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Hey all,

So I'm lookin at BV500 rollers on scootertrap.com and have some newbie questions regarding the options and prices.

These Dr. Pulley Sliding Roller Weights come in either a set of 6 weights 25x22 and 20, 24, 28 and 30 grams.

Another set comes in a set of 8 weights 25x17 and 15 and 16 grams.

Each set is priced at $50.00.

I have tried understanding the concept roller weights through searches on this board as well as google and such. But still, the concept of the sizes, weights, what effects the different options have, and what is the right type/weight for my BV500 still really confuses me.

Anyone willing to shed light on this? Would be greatly appreciated.
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When you change from the stock, Piaggio rollers and change the weight of the rollers, you're either:
a) going to give up acceleration at lower speeds and slightly increase your top-end speed if you go with heavier rollers.......or
b) slightly increase your acceleration at lower speeds but limit your ability to accelerate above 55mph (approximate) with lighter-than-stock rollers.

In either case, many people have posted that the aftermarket rollers (all brands) wear out much faster than the stock rollers.

Now, if you're willing to spend the money to buy an aftermarket variator like the Pollini (or one of the other good brands) and also change the rollers, then you can get the most performance from a weight change with your rollers. Of course, you're still going to have rollers that wear out much faster than the stock, Piaggio rollers.

Personally, the faster acceleration from lighter rollers on a stock variator is not that much better and considering that they wear much more rapidly than stock, I'm going to stay with the factory rollers in all three of our scooters. It's a personal choice......................just be aware of the benefits and the downside.
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THanks for that response. It helped.

If I may ask, what rollers exactly are you using? brand, weight, etc
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Perhaps, I didn't explain it clearly that I am using the stock rollers in all three scooters and when they need replacing, I'll replace them with OEM, Piaggio/Vespa rollers.

I have previously researched this subject and came to the conclusion that for my particular riding situation, I would just stay with the stock rollers and variator.
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Got it. Thanks a lot for your help
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Are you looking for better acceleration or are the current ones worn out?

Shane
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What year BV500?
It is important to know whether or not you have a six-roller configuration in your Piaggio 460cc Master drivetrain. Generally, the 2005 and earlier models will have six rollers. The newer set up is eight rollers - and likely is a bit better overall design. The OEM rollers in the six-roller variator design tended to slip at initial acceleration; the Dr. Pulley sliders (28 gram) mostly correct the problem - accompanied by a slight fuel efficiency penalty. (You are pretty much stuck with either a six-roller or eight-roller CVT - it isn't practical to switch.)

An extensive written and video review is posted under "Products" at our website. The Dr. Pulley set up has worked fine for well over a year and several thousand miles.
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I'm at 4000 miles and in the manual it said that they need to be changed at that point so I just wanted to replace them with the same ones that are in there.

I'm happy with the current performance I'm currently getting
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Re: What year BV500?
ScooterMaxi wrote:
It is important to know whether or not you have a six-roller configuration in your Piaggio 460cc Master drivetrain. Generally, the 2005 and earlier models will have six rollers. The newer set up is eight rollers - and likely is a bit better overall design. The OEM rollers in the six-roller variator design tended to slip at initial acceleration; the Dr. Pulley sliders (28 gram) mostly correct the problem - accompanied by a slight fuel efficiency penalty. (You are pretty much stuck with either a six-roller or eight-roller CVT - it isn't practical to switch.)

An extensive written and video review is posted under "Products" at our website. The Dr. Pulley set up has worked fine for well over a year and several thousand miles.
THanks for the reference to the product review
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If you have only that amount of mileage, I assume that you have a BV500 that is newer than 2005 - and it is likely that you are getting smoother initial acceleration with the eight-roller configuration. As they say, if you are happy with what you have, no reason to change.

ScooterMaxi Jim
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maz18 wrote:
I'm at 4000 miles and in the manual it said that they need to be changed at that point so I just wanted to replace them with the same ones that are in there.

I'm happy with the current performance I'm currently getting
No matter which weight or how many you need I highly recommend the Dr. Pulley sliders if for no other reason than smoothness. Apparently they last quite a bit longer than standard rollers too. Matt at scooter Trap is a great help. It wouldn't hurt to shoot him an email.

Dave
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