Turbo charged scooter?

[Isaac Zackary]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

Apologies for duplication - I'm not going to wade through seven pages.

A turbo can be a reasonable solution if a burst of power is needed, but they sure should switch to premium gas to avoid compromising normal performance. For steady use, they are likely to overheat things and ruin longevity.
If you want freeway speeds on a scooter, use streamlining, not power.

Thanks! But all I really want is a way to make up for the lack of air at my altitude. So the overpowering issues probably wouldn't be a problem in such a case.

[Grant-53]

For one person a 50cc with streamlining would be adequate. If you want to ride with a passenger then look at a motorcycle 300cc or more.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by jojogunn

This guy set a record for a small diesel back in 1981: 156.53. He got better mpg with a gasoline engine: 157.192
I think the small diesel lost thermal efficiency due to less heat mass of a larger diesel

The California Commuter - World Record Holding 155 MPG Freeway Legal Car!

The majority of small Diesels on the market have a precarious power-to-weight ratio and a low specific power, and though it's rather negligible for stationary/industrial equipment it turns them rather unsuitable for vehicle applications.

[Isaac Zackary]

A 50cc turbocharged diesel with a 25:1 CR would be rather interesting IMO.

[sendler]

Yeah, with computer controlled boost pressure and electronic direct injection. Running pump gas at 30:1 effective with no spark needed after warm up.

[davidgrey50]

I've been riding a PCX125 since April. Herewith my .02 FWIW. At (indicated) 80 Kmh the PCX is surprisingly smooth, stable, and composed. At 90 Kmh it's getting buzzy. At 100 it's bouncy, buzzy and you just wouldn't want to be on one that goes any faster. The short wheelbase and small diameter wheels are inherent limitations. Additionally, the effects of large trucks passing and side winds are pretty major. It's amazingly good for what it is, but I think you may find it would not be the best base for your proposed mods. Some of the Taiwanese scooters have appreciably longer wheelbases and larger wheels.

[sendler]

I ride my PCX150 at 90 kph for 40 miles every day in all weather. Including 5km each way on the super highway at top speed -110-115kph. There is a trick to the trade of riding any motorcycle in windy conditions.
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http://ecomodder.com/forum/284575-post109.html
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If you tuck down to get your upper body lower and anchored to the bike you will discover the bikes ability to automatically self correct for cross winds. The PCX can be very comfortable to ride this way if you remove the seat hump so that you can slide back on the seat and make a tripod with your elbows resting on your knees. Winds are a complete nonissue for me on the PCX which is one of the worlds greatest performers in price/ efficiency/ and all around multi use performance.
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I also added the givi mid windshield and tilted it back and trimmed the top so the when I am riding in the lower position I am peeking just over the top so as to get the blow dryer effect where rain drops bead up and are blown staight down and off of my face shield for perfect vision with no wiping.
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My tire vibration was vastly improved by installing 50 gm balancing beads in the wheels.
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Any of the larger scooters will lose 20% fuel efficiency to the excellent PCX.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by davidgrey50

I've been riding a PCX125 since April. Herewith my .02 FWIW. At (indicated) 80 Kmh the PCX is surprisingly smooth, stable, and composed. At 90 Kmh it's getting buzzy. At 100 it's bouncy, buzzy and you just wouldn't want to be on one that goes any faster.

IIRC a regular car driver license is enought to ride a 125cc motorcycle there in Portugal, isn't it?

[Grant-53]

Compare wheel diameter and wheelbase of the various scooters. The PCX150 has 14" wheels which I believe is larger than most. I like liquid cooled machines since I live in a temperate climate and a heater core behind a fairing shell would mean more riding time. Maxxis and other tire makers would have dual sport tires for inclement weather.