Modern Buddy

2015 Buddy 50
this is my first scooter and I have minimal automotive repair experience but, I verified the exhaust cone was removed and I don't see the variator ring although I cant get the front portion of the variator off.

But my top speed on a flat road is only 35 mph according to my GPS. My speedometer shows about 40....

So my question is what else can I check as far a maintenance?

• oil change?
  spark plug?
  anything else on the muffler i can remove?
  what about the carb?

Did you buy it new? Is it up to date on maintenance? How much do you weigh?

I purchased used from a reputable dealer. Was well maintained on a regular basis. I weight 195.

And what is the plastic canister attached to the muffler. It has a hose coming out each side.

There's probably a spacer between the variator plates that needs to be removed in order to fully de-restrict the speed of your scooter. Regardless, and I mean no offense, 50cc isn't going to move your 195 lb body along very fast, especially if there are hills involved.

Im thinking the washer is still in the variator. If you decide to remove the nut on the variator with a impact wrench DO NOT use the impact wrench to re-install it. You may damage the nut and/or crank end putting the nut back on with a impact wrench. Just putting that out there. Buy or borrow a torque wrench from a friend or auto parts store. The cone is in the top part of the muffler were it connects to the cylinder. Make sure you get a good seal when re-installing the muffler. A loss of back pressure will make it run sluggish.

What about removing the second air cleaner mounted to the muffler?

I'm thinking the engine is ready for a top end rebuild. 8,700 miles on a 2 stroke is a lot.

You can use an impact wrench to replace the variator or clutch nut with no problem if you draw a registration line with a sharpie across the shaft and the nut. When you re-install, go slow and tighten to just slightly past your mark.

A quick and easy compression test could verify the compression. I highly doubt its compression related.

I would just get a mild 70cc kit if you're at 8700 miles. Your stock cylinder is probably a worn/tired.

With a decent 70cc kit, you'll be able to cruise at 50-55 even with the stock exhaust. Makes a world of difference.

Found my speed problem but now i have another one....


Now i can't get the variator nut of because i don't have the right tool to keep the variator from moving.



And i can't seem to get these images to display... Help

Get one of these from harbor freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-1- ... 92349.html


Clip it to your battery. Don't run it through the 12v socket. Put a sharpie mark on your nut and crankshaft. When you re-install go slowly and slightly past the mark.

How do i keep the variator from moving? And how do i do it without. The air wrench?

I know the 125's have notches for a clutch holding tool, but dont remember what the fixed face looks like on the Buddy 50. We use a strap wrench to hold the variator on a Zuma and a common metric socket set to remove the variator nut. Torque wrench to re-install nut back to correct torque. You Tube will give you the basics needed., so you can see what your in for before tearing it apart.

compgeek 1979 wrote:How do i keep the variator from moving? And how do i do it without. The air wrench?

If you're using an electric or air impact wrench to get the nut off, just hold the variator plate with your other hand. The impact works so fast that that's all you'll need. As far as putting it back on and you don't want to use the impact and use a torque wrench instead, then you'll have to find a way of holding the variator plate. Some have stuck a long screw driver between the cooling fins of the plate, but you risk the chance of breaking one or more of the fins off. I personally use an impact to tighten the nut, but I've been working with engines for a while and have a feel for it.

compgeek 1979 wrote:How do i keep the variator from moving? And how do i do it without. The air wrench?

Click on the link I provided. it is a 12v impact wrench that clips to your scooter battery. They run 20% off coupons all over Sunday's paper which would make the impact wrench cost about $20.00.

DO NOT wedge a screwdriver in the fins. The impact wrench rotates and hammers. You don't need to hold the variator. This is a fairly low torque wrench, so no concerns with going too tight. When you re-install, go slow and pay attention to your registration marks.

I like to add a drop or two of blue loc-tite to the crankshaft threads when you are putting it back together.

So I removed the variator ring using an air ratchet at 100 psi... On my test drive I am right at 44 MPH... Much better, Except for going uphill from a stop... it just doesn't want to gain speed. I am guessing its from the trans hitting that last gear too soon.

Any Ideas?

Also if I can get just another 6 mph I will be a happy camper...Any help is much appreciated.

Get the gold NCY varistor with Dr. Pulley sliders. Go one gram lighter than stock rollers. Change your clutch and pillow springs to 1,000 rpm. Replace the stock belt with a gates powerlink.

Excellent. Could you advise on where the best place to get these items are?

Look at this for opening your exhaust port:
http://www.scootertherapy.com/rh50jugpage.html

NCY gold variator: https://www.scooterworks.com/NCY-Pulley ... P1327.aspx

Call Scooter West. You want one step up in torque spring and pillow springs. I believe stock is 750, but have SW confirm.
I would go one gram lighter than stock rollers with the Dr. Pulley Sliders.

They have the powerlink buddy belt.

https://www.scooterworks.com/HSearch.as ... iator&pg=2