Removing a variable ring from your scooter is easy to do, as long as you work calmly and do not force anything. Below you can read how to remove the variator, which tools to use and what to pay extra attention to. Work with a cold engine and store the scooter in a stable position. Please note: without a variable ring, your scooter can run faster. On public roads this can cause hassle with legislation and insurance.
What is a variable ring and what does it do?
The varioring is a spacer ring in the variator. This ring prevents the front variator discs from closing completely. The V-belt therefore does not climb as high and that slows down the transmission: your top speed remains lower and the speed may feel slightly different. If you remove the ring, the variator can “run out” further. This can provide extra speed, but if the adjustment does not cooperate, you will also get extra load and sometimes more wear.
Can you remove a vario ring?
Fixed speed limits apply to mopeds and mopeds. If your scooter can go faster than permitted after removing the vario ring, you can count on fines, a WOK report or discussions during an inspection. The greatest risk is often damage: your insurance can become difficult. Technically speaking, this is therefore mainly done for private property or circuit. You remain responsible for safe and legal use.
Required tools and preparation
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Socket set and ratchet, usually 8 mm, 10 mm and 17 mm or 19 mm
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Screwdriver and possibly allen keys, depending on your crankcase cover
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Torque wrench, preferably to properly tighten the variator nut
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Vario blocking key or piston stop to block the variator
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Work gloves and preferably safety glasses
Work neatly: put bolts and parts in order immediately. Now that you have it open, it is useful to immediately take a look at the vario rollers and the V-belt; flat sides, cracks, shine spots.
Remove scooter ring
Step 1: Park the scooter safely
Place the scooter on the center stand, switch off the ignition and remove the key. Let the block cool first; that works more pleasantly and saves burned fingers. Handy: take a photo before you start, so that you know exactly how everything was placed when assembling.
Step 2: Remove crankcase cover
Loosen the bolts of the crankcase cover crosswise and remember which bolt was where (lengths often differ). Then pull the hood out slowly and straight. Does it feel like it's stuck? Check again whether all bolts are loose. To force is to ask for damage.
Step 3: Block variator
Block the variator with a vario blocking key. If you use a piston stop, do so according to the method that applies to your block and never use brute force. Incorrect blocking is a classic: you can damage the threads or even the crankshaft.
Step 4: Loosen the crankshaft nut
Loosen the crankshaft nut with the appropriate socket. If you don't do this often, avoid using an impact wrench; you'll get to the thread faster or you'll end up putting something back at an angle. Set the nut and any washers aside so you don't lose anything.
Step 5: Open the variator and find the varior ring
Carefully slide the variator off the shaft and make sure that the V-belt does not get stuck. The variator ring is usually located as a spacer ring on the bushing, between the variator discs. Check immediately whether everything is clean. Only lightly grease where the manufacturer specifies; You want to keep the treads themselves free of grease.
Step 6: Remove variable ring and check parts
Remove the vario ring and immediately check the vario rollers: wear, flat sides and whether they move smoothly. Clean dust and rubber residues, but do not lubricate the variator discs. If the V-belt is thin, hard or clearly worn, replacing it is often the wisest step.
Step 7: Install and tighten correctly
Put everything back in exactly the same order. Make sure that the V-belt is deep in the rear pulley so that the variator can close properly. Then tighten the variator nut with a torque wrench and the correct torque for your model (which varies per brand and engine block).
Step 8: Check and test drive
Install the crankcase cover and check that nothing is sticking. Start at idle and listen for any clicking or grinding noises. Then take a short test drive and check again after a few minutes for loose bolts, strange noises or an unusual smell.
Varies by brand and model
On Piaggio and Vespa models, the variator is often easily accessible, but the bolt lengths of the crankcase cover change regularly. The placement of guides and spacer rings may be slightly different for Kymco, SYM and Peugeot. 2-stroke and 4-stroke blocks also sometimes have different tightening torques and a different method of disassembly. Are you in doubt? Take the workshop manual for your type.
FAQ
How much faster does my scooter go without a variable ring?
This varies per model, but also per condition of the V-belt and the rest of the adjustment. Sometimes you mainly reach top speed, sometimes the speed changes. So there is no fixed gain in km/h.
Do I also need to adjust the CDI or limiter?
Not necessarily. Many scooters are limited in several places. Then simply removing the vario ring does little. If it does not go any faster, there may be an electronic limitation or an exhaust limitation, for example.
Can I replace the vario ring later?
Usually yes. Save the ring and put it back in the same place later. Then make sure that you reassemble the variator correctly and secure it at the right time.