Continuously variable transmission and Ecomodding
 

We are looking at a CVT motorcycle for modding. The main reason for cvt is because of problems carpal tunnel syndrome and hand shifting/braking. I understand you can do a gear change on a chain and sprocket bike, but I don't know how it will work with a cvt?

Can anyone shed some light on this?

I'm not aware of any CVT vehicle that doesn't have a separate final drive- alter the ratio there.

Also there are a handful of bikes out there with automatic transmissions that aren't CVTs.

I can't think of any CVT cycles - are you looking at larger scooters?

You've seen Craig Vetter's aero work with his Helix scooter, right?

2011 Vetter Streamliner-Chap 40


Jay

We are actually looking at the 2004 and newer Honda Silverwing. It might be overkill with the large motor though.

I will have to look in the to final drive mods for this bike, thanks Frank.

Jay, I did see Craig's Helix and followed the story. Very interesting.

CVT and ecomodding...
 

I have a 2005 Honda Reflex scooter - 250cc single cylinder engine with CVT. I can get 70+ mpg and top speed a little above 80mph with no mods whatsoever. There is a very active Yahoo group dealing with these scooters with a number of members who have done some mods on theirs. Might be wirth looking into given the similarities between the Reflex and the Sliverwing.

If you're looking for a motorcycle, rather than a scooter, the Aprilia Mana has a CVT. Aprilia is owned by Piaggio and the Mana uses an 849cc engine and transmission from one of their scooter subsidiaries.

Good catch - forgot about that. I do recall seeing an article about it.

Honda also has a motorcycle-ish CVT model - the DN-01 . I have heard they are deeply discounted right now - like almost 1/2 price. Still expensive ($7000+) even with the discount.

Here's info on the Honda - 2009 Honda DN-01 Review - Motorcycle.com



Jay

Interesting on the DN-01, but I forgot to mention it needs to be a step through. I still can't find anything on the final drive modifications for this Honda Silverwing.
Hal, I looked at the Reflex and there is one locally, and it may fit the bill. The Silverwing has the option of ABS and a few other features, BUT it is a lot heavier. If a enclosure was made for either bike, I think the heavier bike would do better in the crosswinds? Right?

Try a yamaha majesty 400....good on gas fuel injected, and two up capable with a cvt. I regularly got near 70 mpg, sometimes over that.

I appreciate the responses and hope it helps someone else that wants to mod a scooter/motorcycle.

After purchasing a Honda Silverwing and riding it around, I found my carpal tunnel problems limited me to about 1/2 hour or less. I tried everything suggested by others (for the hands/arms falling asleep) on scooter/motorcycle forums to no avail. BTW, I have had the surgery years ago, which obviously didn't work.

So, I sold the bike and purchased a car. The car gets great gas mileage 65+ mpg and protects me from the elements. I can steer with my knees if I need to and it has a bit more cargo space than the scooter. I still have dreams though of modding a Honda Silverwing.

The CVT transmission tries to select the optimum drive ratio. On scooters the
engine is tuned to a very narrow operating range (6500-8000 RPM). You can lower revs via heavier rollers but this takes the engine out of it's tuned range. Alternate gearing is available but mainly on the GY6 Chinese scooters and mainly to make them go faster. Smaller scooters (up to 170cc) get 80 MPG and better. The big ones can be around 50 - 60 MPG. Aero mods and weight reduction can help, regearing is more difficult.

Which car is that getting 65+ MPG? BTW have you never considered one of those foot-steering setups?

Aprilia is owned by Piaggio and the Mana uses an 849cc engine and transmission from one of their scooter subsidiaries.