Valve Needle Price Variance

[iammulva]

Hi all,

So I looked at my valve needles closely last night and noticed how groovy they are. While groovy valve needles might have been a good thing in the groovy late '70s, according to Steve, groovy valve needles are not a good thing today. So I looked at BikeBandit and Z1 for replacements. Here is what I found:

BikeBandit - Valve needle sold with the threaded bolt thingy for $33 each (part number 481745-001). Corresponding washer $1.17. Multiply by 4 for total cost approx $140.

Z1 - Valve needle sold in pkg of 6 for $16 (http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=310) but does not come with the threaded bolt thingy. Washer is $0.79. Total cost $18.

Do I need the bolt thingy?
Are the Z1 float needles the same as the BikeBandit ones quality-wise?
Most importantly, which ones should I get?

Thanks again for all your help!

Chris
'79 GS 1000E

[brutaldm]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=150898

I would HIGHLY recommend an impact driver. They're invaluable if you don't already have one.

[Nessism]

I'd get the whole float valve assembly; if the needle is worn so is the seat.

Since OE is crazy expensive I'd get some of these and try it... https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index...&category=carb

[iammulva]

I keep seeing that but I don't know what for??? My carbs are completely apart already and the only screws that I had trouble with were the float bowl drain screws. On those I used vise grips on the edge of the head to get them broken. I guess I'm in the clear?

[Baatfam]

I'd get the whole float valve assembly; if the needle is worn so is the seat.

Since OE is crazy expensive I'd get some of these and try it... https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index...&category=carb

Anyone know if these are any good....they are way cheaper than OEM and so far I know I need one...
Judging by how the first carb came apart, I'll probably need all four...

[iammulva]

Thanks Ed! That's much better! Just ordered 4 for $32 instead of 1 for $33.

[Steve]

Thanks Ed! That's much better! Just ordered 4 for $32 instead of 1 for $33.

What else did you order from them? They have a $35 minimum.

The rubber plugs on the same page would have been nice to get.

.

[Suzuki_Don]

I got halfway through ordering 4 sets of needles and seats from them until I saw they wanted $59 for postage to OZ. Then I backed out.

[iammulva]

I don't know what those are for, my carbs don't have any rubber plugs. I got the half-moon seal thingies for the valve cover(?).

Chris

[Suzuki_Don]

I think he owns a GS1000 with VM carbs so needs the first item on the list from partsNMore for the GS1000 carbs.

https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.php?model=gs&category=carb