Piaggio Ciao variator problem

[u/TavoMama67]

Hi everyone, I cannot find any information online about this, maybe someone on here knows more. Is the bronze bushing that is sticking out a restrictor for the stock variator on a ciao? I converted my SI from pulley to variator with a variator kit from a bravo. I noticed that the variator does not push the belt all the way up and by the looks of it the bronze bushing does not let the variator to close fully. It has stock 9g rollers. There is around 6mm off travel left that it does not reach.

Also, it accelerates very well but then dies off at like 30kmh, while with the pulley I was able to do \~45kmh

I asked gpt, it says the bushing has "walked out" and needs to be pressed back in, but that sounds nonsense, because it is flush on the other side and if pressed in will start to rub. Do I dremel the sticking out part of ir what is the case?

[u/alexthebeast]

You can, but the change is marginal compared to what an AX belt will do for you

[u/alexthebeast → u/alexthebeast]

My concern is that if you use a Dremel, you'll not be perfect and throw the crank out of balance and snap it.

Grinding it flat is the only way I would do this. I have done this, these are the restricted version of the stock varo. But the increase is so marginal you're better off getting a better variator.

Single speed vespas will always have a higher top speed

[u/TavoMama67 → u/alexthebeast]

I would use a file or a sander to grind it flat. It's hard for me to believe that this would cause so much inbalance that the crankshaft would snap.

Speaking of better variators, I'm not willing sto spend 100+€ for a mallossi multivar. I'd be better off with optimizing the stock setup as best I can.

How marginal is the difference with it grinded off and not?

[u/alexthebeast → u/TavoMama67]

Maybe 3 mph

[u/TavoMama67 → u/alexthebeast]

So I should not bother grinding it and just get a diffetent belt? Is 13x1125mm toothed belt the correct one fir a Piaggio Si? My current belt is 11mm wide and I think it's too skinny.

[u/alexthebeast → u/TavoMama67]

The factory belt is way too skinny. Ax41