Variator upgrade for my Super 8

[Rdeangelis]

Hey all, this is my first post here, thanks for taking a look and any advice.

First of all, my 2012 Super 8 150 is the first scooter/bike I've owned and I love it.  No regrets.

What I'd like advice on is installing a high performance variator kit to get a little more top speed and power.  I'm not looking for miracles, I just want a few more mph for the occassions I get on the highway.  I'd like to be able to get a solid 60mph, but right now it tops at about 55 if I've got wind against me or on an incline.

I read someone had a lot of success with a Malossi variator kit, and if someone can point me to a link for the one thats correct for the Super 8 150 I'd appreciate it.  I've found this other kit as well and wanted to know if anyone knows anything about it, quality or if it seems cost appropriate?
http://www.monsterscooterparts.com/variator-set-genuine-buddy.html

I do intend to also add the Kevlar belt if I do this.  In any case any advice or recommendations are welcome, thanks again!

[Rdeangelis]

I was reading the posts of those people who had good luck with the Naraku variator kit, and someone was good enough to have posted a link on where to buy that, so I'll probably give that a try when I get around to this project.  So nevermind about the previous Malossi or previously linked variator kit questions. ^_^  If anyone does have any advice or recommendations though, of course I welcome that.  I saw someone post a link to the proper Kevlar belt as well.

Thanks!

[dudley]

I ended up with the dr pulley.
Got a 5 mph gain using the weights in the old variator.
Got it from mainelyscooters.
Wanted to try the Naraku kit but it was unavailable.

[Rdeangelis]

Hey all. 

Thanks for the info Dudley, I actually ended up with the dr. Pulley variator too since the Naraku seems to be unavailable right now in the places I looked.

I have some questions now if anyone (much more) knowledgeable than me would kindly guide me in the right direction.   I changed out the variator and the dr. Pulley came with 13g weights which is what was already in the scooter.  I changed both the main torque spring and the 3 small clutch springs to all be 2000rpm.

What I am getting right now is a big delay with the engine revving up and then catching (slower takeoff) and I have to give it a lot of throttle to make it do it's thing.  I haven't gone on a long straightaway to see what happens with the top speed.  Can anyone tell me which part of the equation (springs, unchanged weight size) is causing this big delay and what the recommendation is to even it out?  Lighter weights?

Also, when I changed the main torque spring to 2000rpm, was I supposed to change the small clutch springs to match it?  The modifications I've done are all based on reading other people's success here on the forums and watching the instructional videos on YouTube, but I realized no one ever mentioned matching the clutch and torque springs, I just assumed it.

Thanks very much for info, I'm trying to wrap my brain around the balancing act of the weights/springs thing.   I'm not too sure I even really understand what the 3 little clutch springs do, the main torque spring does make sense to me. 

[Rdeangelis]

Ok, took the small clutch springs out and put the old ones back in.  This solved most of the huge disconnect between giving throttle and the bike actually doing something.  Helps to understand the function of the prices before changing them. ^_^  I still have a small 'lurch' between giving a small amount of throttle and the bike picking up to regular speeds.  It's almost like I'm in the very light friction zone where it'll creep forward, and then *thunk!* it just dropped into second gear.  Not pleasant.  I've ordered some lighter weights and I'll try those and see what happens when they come.

[misfit77]

I have the thunk as well...everything is stock.

I was told that the clutch pads are glazed.

I wont be cracking anything open till I get word if the warranty was transferred to my name.

[Rdeangelis]

Thanks for that info, I'll check on possible glazing when I take it apart again.

[zombie]

What you are feeling is the torque drive opening. Lighter weights will eliminate that. The spring may be too heavy for you tho. It is intended for a highly modified scoot. A 1000 will work best on a stock scoot, and a 1500 may work a bit better.
See how the weights make it feel but you may want to swap the spring if your rpm's are too high at cruise.

[dudley]

That's why I change one thing at a time.
Had such an improvement from the variator change I decided not to change the weights or springs. Yet.
Have had the lurch/shudder/thunk issue before.
Hold the brakes and rev your engine for a couple seconds. If the issue is improved(temporary)
You need to clean out your clutch bell.i used rubbing alcohol.
Then LIGHTLY sand inside of bell where the pads grab.
I also used sandpaper to scratch the black build up off the clutch pads.you don't want to sand them down, just use the abrasive to kind of brush them lightly.

[Rdeangelis]

Got back to tinkering with this a bit.  I tried some 11.5g weights today, all stock springs, dr pulley variator and Kevlar belt.  I like it.  It's just a bit smoother, gets to 50 quicker, a short wait from 50-60 but not bad and according to the speedo I hit a very consistent 61/62.  My iPhone gps tells me my top speed was more like 58.5mph, so it's not too far off.  I'd love for the gps to tell me I could get a consistent 60 (65 on speedo?), but I probably got the wrong scooter for that without a lot of money and additional upgrades, so I'm just pleased that even with some wind the scooter had no problem getting there and staying there.

I may or may not try changing the main spring to 2000 again just to see what it does with the smaller weights, but I don't particularly relish the idea of taking the clutch apart again, even with some clamps it's not too fun.   I'm over 1k miles now, so I'll be switching to synthetic oil soon too.  Maybe see a small difference with that?  We'll see.

[zombie]

After 10-20 miles the oil will shine. You may have to turn down your idle too.

[dudley]

With just the variator change I hit a true 61.5 mph verified by two gps units.
Before I was at 64 on the speedo which = 57 mph.
After I hit 70 on the speedo which = 61.5 mph

[zombie]

CVT tuning is the best way to maximize your power. It is trial, and error due to riding styles but it is the key.