Sliders, IMHO, are the only way to modify a variator. Rolllers flatten out, and begin sliding, but in doing so, they loose their ariginal diameter, and will not close the pulley sheaves as much as when they were new. This equates into more rpm, and even less top end. Sliders, due to their design do not wear near as much, nor loose the thickness the originally come with, leading to a much longer life and a more precise sheave control. Usually a 2gram heavier slider, than your prospective roller weight will give you equal, or better performance, with the slider.
Another trick, I don't see many people using, and it will wake up a stock variator, is to shave about .020" off the length of the sheave pin. The big pin that goes on the crankshaft, that the variator sheave rides on, or opens and closes on. By taking .020" OFF it's length, you allow the 2 halves to close up just that much moe. It, .020", will allow the belt to ride a good 1/8=3/16" higher in the pulley, about as high as you can go, and still keep it in the pulley. This all relates to a higher top end speed. On GY6 150cc scooters we were experiencing as much as 4mph increase. Since tire size was way limitted on scooters, 4mph was a BIG deal. Just find a bud with a lathe, and trim up to .020" off. But before you do, with the rear wheels off the ground, and the CVT cover off, fire it up, and make a couple of run ups to see exactly how high the belt comes on the variator. After doing the mod, try it again...seeing is beleiving.
