|
FWIW, re-gearing or tuning the shifting behavior of a CVT isn't all that hard, if your CVT is designed similar to my Yamaha Majesty (400cc maxi-scooter). The shift points are primarily controlled by the Variator Weights (some metal & graphite roller weights wedged in grooves behind the sliding front pulley and a cover behind it) and the rear sheave spring, which governs the amount of force that attempts to keep the rear pulleys pressed together. Most tuning on the Yamaha Majesty's shift points are done by replacing the weights with different-mass weights or changing the variator to a different design (and changing the # of weights installed).
Sounds much easier than swapping gears on a manual transmission IMO. But on the flipside, a belt-driven CVT needs to have its belt swapped every so often (every 12K miles on the Majesty..... at ~$110/belt, that can be a bit expensive, and USUALLY the variator weights themselves are worn down by then so they need replacement too, that's about $60 a set).
|