J Costa Variator

Hi everybody,
I'm a new member as well as new owner of the fantastic SW.
I'm planning on buying the J Costa Variator. Apparently there are some different versions available. So far I have found the Evo2 and Evo3 versions.
Does anybody now the difference between different versions. On Costas web site I can only find the Evo3 version. Maybe the Evo3 is a newer version but it would be good to know the differences, as the Evo2 is cheaper.
Cheers,
gorana

As far as we here know the J Costa variator gave outstanding performance but the pin life has been abysmal. With several folks here needing to replace those pins in the 5000 to 8000 mile intervals -while the belt (officially) needs replacement at 16000 mile intervals, but lasts far longer.

Because of the dismal pin wear factor everyone removed the J Costa once their 2nd set of pins wore out and reverted to the OEM variator with many switching to Dr Pulley sliding weights. Soon J Costa seemed to cease production.

So now maybe J Costa has finally addressed that pin wear problem and has released a new version of their product. If that's the case then please feel free the be the test monkey for this forum and give us some feedback about the product and longevity. There are lots of guys here who were thrilled with the J Costa variator but were burned by the short life of the pins. Once burnt, twice shy.

Tim

Hi,

As Tim said...the pins wear out quckly. I changed mine about every 8,000 miles and then finally just removed it. You might be better off just using the 24 gram Dr Pulley sliders instead. The J. Costa was very nice but the first couple of years I was putting 10,000 miles a year on my bike. And it cost approx $60 with shipping to get new pins.

JCosta Distributor in Sweden.
You should ask them the difference.
•SKOOTERTRIM.SE
•Liding – Sweden
•+46(0)8 6219065
•www.SkooterTrim.se
•Info@SkooterTrim.se

jc645FS EVO3 is the right one I believe.

Hi and thanks everybody for quick and comprehensive replies.
I have mailed J Costa about this. We have a resaler in Sweden (Skootertrim (meaning scooter tuning)) but they could not answer my questions.
I'll get back to this forum as soon as I have a reply.
I believe I'm a monkey to be;)
Cheers,
gorana

Hi,

I just got the answer from J Costa, about the differences between the Evo2 and Evo3 versions.
Here is their reply, google translated from Spanish to English:

"The main difference is that the EVO 2, predecessor model is made ​​of aluminum.
The Model EVO 3 is ceramic coated aluminum, which makes it more durable over time."

(In Spanish: La principal diferencia es que el modelo EVO 2, es anterior modelo fabricado en aluminio.
El Modelo EVO 3 es de aluminio con recubrimiento cerámico, lo que hace que sea mas duradero en el tiempo.)

I don't know, but maybe they have tried to address the problems users have experienced regarding "pin" durability.

Anyhow, I will order one to find out how it works. I also plan to use an accelerometer to find out the difference in acceleration and top speed between the original setup and with the J Costa.

Cheers,
gorana