Carb help

[vincemoccio]

I've been having on and off carb issues. I have pod filters and non-baffled straight pipe exhaust. Recently installed Hugh's hand build PMA. I have Bs38s and on my 1978. Main jet = 145. Pilot = 35, I changed both. Mixture screw is at 2.25 turns. At first, my bike would not idol correctly, it would start then die. I pulled the carbs, cleaned the living heck out of them. Now, bike fires up perfectly but when I shift through the gears it looses significant power. Suggestions?

 

[DogBunny]

First, I will assume that you cleaned your carbs properly. This is a big assumption, BS38 carbs are very tricky and it is easy to screw up. The PMA has nothing to do with your carbs/engine/performance.
35 is way too big a pilot. If you have a 1978 carb set, they should be 30, period. Your mains are good.
Finally, and I don't care what anyone else says, you will always have flat spots and power problems until you install baffles in your straight pipes. Here is a link to simple home-made baffles that work:
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26822