Modern Vespa

Greetings! I recently purchased a used 2006 BV 250, with about 5,000 miles on it. Ever since I bought it, and over the last 850 miles or so, I've detected a clattering sound from the CVT area. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, and not afraid to open it up and rectify the situation. I'm curious what you guys with experience would replace while in there? Looking at this website (http://scootertrap.com/BV250.htm), down low on the left hand side of the page, is a J. Costa Variator, and in the description is included the phrase "less vibration and no roller clanking". Is this what I'm hearing? There does indeed seem to be a bit of vibration on deceleration, just as you roll off the throttle. I'm not too worried about that at this point, but I do feel it. The clattering is at all speeds, not just idle.

So, perhaps a variator replacement is in my future. Like I said though, should I just start with that, or should I order several pieces and do an overall upgrade while I'm in there? I guess I'm concerned that changing too many parts in one swipe could give me issues that cause me to start chasing my tail. Perhaps doing it one step at a time is the prudent way.

I've done some searching on the forum here, but obviously the topics are mostly Vespa-specific, so I thought I'd ask about the BV. I've seen that there are some differences between the models. Although, I'm pretty sure that any CVT experience would be helpful, not just with the BV 250. Anybody got any advice, I'd be glad to hear it!

Check the rollers for flat spots. After 5000 miles, you could definitely have some. No need to go the new variator route just yet, unless you're unhappy with the power curve.

If the rollers have flat spots, go ahead and replace them. Scooter Trap doesn't carry the OEM rollers, but Motor Sports (www.scooterwest.com) does; they're the same ones as the Vespa GTS and GTV.

While you're in there you may want to think about replacing the belt if its the original. Make sure you get an OEM belt and not an aftermarket one; it'll last longer. Clean everything up in the case, espeically around the clutch. If your belt slips occasionally, you may want to scuff up the clutch pads with some 200 grit sandpaper.

Be warned before you start these jobs- they'll be a lot easier if you have the proper tools, including a torque wrench, a clutch holder tool, and a variator holder tool. The later two are available from either Motor Sports or Jettin (www.jettin.com).

Also, be aware that to get the transmission case off the BV250 requires removing the center tunnel plastic panel, the left side plastic panel, assorted plastic bits under the side panel, and then a boatload of screws holding the case on, not to mention the screws holding the air filter box in place. It's not too hard, just annoying.

Good luck!

I'd make sure the rollers were installed right way forward, or right way backwards depending on the whole cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full philosophy.

Ok the rollers have a almost solid plastic end and an open end. which way does the solid plastic side go? Clockwise or counter clockwise. I have never seen this in print anywhere! There is a picture in the GTS worshop manual on page ENG-16 that shows the rollers being put into the variator with the solid plastic side leading counterclockwise. I assume all the OEM variators are. Is this correct

You need someone with a bigger brain. I only got it right 32% of the time (link)

Ok - so the smooth face of the variator faces you when installed. That means that it's going to rotate anticlockwise when propelling the rear wheel and driving you forwards.

Take the variator out and turn it to face you so that you are looking at the back - and the rollers, once you have removed the backplate. That means the variator (viewed like this) rotates clockwise to drive.

If you look at the roller in the twelve o'clock position it is being hit on the LEFT hand side by its container. The next roller as it gets to the twelve o'clock position, likewise and so on, for all six.

The rollers need plastic protection between them and the metal cage of the variator to the left of them in the twelve o'clock postion. Shown to great effect here:

GT200 CVT belt and rollers replacement. in the post at Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:54 pm



At the 12 o'clock position, the metalic side of the roller is to the right.

Brian- Thank you for the tips. I've got a torque wrench, but will round up the other tools as well. And yes, I kind of eyeballed that side of the scooter and figured out it was going to be a bit more of a chore to get in there.

Doug, thank you for the picture and explanation. That was very helpful as well.

So, stick with the OEM belt for sure. How about rollers or variator? As much as it's clattering, and seeing Doug's picture, I might be due for a variator as well. (I also saw the pics in the other thread about improper roller installation.) I don't necessarily need a change in performance; just a quieter, smoother experience. However, I don't mind upgrading some if there are superior aftermarket parts available. Any recommendations?