Uncrating and Assembling a Tank Touring Deluxe 150

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By John Ebberts | Published 10/4/2006 | Tech Help | Rating:

John Ebberts

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Uncrating and Assembling a Tank Touring Deluxe 150

Hi, it's me, John, I'm going to tell you what its like to uncrate and set up a Tank Touring Deluxe 150

First of all it came in a very large truck!

The crate is extremely heavy it was all the delivery guy and I could do to get it up my driveway and into my garage. When you get yours I suggest you put it where youâ?™re going to set it up because itâ?™s very hard to move alone. I had to move it out of my garage before I could uncrate it. There is just no room in my little 1 car garage full of junk.

After work I had a friend come over to assemble it with me (more like for me) while I held things and took the photos. Once you pull away the cardboard you see the inner steel shipping crate. It looks like the entire thing is in a giant plastic bag. The front wheel is wired to the frame of the crate, the trunk, fender; windshield is wrapped in plastic lying on top. The mirrors and battery are under the seat.

As you will see in the next set of photos the front fork is attached to the crate frame with the axle you need to hold the wheel on. The back of the bike is held with heavy wire from the rear axle to the frame on both sides. All you have to do is unbolt the frame starting with the top, and then remove the side frame bars. What you end up with is the bike sitting just on the bottom of the crate. It is attached by the fork in the front and the wires on both sides of the axle in the back.

the wheel was just wired to the frame of the crate.

Pardon my friend Georgeâ?™s buttâ??â??â??â??â??

Anyway once the frame is out of the way you remove the axle from the front crate support so that the bike is just held in place by the rear cables and you lift it up and put a milk crate under it to start assembling the fender and wheel. It should have enough slack in the cables to lift it up high enough to do this... mine did. It took 2 of us to do this, George lifting and me placing the milk crate.

At this time he installed the fender. Simple - just 4 bolts. Wide side up. The tricky part of the wheel assembly is getting the speedometer and the caliper lined up to slide the axle through. With 2 of us it wasnâ?™t too hard, just make sure the spacer on the right side doesnâ?™t fall out when youâ?™re trying to slide the axle in like it did to us, we had it perfect the first time but then plop out came the spacer and we had to pull the wheel back off to put the spacer back in. really not to bad, only took a few minutes. Itâ?™s really just common sense.

As I know you all have heard the owners manual is not even worth looking at itâ?™s so bad. But if you like pictures its good bathroom reading material!!........lol

Ok now comes the tricky part and I would not want to try this alone. Almost is a requirement that you have 2 people; you lift the bike up remove the milk crate (or whatever similar item you have stuffed under it in the front and lower it to the side of the bracket it was mounted to, then while one person holds it steady the other person goes to the back of the bike and cuts or untwists the wire holding the bike in place. Then carefully push the bike forward and off the crate. Placing the main stand down so it doesnâ?™t lean while you put everything else on. (thatâ?™s my neighbor Jim) whoâ?™s comments kept us laughing.

At this time we kind of cleaned up the giant mess we now had and continued to assemble the bike. My friend George decided to start at the rear and work forward so we started with the trunk. Also somewhere in all this you need to fill the battery with acid. Itâ?™s simple, it comes with a 6 port funnel fits in the battery and 6 little plastic bottles of acid all connected together, all you do is place the funnel (with puncture posts facing up) and position the acid containers over it (carefully to make sure each little bottle is over the puncture things) you will see what I mean, and push them down until they seatâ??. Itâ?™s actually kind of cool all the acid goes in with no problem. Also no factory instructions.

Anyway we then started to install the trunk. Basically itâ?™s simple it has 2 metal bars that come with it - they go under the rack on the back and bolts go through the trunk past the rack and into the metal bars, place nut, center and tighten. All the parts are located in the trunk itself along with the trunk keys.

Then we decided to install the windshield, to get to the windshield bolts that are already in their mounting holes, you have to remove the top small section of the front cowling. It has 4 screws holding it on then carefully unsnap the panel and set it aside.

Then you can install the windshield. It has 5 bolts that hold it in place tighten these evenly!!! I was scared that George would crack the windshield but it went ok. No washers or anything to protect it from the bolts; just bolts on plastic! You can see in the next photo the bolts Iâ?™m talking about and the mirror wires sticking up. They need to be pushed down out of the way when you do the mirrors and there next. Install them before you reinstall the small piece of cowling you removed in the front this way you can get to the wires easily. The mirrors are simple, but I donâ?™t like the way there designed. All you do is place the rubber boot on the base of the mirror, then place the Allen bolt in from the top, place the spacer on the bolt, and screw it on. Of course connecting the wires. What I donâ?™t like about the mirror set up is they vibrate a lot and they actually partially block the brake master cylinder caps. I will probably have to remove the mirror to add fluid in the future if needed.

While the cover is off also look at the wire connections make sure everything is tight.

Then re install the cowling and your almost done with the installationâ?? but not finished yet!.

Next we installed the battery that was charging the whole time. Pretty simple, 2 red wires and a green one. The 2 red are hot and green ground. Placing the battery cover on it and I tried the key and the radio came on. So far so good. I got the gas can and poured in about 2 gallons and tried to start it, it was turning over but it sounded like it wasnâ?™t getting gas.

