#38 Slow Jet Identification

[Stratnick]

I will start by admitting that I probably already know the answer to my question, but I'll take a shot anyway. My 2000 I/S has a custom exhaust that would possibly warrant rejetting to 38s. Each cylinder has its own pipe and there are no baffles. My question is can I identify the size of the slow jets without actually opening the carb bowls and looking? Can they be identified by how it runs? I know this question is probably impossible to answer and highly subjective. I am wanting to reset the pilot screws after stealer mechanic messed with them. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks!

[John U.]

If what you are after is to readjust the pilot screws, I suggest you set them at 2 1/4 out from lightly seated. Then see how it starts on a fairly cold morning. If it will start with no choke you may very well have 38 slow jets. If it requires the choke to start then I'd guess that the original 35s are still there. Remeber that all bikes are not the same so this is rough guessing.
Unless your air filter is dirty, in that case replace it. 

[Stratnick]

Reason I'm asking is this: Some members on here describe their Valks as running like scalded dogs, etc. Although my Valk runs well and accelerates smoothly, I wouldn't describe it as super fast or super responsive. My previous bike was a VTX1800 with aftermarket pipes and a power commander tuner, and it did run like a scalded dog! Instant throttle response and acceleration. I'm not knocking the Valk, I would take it any day over the VTX, but I want it to run to its full potential and efficiency. I know the 1800 is a larger engine and fuel injected which probably accounts for the differences I am experiencing. My concerns boil down to this - will adjusting the pilot screws to match the slow jets add to responsiveness and make it run at its best? If necessary this Winter, I will pull carbs and clean and rejet as needed. Sorry for the rambling and thanks!

[9Ball]

I doubt that tweeking the pilots (idle circuit) and synching the carbs will make the difference you're looking for.  It will help to get all the potential out of your engine though and it's definitely worthwhile pursuing.

What you seem to be describing to me is the gearing and torque from romping on the bike.  I don't experience this with my Valkyrie but I do on my Rocket 3....140 hp and 150 torque though.  Unless you supercharge your bike you won't get this type of sensation.

It's all perspective up to a point....the VTX 1800 is definitely impressive in 1st and second gears but top end and high speed cruising has to go to the smooth Valkyrie engine.

[John Schmidt]

To answer your question; no, you can't tell which slow jets are installed without pulling the carbs, then the bowls. I have the #38 slow jets in my bike and have the pilots set at two full turns out from seated, that in conjunction with a K&N filter without the use of the prefilter. I also have aftermarket pipes and it gives me all I care for in performance.