Vectrix Accessories and Mods

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lavectrix
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Vectrix Accessories and Mods

I'm back on the scooter again and trying to improve the ride, so there are a handful of things I still want to change and/or fix. Anyone out there making small tweaks and adjustments to the ride experience? A lot of posts cover technical aspects of range and performance, but I'm looking to upgrade the little things that keep the bike from being as perfect as I think it can be. Anyone frustrated with:

The headlight output?
The field of view from the rearview mirrors?
The under-seat storage? (For a MacBook Pro laptop)
The rattles and squeaks from the front-end?

Has anyone found any slick solutions to improve the organization of the front glove bin?

I love this bike, and I want it to be as user-friendly as possible. Some cool accessories can be found on some of the dealer sites (as pdf's) but even the dealers can't confirm whether or not they're really available..

Maybe a stickie would keep our homebrew solutions more available to us..?

Thoughts?

Thanks for your posts...

Mik
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

You havn't had enough of fiddling with the headlight, yet?? HAHA...

Don't worry, the busted tail light had nothing to do with it!

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

carl
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

I have changed the mirrors to bigger generic type mirrors (Norwegian webshop Magasi.NET).
I also use the Reevu helmet which has a built in mirror. The combination of these two improvements has helped a lot for the rear view.

Carl Anton Stenling

jethro
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

The rear light will blow if you change the headlamp for a more powerful one.

The rattles from the front might be the fairing mounts falling off. To test this stand in front of the scooter and try to lift the fairing from under the headlight, if there is any movement the fairing mounts are loose.

Mik
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

You havn't had enough of fiddling with the headlight, yet?? HAHA...

Don't worry, the busted tail light had nothing to do with it!

Probably wrong! A stronger front light could damage the rear light by causing a current spike when it is turned off. Fechters idea, not mine.

Details at: http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=10068

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

Mik
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

irish2themax
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Carl...I am very interested in the Reevu helmetbut I can't find ANYONE who sells them. Where did you get yours? Do you have a link to the site?

lavectrix
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Finally found out what was causing the rattling in the front end...

ALL 4 MOUNTING BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE WHOLE FRONT END FRAME/STRUCTURE TO THE MAIN BIKE FRAME WERE GONE!!!

As my frustration with the rattling of the front end reached a peak this week, I decided to start taking things apart to see if I could discern anything about the apparent "looseness" of the whole fairing/windshield/dash of my Vectrix. As I was removing the screws that hold the lower right side fairing together, I noticed the threads of a bolt protruding from the bottom of the scooter - out of a hole in the sheet metal bottom of the battery compartment. This bolt had fallen off from somewhere, and had lodged itself there. I managed to dig it out, and it was a fairly substantial bolt - 12mm or so threads. I pulled the windshield and headlight out and started peering deeper into the mass of tubes and cables, and finally could make out that the subframe that holds the charger, controller box, dash, and windscreen in place was no longer attached in any way to the four mounting holes on the main frame of the bike. Everything was being held in place, I guess, by the plastic enclosure of the fairing. In other words, all the components in the front end were "dangling" in there. I could push the charging unit up and down and side to side. I'm not good at removing the plastic body work (don't know the secret of getting it apart - any tips would be greatly appreciated...) so there was no way I was going to get easy access to mounting holes. Besides, I only had this one of the proper bolts that thread into the frame to mount the front end. So I got four 1/4" bolts and nuts and spent hours contorting my hands and fingers until I had reattached the subframe to the main frame. The whole front end now seems solid and stable. As I checked around, darn near every other bolt or screw was loose, so I tightened everything I could get at. I'm now about to reinstall the headlight and close things up.

One of my main concerns with this bike was build quality, and my fears have been realized, I guess. As much as I love this machine, its assembly (at least the first year) was dubious. I first became suspicious the day the bike was delivered and the tech had to remove the windscreen and dash cover. That was when I first noticed the various cardboard "shims" and globs of hot glue concealed beneath the wonderful body work. So the fact that bolts are backing out and falling off should not be much of a surprise, although I've only got 1200 miles on the thing and I find this rate of disintegration alarming. On top of that, it's beginning to feel like we're soon going to be fending for ourselves with maintenance and repair work, so I guess it's time to bone up on how to disassemble and reassemble this bike. I know folks like Mik have done extensive work on their machines. Maybe those people can start a data base of detailed info on "how to's" so the rest of us less mechanically inclined can have some insight..

