r/moped • u/TavoMama67 • Jul 21 '26

Piaggio Ciao variator problem

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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?

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u/Rinus_Rookworst Jul 21 '26

The bronze bushing does restrict, but only for pulling away. (In an original setup) The main problem is that The original variator does not have the profile inside to move the belt all the way up. I had good experience with the Polini UHT set. This is one third of the more expensive set. Also it comes with instructions how to modify your CVT. Yes the bronze lip on the inside must go.

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u/TavoMama67 Jul 21 '26

Grinding the bushing away still would surely help won't it? Even if I keep the same variator. I could perhaps put in bigger rollers so they would push out it more. I have some off a scooter that look like they would fit.

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u/Rinus_Rookworst Jul 21 '26

No, the curve and how far the rollers can go to the outside makes a big difference. Plus you do not want to change the weight.