People!
My Martin EVD 60AH SLA has 1300 miles on it. And Im, eh...its ok, its cheap. But big problem, the forks are mush by now. Does anyone know if these are hydraulic, can they be rebuilt like an MC fork? R. martin service is like, "duh?" They dont know if there is oil, how much, how to drain etc. New forks are 278 for a set, and they were not so great to begin with. We have some bad roads here and potholes construction etc. so its not all the EVD's fault. But I have better luck even with cheap motorcycles.
Any idea? The bike still runs good, I baby the batts and they seem fine.
Well, let me report what I have found. I assume that most EVD riders are not as non-plussed as i am about the forks wearing out. Rmartin was no help, they dont know length, oil volume or anything. I called a scooter supply place in Chicago and they are helpful. Most generic scooter forks for the Chinese market are standard for any given wheel diameter, so they feel confident that they can supply a better quality, better rated fork set for 199 - the worst that can happen is that I remover the old forks, again, and these dont work due to the caliper bolt placement - but they think that it will work, they are going to measure them and call me. If these work well, I will replace the shocks too. Batteries......they are ok for now but heavy and 2k + for LionFE is too much. I want a ZEV 8kw, and I am ready mr Zerhbach - hows the backlog. Maybe for the spring next year. But the EVD has some life if the forks can v=be upgraded.
Well, I replaced them with a set of NYC Motor Shocks for the Vento 125cc. This is basically the same bike, but the petrol version weighs 275 lb. The SLA Martin is 375, no rider you see the problem. the old forks were moosh. The new shocks ride like a Caddy with one exception: on dips, they hit the stop. On compression they are great. 199 for the set - Not a total solution, the stock shocks need higher rate springs and better rebound damping. Nuts/ Oh, well/ They fit at least.
Final report:
I had purchased a set of replacements from scooter works, and they rode better, but bottomed out. I sent the original R Martin forks to Dick's Racing in CA for rebuild - they installed new duel rate springs calibrated for the weight of the bike. The bike rides mich better now, and is higher, at proper ride height. Cost was around 200 with shipping. I am now considering a 7 KW motor and controller kit with 13" wheel and tire from Kelly as a kit. Then I will need LifePO batts for between 40-60AH, I am local rider so we will see what fits. It will be a project. I now have 2K miles on the EVD, and it seems to be ok, other then the forks, and I am not gentle on the thing. It is this new upgrade to the motor controller and batts, or a 7k+$ ZEV 8KW. My upgrade will be 2000 for motor and controller and 2000+ for batts. Not a good value.