[socaljv]

OK--I'm replacing my S&S carburator with a Mikuni. I've had the S&S for 4 years and have never been real happy with it. In your opinions, did I make a decent or a bad choice. Deal or no deal?

[bikerjim1]

IMO, probably the best choice you could make for any carbureted model of Harley. I have a Mik42 and love the ease of tuning. You will too.

[socaljv]

I have a Thunderheader exhaust system on mine. After reading a little bit I understand that the stock main jet is 160 which is suitable for stock pipes. They recommend going to the 165. Did you do this or do you still have the stock 160 in yours?

[bikerjim1]

Stock main still. Just tweaked the air / fuel screw a little. Runs like a striped ape!

[socaljv]

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. Carb will be in Monday. Look forward to sticking it on and trying it out.

[maxpower_hd]

I also have the 42. It's the third one I've had, on different bikes of course. I liked it so much that it is an automatic upgrade for me when I get a bike.

[bikerjim1]

Socaljv,
Update? How's the new carb treating ya?

[00 wildglide]

EXCELLENT CHOICE...I'VE HAD MINE SINCE '03 & HAVE MADE CAM,HEAD &OTHER MODS WITHOUT MUCH MAJOR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MIKUNI AFTERWARDS.I DID OWN A "S&S" SUPER-E ON ANOTHER BIKE,NOT BAD...SEEM LIKE IT DRANK MORE GAS THAN THE MIKUNI.(MAYBE MY WRIST WAS TOO HEAVY!)

[bikerjim1]

Ahhh, I just think after owning both, that the Mikuni is soooooo much more "user-friendly" than the S&S.
Just cashing in my 2 cents worth!

[socaljv]

Sorry it took me so long to get back here. Put the 42 on and I couldn't be happier. The difference was noticeable immediately. After putting a lot of miles on the new setup, I'm swearing off the S&S. Better mileage, better pickup and all around better performance sold me. Thanks all of you for your input.

[DeathWind]

I used the Mikuni HSR42 easy kit with the Yost Power tube, Ness Big Sucker air cleaner and Hooker Step Tuned Staggered Pipes on a 2001 FXD (sold it couple months ago). The throttle response and added power over the stock CV with thunderjet upgrade and K&N filter was like night and day.

[aaron]

Glad it worked out. I am a tuner and still frefer my S&S. With a camed 88 running a Rinehart 2-1 header I'm making 83 hp and stil getting 43 MPG. Believe it or not. Also I do run Lucas octane booster on premium gas. Runs flawlessly. I started life with a Mikuni.

[gumby321]

I Have Been Reading All The Posts From This Year And Back To 05. I Am New Here And Want To Learn As Much As I Can. I Too Have Just Installed A 42 On My Fxr. Like The Guy Before Me Said "if There Isn't One On The Bike, It's A Natural Upgrade". I Have Sworn Off Of Every Other Carb. Because Of The Ease Of Rejetting If Needed. I Have Never Had To But At Times I Adjust The Main. Some Have Asked About Altitudes. I Travel Up, Down And Sideways And Have Never Had Any Problems With Mine At Any Altitude. I Ride From The Sea To Big Bear. I Can Go To Mexico And Through Palm Springs And Back To The Sea. I Have Never Had Any Problems Or Any Miss Givings About My Mikuni. So Enjoy You New Response And Better Gas Mileage. Gumby321 Peace

[DeathWind]

Ran the Mikuni with the Yost Power Tube on a 2001 FXD for little over 3 years. That in combination with Hooker Step Tuned pipes with 1 3/4" insert and the Ness Big Sucker was great. Bike was very quick, good gas mileage, and smooth throttle response. Even my reworked CV wasn't half as good as the Mikuni.