Looking for a Malossi Multivar Piaggio / Vespa 50cc 4 stroke because your scooter needs to respond just a little better? Think of a smoother start at the traffic light, less "searching" revs and just a smoother feeling as soon as you accelerate. Then you mainly want to know: does it fit your engine, what is in the box and what you should pay attention to when mounting and adjusting. Below we explain it as we would at the counter or in the workshop.
What is the Malossi Multivar for Piaggio / Vespa 50cc 4 stroke?
The variator is the heart of your CVT transmission. The shape of the tracks and the weight of the rollers determine how you build up speed and how your scooter pulls. The Malossi Multivar is a replacement variator with modified geometry and neat finish, intended to make the transmission work smarter than the standard variator.
In practice, you mainly feel this when starting off and when accelerating from low to medium speeds. Don't expect magical promises about top speed; the difference is usually in how he uses the available power. And yes: the right adjustment really makes the difference.
Compatibility: which Vespa and Piaggio 50cc 4 stroke scooters does it fit?
This version is made for Piaggio and Vespa 50cc 4-stroke engines in the well-known models. Think of Vespa LX 50 4 stroke, Vespa Primavera 50 4 stroke and Vespa Sprint 50 4 stroke, but also Piaggio Liberty 50 4 stroke, Piaggio Fly 50 4 stroke and in many cases Piaggio Zip 50 4 stroke.
Check whether your scooter actually has a Piaggio 50cc 4-stroke engine (not a 2-stroke). Look at the year of manufacture and engine type on your registration certificate or the type plate. Are you still in doubt? Then it helps to take the original part number or compare it with your current variator in terms of shape and dimensions. This prevents hassle later.
Main advantages of the Malossi Multivar
A Malossi Multivar 2000 for Vespa 50cc 4T or Piaggio 50 4 stroke is often chosen because it is simply more pleasant to drive. Many scooters pick up more smoothly, maintain a more constant speed and therefore feel calmer, even if you have a headwind or are riding a slightly uphill section. And the finish is usually just good, which is good for the lifespan of your drive.
Keep in mind that the end result is always related to the rest of your CVT: your V-belt, clutch and the condition of rollers and sliding pieces. With a worn belt or a set of rollers that don't suit your setup at all, you can also "dead" an upgrade.
Technical specifications and contents of the kit
The Malossi Multivar kit usually consists of the variator itself and parts for mounting and basic adjustment, such as roller weights and guides. The exact roll weights you receive may differ per batch or kit version. Therefore, see the set as a starting point and use it for your first test rides.
If you want to fine-tune afterwards, immediately check the condition of the V-belt and check whether there is any strange play on the bushing or the treads. Clean installation (grease-free) and tightening everything at the correct torque is often more important for reliability than continuing to play with half a gram of roller weight.
Assembly and installation
If you tinker often, it is easy to do it yourself, but good tools save a lot of frustration. You usually need a suitable socket for the variator nut, a blocking tool or impact wrench and a torque wrench to tighten everything neatly. For the first time: count on about an hour and take the time to clean everything thoroughly.
Broadly speaking, it goes like this: Remove the CVT cover, immediately check how much dust and string shavings you encounter and inspect the string. Block the variator, loosen the nut, carefully remove the original parts. Then you assemble the Multivar with the supplied parts in the correct order. Make sure that rollers and guides are positioned correctly and tighten everything with the prescribed torque. Before you close the hood again: check whether the belt runs freely and does not touch anything.
Do you not have a torque wrench, little experience with CVT parts or do you not want to risk your factory warranty? It is better to have the installation done by a specialist.
Adjustment and roller weights: this is how you get the most out of your Multivar
Rolling weight largely determines your speed under load. With lighter rollers the speed climbs faster and that can help the acceleration, but if you go too light it often becomes restless and you rev unnecessarily. Heavier rollers cause the variator to close more quickly; that often drives more relaxed, but too heavy can actually give a sluggish feeling when driving away.
Start with the provided rollers. Then adjust in small steps and test on the same stretch of road each time. Pay particular attention to how it picks up from a standstill, whether it remains nice and stable at half throttle and whether it does not just get stuck at high revs at full throttle without extra speed. This way you can usually quickly find a set that suits your weight, tire size and the routes you ride most often.
Frequently asked questions
Will my scooter be faster with a Malossi Multivar?
Usually you notice that it accelerates better and maintains a more constant speed. Top speed may increase, but that is not a certainty; limitation, adjustment and the rest of your drive play a role in this.
Is this reliable for everyday use?
Yes, as long as you install and adjust it properly and your CVT is otherwise in order. Replace a worn V-belt and check rollers and guides regularly.
Does it fit my year of manufacture?
Check your engine type and compare with the variator that is currently in it. If you are in doubt, check your model, year of manufacture and any engine number details with the product specifications of the correct kit version.
Ordering and service
If you want to order the right Malossi Multivar for your Piaggio or Vespa 50cc 4 stroke, please include your model, year of manufacture and engine type. This prevents mistakes and unnecessary returns. Questions about this product? Take contact Contact customer service and we will be happy to help you.