I kept it up until the battery was starting to get low, and then I smelled gas. I just figured I had flooded it trying to start it but when I stepped off it I saw a 3 foot round puddle of gas under itâ?? shit! I was really worried nowâ?? until I remembered seeing someone on the scooterbbs say they had to connect there fuel line because it leaked. So we took off the engine cover under the seat and started looking around and sure enough, there was a port on the side of the carb that looked like it needed a hose on it, and then we spotted the fuel line just hanging there. It took us about 20 minutes of fowl language and complaint to finally get it back on. It seems Chinese fingers are a lot smaller than our American ones, boy did we have a hard time getting in there to attach it â??â??â??.lol. My guess is that when they test it out they use an outside source of gas (canâ?™t ship once itâ?™s been fueled) to test them and forgot to reattach the gas line.

Anyway, the moment of truth, I hit the starter and after a moment it fired. I gave it a little gas and it stalled. My friend George laughed at me and said let it warm up a minute so I did then it wound up ok. It was idling low so we turned up the idle screw (right next to the carb) its very easy to see and the lights stopped flickering and it smoothed out.

It runs GREAT! This entire procedure took us 3 hours. I think we did pretty well.

All in all I think its just common sense that you need to assemble one (and a friend thatâ?™s a shade tree mechanic) honestly I think anyone with a helper can set one up.

I rode it up and down the street last night and again today, it has a nice feel, good balance, and at night its lights are definitely going to be seen. Iâ?™m in love. The biggest thing I was surprised about the whole thing is the size of this bike, ITS HUGE! A whole lot bigger than I thought it was going to be.

Also I just wanted to say im a very happy man, the wait was worth it. Iâ?™ve had it up to 45 for a few min keeping in mind the break in but I canâ?™t seem to find anything wrong with it!!!!!!!! Itâ?™s a nice bike well worth more than weâ?™re getting them for. Itâ?™s a lot of bike for the money. I will be in touch and any of you that have more questions can email me at jebberts@cfl.rr.com

Next after I get it legal and start really scooting around on it I will let you know what I think about it

Good luck on yours

JOHN (bbj500)

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Comments

Comment #1 (Posted by JP)
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does it have brake lights and turn signals in the back. im just wondering if it has everything it needs to pass inspection also how long of a wait for the certificate of origin
Comment #2 (Posted by bbj500)
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if you look at the above photos you can see all the lights yes there are lots of lights turning sig. running liteshigh beams. everything you need to be legal.
it had been 4 working days since i recieved the bike and i expect to get the title (cert of orign) tomorow
Comment #3 (Posted by Glen Beyke)
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John it sure is a big help to see what your are going to get when purchased on the internet! You did a great job!
Comment #4 (Posted by John)
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thanks im just trying to help out all of us that bought them sight unseen
Comment #5 (Posted by jim)
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John thanks for the great write-up and the pics. That will really help me when I get mine in a few weeks. One question and please forgive me if this is a stupid noob question but you said the battery was charging. What exactly did you mean by this Am I gonna have to get a battery charger Thanks again.
Jim
Comment #6 (Posted by bbj500)
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no the charger doesnt come with it when i put the acid in it it charged some by itself some but i put it on a battery charger to top it off. i had it chargeing the whole time we were putting the bike together.
Comment #7 (Posted by Mike)
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Thanks for your write up. I am new to scooters and was looking at one as an alternative to the high gas. Based on reading your article I am seriously looking at buying one for my wife and myself.
Comment #8 (Posted by Terry Prater)
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It was nice reading about your new scooter and the assm. I just hope to be putting mine together one day I ordered it three weeks ago and so far no shipping. Anyway thanks for the nice read.
Comment #9 (Posted by bbj500)
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all things come to those who wait!
it seemed like a year till i was on mine well worth the wait in my opinion
i love my bike
Comment #10 (Posted by Jim)
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Awesome picture tour on how to assemble

2 questions. Any special mixing on gas or just straight from the pump

Odometer Tripometer

Any new updates on your Tank Touring 150 drooling for more feedback on your bike. :-)
Comment #11 (Posted by John)
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thanks i enjoyed doing it. just trying to be helpfull. when o bought mine there was no..i meen NO info out there about getting a bike in a box....lol
Comment #12 (Posted by Andrea)
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Hey thanks for your info. I have been waiting impatiently for my Deluxe 150 to arrive. I certainly appreciate your insight because I actually thought that I would assemble it solo...oh no no. I will be calling on my mechanic buddy to join in the fun. Enjoy your scooter and keep us updated. I believe an ever more necessary alternative means of transportation corner has been turned. It is now more affordable/practical and again 'hip' to explore the urban and suburban roadways...and a scooter is leading the way.
Comment #13 (Posted by SHARON)
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JUST WANTED TO SAY THANKS FOR INFO.I ACTUALLY PURCHASED THE TANK SPORT INSTEAD OF TOURING BUT AFTER READING THE THREADSi MIGHT HAVE TO GET THE TOURING AS WELL. ANYWAY GOT MY SCOOT ON TUES. RIDING TODAY WEDNESDAY SO FAR SO GOOD. i FIND IT AMAZING THAT MORE INFO. IS NOT PROVIDED FOR ASSEMBLY CONSIDERING THE AMOUNT OF UNITS THAT R MOVED.GREAT SITE CAN'T WAIT TO GET TITLE TO REALLY DO SOME RIDING.
Comment #14 (Posted by Andrea)
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It arrived today! My Deluxe 150cc...my sleepless nights are over. Big box...big scooter. I bought my scooter from Extreme Scooters...it arrived quickly...within a week great price and Dave was very helpful every step of the way. I won't mention the first dealer I had to cancel with due to broken promises and excuses as to why my scooter had not been delivered after a month...

