Volusia - worried about running lean/rich - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Newman · 10-11-2007, 10:23 AM

I bought a '03 Volusia last week which had V&H cruzer pipes and the airfilter and the other part (I'm not sure what it is, sorry!) on the opposite side of the engine removed. When I asked about the filter the guy pointed out the new filter (looks like a small circular drum) hidden up under the fuel tank. He also mentioned that he'd rejetted the carb when he replaced the filter. I love the look - a lot cleaner than the OEM condition.

The cruzer pipes are too loud for my taste so I replaced them with the stock pipes. Since doing so I've stumbled across posts that suggest there's a fine balance between running rich and running lean (both bad, but lean worse, right?) and that changing the exhaust can upset that balance. The guy that sold me the bike was a mechanic (car!) and sounded like he knew what he was doing. If I assume that he had correctly rejetted the carb for the combined filter and exhaust modification is it likely that reverting back to the stock pipes will upset the air/fuel mix to the point where I need to be concerned about engine damage?

Obviously he might not have rejetted the carb correctly and it might already have been running rich or lean which basically means I've no idea where I am on this. I understand from reading other posts that checking the plugs might be a good indication of where I am currently running: black - rich, white - lean and tan -correct mix. The stock pipes have been back on the bike for about 150 miles, is this enough to give me a reasonable indication?

The bike runs really smoothly, it needs some choke first thing but once warmed up run really well. It's done 4,700 miles. Obviously I LOVE this bike (even after 1 week) and the last thing I want to do is damage it - it is my first. The collective wisdom of the forum would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

David