Modern Vespa

I thought I'd share what I learnt today, just in case anyone else ever has the same difficulties.
Some while ago I fitted Dr Pulley 15gm sliding variator weights to my 400, which I very much recommend. Several weeks ago, however, I had my transmission apart to clean the clutch bell. I had the variator off at the same time to see how the weights were settling in. Everything went back together seeming fine, but following this the bike wouldn't rev freely from a standing start (only to about 3300 rpm as opposed to 4500), and the clutch was juddering. Anyway, it seemed that all was not well. Its been very snowy here in the UK, so I was abe to let the scoot sit outside until I had time to have a look, which was today.
Initially all seemed absolutely in order, until I took the inside bit of the variator off and opened it up. I found that one of the Dr Pulley weights, which have flat surface designed to slide, had slipped round in its slot and was no longer in the correct orientation. This must have happened on refitting last time round. I corrected the orientation, put everything back together, have just been for a test drive an all is well again.
What I learnt is that when changing variator weights, or refitting your variator, you have to cup your fingers round the back of the variator to hold the rear cover against the weights to hold them in place until the variator is properly seated against the washer that sits behind it. I guess this is more important for sliding weights as opposed to the original round ones.
I'm sure that this is common knowledge to many of you, but for those of you learning (like me) I hope its a small contribution.
Matthew

Thanks Matthew. Good tip both for not making the mistake and knowing what to look for if I make it anyway. Most of us still have plenty to learn.

nice heads up for all. thanks

Hi:
i also ordered 15gr dr pulley weights, a complete set of eight is enough?

*Eight* is indeed the magic number!

Thanks to answer my newbie question, i bought the MP3 400 LT 4 month ago and i'm learning and enjoying with this forum!!

Tomorrow my mechanic is going to install the weights, i will let you know!

Welcome...! Let us know what you think of the weight change, and you might consider the 'Fuzzy' washer mod as well... you can read plenty on that here on the forum!

Wow, the bike feels smoother than it was previously, specially departing from zero, the annoying vibration at 3000 rpm almost disappeared.It revs up easyer than before and the engine feels more responsive. My mechanic told me that that vibration could be eliminated too by smoothing the clutch shoes.

Good to know - I am getting really anxious to get my own installed. Your report echoes that of many others that have installed the sliders as well. Do you have plans to modify or change your clutch?

Being a complete non-mechanic I was thinking on bying this Dr pulley thingys and ask my dealer to install them on the 400LT i'm going to order.

It removes sluggishness in acceleration it seems if I understod it correctly.

Does anyone have a nice link to a store that have them(15g ones I think) in stock and ships to Sweden.

I looked around but didnt find the correct ones, this is 19g only http://www.sip-scootershop.com/EN/Products/SR251719/Variator+roller+weigths+SR+D25x17+190+gr.aspx

Contact the DrPulley MV member paul@unionmaterial.com and he can ship directly to you. There is also a seller on Ebay. Both ship by air directly from Taiwan and take Paypal for payment. I got mine in 9 days. Several have bought from Paul. I got mine from Ebay as it was less money, but they raised their price since.

They do get a lot of business here so we should all push them to support MV. They wouldl get more business with their add showing up at the top.

Is it possible that "they" might be the same person?

Very possible but I would expect Paul to have more selection in the Ebay store. There is a limited selection of Dr Pulley and Hi T clutches.
When I bought mine there was a starting bid of $40 and buy it now at $48. I got mine for the $40, but when they put more up for bid they are now only a buy it now product at $48. Shipping was higher than Paul offered so at the full ebay price Paul is cheaper.

Here is the Ebay store link. http://stores.ebay.com/Autotech355-Performance-Parts

None for Piaggio when I just looked
Are these teh same folks people have been buying "direct" as that one post? I need to get a set for my 500.

Just contact Paul. He was quick and no-hassle.

Roger that. I'm still debating on weight size for my 500. I want lower speed smoothness and chatter-be-gone at low speed - usually 10-25 mph. I'm leaning to the 17 gm weights but maybe the 19? 15 seems to low.

I am installing my 17 gram weights NOW. Just came back in to refresh my morning cup o' yerba mate... and check MV, of course. Will post later how it went, hope to test ride but the rains are spotty and heavy today.

They had them this morning, but it was showing the action ending in 1H 30M when I was looking at them. Just wait and they will be on a again. But direct from Dr. Pulley might be best.

I've got 19gr weights in the Fuoco and they are too heavy. 17gr would be better, 15gr would give great acceleration, but I don't know how top speed would be affected - but my guess is probably not at all.

I think the 16g are perfect for the 500.

Well it's certainly splitting the difference!

OK, just completed installation of 17gm Dr Pulley sliders and the 2mm 'fuzzy' washer, along with a new belt (old belt goes in spares box).

Took longer than anticipated because I had to run up to harbor freight for a 27mm socket... Reassembly was a little challenging since there are no clear directions on installing the sliders, only photos in the very useful threads by redfone and joe bulva (I'da been lost without those!!). I used the posts here from Fuzzy on the washer... I essentially doubled the existing washer width by adding a new 2mm washer where there was already one.

Just took a quick two mile ride and everything appears to be in working order (except for stalling three times at stops - odd. May be linked to my having also just removed the canister, dunno yet...) BUT--- the acceleration and low speed throttling are vastly improved, as expected!! I am pumped with this initial result...!! Wahoo!!!

I am going for a longer ride now while the sky is relatively clear and will likely recheck torque on the variator and clutch retaining nuts on return. The added variator washer brings the nut right out to the end of the threaded shaft, and it is torqued to spec.

Took a number of photos and will post more on this in the other threads once I complete some shakedowns. Thanks redfone, joe bulva and Fuzzy!