Yes I was surprised at the size. I also tried to put it together solo...oh no...no. I certainly don't recommend that course. After a few hours solicting the muscles of strangers...then finally calling a friend to come help.

I had a beautiful scooter that wouldn't start smelled of gas and a puddle of the same underneathe it...I didn't freak out. John had I not studied your..."how to"...I would have never known what that problem was...thank you. Hose connected and battery recharged problem fixed....it was time for a moonlight ramble...34 miles later...I am well satisfied...and I can't wait to share my scooter experience during the light of day...What was priceless was your info and a bit of the BNScooter's assembly guide.

Folks I recommend printing both John's and Bns info and having them close by while you enjoy the assembly experience. I hate that winter is on its way...Nonetheless I still have some good riding weather before the first frost...

Once again thanks...and continue writing about your experiences because your insight is not falling on deaf ears...but received with gratitude...Peace
Comment #15 (Posted by John(bbj500))
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thank you for your kind comments. i did the report and comment 13 because there was no info on these bikes and i have seen the link to this report all over the web. i see its a big hit......lol im glad.
i now have over 700 miles on mine have changed the oil 2 times the rear gear lube once and changed the plug. the bike actualy runs better as time goes on.
dont forget to visit the tank users group on jacarmotorsports its a bbs for tank users alot of questions answered in there and a place to post photos of your bikes.
Good luck with yours. if i can help in any way feel free to email me and i will try my best to help
JOHN
Comment #16 (Posted by Jay Wren)
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I just recieved my scooter and need to put it together. I'm not the greatest at this stuff. The manual is hilarious! They screw up the english language pretty good! LOL

I see the radio but where are the speakers Is there a headphone plug in

Thanks
Jay
Comment #17 (Posted by Bob Roberson)
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Yep. I bought a Tank Tourer 150.......
I love it and I haven't ridden it but about 20 feet. (later )
I received my scoot and fortunately the driver had a power pallet and we moved it up my driveway close to the house. Now you have to remember I closed my garage in when I had a bunch of houre apes and the garage is history. But I have a back screened in back porch ( who in Florida doesn't ).
The weather was ok when I started what I consider the most difficult stage uncrating that critter. Well this being Florida it didn't take long for the weather to do a 180. Yep...........rain..........and lots of it.

I threw a tarp over the thing and tried waiting it out. No way.......It was set in. So I dug out my old pancho and started uncrating it with earnest. Boy did they pack it good. I had a neighbor lady that saw me out there and tried to help me uncrate it. I finally told her to forget it and I soldiered on alone.
The way they mounted the front end to the crate is great until you try to manuever it by yourself. And of course I had'nt read your article on "how to". I actually struggled with it sans wheel and finally got it off the crate. Then embarrassingly I had to grab a complete stranger off the street to slide the axle through the wheel and front forks while I held it up. duh.............
That was so I could finally wheel it around to the back porch and out of the downpour.
Everything went pretty well until I discovered the axle spacer was nowhere to be found. I assembled the front end anyway. But....... when I tried to put the disk into the calipers the linings fell out.
That's where it is now. I'm awaiting arrival of the spacer and hoping that it doesn't take as long as the scooter delivery.

In the meantime I went to apply for a tag. No bill of sale so I had to write Premium Scooters to fax it to me. That worked and I now have a tag but I'm 150 lighter.
Dave Hornbeck of Premium Scooters has to be the most patient and helpful person I've ran across.

I only hope I can figure the brake thing out.

Too bad the scoot isn't roadable yet. I was going to have a blast going over to Main Street for
"Biketoberfest". I live right in town.

Anyway my short ride came when I wanted to see if it would actually run. It did and it started very easily. I didn't to charge the battery. Just put in the acid and by the time I had the scoot assembled it was ready to go.

As any good craftsman I have parts left over. Two are puzzling. Two spacers about 1/2 long with about a 3/8 th inch. inner diameter.
Everything seems to be just fine without it but I still wonder.
The radio is an enigma. It works though it doesn't receive stations too well but I play oldies in the tape player and it's just fine. If you use good judgement and wear a helmet and are at speed the radio is probably worthless.

Your assembly article is great. Just wish I had access to it before I started putting mine together.

My only ride ( about 20 ft.) was just to move the scoot off the patio and back onto the back porch. I had only the rear brakes so I took it real easy.

Being an old biker I look forward to two wheeling again. And I think the 150 looks great. I've been looking around town and there is nothing comparable in price and finish at any of the cycle shops.

