The variator holding tool arrived (Buzzetti #5582) and it worked perfectly,cost about $13(US). I changed the original variator with a Polini Speed Control (P241647),cost about $65(US). The Polini roller weights are 6.9 grams. The Kymco roller weights seem to be just over 6 grams (any marks had worn off/weighed on a digital letter scale). I also installed a Malossi Kevlar X belt (M6113501) which is supposed to grip better and be stronger than the original, cost about $28(US). The Kymco belt (made by Bando) was in excellent shape having under 700 km of use. I took a short test ride and everything seemed to work really well. It looks like the northeast is due for about a week of bad weather, so I'll give it a full test run at the first chance that I get and report the results. Paul