Modern Vespa

Does anyone know the best way to lower highway rpm's on a 2015 300 super? I've seen overdrive kits and different variator weights. Acceleration is not a top priority. Thanks.

I think you have already answered your own question. However, as an auto engineer I'd say to be careful about lowering your engine rpm figure too much at cruise on the highway. The Quasar engine is a short stroke unit. As such it has low piston speed compared to a long stroke engine for any comparable engine rpm figure. This means the piston travels less distance to do it's work and at lower speeds, even at high rpm. It also has less reciprocating mass to deal with over a long stroke engine. Again this means less stress on the engine. In other words you engine is designed to rev and rev without stress or any undue wear occurring. Now if you go slowing the motor while expecting it to do the same amount of work, this can cause issues with stress on the motor. The main problem is compressive wear damage to rings and bearing. It's like asking the motor to go uphill all the time as it will be pulling a gear that's a bit too high. So you can cut the revs a little with rollers or sliders, but don't go overboard as it's not designed to run slow rpm's.

a taller tire would be the quickest, easiest and cheapest way.

the big question is why? are you hitting the rev limiter? are you concerned about extended cruise at a sustained high rpm? gas mileage? top speed?

-g

Has anyone tried the FR4 variator?

According to Sip-Scootershop ....

"The CVT FR4 variator was originally developed with improved fuel efficiency as its main design parameter. The fact that this new concept also considerably improved the overall power delivery was not originally planned, or indeed hoped for!
Due to the slanted arrangement of the slides and guide pegs located on the variator unit it is no longer opened axially, but is twisted open at an angle. This design improves the ongoing transfer of power while the gear ratio is increased while keeping the revs relatively low. Additionally the throttle response is also boosted, which leads to an overall more positive riding experience. This mechanism minimises V-belt slip and with it also increases its service life."

http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/products/variator+cvt+fr4+for+vespa+_cvt3001700

I would love to hear of anyone's experience with this.

http://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/products/gearbox+2245+teeth+malossi+_m6714844

less throttle

Polini Hi Speed variator would be solution for you. I had it on my scooter and tested. You will notice only benefits except cost;-)
Better start
Better acceleration
Lower rews on crusing speed
All this you will experience with weights provided with Polini variator set for 300ie engine.
(Keep use OEM belt since it's best for your engine and both setup!)

A taller tire will help some but the only real way to get lower revs at freeway speed is with the upgear kit.

The 300 hits max hp at 7500rpm, and will max out the variator at 68mph. If you cruse below that then don't worry about it, the revs are low enough. But above 68mph the revs will climb with the speed and since the variator is maxed, it can't go lower even if you are at partial throttle. Aftermarket variator can't really affect the limits of the low and high gear, just how it changes in between.

140/70-12 tire will get you up to 70mph at 7500rpm
upgear will get you up to 74.5mph, and both will get you to 76.5mph.

In all cases you can go faster but the power starts to fall off up till you reach the rev limiter.

Thanks a lot for the info, as I have limited experience with the
Vespa ins and outs, but I'm learning.