jet kit install .. help?

[ForbidInjustice]

I got this Vance&Hines Stage 1 jet kit.. and I've been putting off installing it, so I can read the service manual, search the forum, and read up on carb synchronizing online. Today I pulled off the airbox to get a hands-on look at the carbs, so I can see where it all is, and I ran into a few questions.

1. Do I have to pull the carburetors completely off of the engine? The float and jets seem to be on the underside, but I'm not sure..
2. One of the instructions states "Locate the needle shrouds provided. With cutaway facing up and towards the engine, use the shroud tool provided to press over stock needle jet." I'm having trouble understanding that.. if anyone needs a scan of these instructions, I can do that.
3. Is there a mixture screw [and plug that I need to drill through] on every one of the four carburetors?
4. Can I sync the carbs with a regular old vacuum gauge that I get from Auto Zone? I want to make sure, before I buy it.. because I can't return it when I'm done..


I pulled out the assembly from Carb#3, and it seems that I put it back in correctly, but the bike had a real hard time starting, and it hesitates when i ride.. almost feels like a cylinder misfire.. [almost.] Anyone know what I screwed up? It had to be in the jet needle assembly, because that's all I messed with! Maybe I turned the jet needle?

Vance&Hines has proven to be unresponsive in their customer support.. so the advisements of you all are much appreciated.

Ride on wind!

[Clint]

1. Usually it's just easier. I don't know if it can be done in the bike for yours, but I much prefer to work on a clean, well lit area where I won't lose parts.

2. Not sure. On mine I replaced the jets entirely.

3. Usually, yes. That's another reason you'll want to take the carb bank out. You don't want to mess up the screw heads.

4. That's usually considered the most accurate way. That's what I use.

What did you all mess with on #3?

[ForbidInjustice]

All I did on #3 was pull off the carburetor top cap.. pulled out the piston valve return spring, and pulled out the jet needle assembly. I didn't take the assembly apart. I reinstalled it all how it was before. It feels like that carburetor isn't getting any fuel, or not the right amount of fuel.

[ForbidInjustice]

I'm running out the door to work, but I thought I'd post real quick-like.

Last night I laid down around 0300 and got an epiphany! I said that right after I lift the tank, I'll check the airbox hoses first. Easy things like that usually get me. Today I lifted the tank, and BOOM, the airbox hose in front wasn't hooked up. I guess the carbs were gasping for air, but couldn't get it. Now the bike runs perfectly again. Well, actually, it runs like it did before.. heh

At least I know that the carbs aren't as sensitive to touch as I originally thought, which eases my mind about working with them. Even though my diagnosis was off.. way off.. I learned something today.

I'll be attempting to put that jet kit on soon.. I appreciate your reply; more to follow.

[87gsxrnut]

1. Do I have to pull the carburetors completely off of the engine? The float and jets seem to be on the underside, but I'm not sure..

YES

2. One of the instructions states "Locate the needle shrouds provided. With cutaway facing up and towards the engine, use the shroud tool provided to press over stock needle jet." I'm having trouble understanding that.. if anyone needs a scan of these instructions, I can do that.

Scan please

3. Is there a mixture screw [and plug that I need to drill through] on every one of the four carburetors?

YES

4. Can I sync the carbs with a regular old vacuum gauge that I get from Auto Zone? I want to make sure, before I buy it.. because I can't return it when I'm done..

Get a M/C carb synch tool. You need to have ALL 4 carbs running at once on the tool to accurately measure and adjust the synchronization.

- Nut

[Clint]

Dre, I meant that I use a set of mercury sticks, like 'Nut said. I read too quickly the first time.

[ForbidInjustice]

Roger that, sir.. scan provided. Regarding the "needle shrouds", it's Figure B that I don't understand at all. Doesn't that thing look like a pencil?!

Getting the carbs off seems easy, but the TPS and throttle cable "assembly" is attached. Will I have to adjust it when I put it back on?

I am having loads of trouble finding a motorcycle sync tool. I looked on eBay and only found this item. That's only for 2 of the carbs, though. I'm doing online searches now for a good set of mercury sticks, or a 4-gauge tool at a decent price. I don't want to spend a hundred bucks on it, being that this is the last carbureted vehicle that I'll probbaly ever own...

[87gsxrnut]

Bring it down here if you want.

- Nut

[burms]

This is a get tread. Iam thinking about putting a jet kit in my 02 1200 bandit. But I am not sure I need one. I just installed a yoshi full exhaust and it seem to run fine. I live in colorado and tend to be rich anyhow. I want to put a 5 degree ignition advancer on. I think this might require a kit. Any thoughts? Get site hope to post more!

[Clint]

Being up where you are, you can get away without a jet kit. But you'll probably see some good gains from one anyway.

Check out Holeshot's kits. Dale is a regular at another forum and offers great personalized help if you need it.