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2000 Valkyrie lacks power

Started by ckahler, Wed 04, Oct 2023, 00:09:07

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ckahler

I'm helping a buddy bring his Valkyrie, that has been sitting for the past 5 years, back to life.
I disassembled, cleaned, and synced the carburetors. It is running very smooth on all 6 cylinders, doesn't sputter or miss. But, it lacks power. Crusing at 50mph when you go full throttle the bike will gradually speed up to a top speed of 85mph. But it doesn't pull hard at all. I think my kz305 can keep up with it.
The main jets are keihen #95 and has a K&N airfilter.
I realize the mains are slightly smaller than the stock #100s.
Could too small mains cause such a large lose of power?
I don't know why the #95s are in there. He bought the bike that way as a non runner.
98 Valkyrie
85 V65 Magna
85 VT500c Shadow
81 KZ305

Jims99

I wouldn't think the jets would make that much difference. Are you sure the tubes from air cleaner are all on good? My next thought would be the diaphragms, are you sure they are moving freely and no tears, air passages all clear. I know some say only use stock air filter, but I have a k/n and mine runs great. My interstate wasn't pulling hard and found a slide that was sticking. If it's running smooth as you say, has to be in the carbs themselves , doesn't sound like a vacuum leak at all. If it feels like a lack of gas, could be petcock not opening fully.
The light at the end of the tunnel, is a train.
99 tourer
00 interstate
97 standard
91 wing
78 trail 70

hubcapsc


A 5-years-unused maybe gummed-up OEM petcock would
be suspicious to me...

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/petcock.htm

-Mike

Willow

K&N are fine filters.  I use them.  If they are over-oiled, however, they result in choking the fuel mixture and could cause a loss in power.

ckahler

I did replace the petcock and verified fuel flow by sucking on the vacuum port.
After carb cleaning, I tested slide opperation with a shop vac. All slides moved moved up and down smoothly while opening and closing the throttle plates.

Can ignition advance be tested with a timing light? I would like to verify i'm getting more advance as rpms increase.
98 Valkyrie
85 V65 Magna
85 VT500c Shadow
81 KZ305

da prez

Check for pinched fuel line.  Be sure intake tubes from air filter is properly connected to the runners.

                                             da prez

The emperor has no clothes

What da prez said is worth checking in to. Even the slightest increase in length of fuel line will cause a kink. Especially once the engine has heated things up.