It's a great buy..............
Comment #18 (Posted by Sam)
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John just wonder what kind of rear gear lube you use. I had mine for a week now and it's a blast to ride thank for the info here got me the idea to set it up coz the manual is useless.
Comment #19 (Posted by Mike)
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I received the Tank 150. Thanks to your write-up I am putting it together. However I cannot find the rubber boot or Allen bolts for connecting the mirrors. Where did you find yours
Comment #20 (Posted by scott)
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I purchased a Tank 150 Urban Racer and was glad to see a site like this one. It helped me with some of the issues I had. The only problem I am having is getting it to idle good. I did turn the mixture screw but it sometimes makes a pop noise in the engine then dies. It will start back up after that. Any idea's
Comment #21 (Posted by Glen)
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Thanks to your help on showing what you get I picked up my new Touring in Wichita with my truck on Oct. 18th in the crate. I just love it! Had no assembly problems at all as that was fun too. Have about 500 miles on it but to much snow to ride now.
Comment #22 (Posted by A Waiting Tanker)
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Hey there John Thanks for the site - I like many others have ordered the Touring 150 Deluxe. Still waiting - Don't know how it will come. The online store said "delivered to your door"... LOL - I don't know how they'll get down my street with a Simi-Truck (Won't happen). Anyway how's the Tank through November I'll post again after delivery... Also Did you ever get the paper work

RSF
Comment #23 (Posted by Hawker)
Unrated
Got two Urban Touring 150's after about a month wait. Assembly was as John discribed. Took about three more weeks to get the certificate of origin needed to get a plate. Dealer separated the shipping charges from the bike so I didn't have to pay tax on that.

One bike has been just fine. About 400kmm and running problem free. Pulled the radio as I needed the space and you can't hear it with a full helmet anyway. Also got tired of the alarm system and pulled that too. (keys in my pocket hit the remote buttons and shut the thing down in heavy traffic then I have to figure out what's wrong before I can get it to restart. Impatient 18 wheeler behind was not real understanding)

2nd bike has not been so good. Arrived with a drained front brake system due to a leaking brake caliper. Pour fluid in and it just drips right out. Been trying to get a caliper out of TANK for over 6 weeks now with no success. Bad news is it seems when you unload the box it's yours whatever that may mean. I don't think there is such a thing as parts or warranty with these people.

Too bad. The thing will fly and is really super on gas. Changed the drive fluid to Mobil 1 gear oil 75-90. Used Castrol 10W-30 for engine. Going to wait till I get to 1000KM before going Mobil 1 10W-40 for motorcycles (MT4W or something like that) Don't want to stop the break-in process too early as they seem to run so much better every time you run them at this stage.
Comment #24 (Posted by John Hooper)
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I got a Tank touring and love it speedometer quit at 18 miles and unfortunately it was not the cable connection loose. I had checked them before taking it for a run. It a bit cold here so not getting to ride it a lot yet but used most a full tank of gas and that a few miles it just seems to run better every time I take it out.. I do have a bit of a warning for those that ride at night and areas that not well lit If the engine stalls the Headlights will shut off.
See
if the engine stops the headlights
will quit! An item called AUTOMATIC VALVE
is a switch guessing run by engine
vacuum. Its design is not to put extra
load on the battery while starting the
bike via electric or kick starter. All in all
a nice feature till the motor quits at high
speed at night. What will happen is the
headlights will GO OFF since the trans-
mission not designed to keep the motor
turning like a manual transmission would.
Even a manual tranny the lights would go
out soon as the clutch was depressed.
Re-engaging the clutch when the engine
is at zero RPM is a danger in itself! So at
this point I am all sure we can see the Bad
and the Ugly. So what is the Good The
momentary High Beams is not on this circuit.
So pressing that switch down will give you
back lights as long as it pressed. This is in
no way ideal but it beats no light at all trying
to get off the road in one piece. I don't personally like this feature I drove several bikes and never had one that engine shut down turned off the lights. Gold Wings that had the light on all the time had a switch built into the starter button that turned of the headlights momentarily so they would not take from the battery while starting the bike with the electric starter and personally is a much better design though it was no help when using the kick starter. Anyway something for you future and present Tank owners to keep in mind might try practicing stopping a Tank with the engine stalled .. but don't try and use the kill switch think it been Disabled too because of this feature. How I found this BTW I scanned in the wiring Diagram and was Redoing it and Have a nice Colored Wiring Diagram if any one interested it print nicely on Legal Size Paper in Landscape and will fold and fit in the manual Give me a email and I send you a gif or PSP version of it it also has the warning on it and with the wires all color coded it pretty easy to see why and how the headlights work that way. Matter a fact I knew it before I went out and tested it to see if I was right by making the diagram. Think you will like it if interested. Let me know if you want Gif or PSP format please.
Comment #25 (Posted by David B.)
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Hi John:

First thank for the photos nicely written story on setting up your scooter - very helpful to 'read see' it done and hear your views on the process product.

I know you may get a million emails in response to your article so I'll try to keep it brief:

How is your satisfaction with the product now 3 months or so later

Have you been able to get any needed parts

Have you heard any reports or tried the new model Touring 250 I assume it's party similar to your Touring 150

I live in the rural country (near Interstates) in So Cal -shortly moving to East Texas- where traffic flows a bit fast for any smaller or less powerful machine. I also am only 2 hours from El Monte so I think I can get the bike in person.

