Problems with Sportcity One 125 & maybe dealer

[Mr Results]

Hi Guys

I am new to this forum but need some advice on a problem I am having with my bike and maybe my dealer. I bought an Aprilia Sportcity One 125 new in October last year and I have been having constant problems with it.

I have noticed a loss in power in the bike and at one stage would struggle to ride up a very small hill doing over 60km/h with wide open throttle. When cold the bike will back fire slightly for a few km’s and when warm after about 20 – 30min of riding the bike will start to misfire. It got quite bad at one stage when the bike will just sit in one spot and not move at all even though the throttle was wide open. It also misfires going up hills, wide open throttle, and in corners. It has stalled at a set of lights, when braking or in corners. Also the fuel gauge will register empty after only using 3 litres (7.5 Lt tank inc reserve) and on one ride it did not work at all.

The bike has been back to the dealers 6 or 7 times with this time them keeping it for 7 weeks and counting. Although the bike has improved it will still misfire going up a hill, wide open throttle, and in corners. They have changed the coil and spark plug and set the valve which was set to near zero from factory. They have put it through a diagnostics machine and a problem has come up however they are unable to find the part that is not working. Through all the 6/7 visits I have managed to do 2500km on it. Could I have damaged the engine running it after all the different fixes the dealer has done?

So far I have tried the “you get more bees with honey” type of approach. But should I be jumping up and down and asking for a new bike? Is there something else I should do to get my bike back in working order? What would you do?

Your help would be much appreciated

[sharonvespagirl]

Hi there - I can't help you, but it may be worthwhile asking on this forum http://scootercommunity.com.au/forums/Default.aspx which is busier than this one. Good luck!

[lukenowlan]

The bike has been back to the dealers 6 or 7 times with this time them keeping it for 7 weeks and counting. Although the bike has improved it will still misfire going up a hill, wide open throttle, and in corners. They have changed the coil and spark plug and set the valve which was set to near zero from factory. They have put it through a diagnostics machine and a problem has come up however they are unable to find the part that is not working. Through all the 6/7 visits I have managed to do 2500km on it. Could I have damaged the engine running it after all the different fixes the dealer has done?

That is bullshit! They obviously have no idea what's wrong with it and are feeding you lies to buy them time. They sound like a bunch of spare part mechanics - change one part at a time till the problem goes away. I've struck this before myself and know how frustrating it is.

Try the scooter forum like Sharon said - someone will know a good mechanic in your area and hopefully the problem will be fixed.

Good luck.

[Mr Results]

Cheers guys. Will check out the scooter community.

Thanks for your help

[Mr Results]

Just to keep you guys updated without trying to sound like a whinger, but it’s a bit late for that now. cue the violins

The dealers are going to get the importer to pick up the scoot and see what they can do to get it back on the road, which is a good sign.

The dealers have been pretty good although when I dropped off my ride one sales rep tried telling me that they were not taking warranty claims in January and I would have to wait until late Feb early March. I didn’t wait and just handed over my keys to him then and there. He also told me “that’s the beauty of a new bike” when talking about constant trips to the dealers to get the same problem fixed. I tried very hard to keep a straight face when he pulled out that old chestnut.

My overall experience is that old Sales Manager has been great. He has left the dealers now but the new guy I have been speaking with is also pretty cool and sounds keen to get my scoot back to me. The dealers have been pretty good too lending me another scoot for a week last year when they had my scoot. But been riding my brother in-laws GS500 in the mean time which is a bit of a fun bike. Sounds like a good excuse for a trade in when the scoot eventually comes back.

[Mr Results]

Hi Guys, just a quick update.



I picked my scooter up on the weekend and have taken it on the weekly commute yesterday and today. it seems that the dealers have fixed the problem. Apparently the wires from under the dash/fuses were snapped or not connected properly from factory. The dealers have done a good job and the scooter feels good without any trace of the engine cutting in and out. Big thanks to my dealers.


If anyone has similar problems contact me and I will pass on my dealers details and hopefully this will fix your scooters, or get your dealers in touch with a solution.

[sharonvespagirl]

Glad to hear it's been fixed!

[Marc]

Bloody Italians and Electricery.

[Olmeister]

Also try http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=24
Its U.S.-centric, but I found it helpful whilst ripping apart my SC250ie.

If you're so inclined and if part availability becomes an issue, check out SIP scootershop
http://www.sip-scootershop.com/main/base/Home.aspx? their range is huge and the prices are decent
- plus their mailing service is quick, so you wont be waiting an age for parts to arrive,
(I've bought a shedload of Malossi parts from them in the past).