I can post some pics if anyone is interested in the details. Thoughts?

Mik
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Those parts must be tough to have withstood the rattling around loosely without malfunctioning!

Your Vectrix sounds like a Monday morning model...

I've tried a few times to start handbook pages etc but they seem to be inconveniently located on V, because they hardly get read and no-one replied to my posts about the ICL at all.

It's located in the motorcycle section of the handbooks, not the large scooter section.

Detailed descriptions in regular threads usually get buried in a heap of loosely related or totally off topic stuff.

But the search function works very well on V, and there is already a lot of information scattered around.

Any member can start a new handbook page and collate the scattered parts related to a particular subject. These pages can be repeatedly edited, so that replies by others can be integrated into the content or ignored if they are "OT".

Stuff can get discussed until it's right that way.

I'm happy to contribute and point to already existing content if others show an interest and put in an effort to write those pages.

Regarding the front fairing: The key to getting it off is a looong phillipshead screwdriver. One screw on each side deep inside the fairing needs to be removed (after removing the windscreen), the rest is quite obvious by looking at the outside of the fairing, I believe. I have never taken the front fairing off, yet.

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

volts76
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

My Vectrix was also making noises over bumps from behind the headlight area. I also found the front fairing bracket assembly to be loose. Of the four bolts (fig 2) that secure the bracket to the fork yolk frame, two were missing and two were loose. With everything now tight my "V" is a smooth rider once again.front faring bracket.gif

VECTRIXFAN
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

@lavectrix

In my opinion the accessories are available, except the centre stand (comes soon). I saw escini.eu

lavectrix
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Volts76,

Those are exactly them! I've found two of them loose in the bottom of the battery compartment, the other two are MIA. The smaller temp bolts are still holding, but who knows how long. Vectrix has been helpful in providing some guidance as to how to take off the fairing "cheeks" to gain better access to the area.

How did you get in there? And, where did you get this diagram...?

Thanks for the replies!

moccasin
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Volts76,
I'm having a similar "knock" somewhere under the fairing. While not surprising, due to some of the roads I have to travel on, it is something that I need to take a closer look at.

Can you briefly list the proper steps to getting TO those bolts? So far, I've not had to go any further than winshield, seat, and tail fin removal. I do know that the panel underneath the windhsield just pops off after sheild removal, but is this enough to access those bracket bolts, or does some skin have to come off too?

mikemitbike
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Hi there,

1) take off the 4 screws of the windshield and itself.
2) take off the plastic cover above the headlight (there are no bolts or screws, it just "fits in place")
3) take of the two plasticparts left and right of the headlight (2 screws per Part)
4) release the headlight. There are 4 brackets with screws - release them, the light should stay in place
5) take off the headlight. Its tricky because of the turnlights and the plasticcover but it works (use thumb
and Finger to push the plasticcover a little beside and turn the headlight a bit and pull ist up

Now you can have a look if the bolts and screws holding the charger and other parts are still there. To
refitt some screws the plasticcovers schould be taken off but at this stage you should see the necessary
screws.

Reasemble the parts from Step 5 to 1.

Photos will be taken and takn in here...

Greetings Mike

P.S. My Scooter has lost one of the screws holding the charger too.

moccasin
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Thanks, that will help.

I may try to take a look at it on my off day next week. Mine's not a real bad knock, but when I hit rough spots in the road, it sounds like a wooden hammer banging on my fairing.

Mik
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Hi there,

1) take off the 4 screws of the windshield and itself.
2) take off the plastic cover above the headlight (there are no bolts or screws, it just "fits in place")
3) take of the two plasticparts left and right of the headlight (2 screws per Part)
4) release the headlight. There are 4 brackets with screws - release them, the light should stay in place
5) take off the headlight. Its tricky because of the turnlights and the plasticcover but it works (use thumb
and Finger to push the plasticcover a little beside and turn the headlight a bit and pull ist up

Now you can have a look if the bolts and screws holding the charger and other parts are still there. To
refitt some screws the plasticcovers schould be taken off but at this stage you should see the necessary
screws.

Reasemble the parts from Step 5 to 1.

Photos will be taken and takn in here...

Greetings Mike

P.S. My Scooter has lost one of the screws holding the charger too.

In addition: Take off the spacers underneath the windscreen bolts. They are made of metal and compressed ??cardboard and kind of stick where they are. But they can fall off and disappear into the fairing and that causes a lot of extra work getting them back out. A lot!