My only concern were a) how reliable are the Tank models in general Parts availability Any bugs worked out of the Touring 250 model

Have you updated or written any new stories on your scoot or recent rides I surely do appreciate your time for any response you can give. If you've already addressed this in an article I'd be happy with simply getting back a link.

Please be safe on that Scooter ! Auto drivers can miss you so easily....

Best Regards David B Anza CA

PS: I'm 42 and haven't been on a street bike in 20 years - I sold my Yamaha 750 Special after 2 car induced crashes 1 near miss - both times the driver said "I didn't see you !" - I'm hoping age will make me even more cautious now when I get a Maxi-Scooter !
Comment #26 (Posted by fred smail)
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I enjoyed your article and pictures showing how to uncrate the 150 deluxe. I received my 150 last month and assembled it by myself. I am fairly strong and did not have any problems putting the front wheel on and moving it off the crate rail. I did have a problem with the Nevada DMV. When I took the Certificate of Ownership to the DMV here they said the mileage was in the wrong block and would not accept it. So I had Dave of Extreme Scooters send me an odometer statement but they would not accept that either because it was a copy not the original that they wanted. Anyway finally got all that straightened out but I did did have to pay 216.00 to the DMV because I had not paid any tax to the State of Georgia so the Nevada DMV said that I had to pay what it would have cost in taxes and registration if I had bought the scooter in Nevada. About the scooter itself I took the radio/cassette player out because I could not really hear it while riding. Later on I put it back in when I discovered that only one of the speakers in the dash was hooked up (hooked it up/both speakers work). I also drilled a bunch of small holes in area of the dash where the two speakers fit flush against the dash. This seems to have helped the sound and volume of the radio. This may not look like factory made but I believe that the holes are small enough that I won't have any problems with water getting into the speakers. I pulled the cowling headlight assembly off because the left headlight (looking from the seat forward the high beam bulb appears to be on the left side) is burned out. I will contact Dave of Extreme Scooters to find out what a new headlight bulb will cost. While I had that whole assembly off I saw that LED indicator (tells you if radio mounted dash knob is on or off) was just hanging there. I remember someone else's blog mentioning this same problem. The people that manufactured the scooter never bothered to drill a hole in the dash and install the LED. I have a bunch of drill bits so I just kept going up in size while drilling the same hole until I got right hole for the LED to fit perfectly. I only have about 150 miles on my scooter so I have been pretty much been keeping it below 30 mph (sometimes squirting up to 40 when traffic dictates it). Oh an annoying thing that I am experiencing is everytime I fill it up with gas and park it in my garage - the garage has a strong smell of gas for a couple of days. I am not having any gas puddles in the garage so this strong gas smell every time is kind of a mystery. I guess that the gas cap does not really seal the fuel tank system. I am also having the same problem with mirrors that I see everyone mentions . Another thing I don't like about the mirrors is that both of them seem to give a distorted view of objects behind (such as objects appearing much closer than they actually are). I will probably wind up getting some aftermarket mirrors or have some made. The turn signals being on the front of the mirrors is a nice touch but to me are not as important as being able to easily see behind me. So far I am happy with the scooter itself but I am not impressed with the manual or general lack of information about parts and support. I am looking forward to reading your future comments about your scooter!
Comment #27 (Posted by Larry Shealy)
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I have a Touring 150 Deluxe 45 days old with just over 1000 miles. Has been running good until yesterday when at 50 mph it quite pulling. Engine runs fine but the transmission/clutch doesn't engage. Has anyone had a similar problem.
Comment #28 (Posted by Marquis)
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QUESTIONS:
1) Website says "made in Japan" however in the photo of your assembly it shows "made in China".
2) These are from Extreme Scooters Dave There are complaints w/BBB about not resolved issues w/this company. Your experience here w/after the fact
3) Website states price includes "free shipping and free assembly" however clearly it's not assembled. Many scooter come assembled with the only remaining item to be the front tire mirrors and gas/oil. Was the amount of assembly a surprise to you (Especially when it was sold w/FREE ASSEMBLY)
4) How long did it take to get your scooter once your order was placed
5) What are the provisions for warranty Have you dealt w/Extreme or Champion or whoever with warranty issues If so how did that go
6) Have you been able to get your questions and calls answered in a timely fashion If not what kinds of challenges here
7) Have you checked into having a local shop perform any repairs if and when needed If so what was their reaction to the scooter (China....)

Having had the experience of owning a TN'G 125cc which is made in China and then assembled and sold in the states I found the customer service from that company not just not satisfactory but also the dealer which sold it wasn't able to locate parts etc... ON A SCOOTER ONLY 2 years old. I learned that most Chinese scooters are 'throw away' since you can't source replacement parts or have a local shop repair them. Having been able to perform most of my own mechanical repairs I still was left in a lurch when trying to get ANY replacement parts (from couplers right down to a replacement mirror! Not available)And it was said it was because they couldn't get them from China.

