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Replacing Carburator

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by socaljv, May 19, 2006.

  1. socaljv

    socaljv New Member

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    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?
  2. bikerjim1

    bikerjim1 Moderator

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    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.
  3. socaljv

    socaljv New Member

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    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?
  4. bikerjim1

    bikerjim1 Moderator

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

    socaljv New Member

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

    maxpower_hd Active Member

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    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.
  7. bikerjim1

    bikerjim1 Moderator

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    Update?

    Socaljv,
    Update? How's the new carb treating ya?
  8. 00 wildglide

    00 wildglide New Member

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    Best "after-market" Carb(imo)

    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!):p
  9. bikerjim1

    bikerjim1 Moderator

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    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!
  10. socaljv

    socaljv New Member

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    Runs Great

    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.
  11. DeathWind

    DeathWind New Member

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    Mikuni

    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.
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2006
  12. aaron

    aaron New Member

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    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.
  13. gumby321

    gumby321 New Member

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    Yes In Deed

    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
  14. DeathWind

    DeathWind New Member

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    Love the Mikuni

    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.

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