Psychological, or more power?

[CasiUSA]

So I was giving the bike a once over just for sh1ts, and decided to take the carbas apart for cleaning and whatnot. I was cleaning them out, and I looked into my toolbox and foun the #4 washers I had gotten a while back when I first got the bike.
I decided that as long as I had the bike apart, why not pop those suckers in. I shimmed up the needles with the washers & Re-assembled. The bike is completely stock (For now ) and I took it out.
It seemed to me that the bike had become noticeably more responsive and maybe even slightly more powerful.
My question is: Is this a psychological thing because I knew the washers were in there, or could it have actually made that much of a difference that I could feel it while riding?
:dunno:

[GRU]

maybe it made a little difference but it's probobly all in your head...

if you want to find out if it makes a lot of difference, have your friend work on your carbs without you knowing if he put the washers in or didn't...then take the bike for a spin...come back and have him work on it again...maybe he will take them out or put them in...so you don't know...take the bike for another run and tell him which run was better...1st or 2nd...if you say 2nd was better and he had put the washers in on the 2nd run, then it makes a difference

[panik]

So I was giving the bike a once over just for sh1ts, and decided to wash it. The bike is completely stock (For now ) and I took it out.
It seemed to me that the bike had become noticeably more responsive and maybe even slightly more powerful.
My question is: Is this a psychological thing because I knew that washing it would reduce the drag co-efficient, or could it have actually made that much of a difference that I could feel it while riding?

[JLKasper]

I'd say that you indeed gained some small performance improvement, as well of a significant improvement in "drivability".  Just like switching to the #40 pilot jets improve idling and low-rpm response by enriching the overly-lean stock setup, shimming the needlle helps from around 3 to maybe 7k rpm, when main jet size takes over.  The actual horsepower gain is probably very small.  Of course, having a good-running bike improves your perceptions of its overall capabilities; perhaps twice as much as a good wash and waxing.

[CasiUSA]

Sweet, I can't wait till I get the jets so I can just have a bike with a more useable power band. I'm kind of new to it, and I'm already starting to crave more power.    


Hey Panik, thanks, your response was super helpful.  :nana:

[CasiUSA]

By the way, I only wear spandex riding gear to solve the drag co-efficient problem    :lol:

[Cal Price]

Life's too short to worry about why, just enjoy the feeling.

[jake42]

i can't attest to only adding the washer, but just to whet your appetite, The V&H full system, plus the K&N pod, plus the jets and washer makes a SIGNIFICANT difference.  The bike pulls hard through the whole range and is definitely quicker off the line.

jake

[JoeSuzuki]

You dont happen to have a Dyno shop around hey?? Maybe i could do this to bennefit everyone, i should try it and take my GS to the Dyno, they only charge 10$ per run.....then we would know the REAL truth.

[JeffD]

I dunno but the last time I changed my sparkplugs I swear I gained at least 5hp.     (seriously thought it was stronger though)

And my god get new jets in there.  I hated that flat spot at 5.5k and it drove me nuts.   Almost scary at times.   (going to pass a car and Waahhhhh-uhhhhh-wahHHHHH ) not good.

[The Buddha]

By the way, I only wear spandex riding gear to solve the drag co-efficient problem    :lol:

But that creates a Drag Queen problem...  
Ha ha couldn't resist..  :lol:
Cool.
Srinath.

[CasiUSA]

:lol:  I suppose I left myself open for that, now didn't I?  :lol: