This is in response to my other post on Derestricting My Honda Zoomer on which I’ve had many questions in the comments. So I thought I’d update with a summary here to make the information a bit easier to find. Please note, I am a girl. My mechanical expertise here is limited and I had the help of men with the installation – but mainly because they had the tools required to do the job. Removal of the variator is very difficult without an impact driver or similar. If I owned an impact driver it’d look like this:
Girly Impact Driver
Honda Zoomers in the UK are restricted to 28mph top speed. It is capable of doing 40-45mph with a few minor upgrades. Here are the parts I used to achieve this – there may be better ways to go about it, but this works for me:
1. Install the Polini CDI unit. This tells the engine about fuel flow etc. and allows the engine to rev past the 28mph restriction but although the engine will be able to rev higher – the scoot can not physically move faster without the next step.
2. Install the Polini Variator with 3 blue rollers and 3 yellow rollers. The yellow rollers weigh 2.4g and the blue ones weigh 3.7g. By installing them alternately (blue/yellow/blue/yellow etc) it will give you top acceleration and top speed. When I installed all yellow I had top speed but acceleration uphill and from a stand still was fairly sedate!
3. Install the air intake tube (this is part of the Polini Zoomer De-Restriction Kit). I’m not sure what this does but I assume you need more air to push more fuel for more speed.
As far as I’m aware it’s not essential you replace the exhaust for performance but it may help squeeze a bit more out. And the stock exhaust does get a lot hotter and more burny smelling with the higher speed. I replaced mine with the Polini one that came with the kit which I found to sound nice, but made of shitty quality. You also need to mod this a little bit by pulling out the narrow tube in the end to make it sound bassey.
Part numbers:
The complete Zoomer Polini Kit is part no. 170.2100.
Polini Zoomer Kit
The Polini Variator is part no. 241.626.
Polini Variator
The Polini CDI unit is part no: 171.0526.
Polini CDI
You can not install after market rollers in the stock variator and get the best results. To understand how the variator works see this excellent article here:
http://www.teamcalamari.com/zuma/variator.html
I had a local bike shop order my parts for me but there are many online places that sell the bits, these are a few:
https://www.pmtuning.co.uk/index2.htm
http://www.sip-scootershop.com
This is Polini’s website with more detail about the parts. It’s written in Ital-glish and if you think the grammar is poor on their site, you’re in for a treat when you get your Polini kit instructions out.
http://uk.polini.www.portal.tradenet.it/pages_215.html
For more detailed information on this topic on this blog read this:
http://foxsden.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/de-restricting-my-honda-zoomer/
For more help from people much more knowledgeable than me go here:
Lindy Said:
on May 23, 2009 at 16:41
Around here we call that ‘gitty up & go’. Sounds like a fat system. With a cherry bomb muffler that would sound like a hog coming down the road.
BTW, You may be thinking I’m from KY because I grew up there. I moved to OH when my first husband died. I’m not sure about the job but I’ve been at the zoo for about 10 years now.
James Said:
on May 26, 2009 at 05:51
Hey, i have got the polini system installed, and want too take the ‘tube’ out of the end of the can… is there an easy way to do this without any damage to the exhaust.
foxsden Said:
on May 26, 2009 at 20:14
Yep, what Wil (below) says.. It was very easy with the Dremmel. If you don’t have a Dremmel I’m sure a small drill bit would do the same job. It sounds more like a motorbike than a hairdryer once you get rid of that piece.
Wil Said:
on May 26, 2009 at 09:38
James – to remove ours, I used a dremel to grind away the spot welds that hold the baffle in (I think there are 3 in total). Once out, you can’t put it back in, but you wouldn’t want to anyway – it sounds much better without!
5 minute job at most!
sorin Said:
on June 15, 2009 at 22:12
hello ,
do you use 15 X 12 rollers ?
Thnak’s
sorin
Foxsden Said:
on July 7, 2009 at 19:34
Sorin – read the post, it tells you what rollers you need.
Zoomer-boy Said:
on June 16, 2009 at 17:37
Hey, WOW, first of all THIS IS HOW A POST IS WRITTEN, nicely done fox. Everything is there, all the info, links and all included.
Secondly, do the Impact drivers come in blue too?
Then thirdly, there is a company that wright workshop manuals for pretty much everything from camping and caravaning to “How to completly break down and rebuild you very own tigermoth”( it an airplane (an old one)). Now ive gotten in contact with them to find out if there is a manual for our Zoomers, but unfotunalty there isnt one. They said that theyll not be printing one either. (Its a supply and demand thing)
Now, if any one has ever had the privlage to use a Heynes manual thell know that this is THE ultimate book in sevicing your ride wheither it be a car or erm… Tigermoth. Each manual is based on a complete strip down and re-build of your ride.
