[arnav17]

Hello BHpians,
Had a query about the functioning of scooters. A close friend of our family owns a 13 year old Access 125 and it has been used very sparingly, less than 20 thousand km. However, I know is that the person who drives it often accelerates while using the brakes (it still has the 'Don't accelerate while braking sticker' on it). The peculiar thing is that the scooter doesn't even move an inch until you give at least 3/4th of the throttle, after which it slowly gets off the mark and chugs away.

Starting from u=0 (rest) and accelerating even strongly up until 1/2 of the throttle position won't help and it feels like the scooter is some sort of bike stuck in neutral position. In comparison to TVS scooters, the throttle position has to click to 'Power mode' (The Orange light) to even get off the mark

They definitely aren't looking for a fix for this as the rider in question wants a slower vehicle and this is perfect for her needs. But I am curious to know why this issue is occurring.

Looking forward to inputs from fellow BHpians.

[GTE]

I believe that these scooters have a centrifugal operating clutch, which probably needs attention.

[adrift@life]

Originally Posted by arnav17

Hello BHpians,


They aren't looking for a fix for this as the rider in question wants a slower vehicle and this is perfect for her needs. But I am curious to know why this issue is occurring.

Looking forward to inputs from fellow BHpians.

https://youtu.be/25tuxutT2ik?si=_5LrCDiT4lG2uleN

Found a video and the explanation of how CVT works is your answer.
The vehicle owner might like the slow-moving scooter, but did they confide the efficiency?
The problem might be with the centrifugal clutch pads being worn, the belt being worn or the clutch springs being stuck or of different spring tension than the manufacturer recommended, needing higher rpm band to transmit power to the wheels.

[SS80]

Originally Posted by adrift@life

https://Youtu.be/25tuxutT2ik?si=_5LrCDiT4lG2uleN

Found a video and the explanation of how CVT works is your answer.
The vehicle owner might like the slow-moving scooter, but did they confide the efficiency?
The problem might be with the centrifugal clutch pads being worn, the belt being worn or the clutch springs being stuck or of different spring tension than the manufacturer recommended, needing a higher rpm band to transmit power to the wheels.

It's either the rollers, the clutch or the bell, one of the 3 is worn out causing this issue. Take it to a good FNG garage, it will be fixed at less than 2 to 3K.
If you are in east Bangalore, you can visit Oil Mill Road, Syed Garage, it's the first shop on that road, right next to the Muthoot building, he does a terrific job.

[KaandBaaz]

Originally Posted by arnav17

Looking forward to inputs from fellow BHpians.

If the rear wheel has power & rotates when on centre stand but just doesnt move ahead, try cleaning/changing the fuel filter.

[Torino]

Originally Posted by arnav17

Hello BHpians,
Had a query about the functioning of scooters. A close friend of our family owns a 13 year old Access 125..

We got a used 2011 Suzuki Access a year ago for local errands. The scooter soon showed similar symptoms of slow pick up and struggled to cross 50kmph. During rains however the scooter wouldn't even cross 10kmph. Took it to authorized Suzuki service center and found cracks in airfilter hose and belt cooling hose. Cracked airfilter hose meant dirt and water entering the airfilter box and into the carburetor as well. The airfilter box itself had few screws missing and had gaps. Replaced both the hoses, airfilter box and carburetor which resolved the pick up and top speed issue and the scooter is running fine since then.

[Flechazo]

Originally Posted by arnav17

The peculiar thing is that the scooter doesn't even move an inch until you give at least 3/4th of the throttle, after which it slowly gets off the mark and chugs away.

Starting from u=0 (rest) and accelerating even strongly up until 1/2 of the throttle position won't help and it feels like the scooter is some sort of bike stuck in neutral position. In comparison to TVS scooters, the throttle position has to click to 'Power mode' (The Orange light) to even get off the mark

I guess either the clutch is gone, or maybe the clutch area has gathered so much dust that it is not able to grip it. Rollers and spring can be an issue too. Won't need a ton to fix.

[humyum]

The centrifugal clutch pads are gone. The scenario that you mentioned about braking and accelerating together cause the clutch pads to wear out.

[sanjeevs]

The normal way of driving is to give throttle input and the scooter should move from the still position since the power requirement is adequate and is available on the tap.
This issues calls for basic check for the clutch and the clutch shoes along with the belt wear out issues since it is a 13 year old scooter. Such issues are covered in the clutch overhaul service and this does not cost a bomb to diagnose the issue.

[RD410]

Originally Posted by arnav17

The peculiar thing is that the scooter doesn't even move an inch until you give at least 3/4th of the throttle, after which it slowly gets off the mark and chugs away.

Worn-out clutch shoes of centrifugal clutch, worn-out rollers, belt and maybe a damaged variator plate. The scooter needs a thorough CVT transmisson service.

[Motard_Blr]

Originally Posted by KaandBaaz

..

They definitely aren't looking for a fix for this as the rider in question wants a slower vehicle and this is perfect for her needs. But I am curious to know why this issue is occurring.

Looking forward to inputs from fellow BHpians.

Others here have already listed the usual reasons.

But if this issue isn't fixed soon, it will cause a breakdown with major damage not to mention inconvenience to the rider.

I highly recommend the rider attend training classes to improve their skills and confidence. This is the best long term fix.

[vrprabhu]

Originally Posted by KaandBaaz

If the rear wheel has power & rotates when on centre stand but just doesnt move ahead, try cleaning/changing the fuel filter.

Good point. Checking power delivery to the wheels ought to be done first, before trying to narrow down the cause.

Also, suggest to check whether the brakes are jammed. Does the scooter have combi brakes? Check the brake cables and whether they operate smoothly; that both the wheels can be rotated freely by hand (with engine off)