04 Sportster

04 Sportster Carb

I've read somewhere that the 04-06 sportster stock CV carb has a needle that doesn't need replaced like some of the previous leaner ones. Bike seems a little lean on light throttle and has a 45 idle jet. The idle seems rich enough but wondered if the needle should be replaced?

I am a fan of the 46 pilot. There are needles that Ken makes as well that could solve this problem.

Ya agreed, was thinking of buying a matched carb kit. I'd like to talk with Ken and find the best suited for my bike.

Sounds like a good idea, I sent him an email, thanx.

I got my kit yesterday and got it installed. What the kit called out for free flow exhaust and breather on an 883 was a 44 idle pilot and 175 main. I originally had a 42 pilot and I swaped in a 45 some time ago. I followed their directions and also installed the new needle. Wow, was impressed. I can lug the bike in corners now and it pulls like a train. I used to have to use the choke a bit even restarting the bike hot. I'd roll the throttle on and it seemed to lean out a bit even with the 45 pilot. Thats all gone now. I'm now just fine tuning the idle mixture screw. With the old 45 pilot I had the mixture screw out 2 1/4 turns. With the new needle and 44 pilot I have it turned out 1 1/2 turns but think it may be a little light. I get a little decel pop every now and then especially on heavy down shifts. The 1 1/2 turns was right between the bog and reving up but think it still may be a little lean. Any thoughts?