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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: plewis51 on May 02, 2011, 11:25:16 AM

Title: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: plewis51 on May 02, 2011, 11:25:16 AM
Reviewing postings from others regarding rejet I find some people stating "Needle at position 4" or "3rd position on needle. What does that mean?

When looking at the needle in my carbs there is no position locator. I have single slot for the stop clip that attaches to the top of the needle, the plastic stopper thing is next, and that is it. What is this needle at position talk?

Thanks for the help!!      :dunno_black:
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: Big Rich on May 02, 2011, 11:45:18 AM
That "3rd position or 4th position" should be followed by "from the top" . Some needles have 5 slots for the clip to attach to. 3rd from the top is the stock position. The lower the clip is on the needle, the higher the needle sits throughout the throttle range (letting more gas in = richer).

If your needle doesn't have 5 slots for the clip, you will need small shims under the clip to richen the needle.
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: The Buddha on May 02, 2011, 11:50:16 AM
Quote from: plewis51 on May 02, 2011, 11:25:16 AM
Reviewing postings from others regarding rejet I find some people stating "Needle at position 4" or "3rd position on needle. What does that mean?

When looking at the needle in my carbs there is no position locator. I have single slot for the stop clip that attaches to the top of the needle, the plastic stopper thing is next, and that is it. What is this needle at position talk?

Thanks for the help!!      :dunno_black:

Yes your needles are the best. They are stock, the slotted needles are DJ crap and as such make life miserable for people. You just put shims like he said - #4 washer for 89-00 and an O ring for the 01+
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: plewis51 on May 02, 2011, 12:32:16 PM
Quote from: The Buddha on May 02, 2011, 11:50:16 AM
Quote from: plewis51 on May 02, 2011, 11:25:16 AM
Reviewing postings from others regarding rejet I find some people stating "Needle at position 4" or "3rd position on needle. What does that mean?

When looking at the needle in my carbs there is no position locator. I have single slot for the stop clip that attaches to the top of the needle, the plastic stopper thing is next, and that is it. What is this needle at position talk?

Thanks for the help!!      :dunno_black:

Yes your needles are the best. They are stock, the slotted needles are DJ crap and as such make life miserable for people. You just put shims like he said - #4 washer for 89-00 and an O ring for the 01+
Cool.
Buddha.

What size are the O rings? I may have to put another 1 or 2 under each clip and above the stopper.
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: The Buddha on May 02, 2011, 12:58:16 PM
They are 1/4 OD, 1/8th ID 1/16th wall O rings. Very common, I believe they are the smallest available sizes.
You actually put the washer that us above the clip below the clip first. Try it. If its lean on the needle, then remove the washer and try the O ring.
That will be part #9 in this microfiche.
That washer is good for ~1/2 to 2/3rd mm, the O ring is 2 X that.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: plewis51 on May 02, 2011, 01:02:18 PM
ahh will do. Thanks!!! I have another date with the GS tonight. LOL.
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: The Buddha on May 02, 2011, 01:21:07 PM
Analyse first, dont just change random parts. Make sure you are addressing the exact problem before you even pick up a wrench.
Methodology is more important than actual conclusions. That is not just motorcycle repair, it is life. There is no wizardry, voodoo or any thing remotely resembling art. Its numbers and comparing the numbers to one another give you the exact carburetion you need. Which is why a handful of chips can do a fantastic job and give you "fuel injection".

So lift the needle if you know you're lean between 1/2 and 3/4 throttle. Ride it and determine it is the problem.

Anyway what is your setup and what is the bike doing.
Cool.
buddha.
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: 5thAve on May 02, 2011, 02:36:28 PM
Quote from: The Buddha on May 02, 2011, 11:50:16 AM


Yes your needles are the best. They are stock, the slotted needles are DJ crap and as such make life miserable for people. You just put shims like he said - #4 washer for 89-00 and an O ring for the 01+
Cool.
Buddha.

For the sake of completeness here and historical record 'n' all that, I'll just say that non-USA bikes have slotted needles as standard. Only US owners need to bother with fidgety washers, Buddha.    :cool:
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: plewis51 on May 02, 2011, 04:31:18 PM
Quote from: The Buddha on May 02, 2011, 01:21:07 PM
Analyse first, dont just change random parts. Make sure you are addressing the exact problem before you even pick up a wrench.
Methodology is more important than actual conclusions. That is not just motorcycle repair, it is life. There is no wizardry, voodoo or any thing remotely resembling art. Its numbers and comparing the numbers to one another give you the exact carburetion you need. Which is why a handful of chips can do a fantastic job and give you "fuel injection".

So lift the needle if you know you're lean between 1/2 and 3/4 throttle. Ride it and determine it is the problem.

Anyway what is your setup and what is the bike doing.
Cool.
buddha.

FILTER = K&N Lunchbox
PIPE = Yoshimura Slip On
JETS =  20/65/147.5
NEEDLE = 1 washer under stopper
Title: Re: Understanding positions on Needle?
Post by: werase643 on May 02, 2011, 06:10:37 PM
carb theory 101 complete with cute pics

http://hondanighthawks.net/carb14.htm