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The genuine KOSO QMB139 variator doesn't have any packed in weights. On the variator itself, a genuine one will have a casting stamp of K01, and that's it. Also, if the printing on the backplate doesn't match what's on our website exactly, it's a fake.

From the sounds of it, you most likely have a fake. I'm sorry. However, if you want to send me a picture I can verify for sure. matt@partsforscooters.com


Matt

Haha, yeah. I'm gonna promote a little bit. Gotta sell dem parts!


Matt

Many times. If you're a good rider on a small scoot there's a good chance you'll actually be as fast or faster than much of the traffic on the Tail.

I've been up and down on a 70cc Aprilia SR50, a 50cc Malaguti F15, a 70cc Malaguti F12, a 150cc ZNEN GY6, my 1984 Vespa Px150 and my 83 Honda Aero 80. Every single time I've had to have slower traffic use a pull off to let me by, and I was faster than many of the HDs on the road and managed to keep up with much larger bikes pretty easily. What you'll find is that the road is so technical, and as police presence there is pretty constant due to rising popularity there isn't tons of opportunity to build up speed.

As far as pointers, it'll really be helpful to be a confident enough rider to know how not to target fixate so you stay on the road, and you need to maintain a speed that allows you to stay in your lane. Like ride on the outside edge of your lane and hold that line. Bad drivers and riders will come whipping around blind corners towards you and blow out of their lane and into yours. I think this is the most dangerous part about being on that road, but it's an equal factor regardless of what you choose to tackle the road on. You really should understand the dynamics of cornering something on 2 wheels. Trust your tires. In dry conditions, the bike can probably lean farther than you think it can. Leaning into an overcooked corner is way safer than grabbing a handful of brake, which will cause you stand up and straighten out. Some of those reducing radius corners are tricky; they'll sneak up on you and you don't really find them in a normal riding environment so they are tough to practice. Don't tear up the road the first time, get a feel for it before you try to set a TT record. Give yourself a few hours there, take in the scenery. It's amazing. Get a Dragon Burger at the lodge. Don't be that guy that doesn't use the pulloffs to make way for faster traffic. It's a destination for many, so allow the more experienced people by, and don't get frustrated by slow traffic that doesn't pull off... just pull off for a few minutes and give them some space. If your bike is a modified 2t that gets crappy mileage, bring a jerry can... the line at the only fuel pump gets LOOOONNNGGG on the weekends. When you get home, buy a picture from one of the guys that take photos, like Killboy or 129Slayer. Totally worth it.

Here's video of a run that I made a few years back on that Vespa.



Also, the header image on our facebook page is myself riding the Tail on the Aero 80 last year. Not a fast bike by any stretch, but plenty for that road.

www.facebook.com/partsforscooters/

If you've got any other questions, just ask. It's one of the best places ever to take a small displacement bike in my opinion.


Matt

Also, thank you for the kind words. The same people who pick up the phones here also man the live chat on the website if typing is easier.


Matt

Agreed. I ride an almost 40 yr old PX pretty much daily. It's not a long ride, maybe 20 miles total a day in the city, but it's enough. Does my bike break? Yep, it's 40 years old. Admittedly however it runs better than my equal age Honda does.

I'm all for being a fan of Chinese and Taiwanese product (as I am), but Piaggio makes an exceedingly high quality product as well and it's a fact that shouldn't be discounted simply because the bikes cost more.


Matt

This would be my recommendation as well.


Matt