Simple "tuning"
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Simple “tuning”
This article is more or less a guide on how to squeeze a few more km/h out of a Babetta. From the factory, the Babetta 210 has its operating speed limited to 45 km/h. If you carry out the steps below correctly, you can get it past 55 km/h. Of course, the lengths, diameters, distances, etc. described here weren’t obtained through complex calculations; they were derived from our experience. They aren’t binding and will also depend on the condition of your engine. You’ll get the best results by trial and error.
Exhaust
The first step is “unlocking” the exhaust. The exhaust elbow needs to be shortened so that its end is flush with the screw that holds the muffler.
The muffler needs to be drilled (drill bit about d = 6 mm) in four staggered locations. The muffler end cap does not need to be drilled.
How much you shorten the elbow and how you drill the muffler is, of course, up to you. What we describe here has been tested by us, so you can take it as a starting point.
Carburetor
This guide applies to a stock Babetta, so we’ll be talking about the Jikov carburetor. The carburetor needs to be tuned by adjusting the float level. The carb parts must be in good condition—the needle valve must seal properly and the float must not be leaky. The jets must be the original sizes: main jet 63 and idle jet 35. Turn the carb upside down and bend the float so that its top is level with the top of the emulsion tube. After bending, don’t forget to check that the float doesn’t snag on either the carb body or the float bowl. And of course, replace any old gaskets (those you loosened during tuning) with new ones.
Air filter
It doesn’t hurt to check the air filter as well. This guide assumes the original metal mesh as the air filter. New foam replacements offered by e-shops have high resistance, and the Babetta may then not get enough air. If you don’t want to use the metal mesh, we recommend foam with high flow (large air bubbles) or an aquarium filter.
Clutch
To improve the Babetta’s takeoff, we recommend replacing the starting springs with stiffer ones. E-shops offer springs labeled “tuning”—we have good experience with them. You can also use Stage6 springs. They come in various stiffnesses (colors), so you can try which suit you best.
Gearing
When you’ve successfully increased power but hope to eke out one more km/h, try replacing the primary sprocket with a larger one. The original Babettas (models 210, 215, 225) have 13-tooth primary sprockets. By swapping to a 14-tooth, you can gently increase the speed. There are limits, though, and if you overdo the gearing change, you might not even get moving. Changing the gearing also changes the clutch’s engagement range and the speed at which second gear is shifted.