Pipe, but don't need to change the variator

[marylandmark]

On this page (http://www.provoscooter.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=122) Erich states that:

"These kits are cheaper than the ones we sell for the Vino and all minerelli motors, because you do not have to change the variator"

Why is that?

Would a pipe not change the power band and need to adjust the springs/weights just the other scoots?

Just curious...

[Aviatrixie]

Hi Mark! (blue cross blue shield? LOL)

If you put a chamber on the derbi you undoubtedly have to change the rollers, clutch springs, and probably the torque spring to get everything to work right. As to the vario, I don't know but am guessing the stock vario is already a better quality piece and doesn't require upgrading. Our tuning gurus can probably answer that. In any case I'd imagine the Derbi stage one kit comes with the requisite springs and probably the rollers.


On this page (http://www.provoscooter.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=122) Erich states that:

"These kits are cheaper than the ones we sell for the Vino and all minerelli motors, because you do not have to change the variator"

Why is that?

Would a pipe not change the power band and need to adjust the springs/weights just the other scoots?

Just curious...

[Lennox]

it looks like the kit includes new roller weights......

[marylandmark]

I didn't order the pipe from Provo... I know- bad mark! Erich sells it a LOT cheaper!I went for the cheapest overall package- the would have raped me on labor if I had ordered the pipe elsewhere and had them install it..

They are charging me $75 to do the variator derestrict, put the pipe on and rejet. If I brought my own pipe they would treat that as a seperate transaction and pay the higher labor rates and so on.. ($45/hour vs $25/hr I think)

I just called the guy and he said that they are not going to change the weights/springs...

He said they have never had to do that with a Derbi only getting a pipe- just rejet.

The stock springs/weights they found out were the best combo I guess?

Anyone know anymore on this??

Making me nervous...

I guess if it needed it they would be more than happy to sell it to me, making more money for them- so I should go with what they say??

[marylandmark]

I talked to my dealer again today-

He said:


Mark,
In discussing your options with Chris, our Service/Sales Manger, he recommends that you could get rollers at this point but isn't sure you would realize the benefit from a new (high performance) weighted clutch and/or HP variator. Reason being that without the power (ie. horse power and torque) that a big bore kit produces that clutch and/or variator won't engage correctly.

Word of advise about weighted clutches...... Great in a straight line but, huge risks are introduced in cornering, especially downhill accelerating into a curve. Wow..... that will test your skills. Remember, the Atlantis is the fastest production scooter in the market, merely removing the restrictor in the variator jumps the bike to 55 mph. The pipe delivers more horse power by then creating more torque. This crates more depth in midrange and a higher top end (speed).

So- for now- I am going with:

Metrakit SP pipe
variator derestricted and new rollers installed (will find out what size/weight/whatever) when I pick it up


Here is what else he had to say:


The real way to realize MAXIMUM performance from this bike is the BIG BORE KIT! I would only recommend the MetraKit SP kit (the kit without the crank) due to the fact that once you go to the RR kit you will want to return the bike to PREMIX fuel. With the performance realized by the RR kit you DON'T want to rely on oil injection system..... one second without proper oil mix and that engine will seize.

As to the kevlar belt, GREAT replacement part when yours breaks or wears out.... 15K - 20K from now. Airbox runs the risk of having water drip into the carb due to the fact that the protective airbox is gone. The spring is part of the H/P variator kit. So, once you move here you will have it. The spring will increase the stall period before the variator engages.

The common thread in all the modifications you listed is they are all a MUST DO on race bike. But, for an everyday rider with some additional performance interests these are all high-end modifications that create additional maintenance and handling issue. None bad but understand what you have done when you do it.

[Aviatrixie]

It sounds like they know what they're doing, Mark. I'd say trust them. I am really surprised they don't want to raise the clutch engagement speed though. Expansion chambers do tend to be weak at the bottom end of the powerband and clutch springs are inexpensive.