Funny thing is the left pipe is the one that is "slightly" blue, the right is straw color. The right plug is brown and the left is sooty, not oily, just dry and slightly black. Absolutely not a hint of smoke, it ticks over and runs evenly. Both needles in the same notch both 260 main jets. Only thing left to check in the carburetors would be float level. Runs too evenly to have a vacuum leak. Tri-Spark Ignition so not likely ignition related.
Think again. That's one difference in ethanol fuel. The heat value per volume was discussed recently, it is real. Those that refuse to accept it, skate by riding at moderate speeds. If you're gonna wring it's neck, it's something to calculate.
In the grand scheme of things the power loss is not that significant . Technically, it can be tuned to make more power due to the different stoichiometric A/F ratios required. At the proper A/F ratios it has more heat available albeit with a slower frame front. It requires more jetting and ignition advance. It's not a simple task, but its still a fact. Straight methanol requires about 25% more ignition advance and about 40% more fuel and produces about 25% more power. When talking about a 10% mixture of ethanol all these values are less significant. My '06 Gen II Hemi ran slightly better 1/4 mile times on 10% ethanol It ran like crap on 110 octane leaded race gas.
Strip down the carbs. Rebuild or buy new.Needs bigger carbs
Overbore to 33mm!
If the main jets are slightly too rich, that sounds better to me. You don't usually burn valves or pistons on half throttle. I run my jetting as lean as possible right down the needles, but when the motor is on full throttle, it gets a reprieve. The taper on the needles is more important than the main jet size. At full throttle metering must be done by the main jets. You will notice that during the 1970s, every new model of Japanese bike had different Mikuni needles. There is a reason for that.
That is exactly standard for mk 11 850 with hamcan aircleaner except needle should be in top groove. Ie the leanest position.
i'm thinking i saw some service bulletin or something that changed the clip to the middle groove. FWIW, i wouldn't have changed it without some reason. well satisfied with my plug readings.
Yes but let’s remember that you’re NOT running petrol and the OP is NOT asking about racing…
Dan,
Correct, far more needle tapers available. Enough to be quite confusing, but...with guidance you can get close fairly quickly, in a Mikuni, using them in an Amal (you can) you would need to be sure of overall length and you would need to do some serious study, but no reason to think you wouldn't get there. Bonus? Apart from fine tuning ability, the Mikuni clips don't fall off as much as Amal ones do!
)
I'll see how things go with the clip at the top. I just spent a day cleaning my carbs in a sonic bath and replacing the needles and needle jet.
