Mike's XS Carbs

Hey there, New here.
I'm Russ

I just finished up installing the PWK carb kit from MikesXS, Thought I'd share my thoughts.

I installed them on a basically bone stock 1981 XS650H that had a pin hole in one of the CV carb diaphragms.
stock pipes, stock engine, stock ignition, etc.

Kit was missing: Fuel line, fuel line "T", Crank case breather, and petcock.
Not a huge deal, but I feel that MikesXS should have at least been mentioned this.

Got some fuel line from the local cycle shop
a 1/4" brass "T" from ACE Hardware
Fashioned a breather out of some clear vinyl tubing and a piece of UNI filter foam
and ordered a non vacuum petcock from mike's.
The Band clamps were flimsy at best, so I upgraded to some heavier stainless hose clamps.

Otherwise, everything went smoothly. Hardest part of the install was figuring out the routing of all the hoses and cables.
I used the jets that came in the carbs and adjusted the screws 'till it idled properly.
took it for a ride and was immediately impressed.
Just a tiny bit flat off idle (not bad at all), otherwise, improvement through every rpm
...It's a different bike. I'm happy.

I wasn't sure how all this was going to go, and am relieved that it worked out. I almost bought replacement diaphragms for the old carbs (it would have been cheaper). I am glad I went with the new carbs.
Ultimately, I feel it was worth the extra money and time. solid upgrade.
Just thought I'd share.
-Russ

Welcome to the site, Russ.
Thanks for letting us know about your success with this change to your bike. The PWK carb set is subject of much controversy on this site.
Check back with us after your first few tanks of gas have gone through them and tell us that they are still great!

Hi Russ and welcome,
congratulations! Yours is just about the only post about Mikes PWKs that didn't slag 'em.
As lakeview sez, let us know how they are after they burn a few tanks of gas.

They may be different now compared to the ones they used to sell, "improved" maybe. Those early ones were pretty bad by most accounts. The issue seemed to be poor manufacture and machining. The parts didn't fit together right. Slides stuck and floats hung up. No amount of tuning in the world can fix that. When an ace mechanic like MrRiggs threw the towel in on those things, that should tell you something. If he couldn't fix 'em, the average guy has about a chance in Hell of doing so, lol.

I have them on my 79 special and love them. Learned long ago to form my own opinions about things like this.

Welcome Greasy Harly,

Nice to share about these carbs as they have had such a bad rep from their bad machining in the past and and on such a controversial subject in your first post...

Post some pics of your bike and tell us a little about it and yourself, an obviously accomplished carb guy and they are always welcome here..........Again welcome

I honestly don't know how many tanks of gas I can burn this year, as they are already talking about snow in these parts. I did get a chance to ride a bit more and am still pleased.
I'll keep you posted.

Pics or it didn't happen.........

Had to move some snow to get the bikes out, but I thought I'd post a preliminary update and some pics.
I plugged in the battery, set the chokes, turned on the fuel and it fired in about 3 cranks. Didn't get very far but it seems to still be happy. Once some of this white stuff melts, I'll lay down some miles and update this post.
...I'm done with winter. I want to ride.

Update:
Haven't had much time to ride this year but, two tanks of gas through the bike so far and it seems to be running just fine.
still happy

I took the ol' 650 out for a spin today and remembered this thread.
a few hundred miles and a full year later
...It still runs great, no problems.
What a fun little bike, it makes me smile.
-Russ

Please check fuel usage, MPG, for us. Also a pic of plugs would help convince non-believers! Inquiring minds need 2 know!!!!