Question before I make things worse...

[Anonymous]

On my bike, at higher speeds/RPM's (above say 40 MPH) the right side kind of spits occasionally (for lack of a better word). It is like a backfire, but sounds like it is coming from the tailpipe instead of the carbs. There is a loss of power associated with the occurance as well. I am thinking maybe the mixture is too lean at the higher RPM's and should turn the mixture screws out a 1/2 turn or so on the #3 & #4 carbs. This is only happening on the right side. Thoughts?

[gspaul]

The mixture screw only has controle over the first 1/4 of throttle opening,check for air leak's at your carby intakes ,one at a time spray a mist of water on them with the motor running.
If there is a leak that cylinder will misfire.
Make sure your ignition timeing,spark plug's, and valve clearance's are good,and your air filter is clean.

[earlfor]

My best guess is that the ignition timing is not the same between the 1,4 and 2,3 sides.

Earl

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies! I wasn't aware that the timing was set independently for the two sides. I need to read up on the procedure as I recall reading that connecting a timing light to the bike battery was not a good thing to do.

[earlfor]

Powering your timing light directly from battery will not hurt anything.

Earl

Thanks for the replies! I wasn't aware that the timing was set independently for the two sides. I need to read up on the procedure as I recall reading that connecting a timing light to the bike battery was not a good thing to do.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm...I wonder where I thought I read that. Anyway I will go pick up a Clymer manual and give it a try. My Haynes manual is written in the Queen's English, and is driving me crazy (no offense to the UK crowd). I called the local bike shop to describe the problem and see what they would say..."Oh that is definately the carbs...1 1/2 hours labor per carb plus parts"...was the reply. I will check the timing this week. Thanks Earl!

[earlfor]

As you said, you didnt know 1,4 and 2,3 were timed independently, so I can almost guarantee you dont have them the same. :-)

You have two cylinders saying, HEY, lets GO!, and then ya got two saying, Uhhhh nope, not now, maybe later. LOL

Earl

I called the local bike shop to describe the problem and see what they would say..."Oh that is definately the carbs...1 1/2 hours labor per carb plus parts"...was the reply. I will check the timing this week. Thanks Earl!