Question 1.
I have 2 matching 1983 XS650 Heritage Specials with stock factory BS 34 carbs-- the tin top variety. I call them, Nothin' Special and Grubby Bitch.
When I set the choke on Nothin' Special she goes up to high idle (2500 RPM) until I release the choke. If I set the choke part way the idle goes up but not as high. Choke off, she idles at 1200 RPM.
Grubby Bitch does not have a high idle no matter where I set the choke but the choke seems to work okay anyway. She also idles at 1200 RPM.
Both bike crank right up, no problem?
Which is correct-- high idle with choke set or no high idle at all? Both bikes run great though Grubby Bitch seems to be a bit faster.
Question 2.
I recently replaced the carb mounts on Nothin' Special with a pair from JBM Industries and I love 'em. They replaced a 2 week old set from Mike's when Mike's vacuum tube fell out and the JBMs solved my carb issues. Problem is: with no vacuum tube I am unable to hook up a manometer or my fancy set of dual vacuum gauges. I eyeballed the butterflies before I put the carbs back on the bike, used Popsicle sticks and have gotten her really, really close but as I'm shooting for perfect I'm wondering if there's a mod that will allow me to hook up vacuum lines to my 34s without going back to the other kind of carb holders?
Or should I just tune by ear using the dead cylinder trick?
I have 2 matching 1983 XS650 Heritage Specials with stock factory BS 34 carbs-- the tin top variety. I call them, Nothin' Special and Grubby Bitch.
When I set the choke on Nothin' Special she goes up to high idle (2500 RPM) until I release the choke. If I set the choke part way the idle goes up but not as high. Choke off, she idles at 1200 RPM.
Grubby Bitch does not have a high idle no matter where I set the choke but the choke seems to work okay anyway. She also idles at 1200 RPM.
Both bike crank right up, no problem?
Which is correct-- high idle with choke set or no high idle at all? Both bikes run great though Grubby Bitch seems to be a bit faster.
Question 2.
I recently replaced the carb mounts on Nothin' Special with a pair from JBM Industries and I love 'em. They replaced a 2 week old set from Mike's when Mike's vacuum tube fell out and the JBMs solved my carb issues. Problem is: with no vacuum tube I am unable to hook up a manometer or my fancy set of dual vacuum gauges. I eyeballed the butterflies before I put the carbs back on the bike, used Popsicle sticks and have gotten her really, really close but as I'm shooting for perfect I'm wondering if there's a mod that will allow me to hook up vacuum lines to my 34s without going back to the other kind of carb holders?
Or should I just tune by ear using the dead cylinder trick?
