Kerry wildlife

[iand1947]

<!--quoteo(post=88330:date=Sun 22nd Jun 2008, 10:53 PM:name=Baron)-->QUOTE(Baron @ Sun 22nd Jun 2008, 10:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->What's a J. Costa variator?...........sounds like a coffee making machine...attachment...thingy [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif[/img]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yup! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]

It's actually part of the twist 'n' go world's "constantly variable transmission" (CVT), and couples the engine's output proportionally via the drive belt to the clutch (which is attached to the final drive at the back wheel) as explained here and shown in action here and here - kinky, eh?? It''s all based on sloping drive surfaces and centrifugal force via sliding weights. The Italians seem to have the knack in these CVT matters, beating the Japanese in performance, and Costa have a particularly good, novel design. The main reason for swapping is to get a quicker and smoother response off the mark - no real benefit to top speed.