Buddy 150 vs 170i

GregsBuddy · Post by **GregsBuddy** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 5:32 pm

Hello,
After reading the topic on 125 vs 150 belts, and the difference in cam drive sprockets, etc., it's obvious that there are folks on this forum that know their stuff.
Here are some questions for you;
1) Aside from the longer stroke and fuel injection, what are the differences between the 150 and 170i?

2) Belt/Cam/Piston/Valves/Head/Final Drive Ratios/Etc.?

I would like to change the final drive in my 170i to a "higher" ratio, i.e.. one that allows the engine to run at a lower RPM and less stressed at "highway" speed. Unless you know something I don't, please note that changing the roller weights does not create a "higher" ratio but changes the power/torque delivery of the engine, thus the impression of more power/higher speed. However, changing the potential diameter of the driving cones to larger diameter, does change the final ratio and would be interesting to change, if it doesn't create short belt life or some other issue.
Thanks!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 5:23 pm

I don't think you'd want to do that via belt size, but rather variator weights/sliders and clutch springs.

GregsBuddy · Post by **GregsBuddy** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 5:27 pm

Agreed. I'd much prefer finding a set of gears to change the final drive ratio.
When the rear tire wears out I plan to go to a larger OD replacement if it doesn't change handling much.

lovemysan · Post by **lovemysan** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 8:07 pm

150 and 170 gears are the same and lowest ratio gearset available. I researched this a couple of years ago. I went so far as to have my dealer show me the parts breakdown and numbers for the entire buddy range, and blur. I even put a set of 170 gears in my 161 kitted 125. I think the ratio is 8.25 to 1 for the 150/170i. 9 to 1 for the 125 and 9.5 to 1 for the psycho.

I went back to the 125 gears because I liked the faster 0-40 acceleration and I don't ride the highway.

GregsBuddy · Post by **GregsBuddy** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 8:14 pm

Lovemysan,
That's the info I was trying to find.
Is the Psycho a Genuine product? Do you know where I can get the gears you mention?
Thanks!

lovemysan · Post by **lovemysan** » Sat Jan 02, 2016 3:14 am

The psycho buddy 125 was a limited edition in 2013 or 2014 I can't remember. As of last year my dealer said genuine had a few spare sets. Your dealer will need to call and specifically ask for them. This will lower your top speed and increase Rpms at cruising speed.

GregsBuddy · Post by **GregsBuddy** » Sat Jan 02, 2016 10:34 pm

That's the opposite of what I'm looking for.
Thanks anyway.

babblefish · Post by **babblefish** » Sun Jan 03, 2016 1:34 am

Be careful of what you wish for. A light, short wheelbase, limited suspension bike can be either very exciting or horrifying at high speeds, depending upon your skill level or expectations.

GregsBuddy · Post by **GregsBuddy** » Sun Jan 03, 2016 4:37 pm

Hi Babblefish.
I'm not looking to use the higher potential speed as much as to improve engine life (questionable improvement, I know), and take some of the "buzziness" out of medium speed riding.
The scoot' does handle quite well. I've been in several wobbles at higher speeds that feel fun rather than frightening. YMMV

babblefish · Post by **babblefish** » Sun Jan 03, 2016 8:39 pm

Well, that makes sense. You can try one of the so called "over-driven" variators that are slightly larger in diameter. I can tell you this though, changing the rear tire to the next larger size doesn't make an appreciable difference in engine rpms. I replaced the stock 130 tire on mine with a 140 and didn't notice any change. No surprise since the difference in diameter is less than 1/4". One thing I haven't tried is going from a 60 series profile to a 70 series. That would make a bigger difference in diameter. The 140/60 tire I have now comes really close to the rear mudguard as it is. Not sure a 70 series tire would clear without modifications.