Modern Vespa

Hey there all. I've come over from the MP3 forum with a question for long time users (or those with knowledge) of the Pollini variator.

I have a MP3 250ie, which as I'm sure you all know, uses the same powerplant as the GTS.

I have heard that the J. Costa has a problem with the weights wearing out quicker. I've also read a review in my local scooter magazine about Variators where they did a test on the ones available. In this review, the Pollini came out on top from a 'bang for buck' perspecitve and the charts showed good performance across the band (I did find the dyno results comment from a searched post BTW - so I did actually look ).

Which is why I am strongly thinking of going against the J. Costa path and installing a Pollini variator for the MP3 250ie.

I have the following specific questions (which after half an hour scouring the forum, I didn't really get a clear answer for):

= Can I mix weights for the Pollini model compatible with the GTS 250?. It ships with 6 identical stock weights but can you get lighter ones and mix 'em up like you can with the model for the GT200?

= If you can mix-n-match, what is the best weight combination for great off the line takeoff and respectable top end speed?

= If you can't mix-n-match, then are the supplied weights in the kit sufficient or is there a better weight that you should use to achieve the balance of take off and top speed.

I am asking because the MP3 is a bit sluggish off the line when I have a pillion on the back and I want to fix this problem before we start commuting regularly.

Thanks for all your collective imput in advance.

Mix-and-match does not give you the best of both worlds. If you mix 14 gram and 10 gram rollers, the results are exactly the same as just using 12 gram rollers - except that the 14 gram rollers will wear faster as they are working harder.

Mike

I installed the Polini a few weeks ago and all I can say is I wish I could go back in time and speak to me so I would have bought this sooner.

= Can I mix weights for the Pollini model compatible with the GTS 250?. It ships with 6 identical stock weights but can you get lighter ones and mix 'em up like you can with the model for the GT200?

I was thinking the same thing. Use the stock rollers that come with the Polini, they work perfectly.

= If you can mix-n-match, what is the best weight combination for great off the line takeoff and respectable top end speed?

see above

= If you can't mix-n-match, then are the supplied weights in the kit sufficient or is there a better weight that you should use to achieve the balance of take off and top speed.

I have a STRONG pull off the line. I pull HARD coming around corners, and when I jump on the gas at 65 MPH the bike now surges forward to 80 plus with little or no effort. I am very impressed with the power band and would leave the rollers alone.

I am asking because the MP3 is a bit sluggish off the line when I have a pillion on the back and I want to fix this problem before we start commuting regularly.

PM tuning sell their own variator weights for the GTS. I am sure I used their 13.5g ones as the purple ones supplied with the vairator were too light at 11g I think. Was much better. Take care though, clutch take up is much later, and if you do a lot of low speed urban riding you will lose a lot of low speed control.

Doug

I really appreciate all your advice.

Looks like the option for me is:

Get the Polini variator, use the stock weights (giving excellent take off and balance of top speed) and then smile insanely as I rocket off the line at the red light derby.

Do you have a LV pipe or a Corsa booster too? Also consider larger tires to get more top end.

I am not sure you can. I think polini weights are a slightly different size.

Pardon me - that was poor usage of the word 'stock' there. What I mean was the 'stock' weights that come with the Polini variator kit. If I use those, will I be set to go?

I don't really want to go down the path of a Pipe or to mess with the ECU. My local dealership has no problem with me putting a performance variator, but has recommended that I don't do the pipe, or ECU mods as there can be some complications with warranty if parts start to cook in the engine. The tech himself said "no worries at all with the variator, but give the pipe a miss".

THis was just the advice from the seinor tech at the dealership. I know many of you have pipes and ECU mods, but I just don't want to mess about with the engine too much at this stage.

The LV pipe and Corsa booster are "plug and play" the dealership would not have to know about them.

I have had both the costa and the polini in my GTS. I have the polini in there now, as it is simply more fun.
Stock weights.

Have fun.

the costa is really, really great off the line, but the polini seems to keep pulling while the costa starts to feel like you are fanning the clutch (if you ever rode standards) for no reason while entering the highway or getting up to speed. It just felt like a slipping clutch all the time to me compared to the "positive" feel of the way the polini "hooks up" during a full throttle acceleration run up to top speed (which also increased a bit with the polini, as compared to the 'costa, and certainly over stock).

I've heard that about the Costa. I don't want to sacrifice top-end speed for insane takeoff. I think the polini will be the right mod for the job for my needs.

Thanks again to everyone who provided advice. It's great to have such an accessable source of info for scooter lovers.