Ok, to get back to the supply and demand thing. Heynes keep record of all requsts of specific manuals… need i say more…
Guys its time to stand up for what we want! Get onto heynes’ site and request them zoomer maunuals. the more the merrier.
Good luck and hope to get all your support!!
The Heynes website URL:
http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001
And… the “Do you make a maunual for..?
manualenquiry@haynes.co.uk
This is the one you really need. All you need to do is ask them if they do a manual for the Honda zoomer, and add the year of your bike
ben Said:
on July 4, 2009 at 23:05
how fast does your zoomer now go with the cdi and varitors. what else is needed to get the most out of my zoomer without spending much.
when you talk about taking the middle pipe in the exhaust to get a better sound, do you do this to the standard exuast or the polini one.
fox@racefox.com Said:
on July 5, 2009 at 06:55
All your questions are answered in the post.
ben Said:
on July 5, 2009 at 22:42
does anyone have any spare 2.4 and 3.7 rollers?
as there sold in packs of six when we only need 3 of each.
also do you have to put them in a special varitor case or can you put them in the stock variator. will it make a difference?
Zoomer-boy Said:
on July 6, 2009 at 16:13
HEy there Peeps, was wondering if anyof you managed to get onto the site for Heynes. can you drop me a mail if you did please it would be nice to know.
On the other hand where abouts do you all live perhaps we can arrange some kind of Honda Zoomer day or somethin. You know, like meet somewhere and drive some where else… just an idea, cuz I google it and there doesnt seem to be any clubs for the zoomers…
Lemme know what you think.
PS, ofc Im not asking for your home adress or anything just like area eg. west-end, east, south of the river, north Scotland… northpole whatever…
Foxsden Said:
on July 7, 2009 at 19:31
I’m in Suffolk, north east of London. I think they do have Zoomer meets in London though. Have http://totalruckus.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=16358a look in this forum:
Zoomer-boy Said:
on July 21, 2009 at 15:06
Thanx Fox…
There is a meet happening on the 21-23 of august. There are some guys coming fron Holland, 5 I think, and theyll be meeting up with some guys from the UK spend the weekend and then head home again…
http://totalruckus.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=35163
Im sure anyone that wanna come or can help out in a way would be welcomed…
Zoomer-boy Said:
on July 6, 2009 at 16:40
OH Oh!! found these guys on a businesscard left on my bike and went ahead and bought one wackyfacemask.co.uk
Foxsden Said:
on July 7, 2009 at 19:33
What a bizarre thing! I bet you look a treat wearing that!
ben Said:
on July 8, 2009 at 19:20
if i added just the variator would it add to my top speed?
Foxsden Said:
on July 8, 2009 at 20:11
Ben for the love of god read the post! For the benefit of anyone else thinking of leaving a comment question here:
1. Read the post – it should answer your question
2. If it doesn’t then try reading my other post on the topic – it’s linked in the post above.
3. If you really have a valid question that is not answered in my blog post, I’m not adverse to answering questions and helping where I can with my limited knowledge so ask away. If you don’t get a response within a day or two it’s because the answer to your question is in the blog post. Stamp your forehead with ‘EPIC FAIL’. Because if you can’t read a blog post, then you can’t muster simple actions like walking and breathing at the same time and to be honest – 28mph IS FAST ENOUGH FOR YOU.
ben Said:
on July 8, 2009 at 22:06
Oh man, I’m such a guinea pig because thats what I am. Ive wasted my money and my time just so I can sit in my parents bathroom having a wank. for what? so I feel useful. look how much time I’ve spent wiping myself on my socks. its sad. for fuck sake it has rules?!!?! secondly suffolk is not in london, its not even in greater london, would you guess my bestest subject in school was geography?. thirdly i like the fact your picture only shows your pretty eyes and not your whole face, because that gives me something extra to wipe on my socks.
iI WISH I HAD “CYBER FRIENDS” but I spend too much time stroking kittens and playing with myself
btw 40mph is sooo fast, but not as fast as I can move my arm up and down in a rhythmic fashion.
foxsden Said:
on July 8, 2009 at 22:13
Good grief benny boy – you should get out more…
Zoomer-boy Said:
on July 21, 2009 at 15:08
As for you BEN!! arent you bizzare???
Anyway, I’ve ordred the polini variator only and should hopefully get it this week. As soon as I’ve fitted it I’ll let you know about the results.
