Mopeds and Scooters
If you are one of the people that really likes the sleek lines and clean look of the Vespa then the MC U502 should definitely appeal to you. This model has a belt driven driveline and a durable, steel frame. The overall look is retro chic which is currently one of the hottest trends.
Engine
This is a Moped with a classic single cylinder, 50cc 4 stroke engine. You do not have to combine gas and oil as is the case with the 2 stroke engine designs. All that you need to do is add some gas and drive. The top speed for this vehicle is about 35-40 mph.
The engine is air cooled and is capable of 2.2 KW at 7500 RPM. This will produce approximately 3.3 horsepower. This MC model operates with one Walbro Carburetor. There is also a CDI ignition system and a foot operated, kick-start lever.
Price Check
This dependable transportation is available at a very affordable cost. You can buy one of these models for as little as $800. If you are paying for it to be shipped the total is still only going to be about $1000.
Fast Facts
The reason that this factory fresh moped is so reasonably priced is because you will have to do some basic assembly yourself. You are sent all of the tools that you need free of charge and you can call the company mechanics for phone or online assistance. The assembly is not difficult and if you can handle a screwdriver and wrench you can do the job in about 10-15 minutes. However, if mechanical aptitude is a weak point professional assembly will create an additional cost of $150.
Suspension
The suspension on the MC U502 is very well designed. In the front you have a spring activated fork and there is a mono shock to handle the bouncing and jostling encountered by the rear suspension. It is very similar to riding on one of the older Honda or Yamaha mopeds from the 80s.
Braking System. Tires and Transmission
Handbrakes control the drum brakes on the front tire has an integrated ABS. 3"x10" tires are standard. The MC U502 features a fully automatic transmission.
Lights
This moped model has the basic required lighting features including front headlight, turn signals, tail light and braking lights.
Drawbacks to Consider
These mopeds are not for everyone and you need to consider your options carefully. The 502 is a sweet little 2 wheeler but it does not come with a trunk or a front windshield. It also does not have remote start, an alarm system or a governor for speed control.
Final Thoughts
For a beginner the MC U502 is still a good overall buy and you will definitely get your money's worth. There are only a few of them still available because they have proven to be so popular. The fuel tank holds 1.1 gallons and you will average about 60 mpg. However, there are newer styles hitting the marketplace that have more features and a lower price.
What You Need to Know
Anyone who buys a moped needs to be able to perform some simple maintenance and repairs from time to time. Usually it will include tightening, replacing or adjusting a few nuts and bolts or cleaning and changing filters. You must also know how to change light bulbs on your MC U 502. Checking fluid levels, changing the oil, and monitoring your tires are an important part of moped ownership.
Routine Maintenance for a Moped or Scooter
Basic Nuts and Bolts
These vehicles need to have the nuts and bolts all checked and tightened before you drive them for the first time. Routine checks 1-2 times a week after this should suffice.
2 Stroke vs. 4 Stroke Engines
The engines in mopeds and scooters can have either a 4 stroke or a 2 stroke design. You have to know the difference because they are maintained differently.
* 2 stroke Mopeds and scooters use a combination of unleaded gas and special 2 stroke (or 2 cycles)
engine oil. The correct ratio of gas to oil is 5:1 which equals 5 ounces of 2 stroke motor oil to 1 gallon of
gasoline.
* You do not have to change the oil in a vehicle that uses a 2 stroke engine.
* A 4 stroke engine does not require this precise oil and gas mix. It operates on gasoline and the oil is
kept separate. However, you are responsible for changing the oil on a regular schedule.
Air Filters from A-Z
The air filter on a moped is responsible for cleaning the air that is circulating into the engine. This operates just like the filters on an air conditioning unit. These air filters can become dirty and clogged over time and then the air circulation is uneven or else dirty air is allowed into the interior engine chambers. You have to perform routine air filter checks and cleanings.
* There is a cover alongside the front of your moped or scooter engine that is attached with one screw.
When you remove the screw and protective housing cover you will be able to see the air filter.
* An air filter with trash, dust particles and grime that is clearly showing can be cleaned with gasoline. It
is then allowed to dry completely before being set back in the air filter compartment.
Idle IQ
* There is a screw that is located next to the choke on mopeds and scooters. This is the adjustment
screw to reset the idle speed for the engine.
* If you are having trouble with idling you can adjust the setting by turning the screw.
* If you turn the screw in a counterclockwise motion it decreases the speed of the idle. A clockwise
motion will increase idle speed.
Chain Challenges
* Chains that are becoming loose will cause the 2 wheeler to exhibit jerky acceleration. You can also hear
a sound similar to a pop while you drive. Some chains can even disengage and just fall off because of
the amount of slack.
* Chains that are too tight create whining sounds or rear wheel spinning. You can always check for this
problem by moving your moped with a pushing motion while the motor is off. The wheel will be unable to
turn properly.
* Chain oil can be added through the lubrication hole that is found on top of the chain guard.
* Any time you are doing chain adjustments on mopeds or scooters you must make certain the chains and
sprockets are all in perfect alignment.
Totally Tires
Scooters and mopeds use air filled tires that are also referred to as pneumatic tires
* These must have 85psi in each to be properly inflated.
* You should check tire pressure every 2-3 days.
Throttle Tips
Mopeds and scooters have either a hand throttle or a twist throttle. The cables from these need to be clean and well maintained so that when you direct the engine to produce more power it can do the job.
* If your throttle develops slack you can tighten it with the adjustment screw. There is a lock nut on the
handlebars at the end of the cable. You just need to loosen it, tighten the cable, and then secure the
lock nut.
Brakes Basics
Maintaining drum brakes is easy:
* The brake for the rear tire has 2 adjustments that can be performed. The first is to adjust the
handbrake that controls the rear motion.
* Loosen the locking nut and then adjust the screw by twisting it forward or backward. When you get the
tension you want just secure the locking nut back into place.
* Actual brake drum adjustment goes more smoothly if 2 people are involved.
* Go to the handlebar brake and this time you should twist the adjustment screw all the way forward.
Then loosen the Cable clamp of the rear brake.
* When this is loose you need to pull backward against the cable while your helper pushes forward on the
brake cable lever. It is spring operated so it takes forceful pushing to make it work.
* As the lever is pushed forward and the cable pulls back you can tighten the brake cable clamp.
Classic Carburetor
This component pumps the gas or gas/oil mix into the engine and adds a precise amount of air with each pump. There are some tiny ports that allow this process to occur but they sometimes get blocked by debris or trash that the gasoline may contain. You will need to let an experienced mechanic handle carburetor adjustments if you are unfamiliar with the process.
* One thing you may have to do is to prime the carburetor with gasoline to make it start. This process is
often necessary with 2 wheelers that are new or have been sitting unused for a long time.
* The carburetor has a priming bowl in its base. This is actually a diaphragm pump and you just have to
mash on it several times until you can see the gasoline appearing in the gas return line. Once this is
done the engine should start easily.