposed to go into the place of the restrictor but that was a year ago and do not remember exactly. Thanks!

@MrEgnorant 3 года назад

My Tao Tao seems to be a clone of yours! I got it free because it was bought for someones grandkids who promptly crashed the plastic off and left it nonrunning. the ground on the CDI fell out and it was abandoned. Had the loose wire on the blinker too. With only 102.7 K on it I hope to use it as a yard bike with a few drives to the corner store. I did have a petcock failure and gas drained through the vacuum line and filled the crankcase (and garage floor) with gasoline. So what is next?

@basicallyedward 2 года назад

2 stroke smells... I have Piaggio Fly from 2006 2t and when you go for a ride with it, come back and you smell like the scooter... So 2t is a lot more maintenance free but if you can't live with that smell on your clothes all the time, than 4t is better option for someone

@johnnygoni7402 3 года назад

Next project could be, build a 150cc from the frame up, that’s what I’m thinking about.....

@wesleyd.A10 6 месяцев назад

So, is this series all done!?... It's been 3 years from the last video...🤔🤔🤔

@johng.3740 Год назад

I too have a Taotao 50cc, I use it to make food deliveries. I drove it for about 40hrs a week. I installed a big bore kit because the scooter was waaay too slow at 50cc, top speed about 25-30 mph! After the big bore kit, top speed went too 45-47mph....great for keeping up with traffic where I live. Though the big bore kit only lasted for about 1000miles, one day, the scooter bogged down and the next time I tried to start it.... wouldn't start.... eventually it would start with a bit of oil dumped through the spark plug, or extensive cranking....not good. I did some reading and found that this is normal due to the quality of materials in the big bore kit, so now I'm going to try a "high quality" big bore kit from Naraku. 42.5mm, intake valve bigger than exhaust valve, hopefully higher quality rings, pistons, head and cylinder tube materials. It costs about $250 on Ebay

@marguskiis7711 3 года назад

2 strokers are twice thursty but OK, I understand, for americans the gas price is nothing.

@jasonmorgan661 3 года назад

I just blasted your video backstage at church on accident.😎 i know some peeps divine message for the day will be "living with a tao tao"!!!😂. I cant make this up lol. Oh man😥

@dekoldrick 11 месяцев назад

Lucky for me, I didn't buy either of the two I acquired so the initial purchase cost can be avoided. One was retrieved during a junk removal job, the other was given to me by my local scrap metal collector after seeing the one I got from the junk removal was identical to one he had but can't be bothered to work on such things anymore.

@davespooney8472 3 года назад

Typhoon plus derestriction, sports exhaust and upjet will run rings around most budget 125’s never mind 50’s.

@garysmith6895 2 месяца назад

Why have you stopped this series. Are you going to pick it back up?

@josephhartman7979 Год назад

I've got a 2020 tao tao ATM 49c c haven't had any problems with it yet and it has 2200 miles on it just had to adjust the valves

@kovakovacic573 2 года назад

Hey man i got a scoot with the same engine but a bigger chasis and it has more then 25 k km and only now it started to break down i had to change the cilinder and the piston and then my carb broke so i bought a new and bigger carb and i just put a new belt now it goes like crazy It is running a little rich tho i need a new air filter probably a performance one but all in all it didnt even cost me a 100 euros all together

@ericsmithers2952 3 года назад

So is that it? No more updates? Belt breaks and just stop riding?

@Scooter_911 3 года назад

Not quite! I've got some more content coming soon but I've been tied up with some big news!

@ericsmithers2952 3 года назад

@@Scooter_911 man I tell ya what I love your Corolla and pinto videos. If you got some like that I’m eager to see them.

@bumpintheG 3 года назад

Ohhhh thank you G, for these videos I will never get a Tao Tao... I'll stick to Vespa🛵🎉🎉🎉

@DivergentDroid 3 года назад

I'm watching the playlist from the beginning. Do you have Any reason to think perhaps the 150's Tao Tao makes will be any different? Perhaps you should get a Vitacchi Spark 150cc and see if it is the same or better.