Gio Beast Limited Unboxing

[northerndad]

The Beast arrived today while we were out of town. The boys were inside-out happy to see it and insisted on unpacking it right away! Here are some pix.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2338.jpg
Happy to see this when we got home tonight

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2342.jpg
Everything seemed very well packed, I was very impressed with the packing, nothing seemed loose or scratched.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2345.jpg
It comes with a manual! Wow! No assembly instructions though.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2347.jpg
It all seemed tightly packed and at first impression seemed like it would be a ton of work. It wasn't (so far).

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2352.jpg
If only all workers were this happy to help!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2358.jpg
Noah, one of my helpers, moved all the loose pieces into the garage and I went about putting the wheels on.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2360.jpg
Sun had set by the time I got the wheels on and the beast rolled into the garage.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2361_copy.jpg
Help identify some parts A: Handle bar brackets (missing bolts) - AA: Spare handle bar brackets? - B: A gasket for...? - C: Washers for rear wheels (that's where I put them hope it is right) - D: Mystery bracket thingie, might figure it out as I go but you can help here :) - E: Rubber strips for...?

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2364.jpg
Missign wheel bolt. I don't get it - why not just throw in extra of all bolts and nuts and small parts? It costs almost nothing and saves some headaches.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1509196/giobeastlimited/IMG_2368.jpg
Broken wire to the reverse light.

It is very late and I didn't get past basic assembly - will get back at it tomorrow. Some quick observations:

- Quality seems similar to the tao tao 150b (posted review on that last week or so)
- Like the look of the heavy chain and the honda style rear end
- Love the front and rear disk brakes - they work! MUCH better than the from drum brakes on the tao.
- Wheel rims seem to be same size as the tao tao, though bolts are different I think.
- My boys (3 and 5) love it!

jb

[MICRider]

Grats on the new wheels! :) Looks like your son loves it! I'll be keen to see your review of the Beast when you get it all up and running. Good to hear they upgraded the rear axle assembly as well, the old system wasn't too hot!

[katoranger]

B- looks like an exhaust gasket. Probably between the muffler and pipe.

D- Maybe muffler hangers?

E- Rubber strips to line hangers?

These are just guesses.

[Weldangrind]

A and AA - You need four such clamps to hold the bars; two below and two above.

B - I agree with Kato

D - As Kato says, those are the clamps that hold the muffler. Those clamps are lined with E as a cushion. Usually only one complete clamp is shipped. Looks like you have a spare.

[northerndad]

Thanks guys, that will save me some time.

[northerndad]

Got 'er all assembled today after a trip to a couple stores. Still have a couple things to do that can wait, otherwise she's ready to test out :)

Turns out there are 2 brackets to hold up the muffler, I only used 1. I used some rubber washers and bushings to add extra padding between the frame and muffler - I've found this the source of most rattle on our other ATV.

Definitely learning a lot as I go here...

[Weldangrind]

In case you're not already aware, the engine is likely shipped full of fish oil. Be sure to drain it and use a quality four stroke motorcycle oil or a non-energy conserving oil, like Rotella T 15W40.

[northerndad]

In case you're not already aware, the engine is likely shipped full of fish oil. Be sure to drain it and use a quality four stroke motorcycle oil or a non-energy conserving oil, like Rotella T 15W40.

I forgot to mention that I warmed it up and changed the oil last night too. Used crappy tire 15w40. Also cleaned the filter, was metal in it already.

Still need to tune the carb as it is hard to start and labors after it is started - it sounds bogged down when I give it a bit of gas after first starting it. I'll play with the air fuel mix and see if I can get it running better.

[Weldangrind]

Did it come with a 30mm Mikuni?

[northerndad]

No, it is not a mikuni - it came with an "improved" carb, I think it is called a klien Clone carb if that makes any sense. I read rocky's blog entry on the gio site on the importance of tuning the carbs - in his opinion great engine, good carb, but needs tuning.

On the other hand 30mm mikuni carbs are $40 ish w shipping on eBay, and they are going for $5ish on gio plus $45 in "shipping" plus $15 in fees and tax...

I started bidding on mikuni carbs last night but haven't given up on this one yet. It was running really rich, oem plug was black after hardly any riding.

Jb

[Weldangrind]

Even a Mikuni will require some re-jetting. If you have a PZ30 style Keihin, you can jet it to work. Do you care to remove the carb and tell us what jets are in there now?

[northerndad]

I'll add removing the carb and checking the jets to the to-do list on the ATV, thanks! Will post when I have some time to do it. I have the current carb working OK now, I think it was far too rich, and I've been moving the needle bit by bit to the lean side and am trying it out. It seems like the #3 notch may be the best spot, I have it in the #4 right now (counting from the top of the needle).

At its current setting it starts from cold fine, usually on the second try with no choke. Idles pretty good too! I checked the plug yesterday and it seemed fine - I put a NGK Iridium in and it seems to be running good.

jb

[Weldangrind]

You'll be okay for now, but it will need a fatter mixture on the idle circuit once the cold weather arrives.

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the great review, complete with photographs, Dad! You are a lucky man to have such eager, happy helpers! :D

Spud :)