Variator mod

[mrmike]

   With my last 3 scooters I've replaced the stock rollers with Dr.Pulley sliders. I usually go 1 gram lighter and have been happy with the results. I am going to do this on my '23 People S 150i ABS. Does anyone know for sure what weight rollers this scooter comes with from the factory. I can tear it down, weigh the rollers, and order the correct sliders. The problem with that is the several days or weeks of down time waiting for parts. My last scooter (X-Town 300i ABS), I got some bad info and ended up installing sliders that were the same weight (16g) as the stock rollers. If no one knows for sure, I'll tear it down and hope for several rainy days until my new parts come in.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Parts list shows 15gm.
Would be good to ask a dealer. Weights are usually marked on the bag.
And when you do install them please post photos of the process.
We love pictures!
Stig

[mrmike]

    Stig

     I learned the hard way on my X-Town 300i. I read somewhere that the stock rollers were 17-171/2g. I bought 16g Dr. Pulley sliders for a little better low end performance. Turns out the stock rollers were 16g. I installed the sliders anyway. I'll just take my new People S 150 variator apart after I get 1000 miles on the scooter. Then I'll probably order 1g lighter sliders for it. It's only about a 1/2 hour job to pull the variator apart. I'll just let the scoot sit for a few days until the new sliders arrive.

[monkeybongos]

Interested in hearing more about “happy with the results”.  How did sliders change the ride?

[mrmike]

    Monkeybongos

          The sliders I put in my X-town made no noticeable difference to me. I believe the main reason was the fact they were the same weight (16g) as the stock rollers. I also put the scooter away for the winter shortly after they were installed. I really didn't get to totally evaluate them. During the winter I dropped the X-Town in my garage trying to move it. When I realized that I could not pick it back up (80 years old), that's when I decided to trade back to a smaller and lighter People S 150. However, in my first 2 Kymco scooters ('10 People 150 and '12 GTI300i), I changed the stock rollers out to 1g lighter Dr. Pulley sliders. In both these scooters it resulted in better acceleration. That was what I wanted and have no idea how it affected the top end. After I get 1000 miles on my People. I will tear it down and order Dr. Pulley sliders 1g lighter. I presume this will give me the little better acceleration that I desire.

                                                                                                     Mrmike

[imthinking]

I think they are 13.5 grams from description here https://www.bike-parts-kymco.uk/kymco-motorcycle/150-SCOOTER/PEOPLE/PEOPLE_S_150i_ABS_EURO_4/VARIATOR--CLUTCH/228/6/0/228

I tried 12 and 13's sliders on my 2022 and ended up mixing them for 12.5. I think acceleration is better and smoother than stock, but the gas mileage has gone down a bit and i lost a 1 mph on top end. I am leaning toward putting the original rollers back in next time I go back in there.

[Stig / Major Tom]

I think they are 13.5 grams from description here https://www.bike-parts-kymco.uk/kymco-motorcycle/150-SCOOTER/PEOPLE/PEOPLE_S_150i_ABS_EURO_4/VARIATOR--CLUTCH/228/6/0/228

I tried 12 and 13's sliders on my 2022 and ended up mixing them for 12.5. I think acceleration is better and smoother than stock, but the gas mileage has gone down a bit and i lost a 1 mph on top end. I am leaning toward putting the original rollers back in next time I go back in there.

1MPH-?!
Digital speedo on those Kymcos?
Stig

[mrmike]

I think they are 13.5 grams from description here https://www.bike-parts-kymco.uk/kymco-motorcycle/150-SCOOTER/PEOPLE/PEOPLE_S_150i_ABS_EURO_4/VARIATOR--CLUTCH/228/6/0/228

I tried 12 and 13's sliders on my 2022 and ended up mixing them for 12.5. I think acceleration is better and smoother than stock, but the gas mileage has gone down a bit and i lost a 1 mph on top end. I am leaning toward putting the original rollers back in next time I go back in there.

Interesting. I only have about 400 miles on my scooter. I haven't really pushed it to determine its top end. What year is your 150, and what top end are you getting with and without the sliders vs stock?

[imthinking]

It is a 2022 and yes a digital speedo.

I had the tall windshield off at the time i changed to sliders. The scooter is faster without that tall windshield. So if I remember right i could hit 64 mph on scooter (probably 62 actual) on straightaway before the slider and 63 or 62 maybe with the slider. Its down to  reading 61  max with that tall windshield on.  I am 215 and 5'11.

Again based on my memory, the mpg dropped from upper 70s mpg originally to upper 60s mpg with the sliders (I think sliders is the cause anyway). This bothers me most as the gas tank is already kind of small for those kind of numbers, so frequent fill-ups.  Really, my only complaint on this scooter. I really like it.

[mrmike]

I think they are 13.5 grams from description here https://www.bike-parts-kymco.uk/kymco-motorcycle/150-SCOOTER/PEOPLE/PEOPLE_S_150i_ABS_EURO_4/VARIATOR--CLUTCH/228/6/0/228

I tried 12 and 13's sliders on my 2022 and ended up mixing them for 12.5. I think acceleration is better and smoother than stock, but the gas mileage has gone down a bit and i lost a 1 mph on top end. I am leaning toward putting the original rollers back in next time I go back in there.

I took my scooter apart and measured the rollers at 10gr. I ordered 9gr Dr Pulley sliders and received them today. I measured them and got a 5gr reading. I then realized my scale was off and bought a new one. Now the sliders measured 9gr, but when I checked the stock rollers, they were 13gr, not 10gr. I just ordered 12gr Dr Pulleys to install. Hopefully they will give me the performance I want.   

[Iahawk]

that sounds more reasonable...I was thinking that my S200 had 14 gr rollers and I think Stig said the same of his Like...I went with 13 gr sliders. Let us know what you think!

[mrmike]

I think they are 13.5 grams from description here https://www.bike-parts-kymco.uk/kymco-motorcycle/150-SCOOTER/PEOPLE/PEOPLE_S_150i_ABS_EURO_4/VARIATOR--CLUTCH/228/6/0/228

I tried 12 and 13's sliders on my 2022 and ended up mixing them for 12.5. I think acceleration is better and smoother than stock, but the gas mileage has gone down a bit and i lost a 1 mph on top end. I am leaning toward putting the original rollers back in next time I go back in there.

    After taking my People S 150i apart, I discovered 13gr rollers in my variator. I wanted 12gr Dr Pulley sliders, but they are back ordered. I ordered 11.5 sliders instead. Hopefully they won't reduce my top end too much.

[mrmike]

      Finally done! My Dr. Pulley 11 1/2gm sliders came in and are now installed. Seat of my pants 0-50 acceleration has definitely improved. I didn't go all out for top speed but did hit 64 on the factory speedo. Scooter now peaks at 8500rpm, right at maximum torque point. Don't know about mileage, but not a major concern of mine. Overall, I'm very happy with the swap.
      Thie project is definitely a DIY one. I think the results are well worth the time and investment. I recommend taking variator apart first, weighing stock components to determine factory weight. Then you can order the weight you want for your desired results. I wanted better acceleration with no significant top end loss. I ended going 1 1/2gr lighter weight and changed from rollers to sliders. Mission accomplished!