By the way mate slow down on that arm or youre bound to break something off :O
Zoomer-boy Said:
on July 24, 2009 at 17:03
O….M….G…. Fox can you plz just confirm with me was it actually “PM-Tuning” you used to get your bits from?? I’ve just been thruogh hell with theses guys!! Ordered the variator from them on 16/07/09 and after MANY a tall tale they finally “say” they’ve sent the goods today. If this was thier service I’ll not be ordering the rest of the kit from thém!
ofc I’m not blaming you, but wow, now I know what you went through…
foxsden Said:
on July 24, 2009 at 17:14
Chris I ended up getting my stuff from a bike shop locally after waiting for ages to get it through an online shop. I don’t remember who the online shop I ordered from was off the top of my head. As for the three letter word beginning with B. Don’t rattle his cage – I ended up putting moderation on my comments because of his twattiness and any comments he makes now just get automatically deleted since he’s too much of a special case to treat people nicely. I’ve taken the comment moderation off now, but if he returns it’ll go right back on again.
Yorkie Said:
on July 25, 2009 at 14:47
Hi
Just installed the kit to my zoomer but when i hit about 31MPH the engine looses power like its cutting out.
Any idea’s?
cheers
Foxsden Said:
on July 25, 2009 at 18:41
When you patched in the CDI did you use the little connector tubes that came with it?
If so, how did you crimp them?
Yorkie Said:
on July 26, 2009 at 06:21
Hi
just with a pair of pliers
Was this the wrong tool?
Also peeps mention the ’spacer’ removal but when i changed the rollers i didnt notice a spacer…am i being dumb?
Thanks for any help you can give to help me to hit 40-45 you really would be a legand!
foxsden Said:
on July 26, 2009 at 17:25
It’s not the wrong tool it’s just doesn’t seem to be robust enough to crimp the connectors tightly enough. So it sounds like you’ve got loose connections going on.
I had the same problem initially. So we went back in and took all the connections apart. Bought some better quality connectors from B&Q and used a proper purpose set of crimpers a bit like these: http://www.action-electronics.com/pacrimp.htm to squeeze them together. And then we taped around them with electrical tape (actually a friend used shrink wrap and a Creme Brulee torch to shrink it so it looks sweet – but either will do!!!)
I didn’t have any trouble with it cutting out after that.
I don’t remember anything about a spacer, I don’t think you’ve missed anything crucial!
zoomerdude Said:
on August 3, 2009 at 18:48
WOOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!! FINALLY got my variator today!!!!!! fitted it and O.M.G. peeps if youre going to upgrade anything on yer ‘ped go for this one first its bot technical at all and it took me from a rather dangerous 25mph to a whopping 35mph. Now for £45 this is WELL worth it. I have no other upgrades on my ‘ped and i think it’ll stay that way for a bit.
As for the spacer mate I can surely say youve missed nothing. The Zoomer does not have one like the piaggio does. My dealer took mine apart as a favour (to take my spacer out) and was also surprised that there is’nt one.
BTW fox, can you email me as Id like to mention something our 40mph friend should not see or put moderartion on so he cant see and then let me know when its safe
fatpie1664 Said:
on August 9, 2009 at 11:59
Zoomerdude – Did you only fit The Polini Variator is part no. 241.626 ? Did you use the yellow and blue rollers as well? I’ve got a Zoomer and only need it go 35mph. I’m also clueless when it comes to techinal stuff like this – though foxsden has done a great job in helping.
Anonymous Said:
on August 14, 2009 at 17:07
Yip thats all i fitted. However I got only Blue weights (two sets). One set was 6.9g and the other set was 5.3g. I put them in as follows.
6.9g, 5.3g, 6.9g, 5.3g, 6.9g… etc. Also look at how you install them one side of the weight is covered in the teflon coating and the other is not (you can see the metal on this side…) Here is a link that explains it well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DVFSPt9xys&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo%2Egoogle%2Eco%2Euk%2Fvideosearch%3Fq%3Dfitting%2Bpoilini%2Bvariator%26hl%3Den%26emb%3D0%26aq%3Df&feature=player_embedded#t=78
And voila you should hit your 35mph no probs. Actually if you get a bit of downhill youll even see it hit 40mph
Anonymous Said:
on August 14, 2009 at 21:57
Oh and try this one too:
Anonymous Said:
on August 16, 2009 at 15:38
Ok the fun has worn out. The polini only variator is not enough, I have ordered the complete kit this afternoon
Foxsden Said:
on August 18, 2009 at 06:07
LOL… I wondered how long it’d take. If you’re going to do it – do it all.. Let us know how you get on and make sure you buy a proper crimper tool for the wire connectors on that CDI unit. If you don’t get a good connection it’ll play up and you’ll end up pulling it all out which is a real ball-ache. YOU CAN NOT USE PLIERS TO CRIMP THE CONNECTORS.
