Hi folks,
I own a 2006 Kymco Bet & Win 150, a 150cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor scooter. It has an automatic CVT transmission, and engine oil is not shared with the transmission.
I've recently decided that I'd like to attempt one of the "Iron Butt" rides, specifically the one where one rides 1,000 miles in 24 hours.
I'd like to complete the ride in less than 22 hours, with at least 20 of those hours spent moving. This gives me an extra two hour window to deal with problems, extra rest, traffic, etc. To complete things in that window, I'd have to maintain a moving average speed of 50mph, which does not seem terribly unreasonable: the bike tops out a bit above 65mph on flat ground, so I should have some extra speed available if I'll need it.
I've got most of the basic preparations in order: I've rounded up a few friends who'll follow me in a chase car for safety. The car will contain extra fuel, oil, coolant, spare parts, tools, an air pump, food, drink, etc. in case it's needed. Additionally, I'll have some high-energy food (e.g. Clif Bars and the like) and a CamelBack with water on the bike itself.
The route is planned out, with several alternates and abort modes planned and mapped out. I'm familiar with most basic maintenance on the bike (e.g. changing oil, air filter, drive belt, coolant, etc.), as well as some more advanced things (e.g. checking valve clearances, but I doubt that'll be necessary), so in the event that things go wrong, I shouldn't be stuck for long.
Obviously, I have appropriate clothing, an armored jacket and gloves, a suitable helmet, and so on. I do need to pick up a reflective vest, just to be on the safe side.
I would be most interested in additional preparations you might recommend. With a more powerful, faster motorcycle, I'd be able to complete the ride on the interstate, which would greatly reduce the number of hours traveled, but that's not possible for a 150cc bike, so I'll be limited to state highways. Any suggestions for staying awake, alert, and aware for such an extended period?
Finally, any suggestions for the bike itself?
The B&W 150 doesn't have an oil filter, but merely has a screen through which oil is drawn to block any large pieces. The manual states that one should change the oil every 2,000km, or a bit over 1,200 miles. This interval is sufficient to cover the distance required, but I'm a bit concerned with the scooter running at essentially constant RPM and speed (RPMs are usually around 7,000rpm, redline is at 10,000rpm) for such a long time. The cooling system is good, and doesn't budge at all on extended rides, but I'm more worried about oil contamination and other issues relating to continuous operating times.
My owner's manual states that one should use "SAE 15W-40" engine oil, and the shop manual confirms this and adds that one should use an SG/CD-rated oil. As the oil is confined to the engine and not shared with the transmission or clutch, ordinary automotive oil is just fine -- there's no concern about moly levels or other additives that would be an issue with wet-clutch bikes.
The only SG-rated oils that I can find are pricey motorcycle-specific oils like Mobil1 Racing 4T that are formulated for wet clutches. Would using an SM-rated oil be suitable?
For conventional oils, I was thinking of Pennzoil yellow bottle or Mobil Clean 5000, both in 10W-40. For synthetic, I was thinking of Mobil1 Turbo Diesel Truck, Shell Rotella T Synthetic, or Mobil1 Racing 4T (what I presently have in the bike), all of which thicken up to 40 weight.
All but the Racing 4T are SM-rated, but several (such as the M1 TDT and Rotella T) are CJ-4/SM, while the Racing 4T is SG/SJ.
I'd like to successfully complete this ride without risking either my own safety or the integrity of the scooter. Such a ride will push both myself and the scooter, so I want an oil that will provide ample protection.
Thanks!
I own a 2006 Kymco Bet & Win 150, a 150cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor scooter. It has an automatic CVT transmission, and engine oil is not shared with the transmission.
I've recently decided that I'd like to attempt one of the "Iron Butt" rides, specifically the one where one rides 1,000 miles in 24 hours.
I'd like to complete the ride in less than 22 hours, with at least 20 of those hours spent moving. This gives me an extra two hour window to deal with problems, extra rest, traffic, etc. To complete things in that window, I'd have to maintain a moving average speed of 50mph, which does not seem terribly unreasonable: the bike tops out a bit above 65mph on flat ground, so I should have some extra speed available if I'll need it.
I've got most of the basic preparations in order: I've rounded up a few friends who'll follow me in a chase car for safety. The car will contain extra fuel, oil, coolant, spare parts, tools, an air pump, food, drink, etc. in case it's needed. Additionally, I'll have some high-energy food (e.g. Clif Bars and the like) and a CamelBack with water on the bike itself.
The route is planned out, with several alternates and abort modes planned and mapped out. I'm familiar with most basic maintenance on the bike (e.g. changing oil, air filter, drive belt, coolant, etc.), as well as some more advanced things (e.g. checking valve clearances, but I doubt that'll be necessary), so in the event that things go wrong, I shouldn't be stuck for long.
Obviously, I have appropriate clothing, an armored jacket and gloves, a suitable helmet, and so on. I do need to pick up a reflective vest, just to be on the safe side.
I would be most interested in additional preparations you might recommend. With a more powerful, faster motorcycle, I'd be able to complete the ride on the interstate, which would greatly reduce the number of hours traveled, but that's not possible for a 150cc bike, so I'll be limited to state highways. Any suggestions for staying awake, alert, and aware for such an extended period?
Finally, any suggestions for the bike itself?
The B&W 150 doesn't have an oil filter, but merely has a screen through which oil is drawn to block any large pieces. The manual states that one should change the oil every 2,000km, or a bit over 1,200 miles. This interval is sufficient to cover the distance required, but I'm a bit concerned with the scooter running at essentially constant RPM and speed (RPMs are usually around 7,000rpm, redline is at 10,000rpm) for such a long time. The cooling system is good, and doesn't budge at all on extended rides, but I'm more worried about oil contamination and other issues relating to continuous operating times.
My owner's manual states that one should use "SAE 15W-40" engine oil, and the shop manual confirms this and adds that one should use an SG/CD-rated oil. As the oil is confined to the engine and not shared with the transmission or clutch, ordinary automotive oil is just fine -- there's no concern about moly levels or other additives that would be an issue with wet-clutch bikes.
The only SG-rated oils that I can find are pricey motorcycle-specific oils like Mobil1 Racing 4T that are formulated for wet clutches. Would using an SM-rated oil be suitable?
For conventional oils, I was thinking of Pennzoil yellow bottle or Mobil Clean 5000, both in 10W-40. For synthetic, I was thinking of Mobil1 Turbo Diesel Truck, Shell Rotella T Synthetic, or Mobil1 Racing 4T (what I presently have in the bike), all of which thicken up to 40 weight.
All but the Racing 4T are SM-rated, but several (such as the M1 TDT and Rotella T) are CJ-4/SM, while the Racing 4T is SG/SJ.
I'd like to successfully complete this ride without risking either my own safety or the integrity of the scooter. Such a ride will push both myself and the scooter, so I want an oil that will provide ample protection.
Thanks!
