Honda Camino PA50 fitting a Polini Variator

As you might remember I have been having problems with Red Ped going uphill, always getting left behind. I've tried all sorts to solve the problem, namely different weights, contra spring change, later rear variator and stronger Polini clutch springs. Whilst the clutch springs made a really noticable difference to the setting off from a standstill, the hill problem still persists.
I'm currently re-building another Camino (Project Ratty- see my other video) and the variator is completely shot so I needed a new one. A used one would quite possibly be in just as bad a shape, so I decided to buy a new Polini variator and put it onto my goto reliable Red Ped. I always take Red Ped on longer rides, also chance to see if it improves the hill problem and it gives me another variator to put on 'Ratty' Fingers crossed it works, as I've run out of ideas, save for putting a big cc barrel & piston on it, but I don't wan to do that.

[@TheFilmFellow]

I moved from the Netherlands to the US and unfortunately there is not such a large moped community here. I would still have my Puch Rider Macho with a 70cc if it was up to me. They are just a lot of fun to drive and maintain. None quite as brilliant as the Japanese with their variator! Amazing idea but indeed not always the best implementation. Enjoyed this video!

[@KORR805]

I’m in California, got 2 other moped riders but looking for a big group somewhere man

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi, I thought in America there was a large moped community, check out MopedArmy on the web, I suppose its quite a big country, maybe too big for a 50cc! Cheers

[@KORR805]

@@2wheels2strokes24 that’s a great forum for help and troubleshooting, for linkin up and riding together idk, not much of that going on

[@theGoogol]

Still got my Camino. Fully restored 70cc with Malossi exhaust, capable of 90 kph. The variomat (rear) is seized though so I'll be doing a full re-restoration in 2022 :)

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Nice spec, although 90kph sounds sketchy to me 🛵💨💨💥

[@theGoogol]

@@2wheels2strokes24 : It doesn't only sound sketchy ... it is! A friend of mine got me hooked on Camino's. He himself had one that did 120 kph. Not long after that he started tuning an old Honda Civic (we built a B16A2 engine in a gen 2 Civic, he supercharged it. The thing made 260+ bhp and eventually the A pillars started to seperate from the car). I convinced him to start a tuning company and reluctantly he did. I designed the logo. He sold the company some time ago but the company still lives and I think they have the fastest GT-R on KZbin (not sure). Check out Total Car Concept Nissan GT-R Autobahn.

[@theGoogol]

@@2wheels2strokes24 : kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHTea2Vm7Gjl6s

[@2wheels2strokes24]

wow that's insane

[@jonamadatsu2918]

I've recently acquired an 84 (?) Hobbit - the ones with the turn signals and will be attemping some upgrades. First will be the proma, then variators and such. Aside from some "specialized tools" it appears a simple task...hopefully. Also, greetings from MB, Canada!

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Yeah they are simple to work on, there are plenty of youtube videos around to help if you get stuck, also look up 'Moped Army' on the internet there is loads of stuff on there.

[@tegolinofadase7386]

Bellissima la trombetta! 😄

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Sorry 'Steve McQueen' I can't seem to reply to your comment for some reason, so I've replied here in the hope you see it!. The Polini Variator kit was bought from Motorkit, it didn't come with the springs. www.motorkit.com/en/transmission/22502-polini-variator-for-honda-camino-hobbit-pa.html I bought the springs separately from Mopeddivision in the USA. www.mopeddivision.com/moped-make/honda/hobbit-pa50-pa50ii-express-urban-express/honda-hobbit-clutch-spring-set-by-polini/ Hope that helps John

[@VynckeKyle]

Did the topspeed increase?

[@2wheels2strokes24]

@@VynckeKyle Ever so slightly, but it was quite good at the top end anyway 35-42mph on the flat and easy 45mph downhill. It seems smother getting to top speed and gets up the hills much better.

[@cerberus7009]

Still 17 but my Honda Camino from 76 still goes 50 km/h fully original

[@bentraves4332]

Nice to see a uk video as some American videos have parts that just aren’t really available here and I’ve already seen your link for the variator , just wondering is your exhaust made or bought ? Wondering which way to go with my own atm , cheers

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi Ben, I know what you mean regarding the videos, although a lot of my parts I have to get from Treatland and Moped Division in the USA or Motorkit in Europe ( beware that motorkit have a minimum spend for orders coming to the uk, about £180. Not a worry if you want an exhaust and variator). Hccclubsore in Belgium looks good, but I'm struggling to find and English version of their website🤷‍♂️ maybe I need to use the laptop! The exhaust is called a 'Proma' exhaust and is widely available from the places above although its not cheap (maybe around £110 - £130 delivered) it would be the best money you could spend to get more performance. www.motorkit.com/en/exhaust/4503-exhaust-proma-short-camino.html Cheers John 👍

