K&N Air filter issue

[flynlo]

Hey All you Race fans:

I recently installed a K&N in my 2005 GS with the restrictor ring as per instructions, and bike ran like crap, idell went way up and needed constant adjusting.  I put back in the old filter and problem solved. I am sending the bike in to have the K&N
put back in, and re-jet carbs which should have the bike running like a champ.  Anyone have a similar experience

Thanks....

[Kurlon]

That doesn't sound right... I can swap between a K&N, K&N with restrictor, and OEM, and it doesn't affect the idle.  Hell, I can run sans filter and the bike will still idle the same.  Something else is mucking you up, sounds like a possible air leak somewheres.

[Chanse]

are you sure you didn't install it and have the throttle cable pinched in some way, maybe push something against it.

[flynlo]

Yes I'm sure thanks! Anyway the GS is in the shop getting tweeked with K&N and they are drilling out and adjusting the mixture screw
So it should be good to go any day 

[REAP]

I had this same problem with my 07. All i did was install the lunchbox and took it for a spin, it didnt want to run right. My problem can be solved with bigger jets and new exhaust (getting these soon).

[flynlo]

Thanks for the feedback! Maybe the "newer" bikes like my -05 and your '07 have different carbs or jets, or settings, or whatever.  Regardless, if the mixture (fuel/02) is adjusted it should be fine.  Simply throwing in the K&N restrictor or not makes the bike run to lean.  I think that's the problem, according to my service department guys who know their S$%^ b/c all they do is wrench on bikes all day long...I should get it back Friday the latest, so I will post results!!?!?! Maybe my MPG will suffer a bit, but I have been in the high 50's so no biggie 

[utgunslinger13]

Just an FYI, I used to work in a auto shop and just because they work on bikes all day long doesn't mean they know their shaZam!.  ALWAYS take what a mechanic tells you at face value if you absolutely have to take it to one.  This in no way means all mechanics, but I've had enough bad experiences to heed that advice.

[flynlo]

AGREED! Totally true

However, in this case there are special tools needed to test the emissions and air/fuel mixture to which i have no knowledge and unfortunately must trust the allusive New Jersey Grease Monkey.   

Simple stuff like changing fluids and cleaning the chain which require no special tools I can do but I cant mess with the carbs...

Bikes are like drinking...KNOW YOUR LIMITS!!!

[Kurlon]

If you can pull a plug and tell the difference between black, white, and a few shades of brown, you too can dial in your air/fuel ratio. : )

[utgunslinger13]

VERY TRUE, those 'special tools' just make it easier and involve less thinking!

[flynlo]

Got  the bike back with KN and rejet kit and it runs amazing! Not like
Huge difference but noticablably faster and smoother pick up. Just a drop
Louder as well, like a lower grumbly noise.  Love it! I will check mpg
But who cares?!?!?