Best variator upgrade for People 150?

[John in PA]

I'm looking to squeak another 5-10 MPH top speed out of a People 150.  I've already done aspiration and exhaust mods, rejetted, derestricted CDI, etc to get a bit more total power.  Now I'd like to make reasonable changes to the drivetrain to make use of the modest extra oomph.  Considering DR Pulley variator with sliders,  vs NCY Super Transmission kit, vs Malossi variator.  I need to know if these choices are compatible with the People 150 which I understand has somewhat different final drive gearing due to its 16" wheels(??)  I also assume a new Kevlar belt will go in when I make the other changes.

  Also a little weak on understanding  the interplay between the large coil spring in the variator, and the torque springs in clutch and their affect on overall gearing.  How do the springs change the mechanics of the total set-up?

[streido]

Not sure on variators for your exact model but the Malossi is prob the best all round variator for Agilitys.

On the rear pulley springs, the big main single spring is the Torque/Contra spring, this controls the gearing and how it shifts up and down. A stiffer spring will hold the gearing lower for longer and downshift sooner on hills etc, a lighter spring will push you thro the gearing quicker and drop down the gearing later on hills etc. So basically a stiffer spring will let the rpm raise more than a soft one before raising the gear. stiffer spring - gears change up later and at higher rpms, softer spring - gears change up sooner and at lower rpm. Stiffer springs help uphill speeds and acceleration.

Basically the same idea for the 3x clutch fly springs, soft springs and the clutch engages sooner at lower rpms, stiffer springs will let the rpm rise a little more before throwing out the clutch pads to engage the clutch. Stiffer springs should give you a better take off speed from stopped.

[John in PA]

Thanks for the reply.  Seems to be tougher to get tech replies on this forum than on the Moto Guzzi forums I've frequented for many years.
 
I've read various reviews on using Dr Pulley sliders in stock variators, but assumed that if I had the entire Dr Pulley setup that that would optimize things.  Haven't gotten response on how interchangeable the variators are from one Kymco to another. I guess I could look up part numbers in Kymco's documentation to see which variators are common to which models.  Then extrapolate from there.

Assuming a variator change, would belt dimensions be the same as stock?  I've also read responses that seem to indicate folks have trouble getting the right belt.

So, if I understand you,  it is possible to change torque and clutch springs to get more aggressive take-off, and NOT lose top end speed?

And, how does top end speed get kicked up a notch?

I read a reply on another forum from a Kymco distributor rep that USA models DON'T have restricted CDI's.  I wonder if that applies to all models, or just some??  (I was hoodwinked by one of the online sellers to buy a new CDI to improve top RPM's)

Tough to sort out which sellers know what they're talking about, and which ones are blowing smoke out their exhasst-hole!!

[streido]

Yeah the belt can stay the same. Buying belts can be a headache unless you get an exact copy, ie same make and same part number as the one you have in now. Belts from different manufacturers often are different lengths even tho they say they are the same, they all seem to use a different method of measuring them    I tend to stick with a brand i know fits, learned that the hard way, i have at least 3 belts in my garage right now that are useless cos they dont measure up.

Clutch springs wont affect top speed at all. Torque springs may reduce top speed, but in my experience so far they have not with me. If they do they you may have to go slightly heavier in rollers/sliders to compensate. I never tried sliders but it seems from thoee who have that you need 1g heavier than your roller weight to have it perform the same as rollers. Maybe double check that.

Best thing is to remove the cvt cover and draw a line out to the edge of the variator from the centre. Go for a ride and then check to see if all the marker has worn off the variator, right to the edge. If you can see some marker left on the outside edge then your not getting the full range out of the variator and so will not be getting the full speed out of it.