Thank you for any and all help you can offer.
Comment #29 (Posted by David Lupo)
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Well my sleepless nights are over. I got my scoot yesterday. I love it! It has a few minor issues that need to be resolved such as the one of the speakers is not working the red kill switch does not work and the alarm is very testy. The scoot came with all parts and was in very good condition was very simple to put together. I have had harder times putting together my childrens toys. Everyone that had seen the pics of the scoot and new I was getting it all had the same first reaction of being surprised at the size. They all said it was bigger than they had imagined. Infact I am unable to get it onto the center stand bymyself because of the size and weight. I understand that it isn't exactly made with the highest quality parts but I believe the engine and tranny will stand the test of time when taken well care of. I give the scoot an 8 out of 10 approval points. I love the scoot it looks and runs awsome!!!!
P.S If bad grammer and poor use of the english language is your pet peeve don't open or read the owners manual throw it away with the big pile of trash you will have after uncreating the scooter.
Comment #30 (Posted by Jack Stanton)
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Ordered my Tank 150 from JKScooters 2/1/06 and it arrived at my door in San Diego 2/6. I frankly could not put some of this together by myself (e.g. front wheel assembly). I was very fortunate to have a neighbor who used to be a motorcycle mechanic and he gladly helped with doing this.
BTW I also found the fuel line disconnected - thanks for the tip! And I agree with everyone's assessment that there truly is no setup manual. At least perhaps I would know what the few leftover parts are for.
After about 3 hours of assembly I took it around the hills where I live with a friend who has a Honda Elite CH150 and it kept right up with him.
My only concern is the front lights. The "Passing" or what I would call hi-beam lights come on when I hold down the button but other than that I only see the two tiny lights on during normal operation (playing with the "Switch comp headlight" switch does nothing).
Anyone else experience this
Comment #31 (Posted by Ernest Sill)
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I purchased a Tank Touring 150 in December. After getting it put together I found the lights not working. I could hold on the high/low beam switch and see that the bulbs functioned. I also found that the engine is not producing electricity and storing it so that the bike and lights will properly function. Has anyone out there had this kind of problem If so what was the cause and what was the solution
Comment #32 (Posted by Jack Stanton)
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Further information re: headlight problem. After taking the windshield/mirrors/front cowling off I discovered that there is no connector wire going to the light switch. I contacted JKScooters.com they promised to send the part.
Meanwhile the battery which was only 3 days young died. Popped the top and saw there is no visible acid (Only a few of the cells were barely covered when I first set the battery up damn chintzy Chinese...). I added distilled water in desperation but no joy. I will buy another battery but there's a nagging fear that it too will die because it's not getting charged.
I'm seriously wondering if quality assurance is an unfamiliar term to the manufacturer.
Comment #33 (Posted by David Lupo)
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I now have 100kilometers on my bike(70 Miles). everything is still fuctioning well. I have a burnt out head light that the retailer promised to ship me and the alarm is still tempromental but other than that the scoot performs well around town. After I break in the engine I hope to get it up past 50 miles an hour. The key lock to the seat is stiff and bended my key a little. does anyone else have that problem
Comment #34 (Posted by Javier Acosta)
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Folks John have done a great job writting down his experiences on this site. Additional info on Tank Products can be found on http://www.scooterforumonline.com.

Thank You John...
Comment #35 (Posted by John (bbj500))
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yes javier thanks i send them to the bbs all the time when they email me. great place for info. i thought i put the link in one of the comments maybe i forgot. but its there now
Ride with Pride!
JOHN

happy scooting all
Comment #36 (Posted by Dave S)
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Well I finally got my scoot a Tank Touring Deluxe 150. It is big and it is beautiful. With my friends help we put it together in about 3 1/2 hours. We took some breaks in between. The scoot arrived with several scratches and was missing a front axle spacer so I have not been able to ride it yet. I'm still trying the figure out the alarm becuase it doesn't really make a lot of sense to me yet. I had read the other postings so I knew about the hole that needed to be drilled for the radio knob LED that was a quick fix. My trunk arrived witha broken hinge which I am replacing but the scoot runs and looks really good. I am still waiting on my Bill of Sale and Cert of Origin so I can register the thing and that should be coming soon. the lights all work the radio is loud and the scoot is in good condition. What grade of gasoline does everyone use out there I am curious. Well that's it for now I will let you all know how the rest turns out. Hopefully soon I will be happily scooting!!
Comment #37 (Posted by Ajaimel)
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I found all of the blogs very informative. I have been looking into purchasing the Touring 150 Deluxe through Extreme Scooters. Fortunately the info I found on this blog saved me from hassle. This company is in bad standings with the BBB. Please see link:
http://www.macon.bbb.org/commonreport.htmlbid8715
Comment #38 (Posted by Ajaimel)
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INFO FROM LINK ON PREVIOUS POST:

The Better Business Bureau
Serving Central Georgia the CSRA
277 MLK. Blvd. Suite 102
Macon GA 31201

Extreme Scooters
P. O. Box 6497
Warner Robins GA 31095
Telephone: (478) 987-8509

The BBB reports on members and non-members. If a company is a member of the BBB it is stated in this report
BBB Definition:

report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background BBB membership information and Bureau complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by the BBB.

.

Principal: Mr. Dave Bergman File Open Date: November 2004
Email Address: DaveBrgmn@aol.com
TOB Classification: Recreational Vehicles-Dealers
BBB Membership: This company is not a member.

The Bureau has requested basic information from this company. The Bureau has not received a response. Without this information the Bureau may not have current information concerning such things as the company's management or its nature of business.

Additional DBA Names

Extreme-hobby

Customer Experience

Based on BBB files this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to one or more unanswered and two or more unresolved
BBB Definition:

unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.

complaints.

