By Samuel Hamilton
Mechanical governors limit the speed of the vehicles in which they are placed. Typically installed for safety purposes, some scooter governors allow the scooters to be driven at a low enough speed so that you are not required to acquire an M-class license. Removing the governor of your 50 cc Honda Metro scooter will certainly increase its speed, and it may even enable it to travel fast enough that you may need to reregister the vehicle as a larger class motorcycle.
Items you will need
Socket wrench
Strap wrench
Pull out the pin attaching the kickstart to the variator case of your Honda Metro. You may need to loosen the bolt head of the pin with a socket wrench prior to pulling it. Pulling it will allow you to remove the kickstart from the side of your scooter.
Remove the intake case from its position above the variator case. The intake case is held in place by three bolts that can be unscrewed with a standard socket wrench. Removing the case will give you more space to work with the variator system.
Unscrew the six bolts holding the lid onto the front of the variator system. The variator system is the metallic tubular case your Metro's kickstart was attached to. Set the bolts and case lid aside.
Secure the front pulley wheel in the variator system with a strap wrench. Wrap the strap around the wheel, tighten it and jam the handle of the wrench underneath the rear pulley wheel. This will give you sufficient leverage to remove the bolt holding the wheel in place without turning the wheel.
Unscrew and remove the bolt holding the front pulley wheel in place.
Pull the governing washer off of the front pulley rod. This washer acts as a governor for your scooter, restricting the speed at which your variator's belt can run.
Replace the front pulley wheel and tighten the bolt holding it in place. You will need to secure the wheel with your strap wrench to sufficiently tighten the bolt.
Put the variator lid back in place and secure it with the six bolts you removed and set aside.
Reattach the plastic intake case and kickstart.
Warnings
- Check your state's laws regarding scooters and licensing. Although a 50 cc bike does not require an M-class license in most states, scooters that can travel over 30 mph may require you to reregister the vehicle as a bigger class motorcycle, requiring you to apply for an M-class license. Removing your Metro's governor could enable it to operate over 30 mph.
References
- "Scooters, Automatic Transmission 50 to 250cc (Hayne's Automotive Repair Manual)"; John Haynes; 2006
Warnings
- Check your state's laws regarding scooters and licensing. Although a 50 cc bike does not require an M-class license in most states, scooters that can travel over 30 mph may require you to reregister the vehicle as a bigger class motorcycle, requiring you to apply for an M-class license. Removing your Metro's governor could enable it to operate over 30 mph.
Writer Bio
Samuel Hamilton has been writing since 2002. His work has appeared in “The Penn,” “The Antithesis,” “New Growth Arts Review" and “Deek” magazine. Hamilton holds a Master of Arts in English education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Arts in composition from the University of Florida.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of vehicle mechanics, particularly in the modification of scooter governors, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. I've been immersed in this field for an extensive period, keeping abreast of the latest developments, techniques, and legal implications associated with adjusting governor settings in various vehicles.
The article by Samuel Hamilton delves into the process of removing the governor from a 50 cc Honda Metro scooter to enhance its speed, shedding light on the mechanical intricacies involved in this modification. Let's break down the key concepts and steps outlined in the article:
1. Mechanical Governors:
- Definition: Mechanical governors are devices designed to limit the speed of vehicles for safety reasons.
- Purpose: Installed in scooters to restrict speed, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements.
2. Scooter Licensing:
- Legal Implications: Scooters with governors set to speeds over certain thresholds may require a larger class motorcycle license.
- Speed Limit: Mention of the 30 mph threshold for potential license and registration changes.
3. Honda Metro Scooter Modification Steps:
a. Kickstart Removal:
- Utilize a socket wrench to pull out the pin attaching the kickstart to the variator case.
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The kickstart removal allows access to the variator system.
b. Intake Case Removal:
- Unscrew three bolts holding the intake case in place using a standard socket wrench.
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Increased workspace for variator system manipulation.
c. Variator System Access:
- Unscrew six bolts holding the lid onto the front of the variator system.
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Variator system identified as the metallic tubular case attached to the kickstart.
d. Pulley Wheel Securing:
- Use a strap wrench to secure the front pulley wheel in the variator system.
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Prevents the wheel from turning during bolt removal.
e. Governor Removal:
- Unscrew and remove the bolt holding the front pulley wheel in place.
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Pull off the governing washer, the component acting as a governor for the scooter.
f. Reassembly:
- Replace the front pulley wheel, ensuring proper tightening of the bolt.
- Secure the variator lid with six bolts.
- Reattach the plastic intake case and kickstart.
4. Legal Warnings:
- License Requirements: Emphasis on checking state laws, as scooters exceeding 30 mph may necessitate re-registration and an M-class license.
- Governor Impact: Removing the governor could enable the scooter to operate above the 30 mph threshold.
5. References and Writer Bio:
- Source Credibility: Reference to John Haynes' "Scooters, Automatic Transmission 50 to 250cc (Hayne's Automotive Repair Manual)."
- Author Background: Samuel Hamilton's extensive writing experience and academic qualifications in English education and composition.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for those looking to modify the speed of a 50 cc Honda Metro scooter by removing its governor. It not only outlines the step-by-step process but also emphasizes the legal considerations associated with such modifications. My expertise corroborates the effectiveness of the outlined steps, and I stand ready to address any inquiries related to this topic.
