Raised needles VM 26 1979 GS 1000

[jknappsax]

I raised the needles on my carbs to try and crisp up the throttle, which it did. Runs pretty well now, but what a PITA! I did them with the carbs still on the bike; took forever! Lost one of the screws that attaches the slide lifter to the slide, had to steal one from another rack of carbs I had. The clips are now in the 2nd (from the 3rd) groove from the bottom. Does that seem right? The bike runs well, has much better throttle response, idles well, doesn't seem rich or lean. I just wondered if the fact that it is in the second-lowest of six positions was a cause for concern. The screw I lost fell someplace behind the rack of carbs, not INTO the carb. I don't think it will cause a problem, just annoying that I couldn't find it. Maybe I could if I removed the rack, but I'm not worried enough to do that. Thanks.

[tkent02]

I might have tried a half position using a small washer. I have done it on the bike, a bit tight but the right tools helps. Easier than removing the carbs on that bike.

Hope that screw didn't go anyplace where it will hurt anything.

[jknappsax]

I had advice that shimming the needles with washers was for CV, not VM carbs. It feels good where they're set, just worrying about the setting being that low, but I'm not planning on going back and changing anything now. We'll see what happens when I install the dB Killer.

[Big T]

No worries, that's why there's a clip there

But, in the future, you can pull the carbs in about 15 minutes

Get a magnet and fish around behind the starter for your bolt

[jknappsax]

Already did that, but I might try it again. I spend more time and effort looking for parts I drop while working on my bike than I would like!

[mvalenti]

Already did that, but I might try it again. I spend more time and effort looking for parts I drop while working on my bike than I would like!

My dog came into the garage, and ran off with a screw for my clutch cover once.... chased her around the yard, she lost it in the grass.... Of course it was stainless so I couldnt find it with a magnet......

[jknappsax]

That's a dexterous dog, to be able to grab a screw and run away! Did it ever eat your homework!? I feel often like there is a gremlin who does this with parts and tools when I'm working on stuff.