When considering complaint information please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

The Bureau processed a total of 20 complaints about this company in the last 36 months our standard reporting period. Of the total of 20 complaints closed in 36 months 18 were closed in the last year.

These complaints concerned:

1 Advertising Issues
BBB Definition:

Advertising Issues - Claims alleging print or electronic media advertised claims or practices misrepresent the service or product offer.

1 Sales Practice Issues
BBB Definition:

Sales Practice Issues - Claims of alleged sales presentations made in person or by telephone that contain misrepresentations of the product or service high pressure sales practices failure to disclose key conditions of the offer and verbal representations not consistent with written contractual terms or agreements.

8 Delivery Issues
BBB Definition:

Delivery Issues - Claims alleging delayed delivery of ordered merchandise.

1 Product Issues
BBB Definition:

Product Issues - Claim alleging a product does not meet the expectations of the complainant including defective merchandise.

5 Refund or Exchange Issues
BBB Definition:

Refund or Exchange Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor company policy or verbal commitment to provide refunds exchanges or credit for products or services.

1 Contract Issues
BBB Definition:

Contract Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor contract or agreement work performed without authorization or invalid contract.

2 Customer Service Issues
BBB Definition:

Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service failure to provide promised service inferior quality of provided service or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.

BBB Definition:

Customer Service Issues - Claims alleging unsatisfactory customer service including personnel's failure to provide assistance in a timely manner failure to address or respond to customer dissatisfaction unavailability for customer support and/or inappropriate behavior or attitude exhibited by company staff.

1 Billing or Collection Issues
BBB Definition:

Billing or Collection Issues - Claim alleging billing errors unauthorized charges or questionable collection practices.

They were closed as:

8 Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

(click on Resolved to see more details)

4 Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
4 Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.

3 Unresolved
BBB Definition:

Unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.

(click on Unresolved to see more details)

3 Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through the BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.

2 Administratively Closed
BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - The Bureau determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution.

(click on Administratively Closed to see more details)

1 BBB determined the company made good faith and reasonable offer to resolve the issues but the consumer did not accept the offer.
1 BBB determined that despite the company's good faith effort to address complaint issues the consumer remained dissatisfied.

7 No Response
BBB Definition:

No Response - The company failed to respond to the complaint.

(click on No Response to see more details)

7 Company failed to respond to the BBB or to the consumer to resolve the issues.
Comment #39 (Posted by Tim Roberts)
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Has anyone out there had the experience of trying to register the Tank Touring 150 with California's Department of Motor Vehicles If so were any issues/glitches encountered I am seriously contemplating the purchase of one of these machines as a commuter vehicle but if there are too many legal hoops to jump through I may have to re-think my choice.
Comment #40 (Posted by Marc)
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I just ordered a Touring for delivery in San Diego this week and will post DMV experience.
Comment #41 (Posted by Shannon Barrett)
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John
I received my Tank Touring Deluxe 150cc without instructions on assembly. Along with a friend we have managed to put everything together except the front tire. If you could give me more detailed instructions on how to correctly install the front wheel it would be greatly appreciated. By the way your friends butt wasn't as bad as some I've seen. Thanks for everything looking forward to hitting the road. Shannon
Comment #42 (Posted by Tim Roberts)
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Thanks Marc!
Comment #43 (Posted by PRO DRIVE)
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Im thinking of buying a Tank Touring Deluxe 150cc For running around Jupter FLA I have read some good bad things about this "Tank" here and on other web pages. I'm kind of handy I don't plain to use it that much as we are snow birds Is this the right Scooter for me any thoughts Tom
Comment #44 (Posted by Dave Fox)
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I'm thinking of purchasing the Touring 150 Deluxe. However I am a little hesitant about having it shipped over the boarder into Canada. Anyone out there had any experience(s) doing this
Dave
Comment #45 (Posted by Marc)
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Ordered mine Saturday took delivery yesterday here in San Diego. My wife and I had it on the road in a couple hours thanks to this site and others. We had no problems uncrating and setting it up just be patient and use common sense and it's a breeze. I am absolutely amazed at the size/price/quality/fun factor of this bike its alot better than I expected! Hopefully I'll be registering it next week.
Comment #46 (Posted by Dave S)
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Uh oh I just realized that I have not broken in the engine in accordance of the manual. I have commuting with my scoot for two weeks and have been up to 55mph at times! Does anyone think that this will cause harm to the engine and hurt the longevity of the scoot The manual is in KILOMETERS..not MPH. According to that I should not exceed 35 mph until I go over 900 miles! Have I caused irreparable harm to my scoot By the way does ANYONE know how big the gas tank is on this thing. I have heard everything from 1.5 to 2.9 My gas gauge is broken and until I get a new one I just have to guess when its time to fill up. So far I topped it off the other day and have gone 166 miles without putting any fuel in it but I think I might be getting close to running out. anyone know for sure Thanks.
Comment #47 (Posted by Phil Fielder)
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I am giving strong consideration to purchasing a couple 150's. Was wondering the hassles people have encountered on registration in California
Comment #48 (Posted by Shane)
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Well I thought I was to get my Tank 150 tomorrow (3/7/06) but the Old Dominion Freight website now says 3/8/06. Damn!

