Had the bike around 4 years now, and the light has appeared on the dash, I have done the reset trick and it has turned off, but it has now got me thinking should I
have the v-matic stuff replaced?
should I upgrade to the J costa Variator?
Sell the bike and get something similar?
Also any ideas how much to get the above done at a garage?

If the light came on and your bike is stock - you have finally accumulated the number of miles needed to reach the recommended drive belt replacement point.

Pretty much all that is needed. I'm with BB - Sell the bike? Why?

That light coming on is very similar to the low fuel warning light coming on in your car. If you consider selling your car when that light/bell comes on, then you might think about selling your scoot. Other wise, replace the belt and ride another 4 years.

thanks again all

My V-Matic light does the same thing and I've attempted to reset it three or four times. It stays off until I cane the bike a bit and then goes back on.

Others have mentioned that it's possible that if the stock variator has been replaced by one of the aftermarket devices ( J Costa, etc), the light tends to stay on...don't know if that's the case on my bike and haven't torn that far into it yet.

I'd be more concerned about it, except that I know the prior owner was meticulous in maintaining the bike and changed the belt approx 4K miles ago...so not too worried about it. I've learned to ignore the light and will keep track of the belt replacement by miles, not the V-Matic light...

My V-Matic light finally came on for the first time today. I have 13,900 miles, but I put a J Costa on about 7,000 miles ago. When I first put the JC variator on it, it would rise to 6800 rpm at full-throttle take off, then ease up around 65 mph. Lately I have noticed the the rpm's climbing over 7000 at take off. Today it looked to be as high as 7300 rpm, which is when the light came on. I reset it but it came back on when I was WOT.

When I bought some other parts, I got a belt from hondaparts-direct.com. I think I will go easy on it until I hit 16,000 miles instead of replacing it now.

David, I suggest that when you get the belt replaced that you go for the J Costa variator. I would not be able to ride with the stock variator any more - too much vibration and too slow. If you don't change the variator, at least consider some lighter weights. Or you could try the Dr Pulley sliders - I've never read a bad word about them.

i am very tempted for the costa but i cant find a uk supplier, i have no idea which garages around me will fit it, i guess the standard main dealers wont do it and I am quite sure I cant do it myself.

certainly cant tdo it as some of the tools i need quoted from the pdf

I torqued mine to 76
ft/lbs but REFER TO YOUR MANUAL FOR YOUR PROPER
TORQUING.

also

this is a variator tool i bought from honda

i dont have these

David,

The light comes on I beleive every 16,000 miles to remind you it is time to change the belt. (It may be every 12,000 miles but I don't my have manual with me now). I wouldn't be concerned at all unless you haven't changed the belt...you can even measure the belt to make sure it is still within the specs for really having to change it.

I had the J. Costa on it, and it is a great mod, but once in awhile I would be going up a steep hill and the light would go on. I just thought that it was due to higher rpm's. It didn't do it alot though. I wouldn't worry at all except if it is time to change the belt. I change mine per the manual, and sometimes earlier, just so I know it shouldn't ever snap and make me have to walk. In my younger years I would ride as long as I could , or until something broke, but at 51 years old now I don't push things anymore.