View Scooters
This is my notes section for learning to live the scootering lifestyle.
What I'm Riding Now
I currently have a 2008 Venus 50 retro-style scooter from Keeway, which is apparently better-known in Europe than the United States. This model is very similar to the Twist 'N Go (T'NG) Venice, from what I can tell. Stylistically, the Venus/Venice draws heavily from early model Yamaha Vino scooters. The grandfather design may be the VMoto Milan dating back to 2002...these maintenance pics look very similar.
I purchased my scooter from All Outdoor Cycle in Manchester, NH, which has since mysteriously vanished, so I'm on my own now for maintenance. This is fine by me...the reason I got a cheap Chinese scooter ($1100) to begin with was so I could tinker with it and learn something about small engine mechanics.
Ultimately I plan to get a larger scooter that has the kind of fun retro styling, but with modern reliability. I'm leaning toward the Genuine Scooter Company Stella, which is essentially a 70's era Vespa P-series scooter manufactured in India on the same tooling. The Yamaha Vino 125 and Buddy International 150 also appeal to me. However, I will need to get my motorcycle license first, which means taking classes and passing the road test. In the meantime, the 50cc scooters do not require the motorcycle license in New Hampshire.
Compiling Information
I've been trying to assemble a list of parts that are compatible with this scooter, in particular with an eye toward improving its baseline performance. From the information plate below the seat:
- QIANJIANG USA INC Model QJ50QT-5 (several google hits)
- Engine Family: 8QMGCO.50QJ2
- Tire information is written on the front tube supporting the handlebars, and it indicates that this scooter was manufactured in 2005/2006.
- The carburetor is a Mikuni of some kind. Mikuni is a well-known carburetor manufacturer.
- The engine is 2-stroke, and is a Minarelli-style engine. Minarelli is an Italian engine maker, part of the Yamaha Motor Group.
Tracking down specific types of engines / carbs would be helpful. For example, which way do you turn the fuel mix to make it leaner or richer?
- Displacement: 49.3cc
- Spark Plug Gap 0.035mm +/- 0.002mm
- Valve Latch IN 0.05m EX 0.07mm 89 Minimum Octane
The "Minarelli Type" engine in the Venus is a clone of an air-cooled Minarelli. There are apparently horizontal and vertical types. There's this forum post on scooterforum that describes the different types and provides some context.
Searching for the specific displacement (49.3cc) with Minarelli provides some possible additional information:
- Mikuni 13mm carburetors seem to be paired with this a lot.
- Horizontal Type engine
- Clones associated with this: "1PE40QMB engine its an exact clone of the standard Mineralli AC engine." Unverified!
Investigation continues! This VMoto Milan info from Australia hints at some of the inner guts of the bike, from engine type to tuning specifics.
Reviews:
Accessories
I'm looking for that ultimate scooter bag. And longer mirrors.