MOPED ARMY

I have had an Avanti Autopower for only about 2 mos. I have had no problems.

A nice bike for a bigger guy like me.

I guess some of you saw my post about a siezed up Avanti. Well, I took the gearbox casing off of the gearbox and I found that the rubber washer (not sure what it's called but it was the only big rubber one in there) was broken. There were big chunks of rubber washer in my gears and all around them. I cleaned it out and am going to need a new washer.

Anyone know where I can find a replacement washer online? Also, I might need a new gearbox cover because I broke the rubber liner that keeps the oil from leaking out.

You see Don...The rubber washer...As I was told by a dealer in D.C. when I was there...This rubber washer problem has existed in INDIA for years on other mopeds as well he said like the Hero Majestic (Might be same company producing the clutch for Avanti) and he said it results in the rear wheel lockup just like has happened to me and others. He told me long before it happened to my Supersport...He said, "Just you wait and see". He had stopped carrying any of the Indian made mopeds because of problems. I wrote to the CEO about this and never got a reply...Shortly thereafter they took down their website...Mind you it happened to mine a day after the mods had been done but I don't think these other fellows who had it happen to them had anything done to theirs...This problem is gonna get someone hurt...

Avanti Autopower is junk....Tranny rattles and vibrates. The importer J & J of Phoenix will not respond to warranty in any way. I purchased mine from 5 Flags in Florida. They keep refering me to "Buddy" of J & J in Phoenix. I am currently researching the possibility of taking them to court. Best advice I could give onyone IS: "Don't buy an Avanti" and don't buy anything from J & J or 5 Flags.

Dick Riemer

Indeed Don I like the ride of the Supersport alot...It feels like a small motorcycle...

I don't like trashing the bike in the newsgroups and I was hoping that there would be a better response from the manufacturer or importer to this problem.

If I were a parent buying a moped for my son or daughter I definitely would NOT buy the Avanti for them.

On the rubber washer I have not opened mine and as you know I'm away so I can't check it...When I get back I'll be taking mine in to Steve's Moped in Dumont, NJ to get repaired and I will check and see exactly the problem then and if there is something that can be done to prevent it from happening...But that won't be until March...

I was searching Avanti and VIP issues in response to a PM from sluggzly adams. This 11 year old thread is a good heads up on the Avanti/Cosmo/VIP clutch rubber and rear hub challenges.

So far mine is OK, but there is a questionable vibration at near WOT and the rear hub is solid so far.

Any VIP owners thought about or try a neoprene replacement for the clutch rubbers?

The elasticity of neoprene might not be good enough.?

Just a guess.

thanks cosmo. been lookin at it (have yet to take gear box off) and i do believe the 2nd clutch rubber is engaged because it seems to lock up a bit when rolling it backward. probably just soak it in some kerosene.

I have a 78 VIP that I bought with .7 miles on it and about 5lbs of rust. After complete dismantle and clean up, it runs and shifts like new with the original rubber clutches in it (Italian). That oil/ranch in cosmo,s has got to be way wrong! looks like water in the oil. Mine only has about 20 miles on it now, so can't really testify as to longevity. But I think Avante's would do better with Italian rubbers.