adjusting carb needle shims---

[JerryH]

Ok - here goes:  97 standard, 44000 miles, third owner, Jardine pipes.  Original owner put Cobra 6pack pipes on the bike and had the Cobra "needles" installed and shimmed to the 4th setting (I was told this).  2nd owner removed the Cobra pipes replaced with Jardine pipes - that's when I bought the bike.  Plugs run rich - dark, not gray.  Bike gets 32 mpg. but runs just fine.

1.  Is it worth it to get into the carbs and reset the shims?  I have been told they should be set on the second setting from the top.

2.  If the answer is Yes -----Help!!  Need some step by step instructions. 

[sandy]

I'm not familiar with the Jardine pipes but: I have Thunder Valley Headers and my DynaJet needles are on the 2nd notch down from the top. The pilot screws are set at 2 1/4 turns out. It runs great and gets 37 +or- a bit. You might want to get a service manual. Dag has one on his website you can download.

[Rastus]

Jerry

Sorry I do not have enough experience with these bikes to help with your shim question, but from reading these forums I see that the Valks are very tolerant and the stock carbs will handle most pipe setups.

Not to hijack your thread but does your Jardine pipes have a cross over pipe?

Thanks
Bill

[JerryH]

No crossover pipes on the Jardines.

[Rastus]

Jerry

interesting mine has the cross over pipe, must be a very well done add on

Thanks

[JerryH]

Went to Rattlebars site and printed the info.  I think I'm read to give it a try.

[Robert]

Mines a 01 standard and you could have taken what you said and pretty much applied it to my bike. I bought mine new with the Cobra jet kit and pipes went to Jardines and the color of the plugs and what your describing is pretty much what I had. I still have the Jardines but put in a Factory pro jet kit because all that the Cobra kits are is needles. It sounds like they may be set on the third its super easy to check. Just pull the 4 screws at the top of the carb pull the top off and be careful not to puncture the diaphragm and put a screw into the top center and pull out the needle retainer. Get the shop manual and see what needs to be done. Now for some advice at 32 mpg thats not bad make sure you have a timing wheel in the thing and the mileage will go up and maybe even plug color will change. I never liked the Cobra jets for the same reason was always rich and didn't really do anything for power. The other thing is if you do put it to the second you may be to lean. third to rich second to lean in certain spots. So you will need to shim them about 20 thousands if I remember correctly or about 1/2 the space of one needle adjustment. It doesn't sound like your the most proficient when it comes to mechanical things so I would recommend leaving it till you decide to get a complete kit with needles,jets rather than just needles. You've got it in a pretty good place with the setup you have. Just check to see if you have a timing wheel, thats a must then leave well enough alone. If it aint broke dont fix it.