Modern Buddy

In the next few weeks I will be making some changes to my scoot by means of performance upgrades.

Since I am quickly approaching the 4K mile mark, some components will soon need to be replaced. I am sure my rollers are wearing flat so I have decided that my next major service will include:

Prima pipe
9.5g & 14g rollers
Spark plug (?brand?)
Kevlar belt
Malossi variator(maybe)
Front brake pads

My main concern is that I dont know if I really need a new variator. I was going to try the pipe and new rollers and go from there.

I want to gain some zip in the bottom end without sacrificing my GPS indicated top speed of 60mph. I have no need to go any faster than this so I am not looking to gain more top end.

Your constructive criticism and comments are greatly appreciated

Doc

definately prima pipe...

Let us know how the roller combination works out...

also does the malossi variator fit the buddy?

MikieTaps wrote: also does the malossi variator fit the buddy?

I dunno, does it? Is there another brand I should be looking at?

Dr. Pulley Variator, and you can use the Dr. P sliders too. I have heard better things over all from the sliders than from rollers in general.

If you run 9.5 and 14g roller weights, you may not get the bottom end you want. It might smooth out your acceleration curve, but if you have 11.5g stock rollers, the difference is very little.

You might be better off running all 11g rollers. Shouldn't cut into your top end.

Is there a Malossi variator for the Buddy?

ericalm wrote:If you run 9.5 and 14g roller weights, you may not get the bottom end you want. It might smooth out your acceleration curve, but if you have 11.5g stock rollers, the difference is very little.

You might be better off running all 11g rollers. Shouldn't cut into your top end.

Is there a Malossi variator for the Buddy?

Thanks for the tip Eric. I threw out the Malossi brand as it is the most common one I hear about. Now that I dig a bit more into all this I find that Dr. Pulley makes one for the Buddy (181401 Variator Kit)

Absolutely, positively the Prima pipe. Best buddy MOD ever.

Dustin

You dont wanna buy those cheap prima rollers. Get some Dr pulley 10g's and a new Dr Pulley Gy6 variator and you'll have lots of boost on the bottom end, plus the prima pipe gives it's own boost too.

Sorry about piggy-backing on the thread, but if I drop to 9g slider weights in a Dr Pulley variator would I need to change to a heavier spring in the clutch?

Excellent question! I forgot about the spring

dorian wrote:Sorry about piggy-backing on the thread, but if I drop to 9g slider weights in a Dr Pulley variator would I need to change to a heavier spring in the clutch?

Ditto, however, I'm at 3000 miles and I'm noticing a change in the acceleration curve. No change from 0-30bph, but I'm noticing that the acceleration drops off kind of suddenly. No change in top end, no wierd motor sounds.
Is this a sign that I may need new rollers/sliders?

Howard

That would be my guess. Rollers seem to be averaging about 4000 miles. at that point they start to get some flat spots and the variator wont expand as smoothly like it should. I have the shitty prima rollers and after about 1000 miles I can tell they are flattening allready.

Howardr wrote: ... I'm at 3000 miles and I'm noticing a change in the acceleration curve. No change from 0-30bph, but I'm noticing that the acceleration drops off kind of suddenly. No change in top end, no wierd motor sounds.
Is this a sign that I may need new rollers/sliders?

Could be rollers, or could be that your belt is simply stretched or glazed. Either way, if you are handy with a wrench it wouldn't hurt to open it up and take a look.

I got 9.5g rollers with my pipe. That sucked revved to full then I rode the variator up to speed. It felt completely wrong. I put 3 of my stock rollers back in yesterday. Perfect. (9.5 and 14g is a bit of an odd combo. If you get the "Stage 1 kit" as they called it, you get the rollers thrown in (Honestly don't think I'd buy them on their own).

Keep in mind that's on a 150, for what it's worth. I'd still avoid such a large gap in weights. If you're going to buy two sets, get 9.5 and 13. You can mix and match (3 of each at a time for 6- alternating) until you get something that fits your driving style and butt-dyno.

dorian wrote:Sorry about piggy-backing on the thread, but if I drop to 9g slider weights in a Dr Pulley variator would I need to change to a heavier spring in the clutch?

My understanding is that with such light weights, a stiffer contra spring in the clutch would take some off your top end speed, but it should get you to the new (lower) top speed a LOT quicker from a moving start.

(ie: you let off the throttle, lean into a turn then roll the throttle back - you get up to speed a bit quicker than with a weaker spring.)

If you change the spring yourself, the nut holding the assembly together is 39mm and, as I've recently found out, *not* easy to find, at least not locally on the east coast.

The variator and clutch bell retaining nuts are just 19mm - but use an impact wrench.

The parts for my driveline upgrade should be here this week. I ordered the Dr. Pulley variator, 9g and 11g slider weights and a Polini kevelar belt. My initial test will include a mix of weights. This was recommended by the scooter guru who works on my machine. He says I should see a slight improvement in the bottom end and a slight improvement in the top end. He's pushing a Prima pipe (just like everyone else) and says that this will be a much more noticeable change in performance. I will get one eventually however I would like to take it one step at a time. I will let you all know what results I get with the above mentioned mods.

Are you going to install them yourself or take them to the guy that works on your bike... I am at 6,300 miles and haven't had my weights changed yet... but this makes me feel concerned.

The guy that works on my bike will install everything. He claims that the original rollers are good for 4-5k miles. After that, they develop flat spots and become noisy. I figured why not just replace my rollers with new, better performing and longer lasting ones.

Nice thing about my mechanic is the fact that you can sit there with him as he works. He will show you what he is doing and explain everything. I learn a lot each and everytime I take my scooter to him. His labor rates are great, which is another big plus.

Glad you took my advice on the variator! how much did you pay for the sliders and where did you get them? I only know ebay of the lowest price, but some chinese scooter part stores sell them for 30-40 dollars a pack.

Thank you for the advice!
I bought everything from Scootertronics. The weights were 30 bucks a pack. I couldn't find any on Ebay.