Just wondering if others have installed the J. Costa variator too. I installed mine over a year ago and it really improves the performance of the SWing. I think it is also a bit smoother and it sure does make the acceleration immediate as soon as you give it throttle. It seems to take the lag out of the bike when twisting the throttle.

I bought mine at scootertrap.com and also have a pictorial there. I will be putting them on this site too, along with others. If others have done this mod or are wanting too just chime in and tell us how you like it or if it is worth doing. I know I won't go back.



Ride safe,

JeffR



http://www.4shared.com/file/77483927/844fdf75/J_Costa_Pin_Replacement_and_Belt_Replacement_612kb.html[url][/url]

My wife's 2003 really has a lag when taking off from a stop, tell me more about the J. Costa Variator and how it works. She would be thrilled if the lag was gone.

Bob

Well Jeff like you, having fitted the J costa I wouldn't go back! In a nutshell these are the things I've discovered about it, having had it fitted for about 6 months or so... :D

Major change in performance, more noticeable than any of the other Mods I have had fitted, including the power commander and exhaust. Top speed improved from about 90mph (indicated 97) to 105 (indicated 117).

Acceleration improved from about just over 7 seconds to about 6 seconds. Noticeable lift of the front end when accelerating (until I got progressive springs.. (sorry no wheelies!) Acceleration seems improved across the range, and at full throttle the Swing gets up to about 80 mph before begining to tail off a little, but still goes hard till 100mph (true speed). Last 5mph takes a bit longer..!

Belt slap appears to have completely gone

Throttle response seems improved, with a little less twist needed for the same performance

Low speed handling better, as the drivetrain seems to respond quicker. Easier to burble along at low speed (walking speed) blipping the throttle without putting feet down

The J Costa is definitely a bit noiser, but in a good sporty kinda way...

Revs a little higher at low speeds, but at 70 mph revs a little less than stock. Thus fuel consumption gets hit.... My average of 45 dropped to about 42mpg, but that said, if cruising at 70 mph plus, then fuel consumption is slightly improved over stock. If you hustle especially around town with starting and stopping, fuel consumption can dip into the high thirties

But and this is a big BUT, you can fit other Mods that will improve the fuel economy... A power commander! Alas thay ain't that cheap.....

Verdict: the J Costa transformed my Swing, and significantly improved performance, albeit at a slight overall loss in mpg, but IMHO, worth it. If you are considering changing the variator to improve fuel economy, then maybe best to go for the Malossi Multivar which gives you a choice of weights to use, and so is more tweakable to your desired riding style. The J Costa comes as is, and already optimized, no tweaking needed, or warranted! However as noted above, a power commander and individualised mapping will improve your MPG. Well, it did mine anyway!

Bernardo,
Thank you for a great post. I have been thinking seriously about pulling off the cover just to clean and inspect my 06. It only has 6,400 miles on it but it lacks what I used to have with my CB750 a long time ago. It sounds like the J. Costa Variator would be the way to go. Thanks for your comments.
>> Dennis

Dennis,

Like Bernardo said, it really is the best mod you can do to get the most performance. It is also very simple to install. I have a Pictorial that shows the steps if you do decide to do it. I have heard that J. Costa may start making different weights for it one day but are too busy just trying to keep up with the stock supplies.

When I first put it on I was disappointed with the mpg's but then I realized that I was giving it the same amount of throttle as before, with the stock variator, and you don't need to do that. Giving the same amount of throttle from a stop gets you going much quicker so you can ease up on the throttle to get the same amount of acceleration as the stock set up.

Thanks Jeff. I love your photos. What a great job. I remember getting work done on one of my vehicles to improve the gas mileage but the increased power was so much fun that I didn't gain a thing...but I did get there quicker. I appreciate your comment about letting off on the accelerator. Good advise. Thanks.
>> Dennis

On a side note, I've read that the Majesty with the J.Costa transforms from a true slug into a sportbike. Try 0-60 in 10 seconds stock, 6.7 with the Costa! That's a huge change!

I'd say they're worth it. But Majesty owners report a loss of fuel mileage as well. You don't get something for nothing I guess.

Thanks Bernardo,
Say, are you going to do a write up on the progressive springs? Again, my old machine had a lot of weight in the front end which is lacking on the Silver Wing. Or, should I just crank up the rear shocks?

Maxiscooter,

I know a couple of people who started out with the Malossi on their Majesty and then installed the J. Costa. They said that the difference betwen the stock and the Malossi is about the same as the difference between the Malossi and the J. Costa.

Regarding the drive train - In addition to the J-Costa variator there is a Malossi clutch. It seems that most who have replaced the OEM variator have left the OEM clutch in place. Am I wrong with this assumption? Anyone replace both and what was the impact on economy and durability? I do understand that there would be a significant performance increase, but am most interested in the rpm reduction at mid and high speed cruising.

I've spent so much money now on my S'wing that I don't think I'll bother with the clutch... Besides I saw it when my local dealer changed the variator, and its one hefty piece of kit...... I'll warrant as with most honda parts it's over engineered, so I don't think the extra power from the other mods is going to wear it out in a hurry....

IMHO you are not really gonna benefit from any improved economy by fitting a J costa unless you regularly are traveling at 70mph plus. Furthermore with the extra performance afforded by the J costa, it's really hard to not use it, if you know what I mean.... It just feels way too good to not twist that throttle that bit more than you really need....

If you want improved economy, then go for a power commander.... I'll post a review that I've written sometime.

What can I expect in the way of cost to have my dealer order the J. Costa variator and install it on my SW?