Mikuni Carb Still Won't Cut It... My Bad

Since my last video, I discovered that the Mikuni will not cut the muster after all. (No fault to the Mikuni by any means) After running it over a 400 plus mile round trip, I found it to be jetted a bit too lean. Being that I have no spare jets for this carb, it was resonable to return to the CV Carb, mainly because I already had an assortment of keihn jets. If only I had remembered that before making such statements as I had in a previous video.

[Paradiselost]

We wouldn't learn if we didn't make mistakes.

[robert]

Nobody knows it all .
Stay humble man, you rock

[ZackFirstPerson]

I would have never thought about plug gap contributing to a lean condition. Nice job Dr. Tramp.

[ericgrant]

Love your humble honesty so refreshing to see someone who doesn't claim to know everything im a diy guy myself got hit by a car while riding in December have spent every day since rebuilding my bike learning as i go so i know where your coming from and congrats on an awesome and honest channel cant wait to see more. Much respect brother.

[dougschwarz]

Knowledge not shared is knowledge wasted.
Keep up the good work.

[garryhorton]

An old mechanic once told me to run my old bonneville flat out on an open road then kill the engine whilst at high speed then pull the plugs and check colour to ascertain correct jetting. Love your videos man, keep it up you’re great to listen to🙂

[FickleBoardsLtd]

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”. You’re walking the right side of the line.

[mbbeard]

Hey Brother, Since it is an older bike, try checking your intake seals on the intake manifold. I was having same issue on my 98 Evo and the seals were cracked. Runs great now!

[larrywilson]

I just found you a short while ago and really like your honesty. I love Harley’s and love to do my own work if I can.
I started riding when I was about 10 or so (mini bikes), then at 16 got my first motorcycle, had 6 or 7 since then. I’m 62 now and I t’s been several years since I’ve had a motorcycle due to kids, divorce, etc., but going to get another one soon. I’m retired now and looking to enjoy some “me” time.
Anyway I’m rambling, but I do like your channel very much and as a Christian it’s nice to be able to watch a motorcycle video without the cussing and other trash in it. Keep up the good work and be safe!

[coyritch]

I bought a springer softail in 1990...it had a mild cam and a Mikuni on it...still does, and I never had a problem. Still going strong. Can't beat the passing power of a Mikuni.

[davidinghram]

I certainly understand your frustration and am sure glad that no damage occurred during that trip. Could have easily burned a hole in a piston. Now you are at least in a safe area and can fine tune it from here. Best of luck to you and your honesty is a big part of why I watch your videos. You remind me of me, only 35 years ago. I still ride almost daily. 2011 Super Glide.

[rogereastman]

Here's what I learned from this video. Much more important than learned that you are a decent, good man with a dang good heart. I'll keep tuning in for sure. You teach me, or at least remind me of where I have been lacking. Thanks for being you.
Here's my two cents. Looking at that plug, I think it's still running leaner than it should. Of course, I realize 20 miles isn't a great rest. Just saying, on a air cooled engine I want my plug really brown. Not black and sooty, but definitely knocking down any white look to the ceramic insulator. But, that's just me brother.

[barryashby]

Have just done the same thing with my 87 electraglide evo, kept up sizing the main jet till the plug looked the same colour, running a andrews ev 13 cam, the bike has 104 thousand miles on standard bore and bottom end, still runs strong, thanks for your videos, cheers from Australia 👍

[papasquatscott]

Dude, I love your chill attitude and your willingness to share what you are learning with the rest of us.

[andrewwilson]

If you put the Mikuni back on raise the needle up one or two notches you’ll get more fuel to the engine, it was designed that way. The Harley carb is not necessarily made that way. you can download the manual for the Mikuni and it explains everything. including setting the accelerator pump how to select which jet(s) needs to be changed and how to diagnose lean / rich conditions throughout the entire throttle range . A Mikuni by the way is far more responsive than a cv carburetor, and very helpful when needing to pass. Keep going, good luck.

[peterfreund]

Good on you for having the balls to admit you made a mistake, most wouldn't have your honesty. Like watching your channel.

[maxheadflow]

While timing get mentioned, no one seems to say anything about what to do other than it is like too far advanced. Make sure your VOES switch is working. One thing to note if the motor is high compression and built with a tight squish, you'll need to back the timing off over stock. Start with at least 3 degrees. I saw mention that you have a Hi4. You can try a slower advance curve also.

[chappy]

Awesome video. I have had a constant battle with my carb on my Fatboy and you have definitely given me some direction. Good to see a humble person like yourself doing videos on here.

[antinodellacioppa]

I have a 2000 deuce twin cams, I ordered a Mikuni 42, took the stock carburetor off and put the Mikuni on.This was in 2003 I just had a problem with the carburetor, i ordered the rebuild kit.And before I had the problem my bike ran great.

[ronthibeau]

Trial and error plus honesty keys to education. Loving the channel.