pod filters and carb jetting

[Pat Conlon]

In that case, get a couple sets   They're not terribly pricy.  A set of 125's and 120's, some shim washers for the needles, and a set of 42 pilots should cover a pretty wide variety of bases.

.....and, for ease of mailing, they can fit in an envelope.

[Lotsokids]

I ordered 122.5 Mains, 42.5 Pilot jets, and bowl gaskets today. Only $2.59 for shipping here to Hungary. We'll see if Budapest customs steals anything...

Thanks, Randy @ RPM. If this shipment goes without a hitch, I might have found a new way to get parts!

[Lotsokids]

I just got the parts, Randy. THANK YOU!!! Due to other circumstances, I won't be able to open my carbs and install them for a while...

[carsick]

...

Is it another kid or the new Camaro?

[Lotsokids]

Is it another kid or the new Camaro?

YES. Ha ha. Just kidding - my bike has been at the shop for my inspection and front tire installation. They are not in a hurry to do ANYTHING here.

[Lotsokids]

Yesterday I installed my pod air filters. This weekend I plan on installing the new main and pilot jets into the carbs. 

I pushed it kind of hard on the highway today. I noticed a boost in power at high RPM. MAN, this thing pulls HARD!!! Plus the deafening sound of my 4 carbs sucking a LOT of air.

[carsick]

I noticed a boost in power at high RPM. MAN, this thing pulls HARD!!!

I'm guessing the V-max makes most of it's power below where the FJ starts to holler at 7K?

[Lotsokids]

I noticed a boost in power at high RPM. MAN, this thing pulls HARD!!!

I'm guessing the V-max makes most of it's power below where the FJ starts to holler at 7K?

The V-Max has the V-Boost system that kicks in at 6,000 RPM. So instead of 1 carb feeding it's respective cylinder, a valve opens that connects a manifold between the front and rear cylinders. At that point 2 carbs feed each cylinder. So it does pull even harder just after 6,000 RPM. And you could probably pull tree stumps with the torque it puts out.

[andyb]

And if you tweak the wiring on it, you can have it open at 3k instead of 6k.

And if you really want, you just bypass the lot and make it manually switchable.  Gives the bike one hell of a mean sounding idle, very lumpy due to the excessive double carburetion, though mileage goes to shit.

Even so, an FJ should just walk away without half trying.  The max feels fast, and at the top of fourth gear is terrifying.  The FJ is bored and relaxing, so even at 150mph you're looking for another gear.


Makes for one hell of an engine in a Venture, though.  Just stick the intake bits on, and you have a touring bike that can actually get up and move!

[Dan Filetti]

The V-Max has the V-Boost system that kicks in at 6,000 RPM. So instead of 1 carb feeding it's respective cylinder, a valve opens that connects a manifold between the front and rear cylinders. At that point 2 carbs feed each cylinder. So it does pull even harder just after 6,000 RPM. And you could probably pull tree stumps with the torque it puts out.

Funny.  I've notice the VRF with its fancy-shmancy variable timing 'VTEC' system, routinely get panned by the motorcycle mags for its 'abrupt transitions' from 2 valves to 4 at ~3,000rpm, and has been since it was introduced back in +/- 2003.  From your description, the V-Max sure seems to be more 'abrupt', (2X the carbs all of the sudden, must be abrupt) and yet, it's revered, seemingly legendary in some circles.  I wonder whether it's that Honda is held to a different standard, or is this simply that the design principles are so very different between a sport-tourer-flagship and a bruiser? 

Thoughts?

Dan

[andyb]

It's not a big hit when it comes on.  Definitely noticable, but nothing like a smoker.  And odds are that with that chassis, you're not going to be leaning way over when it comes on, so it's more a happy thing than a scary thing.

[Lotsokids]

Today I installed my new carb jets and the A.P.E. manual cam chain tentioner. It runs like crap.... hard to start and stay running plus backfiring. I assumed I jumped timing since I just swapped the tentioner without taking off the valve cover. As much as I HATE dealing with that stupid valve cover gasket, I removed it, checked the timing chain with the tentioner off, but when I installed the new tentioner, the timing was right on. Maybe something shifted, I don't know. I'm still getting my butt kicked by jet lag - minimal sleep and sick for a couple days. I had to stop and get some rest. I'll install the carbs soon and try it again soon. I'll keep you posted.

I also installed a new fuel filter (a chrome and glass hot-rod type) which started leaking. Is the benefit of a filter worth the chance of a fuel leak at the 2 additional attachments I just introduced (screw-in plastic nipples on the ends of the filters)?

[Lotsokids]

IT'S ALIVE (again).

The timing must have been wrong. I got it all back together and she fired right up. Then after the engine warmed up, it started to rain. Figures...  I revved it a few times. It seems to have a more crisp throttle response. It sounds mean as ever. Can't wait to get it on the road.

[Lotsokids]

I got the beast on the road today. It pulls very hard and smooth - maybe a little more power than before... I can't really tell. It runs differently, but I can't describe how. Accelleration is very smooth, but when I hold it at 3,000-3,500 RPM while riding it sounds like it's gurgling or sputtering a little. All other ranges are clear. Is this normal?

[turbocamino]

I got the beast on the road today. It pulls very hard and smooth - maybe a little more power than before... I can't really tell. It runs differently, but I can't describe how. Accelleration is very smooth, but when I hold it at 3,000-3,500 RPM while riding it sounds like it's gurgling or sputtering a little. All other ranges are clear. Is this normal?

You are into the needle jet area now....you may need to raise them some...and your air/fuel screws need to be out to maybe 3 turns...this gave mine a nice clean transition and smoothed things out at 3-4000 rpm.