Anyway I also bought mine from EvoSales.com. 1319. We'll see. I was a little upset with them. Perhaps they do better on the phone but by email they're a little slow. When I ordered they said they had a Burgundy/Red one then 4 days later I got an email saying they didn't. After complaining/requesting a list of other colors I got an email update saying that the Burgundy one was shipped to me. Hmmm.... We'll see when it gets here. :-)

To "Dave S" - I am near the St Pete/Clearwater airport. I noticed you mentioned that you commute to Tampa. I probably will too. Would love to meet/ride with you - or at least share some riding/traffic tips. I hope you don't have to commute over the "Howard Frankenstein" Bridge!

As far as I know you should not worry too much about the break-in. If your bike ain't broke then you are doin' fine. There's plenty of debate on the break-in. Many say you need to take it easy (900 km is insane!) -- but some others say that's just a way to protect the seller/manufacturer and a harder break-in is actually better for the bike -- as long as nothing goes wrong. As for myself... I dunno... but I've heard both.

I'll give an update on what I get from Evo shortly.

Cheers!
---Shane
Comment #49 (Posted by Marc)
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Registration at my local California DMV was a breeze. I walked out with my plates in less than 10 minutes. My dealer sent me the registration and title request form with his part filled in also the certificate of origin. Very smooth.
Comment #50 (Posted by Shane)
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My Tank arrived today (3/8). It was partially dropped off the back of the truck. Ouch. Thanks to John's instructions/help I got it all assembled today. It started right up and is running smooth. The only problem I had was getting the brake on correctly. I had mounted the front wheel before I noticed that the disc was beside the two pads not between. But all in all it was a breeze. (Thanks John). I got the correct color from Evosales (whew). The manual is a joke. Literally. The English is quite funny. "Please put on showy protectingclothes." So I am happy and will post when I have any issues.

Also... what has everyone done as far as break-in goes The manual says 300km for a break-in. That's quite a long while. I'm guessing that keeping it under 25-30 mph for about 50-60 miles should suffice.

Cheers!
Comment #51 (Posted by gary lass)
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just got my strata modesta 150 with very limited info on assembly mostly common sense but i cant find the key receptacle for the alram system da help
Comment #52 (Posted by charles trowt)
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I just received a tank 150 and durning assembly process I can't locate the spacer for the front wheel axle any idea where they usually put it durning shipping. I also have a fuel line from the top of the fuel tank hanging next to the speed cable any idea where it attaches thanks Charles
Comment #53 (Posted by Riley)
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I haven't read all of the comments but I just got my bike and the manual is a joke. I may be stupid but I tried to check everthing before I started my bike and found the lights didn't work. I called the dealer I bought it from and told him of my problem (there was no connection on the light switch). He told me to try to start the bike and on some models the lights will come on you can't turn on the lights manually. I hope this can help anyone before they get frustrated.
Comment #54 (Posted by Dave Fox)
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For all you Canadians out there wondering about Tank availability in Canada ... I checked the Registrar of Imported Vehicles website (http://www.riv.ca/english/us_vehicle_admissibility.pdf) where they have a list of vehicles that have met the (apparently) high standards for importing from the US into Canada. Unfortunately Tank products are not listed therefore being deemed "Inadmissable". I have contacted the Registrar's office asking if and when these line of vehicles might be available for import. I'll post anything I find out.
Comment #55 (Posted by Dave S)
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Shane we need to hook up and ride. I live in the lando'lakes are and take 41 and Florida into Ybor. I just encountered a serious problem with the scoot though. My brake light is on all the time now. I messed around with the brake handles and realized that when i lift the left hadle at a certain angle it goes off. But when I release it back on it goes. I email Rony at EVO sales and he said that it could be bad brake light switch. The worst part is it killed my battery so I am dead in the water until I can figure it out. Anyone have any advice
Comment #56 (Posted by Dave S)
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Does anyone know how to use the scooter by kick-starting it I tried to read the book but that is no help. I am recharging my battery which dies but I wanted to know if there was a way to still use the kick start if my battery dies again
Comment #57 (Posted by Alan Parsons)
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I recently purchased a Tank Touring 150 from a local owner. he loved the bike but wanted to get the 250 when they come out. everything seems to work fine except the front brake does not always iluminate the brake lights. I did get it with an aftermarket exhaust which is louder than the stock but seems to give it a faster response off the line. I have actually had mine up to 68 mph by radar on an old airstrip.
Headlights: the light switch by the starter button has nothing attached to it. I looked behind the fairing and didn't see anything that looked like it should be there. Lights come on when I start the bike and low/hi beams work fine. I would like more light on those dark roads. May add an aux battery and some lo profile driving lights.

I also have that strong gas smell in my garage after filling up. I have not noticed any fuel leaking and have actually stuck my head underneath to check. I think the filler cap does not seal well.
I have right at 1000km on mine and have had no problems. I know the break in oil was changed before I purchased it I am going to change it again just so i know it is fresh I am also going to flush the brake fluid and refill when those directions are posted. I have noticed a slight squeal at about 15 mph that lasts about 2 seconds then is gone. I am goign to get a new trany belt just in case it goes. I think someone mentioned changing the tranny oil or something...what is the proceedure for that Also what is the availability of brake pads tires and other expendables