Some problems with my new (to me) Buddy 50
Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:00 am
Hello!
I recently picked up a 2009 Buddy 50 that had <500 miles on it. So, probably sitting in a while.
I’ve been riding it back and forth to work multiple times a week.
Within a week or so, I started having problems. The engine wouldn’t start, and the battery went dead, likely from me turning over the engine with the electric starter repeatedly. I brought it in to a shop for service, and they replaced the battery, did an inspection (including checking the gear oil), and cleaned out the carb. Apparently it was gnarly in there, like someone had tried to clean the old gas in there.
So, it’s running again, but something still feels off to me, especially at low speeds. It feels like it judders. When I shut the engine off and coast down my driveway, I hear something rubbing. The front wheel does not spin freely, and I hear a friction noise from what I *think* is the rotor and caliper.
I brought this up to the shop, asking if checking the brakes is a normal part of service. They told me that the front wheel is slightly askew, which they claim they told me about. (We had talked about how the bike likely fell on its left side after noticing some tells, but I had left with the impression that it was cosmetic.) They’d opened up the body to reseat the speedometer cable, which was likely necessary because someone hadn’t tightened it after replacing the top panel. The guy told me it’s possible I have a bent fork or triple tree, and that if it bothers me I could get it fixed for $600. I see the skew, but it’s VERY slightly to the right at the top and left at the bottom (I think). The wheel doesn’t wobble at all when I turn it viewing from the front that I can see.
Someone on Reddit gave me some steps to go through to check the brakes and see if they’re seized, etc. That said, I’m experiencing engine issues again. I have to give it gas for it to start most of the time. (Running lean? It takes longer than I’d expect to come back to idle after revving than I’d expect, but they JUST cleaned and I assume tuned the carb..) The lights run dim and flicker when it first starts, and the engine will shut off unless I rev it a bit. If I do, it stays running. It also sputters with the throttle only a little open. It doesn’t feel like it has as much of a kick acceleration-wise as when I first started driving it. More importantly though, it just feels crunchy to drive. It’s possible this is just the brake issue, but I feel like it could be more or multiple issues.
I checked the voltage across the battery, and it’s 13.04V when off, creeps up to 12.87V when started and idling, and reaches about 14V when revving the engine. So, the stator seems fine. Maybe I’ll check the air filter? Could it be some kind of Vacuum leak? Valve adjustment necessary? (I wouldn’t have the tools or comfort to go clowning around in the engine.) the part on the right side labeled P2286 (an air pump for the exhaust, I believe) has signs of trauma and sounds like it’s rattling inside…could that be causing this? (Doubtful but I figured I’d be thorough.) My impulse is to check the spark plug to check if it’s running lean, but I don’t have the proper tools yet.
I don’t feel like I can go back to the shop after the tone I received calling back and feeling gaslit since they in no way told me about potential issues with the frame. I’m not even sure that wasn’t something he was speculating on the phone or out of defensiveness. I’m trying to find someone else to take it to in my area, but coming up a little dry. If possible, I’d appreciate someone to talk me through this who knows a bit more than I do.
Thanks very much.
I recently picked up a 2009 Buddy 50 that had <500 miles on it. So, probably sitting in a while.
I’ve been riding it back and forth to work multiple times a week.
Within a week or so, I started having problems. The engine wouldn’t start, and the battery went dead, likely from me turning over the engine with the electric starter repeatedly. I brought it in to a shop for service, and they replaced the battery, did an inspection (including checking the gear oil), and cleaned out the carb. Apparently it was gnarly in there, like someone had tried to clean the old gas in there.
So, it’s running again, but something still feels off to me, especially at low speeds. It feels like it judders. When I shut the engine off and coast down my driveway, I hear something rubbing. The front wheel does not spin freely, and I hear a friction noise from what I *think* is the rotor and caliper.
I brought this up to the shop, asking if checking the brakes is a normal part of service. They told me that the front wheel is slightly askew, which they claim they told me about. (We had talked about how the bike likely fell on its left side after noticing some tells, but I had left with the impression that it was cosmetic.) They’d opened up the body to reseat the speedometer cable, which was likely necessary because someone hadn’t tightened it after replacing the top panel. The guy told me it’s possible I have a bent fork or triple tree, and that if it bothers me I could get it fixed for $600. I see the skew, but it’s VERY slightly to the right at the top and left at the bottom (I think). The wheel doesn’t wobble at all when I turn it viewing from the front that I can see.
Someone on Reddit gave me some steps to go through to check the brakes and see if they’re seized, etc. That said, I’m experiencing engine issues again. I have to give it gas for it to start most of the time. (Running lean? It takes longer than I’d expect to come back to idle after revving than I’d expect, but they JUST cleaned and I assume tuned the carb..) The lights run dim and flicker when it first starts, and the engine will shut off unless I rev it a bit. If I do, it stays running. It also sputters with the throttle only a little open. It doesn’t feel like it has as much of a kick acceleration-wise as when I first started driving it. More importantly though, it just feels crunchy to drive. It’s possible this is just the brake issue, but I feel like it could be more or multiple issues.
I checked the voltage across the battery, and it’s 13.04V when off, creeps up to 12.87V when started and idling, and reaches about 14V when revving the engine. So, the stator seems fine. Maybe I’ll check the air filter? Could it be some kind of Vacuum leak? Valve adjustment necessary? (I wouldn’t have the tools or comfort to go clowning around in the engine.) the part on the right side labeled P2286 (an air pump for the exhaust, I believe) has signs of trauma and sounds like it’s rattling inside…could that be causing this? (Doubtful but I figured I’d be thorough.) My impulse is to check the spark plug to check if it’s running lean, but I don’t have the proper tools yet.
I don’t feel like I can go back to the shop after the tone I received calling back and feeling gaslit since they in no way told me about potential issues with the frame. I’m not even sure that wasn’t something he was speculating on the phone or out of defensiveness. I’m trying to find someone else to take it to in my area, but coming up a little dry. If possible, I’d appreciate someone to talk me through this who knows a bit more than I do.
Thanks very much.