A couple of questions on Desmogging

[ValkFlyer]

I’m starting to get considerable deceleration popping on my 2000.  It has 110K on it now.  I’m considering desmogging but since it’s a California bike I’d like to know what issues might result and or what else I’ll need to consider.  I’m capable with tools just not overly interested in spending time where I don’t need to.  One of my concerns is will desmogging throw off the air/fuel mix?  


Also, have any of you tried the used the stealth desmog kit.  It seam a bit odd that you’d only be addressing the areas with the broken reeds only verses just plugging all of them?

Thanks

[Pete]

Have not used the desmog kit - so no comment there.

If the Pair valve is still functioning, I would just check the vacuum hoses for leaks and replace as needed.
If the Pair valve is bad then I would desmog.

Also check that the header bolts are snug and the exhaust seals are  working properly.

That may resolve the popping.

Carb mixture is not affected as you are only removing air from the exhaust headers by desmoging.

[Farther]

+1 to what Pete is saying.  I too live in CA and haven't done the desmog in fear of any new smog check stuff that might be required in my rural county.  I would sincerely hate to have to re-install the smog equipment to pass a visual check.

[donaldcc]

  BigMac did mine.  good to get rid of all that extra crap. can't imagine that smog check would be retroactive like that or that person inspecting would have a clue about what was done.

  nice to get rid of all that extra rubber hose waiting to fail.

[ValkFlyer]

Have not used the desmog kit - so no comment there.

If the Pair valve is still functioning, I would just check the vacuum hoses for leaks and replace as needed.
If the Pair valve is bad then I would desmog.

Also check that the header bolts are snug and the exhaust seals are  working properly.

That may resolve the popping.

Carb mixture is not affected as you are only removing air from the exhaust headers by desmoging.

Thanks Pete, I've addressed the vacuum hoses, seals and exhaust bolts are snug.  Looks like it's time for the desmog.

Farther, that's the primary reason i've been putting up with it and is one of the reasonsI asked about the Stealth Kit.  At least with that all would still be in place and look functional..

Thanks for the input donaldcc.

[salty1]

ValkFlyer what exhaust system and airfilter do you have? I've done the stealth desmog and it's a PITA, but works. The shiny desmog is my preference. In CA, do all vehicles need to be emission tested regardless of age? Also, have you ever used a good dose of Chemtool or Techron to clean your carbs?
Too many questions, I know. 

[ValkFlyer]

ValkFlyer what exhaust system and airfilter do you have? I've done the stealth desmog and it's a PITA, but works. The shiny desmog is my preference. In CA, do all vehicles need to be emission tested regardless of age? Also, have you ever used a good dose of Chemtool or Techron to clean your carbs?
Too many questions, I know.  

I run Mark T's exhaust and a K&N. There's been some talk of emission testing bikes but nothing as of yet.  As far as Techron goes.  I work for the company that developed and sells it.  People can say anything they want but anyone who really knows the product won't put anything else in their engine.  When I can't buy it in my gasoline I add it, but that's only an issue when I travel out of state.  I gaurantee you there's not an ounce of crap in my carbs.  

What is it that you found to be a PITA about the Stealth install?  How long have you had it installed?

Thanks for taking the time salty1.

[salty1]

The PITA is putting the existing emission tubing back into the new rubber couplings which goes on after you have installed the metal plugs in the PAIR valves even with the fuel intake tubes off. The instructions encourage the use of some lube, but I had two tubes that were quite difficult on the right bank as I recall (#1 and3). I eventually did a shiney desmog because I wanted to install a Dan Marc electronic shutoff valve and needed the PAIR valve space to install it.

I'm not sure how you have your pilots adjusted, but 2 1/4 turns wouldn't be too much for your air and exhaust setup IMO. 

I can't believe they would want to test 10 year old or older cycles. They must need something to do! 

[AZdougness]

I just installed XF6's desmog kit and I am extremely happy with the purchase. I use two brothers 6x6 exhaust and it was extremely prone to popping on decel, since then I replaced all my hoses and removed the ones I no longer need with desmogging the bike. It sounds like a completely different monster on decel, no popping at all. I know some people say why fix it if it ain't broken, this was one job I would argue until I was blue in the face about being the right choice.

[salty1]

I have 6 into 6 Cobras and K&N air filter. Before desmog bike was prone to decel popping at operating temps. After desmog, pilot adjustment and carb synchronization most of the pop was gone. I think carb synchronization is important and often overlooked to help eliminate decel popping. 

[Pete]

Based on your air cleaner and exhaust changes I wonder if you are running lean and need to rich the mixture.

[salty1]

The "normal" from factory pilot adjustment is 1 3/4 turns. Turning them out to 2 1/4 turns to enrich the mixture and desmoging essentially eliminated the decel pop on my bike. Others had to to go 2 1/2 turns to eliminate decel pop with changes in exhaust and air filter allowing for free conditions.

[ValkFlyer]

Based on your air cleaner and exhaust changes I wonder if you are running lean and need to rich the mixture.

The "normal" from factory pilot adjustment is 1 3/4 turns. Turning them out to 2 1/4 turns to enrich the mixture and desmoging essentially eliminated the decel pop on my bike. Others had to to go 2 1/2 turns to eliminate decel pop with changes in exhaust and air filter allowing for free conditions.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[Chiefy]

The "shiny" desmog kit from Redeye makes the engine look like it came installed from the factory that way.  But, you have to cut one of the metal tubes to get it off the bike, so you wouldn't be able to reinstall it later.

[Ricky-D]

Desmogged Valkyries have still passed emission tests fairly easy. California emission tests also.

And that is what happens, the bike gets tested.

There is no inspection to ascertain whether or not equipment is present.

What do you think they (the inspectors) have? A book with diagrams.........

***

[Farther]

Desmogged Valkyries have still passed emission tests fairly easy. California emission tests also.

Where did you get this information?

[Brian]

The "shiny" desmog kit from Redeye makes the engine look like it came installed from the factory that way.  But, you have to cut one of the metal tubes to get it off the bike, so you wouldn't be able to reinstall it later.

All the tubes can be removed without cutting them. It takes a little more wrench time.

[mmurffy03]

I lived in califorina for 30 years never ever had to have a bike smog checked and never had any inspection ever and 2 of the bikes I owned at that time were Kawasaki 3cly 2 stroke triples with expansion chambers on both of them they were very loud and blue smoke poured out of the pipes constantly they were dam fast bikes

[Farther]

I lived in califorina for 30 years never ever had to have a bike smog checked and never had any inspection ever...

You would not be the first (or last) person who attempted to apply logic to government regulations and failed.  But, that said, as air quality changes so do the CARB regulations to keep ahead of them.