86 Spree - feels real sketch at speed...

[ChanceNasty]

So, I get up to WOT (about 28-30), and things get really sketchy - like i got a flat, but I don't. Curious if maybe my tire pressure's low or something - what should a 170 pounder be running pressurewise? Or maybe it's a loose headset? Any suggestions as far as what may be causing this squirreliness?

[Mystic]

possibly a bent rim or failing wheel bearings?

[ChanceNasty]

Here's hoping not. Its odd...before the wknd, everything was running gravy. I get home, hop on...and feel really spooked over 25...

[motormike]

For air pressure, I would be running 28-30 in the rear....26-28 in front...
The Spree front fork has very a lot of "slop" as does most other scooters (unless the fork is hydraulic).
Several points are likely to make the Spree get "squirrely" at speed. Front tires with wear will cause wobble, loose steering head, worn rear shock and mounts, worn engine pivot bolt and mounts, bent wheels, loose wheels, worn bearings on axles. .....inspection required...

[ChanceNasty]

oh boy...and its entirely too d*** hot out to play wrench monkey today...
...hopefully it can make the 5 mile round trip to work and back so i can get paid.

[motormike]

...Highly recommend you check air pressures before the ride. Your description indicates a "sudden" change and the air pressure would be likely to change quickly before any of the other stuff.

[ChanceNasty]

Good looks, sir. I don't have a pressure gauge handy where I'm at atm, but they def feel a lil soft...

[SuprasNsprees]

sprees are sketchy always, but low tires DEF make it difficult to ride

[devenex]

Its pretty quick and easy to check for play in some key areas (no need to remove plastics). First start with the front tire by seeing if it will wiggle between the forks, should be no wiggle. If theres anything funny here its probably the wheel bearings.

Next check the steering column for play by standing in front of the scooter and pinning the front tire between your feet while carefully trying to turn the handlebars back and forth several times. You should immediately feel any turning forces trying to move your feet, if not then the steering column is either loose, has bad bearings or both.

Next you'll want to inspect the rear. First try wiggling the entire motor assembly to see if there's any play. If the entire motor has any left to right motion that is independent of the rest of the scooter frame then you have bad bushings that need replacing.

Lastly, check if the rear wheel has any play with respect to the motor case. Anything here would be transmission related.


My aero had a loose steering column and bad mount bushings on the motor, making for a VERY squirrely ride! So make sure you check everything, as its possible to have several contributors to sketchy handling.

[kingkamehameha]

Imagine doing 70 on a spree ive been doing far 55 mph wheelies lately. Im gonna rig up a go pro and post some mento wheelie vids