Keli Versus OKO Variator

Wheelman-111 · Post by **Wheelman-111** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:00 am

Greetings:

I am in the curious position of having a Keli AND an OKO variator with which to experiment. The Keli was purchased early on and came with 9g weights x 6. It uses the stock ramp plate.

The OKO was a recent purchase from EBay, came with a set of rollers; three each of 3-4-5-6-7-8.

I had purchased and installed a set of six 8g weights in the Keli prior to the OKO's arrival. With my 8:1 gears it was definitely shifting up too soon. Launch was very slow 0-5MPH, then quick up to 43, where the revs dropped below torque peak.

I installed the OKO with a trio of 6s and 7s. Now launch was quicker and RPMS stayed up - a bit too high as it felt over-revved but did get up to 45 in a short spurt. I plan to go with 7s & 8s to see if that splits the difference.

I think the gearing is too tall overall for this Polini 65 to pull without increasing carburetion, but I do believe I can get to 50+ with the right variator and weight combiination. Time and trial will tell.

Q: Opinions on Keli Vs. OKO? I've contemplated mixing and matching ramp plates - they appear to be interchangeable. Any and all advice welcome.

scooterwerx · Post by **scooterwerx** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:31 pm

im running the polini ramp plate from daywot, truthfully i didnt feel any difference, it looks like the ramps are different from the stock one though. i think this is one where tuning is more important than tiny differences in design...

Wheelman-111 · Post by **Wheelman-111** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 2:36 pm

Greetings:

Werx opines:

... truthfully i didnt feel any difference, it looks like the ramps are different from the stock one though. i think this is one where tuning is more important than tiny differences in design...

You may be right. However one thing I do suspect running the Keli+Stock Honda plate was a tendency of the bike to "fall in" to top position with a distinctive, rapid RPM decline. Once there, it took a deliberate throttle release to allow the variator to "shift" back down. The wear pattern on the outer edges of the Keli and the plate ramps, as well as the slight flat spots on the 8g weights after only ~50 miles suggests that maybe it's designed to be that way - go to top positon and stay there beyond a certain groundspeed. A stiffer spring would send the rollers back toward center sooner - as soon as RPM at the variator dropped and reduced opposing centrifugal force.

"Conclusions" I've surmised -
1. Upshift points are more roller-weight-dependent.
2. Downshifts are more contra spring force-dependent.
3. Clutch needs to engage near the foothills of the torque curve, but before the variator begins shifting up.

But the first two are clearly closely related and actual practical performance results are hard to predict. I may go even lighter and see if it clears up the launch issue at all. Still gonna need more carb. How you coming with that adaptor thingie?

scooterwerx · Post by **scooterwerx** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 3:20 pm

waiting on the cnc guy, i have the prototype one, the plastic embrittles soaking in gasoline, dont know if i trust running it. i have a bunch of clutch springs, you want a little over stock or the monsters?

Wheelman-111 · Post by **Wheelman-111** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 3:34 pm

Greetings:

Monster triple springs I need. Like Yoda, I type. Not sure yet if I need much heavier Contra/Center spring, now that I can go all the way down to 3s in my variator. Got some tuning left to do, but if you've got extra-strong clutch springs, I'll take 'em. What can I offer in return?

scooterwerx · Post by **scooterwerx** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:27 pm

i got some yellows. they engaged at about 3000 or so...

maddog · Post by **maddog** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 12:43 am

daytona parts rule, made in japan= quality

z50r-ghost · Post by **z50r-ghost** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:40 pm

i have had awesome luck with this setup: Keli variator, Polini (quality *) weights and guides, and an SEF ramp plate.

Right now im experimenting with different centrifugal clutch springs; the ones that come with the Koso racing clutch are waaay too stiff. Whats the word on the stock Jog springs everyone seems to like?

later, jc

SayTen · Post by **SayTen** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:15 pm

I just installed my keli vario. And I gotta say...It rocks. Stock ramp plate works and the 9g roller weights that came with the thing seem to get the vario wound up quick.

I haven't bought anything other than that but it seem the cone shape of the thing is very pronounced. Seems a good quality part and not so harsh on the old wallet. Think with shipping it only cost me around $40 or so. Mind you that's with shipping from Hawaii.

qaz · Post by **qaz** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 8:59 am

Wheelman- the flat spots on the rollers after only 50 miles would lead me to believe that the diameter on the ramp plate is too small for the larger variator. I was questioning this occurance in another post but seemed to be dismissed as a silly question. The ramp diameter must match the larger variator or binding will occur, or in this instance, shave flat spots.

Wheelman-111 · Post by **Wheelman-111** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 11:04 am

Greetings:

Gaz makes a good point. The stock variator/ramp plate are not designed to open up as far as the Keli. I'll compare the ramp plates and see.

Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

Keli Versus OKO Variator

Keli Versus OKO Variator

Ramp Plates and Tiny Design Differences

Springs Are in the Air

Wise Counsel