Is there a dramatic difference with it?

tank,

I thought there was a big difference between the stock variator and the J. Costa. I now run the 28g Dr Pulley sliders, which cost about $60, and I find an improvement over the stock rollers. But I hear that if you install the 22gr sliders that they make a big difference at less then the J. Costa. But I have to think there is nothing like the J. costa. I'm sure I will buy new pins for it and then re-install the Costa. It really makes the Swing fun to ride.

I don't really know about the difference it may make in the Silverwing. But from what I know there are quite a few others on Totalruckus that has installed the JCosta on their Big Rucks. According to them it has made a world of difference in their scooters. But you are talking about a 250cc scoot, and every little bit helps.

I tried both the Malossi Variator and the J. Costa.
J. Costa is much better.
Smoother and wider power curve.

Dan

It doesn't have even force being applied across the push side. But it should work for a while. I may also cause some vibration, I would think.

I ran a costa, molassi rollers, and dr pulley slides, on my atlantic 500 and the costa is the fastest you can get. It produces power by allowing you to rev higher, both off the line, and all the way through the power band. It is truely interesting how at highway speeds it settles back and allows for good fuel mieage.

I would say it depends what you want to due. What driving style you have.

Ya know, I didn't think the 6 roller thing through.

It is not the total weight of the combined rollers , all by itself. It also involves individual roller weight. A lighter roller will give keep it in higher revs longer , but also heavier will open the pulleys slower. it has to due with centrifugal force and weight.
I surmise that 6 rollers will keep the revs up a bit. but not have the same rpm curve that lighter rollers will have. BUT they may have a less top end loss.

As far as vibration , I don't believe that 6 vs. 8 will have any significant effect. At least not measurable by the seat of the pants. As long as the 2 removed are symetrical (180 deg. apart).

MaxB (head hurts from thinkin and too many variables)

How long do the pins last again? And is replacing them every year normal?

I love mine and would never go back to stock.

I installed a J-Costa in my '08 back in June and it has worked great. The only thing is resetting the "V" light all the time. So now I just leave it on all the time.

DennisB

I think JeffR is the only one who has mentioned about changing the pins... But we all know that he rides like a hooligan!!!

Only joking....! Though he does a fair few miles a year, more than the norm? Isn't that right Jeff?

I noticed a few months ago that my revs are a little higher now, which is indicative of a stretched belt.... Or I supposed worn rollers/pins. I have just ordered a new CVT drive belt and thus will get to have a look at the pins on mine... though I think have only done about 6k mileage if that, so should be OK... Will let you guys know....

When I installed the J. Costa last spring, I noticed a significant reduction in vibration (and a bit more acceleration from a dead stop).

Bernardo,

I do ride like a Holoigan sometimes and I rode like that a lot more when I had the J. Costa installed. It is so much fun with the additional performance it was tough to ride normal. I got about 9,000 miles for the pins and then they seemed to be worn down, but I did ride hard mostly. I noticed my rpm's increased about 200-300 with the worn pins. So I tried the Dr Pulley's but I'm going to replace the pins this winter. I'm curious what the power will be like with the J. Costa and my power commander, with Bill's (Honda_Silver) map in it.

If you only have 6,000 miles with the pins you should be fine. I probably could have gone a couple of thousand more but I don't push things like I did when I was younger. I also have 27,000 miles now with my SWing and I bought it in March of 2007 so I probably put more than normal on the bike. But I get to ride all winter too here.

I guess I am the naysayer. After reading so many glowing things about the J Costa on various forums I spent the money and had one installed. Maybe I just expected too much but I was not sure if I noticed ANY difference at all. It did seem a bit quicker from a stop, but maybe that is wishful thinking after spending several hundred dollars. The J Costa variator certainly didn't adversely affect the SW, but I can't honestly say it improved the ride either. (My SW is the '07 ABS.)