image from http://ebladez.com
The Bladez Moby S is one of the Bladez Moby scooter line. As the "S" (for street) designation would imply, this scooter's slick wheels and rigid, heavy frame, make it perfect for on-road cruising. This scooter is one of the most reliable and consistent scooters money could buy.
Technical Specifications[]
- Motor: Tanaka 35 or Tanaka 40 (Japanese)
- Top Speed: 22mph
- Range: 18 miles
- Clutch: 78mm Centrifugal clutch
- Transmission: Bladez belt transmission
- Tension System: puller bolts
- Brakes: front disc brake and rear friction pedal
- Wheels: billet aluminum split rim wheels
- Tires: 10" air tires (street)
- Handlebars: clamped t-bar
- Forks: steel plates
- Folding: Posi-lock folding
- Deck: wood
- Frame: stainless steel
- Frame Protection: none
- Dry Weight: 42 lbs.
Belt driven reduction transmission[]
The Bladez belt drive transmission
Like the other Bladez Mobies, the S has a simple belt transmission which connects the drive belt to the rear wheel. The double pulley, a heavy steel double gear, can be lightened to improve performance.
Controls[]
The S's controls are the two hand levers on the handlebars. The lever on the left operates a mechanical disc brake while the lever on the right throttles the engine.
Front Disc Brake. The font disc brake is operated via a hand lever on the handlebars which operate a bowden cable which runs down the support pole and compresses the calipers.
The disc brake calipers are relatively flexible and this makes for an soft feeling in the brakes. Luckily, the brake pads have plenty of surface area to ensure that the stopping power is effective.
The rear foot brake lever
Rear Pedal Brake. The rear pedal brake is a simple lever which decelerates the scooter by pressing a rubber pad onto the surface of the wheel. Since this contact is made in the same area where the wheel makes contact with the road, driving conditions can drastically affect the performance of this brake. Though, even in wet conditions, this brake's power is more than adequate.
Production[]
United States. the Moby line ceased production in early 2007 when Bladez sold its rights to the brand in order to focus more on its other markets.
Reliability[]
You'll never have to replace[]
The engine. This scooter comes with a Tanaka 35 or Tanaka 40 which should last for the life of the scooter if it is properly looked after. Tanaka engines are notorious for outliving the scooter they are attached to.
You may eventually have to replace[]
The top shaft and its bearings. A common point of failure for the Bladez belt transmission is the top shaft. It is constructed of a thin bar that will eventually work its way out of the bearings which hold it it place. This problem can be avoided by checking the state of the shaft's bearings often, but it is a good idea to keep a few top shafts handy in case of failure.
You should immediately replace[]
Nothing! This scooter is one of the most reliable ever made. Even under negligent conditions, this scooter should live a long life.
References[]
See Also[]
- Bladez product listing: http://www.ebladez.com/ptv/products/moby_s.cfm
- Bladez website: http://www.ebladez.com/