First Time Jetting - Newbie Questions

[Mr. BIGGZ]

After seeking guidance from the The Buddha and reading countless Jetting posts on the forum,  I've built up the courage to open up the carbs and Rejet my 2009. The PO installed a Factory Pro Jet kit, but couldn't confirm which Jets were installed since the work was done at a shop. He gave me the left over parts and from the looks of things the only OEM jets in the box are 17.5 Pilots. I'm assuming the shop only installed 20 Pilots.

I've installed an aftermarket slip-on and want to install my K&N Lunchbox filter. So here's my first series of questions.

1. Based on the posts I've read there's no such thing as a universal setting that works for everyone in terms of JETs and Needle position. When selecting the set up that best works for your bike via trial and error, do you have to completely disassemble and reassemble the bike (tank, carbs, jets, etc..) every time? So let's say I try 20, 65, 142.5 and it runs good, but not great. Do I have to reassemble the bike take it for a test ride then disassemble install 22.5, 65, 142.5? Then reassemble take it for a test ride, then try 22.5, 65, 147.5? Or is there a method to tune without reassembly?

2. How in do you determine where to place the washers on the needle? So basically go to ACE/Orchard Supply buy a #3 washer and stick it above or below the piece already on the needle? Are these flat, lock, or fender washers?

3. My Factory Pro kit comes with needle clips are these used in lieu of the washers? 

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

[Big Rich]

1: Can't help ya since I don't own a GS500 - sorry

2: The washers that go under the needle clip are VERY small. I always bought mine in a pack from Radio Shack (they come in an assorted bag of washers for a couple bucks)

3: You might not even need washers if your needle is adjustable. If nobody replies with an answer, open your carbs up and see what all is in there! That eliminates a lot of guessing.

[Mr. BIGGZ]

1: Can't help ya since I don't own a GS500 - sorry

2: The washers that go under the needle clip are VERY small. I always bought mine in a pack from Radio Shack (they come in an assorted bag of washers for a couple bucks)

3: You might not even need washers if your needle is adjustable. If nobody replies with an answer, open your carbs up and see what all is in there! That eliminates a lot of guessing.

Thanks Big guy!

[Mr. BIGGZ]

Weekend Bump

[Endopotential]

I was in the same boat as you.  Got a lot of guidance from the Buddha, and with beginner's luck the jets just happen to be spot on.

I think the only way to rejet is to take the tank and carb off each time, then back on to test ride.  Unless you have access to a dyno machine, which would get expensive fast.

The washers can go anywhere on the needle, as long as they don't slip off.  On my 2004 there is a white plastic spacer.  I think I placed my washers above that spacer.
For washers this small, you're not going to have much variety.  Definitely the flat type, not locking ones.

Good luck!

[Mr. BIGGZ]

I was in the same boat as you.  Got a lot of guidance from the Buddha, and with beginner's luck the jets just happen to be spot on.

I think the only way to rejet is to take the tank and carb off each time, then back on to test ride.  Unless you have access to a dyno machine, which would get expensive fast.

The washers can go anywhere on the needle, as long as they don't slip off.  On my 2004 there is a white plastic spacer.  I think I placed my washers above that spacer.
For washers this small, you're not going to have much variety.  Definitely the flat type, not locking ones.

Thank you, sir!

Good luck!