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

rewski
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

I bought some of those blue/white replacement headlamps from the vendor on eBay referenced above, but am having a heck of a time getting to the bulb. I removed the windscreen and the plastic cover under the windshield without issue but can not get off the two plastic pieces on the sides of the headlight. Any chance someone can take a pic of where the screws are to get those pieces are? It sounds like from the above reference, once I get those two plastic parts off, there will be 4 more screws with brackets to release the headlamp unit, then I should be able to swap out the bulbs. Anybody else put in these bulbs from the eBay vendor yet? Thanks in advance for the help.

Adam - Denver, CO
2007 Vectrix VX-1 charged with the power of the sun = zero carbon footprint

lavectrix
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Are you referring to the 2 small, black, grill-like plastic pieces that flank the headlight? If so, it's really quite simple - each piece has two Phillips head screws holding them in place. They're deep down in the recesses, so use a flashlight to find them. At least that's how they're held in place on mine, which was from very early production. Don't know if anything's changed. Mik?

rewski
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Thanks for the obvious tip. I was doing this last night in my garage without a flashlight. I got the headlamp switched out. The new bulb works great...much brighter than the stock light and a more pleasing white/blue light. Much more suitable for our electric machine. Bonus, the purchase from the above eBay auction gets you two lights in the package!

Adam - Denver, CO
2007 Vectrix VX-1 charged with the power of the sun = zero carbon footprint

jmap
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Thanks for the obvious tip. I was doing this last night in my garage without a flashlight. I got the headlamp switched out. The new bulb works great...much brighter than the stock light and a more pleasing white/blue light. Much more suitable for our electric machine. Bonus, the purchase from the above eBay auction gets you two lights in the package!

Are they safe? I heard about some problems when replacing headlight... The old one consume 50W/70W right? These new consume 35W/35W and have better light? Looks wonderful but is it safe? Is there any seller of this product in Europe?

rewski
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Before I put in the new light, I made sure the old one was the same wattage. The old one was a philips 35W...it was stamped right on it. The new light is a chinese variety. I emailed the eBay seller just to make sure and he confirmed it would work in all models of the Vectrix VX-1. I have a 2007. Now I'll see how it lasts...I kept the old one just in case.

Adam - Denver, CO
2007 Vectrix VX-1 charged with the power of the sun = zero carbon footprint

Mik
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Before I put in the new light, I made sure the old one was the same wattage. The old one was a philips 35W...it was stamped right on it. The new light is a chinese variety. I emailed the eBay seller just to make sure and he confirmed it would work in all models of the Vectrix VX-1. I have a 2007. Now I'll see how it lasts...I kept the old one just in case.

Could you please measure how much current the new (spare) globe uses? Does it have an inrush current or is it steady from the beginning?

They can claim all sorts of, but a measurement would sort this out!

I have a suspicion that the rear light failures occur when there is a stronger than normal globe in the front and a brake is pulled whilst switching off the scooter or the front light.

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

Mik
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

This page has been added to the Vectrix Collaborative Handbook. Please stay on topic!

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

raytheham
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Here is something for the headlight! It is exactly the same power consumption, 35/35 watts but the light output is much whiter and brighter. It is on a subjective judgement, about 15-20% brighter....VECTRIX SCOOTER VX-1 VX-1E PURE WHITE XENON BULBS HID. It is not a HID bulb as such with all its ballast and current problems. It uses a different gas and comes out much brighter. The cost was $19.95 US for a pack of two. The company is called "importstuning2008". Cost postage to the uk was another $12.50 US. Makes my ride home in the dark much safer.
Have fun all,
Regards
Ray

Ray

AndY1
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

What is the procedure to replace the light bulb? Thanx!

RaDy
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Thanks, raytheham , just bought a pair and waiting for them.
Rag

R
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

rag did the bulbs arrive? Are they worth buying?

rewski
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

I have these bulbs and I can vouch they are definitely worth it. The light is not much brighter but it is a more pleasing blue/white light...not the yellow light in the OEM bulb. Switching them out is also relatively easy. You have to remove the windshield and headlight apparatus, but then you can get to the back of the headlight and switch out the bulbs.

Adam - Denver, CO
2007 Vectrix VX-1 charged with the power of the sun = zero carbon footprint

HarryS
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Re: Vectrix Accessories and Mods

Replaced my bulb yesterday and went for a night ride today. This bulb is worth the trouble. I find the low beam in particular is much improved. I would say the low beam is improved by 30-40% the high beam 20%

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