Detuning? Need advice...

[mrprez]

So, I've been digging into the history on my bike and the PO has been very helpful in answering questions.  So far, I've learned that the bike has a trigger wheel, has been jetted and has Cobra pipes.  I could live with the Cobra pipes, but I prefer a quieter bike.  I don't want a drag bike, just one that I can ride up to the mountains and tear around the twisties a bit.

So, my first thought is to replace the trigger wheel and go back to stock.  There is no way I am buying premium fuel.  The part is about $20 shipped and would not be overly hard to replace.  But, then I am thinking that I have a really nice set of stock pipes so why not remove the Cobras and rejet the bike.  It isn't all that hard to do, just takes some time and patience. 

So, when I am through, I am back to a stock Valkyrie.  Will I still be happy with the performance?  I don't know, my only experience is with this one.  It was dynoed and shows 95 hp and 95 foot pounds of torque.  The cost though is lousy gas mileage. 

So, any advice?  The trigger wheel is definitely coming off so, what about the rejet and stock pipes?  What will I be losing other than some noise and maybe gain some mpg?

TIA!!

[Blackduck]

Couple of questions, What year is it? By jetting did the PO say if it was just needles or actual jet changes?
3 or 6 degree wheel?
Anything over 3000/3500 RPM on a stock set up will start to use fuel, Honda's great design for pollution (noise) and to save the engine when run hard (rich mixture)
98's appear to be worse in this regard.
Now I  have opened that Pandora's box this could be fun

[9Ball]

If it was truly rejetted for the Cobra pipes, then if you don't rejet you will most likely be running very rich.

My rejet for the Cobra 6x6 (Factory Pro brand kit) was 105 mains (vs. 100 stock) and needles set on the 3rd notch.  When I went back to stock configuration I tried just moving the needles out one notch and it was still way too rich.  Didn't get the plugs to the proper color and performance until I re-installed the stock needles and 100 mains.

Good luck...

[mrprez]

It's a 99 standard.  It was the original owner who did all the work so I don't know nor does the PO know how it was jetted.  I would plan on new mains and new needles.

[9Ball]

Some of the factory jet kits also came with a drill bit...I'm not sure if that was for the mains or the secondary jets.

[Patrick]

If you put it back as Honda intended,, you may be surprised at how much power these monsters really have..  Try to really find out whether the jets have been changed.. The needles are easy to replace,, not so with the jets..
As far as the trigger,, I'm not a big fan of the aftermarket units.. Just make sure to not let the pulley move,, make sure the alignment is correct..

[mrprez]

Some of the factory jet kits also came with a drill bit...I'm not sure if that was for the mains or the secondary jets.

I saw that as well.  The only time I have ever used a drill bit on a carb is to gain access to the air/fuel mixture screw.

If you put it back as Honda intended,, you may be surprised at how much power these monsters really have..  Try to really find out whether the jets have been changed.. The needles are easy to replace,, not so with the jets..
As far as the trigger,, I'm not a big fan of the aftermarket units.. Just make sure to not let the pulley move,, make sure the alignment is correct..

That's what I am hoping!  Quiet and powerful!

[JaysGone]

I had some very loud pipes on my bike when I got it.
I switched them out for a set of new OEMs that only had the pigs cut off.
The bike is pretty darn quiet now.
Really to quiet to me.
Actually I have no clue as to how loud or what it really sounds like.
As all Ive ever heard is me riding it.

There is no need to open up the carbs or really do anything.
Unless your unhappy with the power and mpg.
You could just pull a carb top and see if you can tell if there are stock needles or not???
If still the stock air filter rather then a K&N that might also be an indicator.
I dont know if you must rejet when doing the trigger mod or not.
Most bikes, no need to rejet if all thats changed was pipes.
I get 32 mpg around town and my daily commute has some 65 mph speeds.
Mostly 45-50mph for 26 miles both ways.
Plugs are a perfect color so Im pretty sure my carbs are stock.
Which is good enough for me.

[whitestroke]

I had to detune to tune.  When purchased my bike ran bad at idle and mid-range. Checked vacuum lines no help. New 35 jets got it idling good. Still stumbling at mid-range. Got rid of K&N no help. Got rid of 2 Brothers 6 into 6 and put on stock pipes and bike runs perfect.  Probably would have ran fine with 2 Bro. pipes and 38 jets.  But I do like just the sound of the wind at hi-way speeds.

[jmann]

You will really enjoy the sound of the quiet powerful valk. Had cobra's on mine when I bought it and I do lots of 100+ mile runs to the mountains. Always thought it was wind fatique when I first got the bike as I would have discomfort in my ears upon arrival. Well when I changed to factory pipes I found out it was the constant droning of the cobra's that was killing my ears. I posted my cobra's on CL and swapped with a guy straight across for his stock pipes. Never been happier.

[Dozer]

I had to detune to tune.  When purchased my bike ran bad at idle and mid-range. Checked vacuum lines no help. New 35 jets got it idling good. Still stumbling at mid-range. Got rid of K&N no help. Got rid of 2 Brothers 6 into 6 and put on stock pipes and bike runs perfect.  Probably would have ran fine with 2 Bro. pipes and 38 jets.  But I do like just the sound of the wind at hi-way speeds.

+1

[PhredValk]

I believe stock and factory tuned (like when new) the Valkyrie puts out 100HP and 98 Ft-lb of torque in the 5000RPM range. I didn't do a dyno, but I felt the bike was faster and stronger when I took off the Two Brother's 6x6's and put the stocks back on (I bought it with the 2Bros and the PO had the stockers)(and the decel popping went away, so it was never rejetted for the 2Bro pipes).
And I can hear the stereo at hiway speeds!
Fred.