Deristricted Variator Pin - Now Slower Accel

[Bravin Neff]

I'm shocked how much the restricted variator pin (with boss) was limiting me - it maxed out at 26 mph. I received the derestricted pin, installed it, and now I get to ~42mph. HOWEVER, with no other changes except this pin, the acceleration is worse. Bad enough to bother me. What would you recommend, lighter rollers?

[JayAre]

All the variator pin/sleeve does is restrict how far the variator can shift out/how far together the clutch can squeeze the belt up to the top. If your acceleration is worse there's something else wrong. Make sure the sleeve moves smoothly through the plate & there's not a lot of play where the sheave could bind on the sleeve. The sleeve should have no effect on your acceleration.

[Bravin Neff]

Thanks for the help. It seems that since the variator is now allowed to get closer, it does so - and somewhat in the middle of the time taken during acceleration. Not having that ability before, plus with a somewhat worn belt, it seems like its entering into hitherto uncharted territory what with using up the outer portions of the front pulley it never had access to.

[JayAre]

Yes that's exactly what's happening. The belt is now pushed farther up the sheaves than it was "allowed" by the large boss on the old pin & by the same it's dropping deeper into the driven clutch thus shifting farther & gaining more shift out & top speed. You said the belt was worn? A worn belt does effect shifting by allowing the variator/drive clutch to shift out some/depending on the amount of wear, before engaging the driven clutch, again by the same not allowing the belt to drop as far into it. Measure the width of your belt & replace it if it's too small/under spec.

[Bravin Neff]

Thanks for the message. I did measure the belt - it comes out right at 16mm width. I have a new Kymco OEM belt on its way!