Anonymous Said:
on August 19, 2009 at 08:22
BALL-ACHE!? Hey? LOL! What could you possibly know aboit ball-ache Hehe…? But ye thanx will be investing in a crimper this eve since last night my kit arrived. Would have fitted it last night but I went to go see Pearl Jam at the O2, was pretty good but I exspected better.
Zoomerdude Said:
on August 19, 2009 at 20:32
HEEEEELP!!! I bough tthe kit and it says I must use the weights that are in the kit… Is this a must??? OR can I keep the heavier weights that came with thte variator??
The variator weights are 6.3g and the weights that came with the kit are only 4g
Foxsden Said:
on August 20, 2009 at 05:08
Just follow the instructions in my blog post above and you won’t go wrong or be disappointed. You can’t and wouldn’t want to use the rollers you’ve got.
Foxsden Said:
on August 20, 2009 at 05:10
(Instruction No. 2 above)
Zoomerdude Said:
on August 24, 2009 at 19:18
AAaaww man, the past weekend was an absulute blast. Four Dutchmen, 9 Englismen, 1 Aussie and a South African got together to create the worlds first intercontinental Zoomer meet. And did it go down a storm?
Well… ofc it did. Met up at the Queens pub in Regents park at 14:00 on saturday, had a bit of a drive round London showing the dutchies the capital. We then stopped over at a rather “dark” little hole in Soho called “The Garlic and Shots” for a thirst quencher before heading home. On Satuday morning met up again rounds-a-bout 12:00 for another wee drive round town. before the Dutchies had to head back home to Amsterdam again.
Myself and another Eglishman who I will only name as “Darthbuzz” thought it would be a nice gesture to our foreign friends if we took the ride with them at least to the ferry in Harwich. Yes it was a long UBER long ride, but I can add equally enjoyable.
All I can say Fox is: “Wish you where there”
With that I would also like to add that any that are interested in any future London and international zoomer meets plz visit:
http://totalruckus.com/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=56&sid=c9a312beed528aca14827746f6395346
Zoomerdude Said:
on August 24, 2009 at 19:20
Oops the Seconds Saturday was ofc actually really Sunday but hey there you go hey…
Zoomerdude Said:
on September 4, 2009 at 16:55
Hey!…. HallOOOOOOooooo…. enybody there? Or has this forum stopped?
foxsden Said:
on September 4, 2009 at 17:05
Hey dude.. I’m here, sorry I forgot to reply to your last comment. That sounded wicked, Harwich isn’t far from me either I just wish I hadn’t been sat still on the M25 while some idiots decided to crash into eachother on the way back from the airport. Let me know if there’s another meet and I’ll try and make it – GOt to keep the girl quota up!
Zoomerdude Said:
on September 4, 2009 at 17:43
Pheew youre still alive thought forum ran dry… guess not
Yo Yo there is most definitly a meet coming up aka. “The Dam”
http://totalruckus.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=38015
foxsden Said:
on September 4, 2009 at 18:02
LOL.. it’s not a forum! Just a comments box on the end of a blog post! I’ll check out that link.. cheers
Zoomerdude Said:
on October 20, 2009 at 13:32
My latest mod: http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt175/zoomerdude/PICT2645.jpg
Zoomerdude Said:
on October 20, 2009 at 20:02
oops here:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs225.snc1/7227_163913632273_697402273_3342855_2725311_n.jpg
Mario Bang Said:
on November 6, 2009 at 19:12
Interesting stuff as I am thinking of getting a zoomer. Will it go in the back of a ford galaxy or will it bust the thing?
Have any of you considered a Yamaha-ha Giggle as an alternative?
Masser
foxsden Said:
on November 7, 2009 at 06:42
Hi… Sorry I’ve never owned a Ford Galaxy, I guess if it went in standing up then you could… Although in my opinion to put a Honda Zoomer inside a Ford Galaxy would be like wrapping a Porsche in a Turd – you just shouldn’t do it.
Re the Yamaha Giggle – I did see those at a bike show but that MASSIVE seat and storage space under it put me right off… it looks like it has a big fat ass. I don’t think it’s comparable in coolness by a long shot
Zoomerdude Said:
on November 13, 2009 at 18:12
Just thought I’d ad this for those interested in meeting up rugularly:
http://totalruckus.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=40740&p=639614#p639614