Modern Vespa

Hello Everyone,

[apologies for the long post]

A bit of context: I am in Sydney, Australia. Has been a while since I have had a scoot and have missed it. Last one was a Quasar 250 engined Derbi that I modded, with help from this forum and a local friend, with V4 Head, cylinder, JCosta variator + more. After enjoying the heck out of it for a number of years some tradesperson reversed his work vehicle over it and it was written off (unable to be re-registered and put back on the road), even though the damage was mostly smashed plastics and lightly gouged metal.

Then I chose to buy a motorcycle as my next two wheeler, for a change, and have stuck with that for a number of years (2 bikes, both Suzukis - a SV650 and then a GSX1400) up until today. My wife rides a Fly 150, so our household hasn't been completely without a scoot, but it is hers and I don't ride it often.

I am thinking of adding a scoot back into the family. Primarily for commuting around Sydney and the occasional longer trip - something lighter and more nimble. I will keep my GSX14 for rides with pillions and longer adventures.

Based on needs and budget, I have narrowed it down initially, I think, to the following scoots:
- Vespa GT 200
- Vespa GTS 250ie
- Vespa GTS 300 pre-HPE
- maybe a BV350 - more power, good handling, but getting uncomfortably close to 200kg wet

With that out of the way....

From my time modding my previous Derbi I have a number of items in my storeroom that I may be able to use:
- JCosta Variator for a 250 Quasar with lots of pins of various weights
- various OEM belts
- couple of airboxes and pod filters
- exhausts

And finally to the question:

In researching proven mods for the GT200 I have come across numerous sites that suggest for some brands (eg. Malossi, Polini) the same variator in their range that suits the GTS250/300, can also be deployed in the GT200.

However, when looking at the JCosta range the variator models are different - 1 for GTS250/300 and 1 for GT 200. One listed difference between them is the weight of the stock pins (15g for the GTS, 11.5g for the GT200) that come with the variators, but I can't find any other dimensions or specs.

Does anyone know whether I can use the JCosta assembly (all the non-pin parts) I currently have with a GT200 and just buy the correct weight pins?

Or am I better off just digging deeper into my wallet and buying the correct full JCosta?

Or considering the Malossi/Polini variators or DrP slider in the OEM variator?

Thanks for any wisdom shared. Ride safe.

You haven't bought the scooter yet? Dig deeper, wait patiently and buy a well cared for GTS250. I had a 200 for 5 years. I wouldn't buy another. Hard to beat fuel injection. You're wise to avoid the HPE.

Yes, you can

Thanks @abner-bjorn and Motovista for your input and advice. Much appreciated.