Modern Buddy

Hi, I am new here, just got my first scooter a few weeks ago and need to start tweaking..... it is in my nature. I would like to get a little better performance going up hills and off the line, I heard an increase in jets and slide weight adjustments. Where would be a good place to start, what comes stock on the Roughhouse50 for jets and weights and which way should I go on the weights? All the restrictors are off this machine.
Thanks in advance.
Doug

Before you start messing with your variator and changing out weights or upjetting your carb, you should first plan out your target. Me, I'm going for everything I can get out of this little engine while I build up a replacement 150cc monster.

Before tuning your variator, change out your contra spring to at least 1000rpm stiffness for better off-the-line acceleration. Then work out the roller weights from there. I would recommend getting a kit of assorted weights until you find the setup you want. When you find the right setup, average out the weights and replace them with Dr.Pully Sliders. The size is going to be 16x13. Upgrading the clutch at the same time you do your contra spring may also be a good idea. I'm checking with Malossi to see if there is a Hit Clutch that would work on the PGO 50cc setup, but it's been three days and no response yet. I know NCY makes a decent clutch, but the different springs would be separate.

Now then, on to the combustion side of things. I'm going to be upgrading my carb to at least 21mm when I do the BBK. If you are considering moving up to a BBK, you could easily get away with a 19mm carb and carbon fiber reeds. If you are planning this route, tuning will need to be redone on the clutch and variator for optimum performance. Make sure you either do the air-box mod or use a universal pod for the carb to get better airflow. If you change out the carb, you need to change out the exhaust.

Final drive transmission is another big step you could look at. Instead of going with helix cut gear sets, you could get a taller ratio straight cut gear without sacrificing acceleration. The straight cut gears can be a little loud by comparison, but will increase the overall performance of the final drive by almost 10%.

With a ton of performance tweaking and upgrades, you could push the RH50 to a totally different scooter. Each level of change does give a higher chance for the engine to break down and require more maintenance than it is worth. I've got a lot of other mods planned for this little beast, but I'm estimating a top end speed of 58mph with a beasty acceleration. So it all depends on your planned target. Each step of the changes you make, you will have to retune your variator, main jet, clutch springs etc. If you are willing to put some time into it, the results will be worth it.

Thank you very much for all the info. That gives me a lot to chew on. I am fairly satisfied with the top speed right now, just like to get there a little quicker and hold speeds into the wind and going up hills. I will mainly be scootin around town and really don't need more than 45-50 mph. This is my first scooter, but I am already dreaming of my second........
Thanks again
Doug

I'd have gone for a rattler 110 in Rapid at a minimum, but that's just me. You might need more power to avoid the RV's going the wrong way on St Joe.

(i saw it with my own eyes)

I believe it. I am thinking 125 or 170i for my next one, maybe even a Stella. This one is just my gateway drug.....
I am having way too much fun.

If you are eventually looking to get another scooter, you should definitely mod this one for sure. It will help you learn more about standard maintenance and troubleshooting problems.

What is the stock contra spring, jets, and roller weights for the RH50?

The stock contra spring is something like 650 or 750... not 100% sure. I know if you up the contra spring to 1000 with a good clutch and variator set up to grab at roughly 2500/3000 will greatly improve the results of the launch. I haven't weighed the roller weights just yet so I'm going to take a wild guess and go with 5.5gr. The stock main jet should be 75, I personally have not verified the setup. When I do my full teardown, I'll know more of the finer details such as these.