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi Ben, I know what you mean regarding the videos, although a lot of my parts I have to get from Treatland and Moped Division in the USA or Motorkit in Europe ( beware that motorkit have a minimum spend for orders coming to the uk, about £180. Not a worry if you want an exhaust and variator). Hccclubsore in Belgium looks good, but I'm struggling to find and English version of their website🤷‍♂️ maybe I need to use the laptop! The exhaust is called a 'Proma' exhaust and is widely available from the places above although its not cheap (maybe around £110 - £130 delivered) it would be the best money you could spend to get more performance. www.motorkit.com/en/exhaust/4503-exhaust-proma-short-camino.html Cheers John 👍

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Forgot to say, the proma is louder (people will hear you coming) and will definitely increase your top speed, as long as your ped is running properly 👍

[@bentraves4332]

@@2wheels2strokes24 thanks for the information John , I have found a company in Luxembourg who actually have a huge range of parts for the pa50 and even go as far as to list the parts with description of what parts work best mated together and for what riding style they’re best suited to etc . Really excited to get into it in general , all the best

[@2wheels2strokes24]

No worries, I'd be interested in that company what are they called or do you have a link?

[@markd988]

lots better pal 😜

[@user-ls8nf3ke3e]

Would like to buy one of these hi speed variators for a Honda pa50 1982 were can I buy and do you no the part number thanks Mark

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi Mark, Motokit in Belgium sell them, BUT they have a minimum spend which is about £180. I bought 2 in the past from them at the same time to get around this. Pain in the arse, but I'm not sure where else you can get them from. www.motorkit.com/en/transmission/22502-polini-variator-for-honda-camino-hobbit-pa.html?search_query=polini+variator&results=46

[@martinseidl7890]

Hi, very very nice. Pleas, can you tell me, what is your the front light? I am mean, it is not original, but very nice. Can you send link to buy, or any information? Thank you very much.

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi Martin, I just searched on ebay for the headlight brackets. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164446197456?hash=item2649c1d6d0:g:zfcAAOSw0X5ffs~x These are the ones I got, but just check they will fit your forks before buying. I had to use all of the spacers that it came with to get them to clamp up securely. This is the headlight 5.5" gloss black, plastic. hilevel1.co.uk/pc_combined_results.asp?search_prod=(searchlike~p.sku~375285|Or|searchlike~%20p.nm~375285|Or|searchlike~%20p.ds~375285|Or|searchlike~%20p.search_terms~375285)&search_keyword=375285 Hope that helps John

[@niei6218]

Do you know if this Variator will also fit an Honda PX?

[@MJ-iy4fb]

That scooter looks real nice, did you customize it yourself? New paint and chrome? I'd like to see some video of the moped.

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi MJ, yes I did rebuild it myself, I have a video of it, I'll link it here (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnndeKSLlJijr6M) The exhaust and the headstock are the only bits I had rechromed/nickel plated, the rest was OK.

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Here's the rebuild video👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnndeKSLlJijr6M

[@KORR805]

I wonder if it’s any better than the treats variator

[@andrewwillard2313]

Any difference with the springs?

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Yes Andrew, the engine is more in the powerband when the clutch grabs, so its not as sluggish setting off. I did have occasion on a steep hill where it just wouldn't set off....not enough power, but now it's in the powerband its loads better. I'll try and put a short video up, over the next couple of days, to demonstrate.

[@benoitseverin316]

Where did you buy the springs ??

[@darylstephens]

Hi, what size including the length is that clutch/flywheel puller? I have a 24mm x 1.5 which I believe is the correct size but it's not long enough. Thanks. Daz

[@2wheels2strokes24]

If you mean the one used to pull the clutch, the main body is 9cm long and 3cm diameter. Cheers John.

[@giel5924]

Did it change the top speed?

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi Giel, it's definitely quicker on the flat and downhill 50MPH+, uphill is similar because it is still limited to that 50cc motor with regards to power.

[@darylstephens]

Hi, what size impact socket to remove the variator nut? Thanks, Daz.

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi Daz, it's 36mm. Sorry took so long to reply, I don't seem to get any notifications 🤷‍♂️ don't know why.

[@justinkrejci92]

Where did you buy that varatior from ?

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi Justin I bought it from motorkit, it came quickly, good company to deal with. Link below. www.motorkit.com/en/transmission/22502-polini-variator-for-honda-camino-hobbit-pa.html

[@VynckeKyle]

did the top speed change at all?

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Hi, top speed was always ok, but yes I think it has improved slightly. If you watch my last ride video you'll see that my ped overtakes my mates ped quite a lot, before the variator change he was probably a little quicker. I pulled away from him quite a few times aswell.

[@andrewwillard2313]

Did you notice any change with the springs? Folks say they are pretty mild but that’s what I’m looking for.

[@safarijonas3490]

What size sockets are u using?

[@2wheels2strokes24]

Yes the springs made a difference, especially pulling away up any inclines. I didn't want springs that were too strong as I didn't want any unnecessary stress on the stock crank.

[@chrisransom9033]

Bloody music is so annoying bro? Why carnt you talk

[@2wheels2strokes24]

:) LOL, I really don't like the sound of my own voice if I'm honest. I will try and talk a bit more as I get more confident.