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Originally Posted by
Creativedave
Im real sorry if these are simple newbie questions so i apologise in advance, lol!!
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Firstly, don't apologise - questions are what forums are for!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Creativedave
The first is that there is a k&n air filter installed already in the bike and there is 5 holes (approx 25mm diameter) in the side of the airbox already. (This has been done by previous owner and he has put little rubber plugs in to block up the holes).
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Your bike has had Kev’s airbox mod done on it in the past. Judging by the fact the holes have been bunged up, it more than likely at some point had either a Kev mod or Power Commander (PC) fitted, which the vendor removed prior to selling (common practice). The holes were blocked off because without a fuelling devise it would almost certainly have been left running too lean.
Mind you, have you had a good look about the bike for a fuelling device? You’d notice a PC, it’s quite big, but a Kev mod could be quite discretely mounted (small black box about 3cm square, with a knob on top and two small wires disappearing off the airbox AIT sensor.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Creativedave
Is it safe for me to pull out the snorkle with this existing set up? Can i also safely remove the rubber plugs?
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Removing the snorkle maybe OK, but I definitely wouldn’t entertain removing the bungs without first fitting a fuelling device. Your bike will lose power, surge more and be far from smooth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Creativedave
Also what would the recommended co level be for this set up with standard exhausts. The co level is currently at 5 although im not sure if the previous owner set it at this or if this is the factory level. I have adjusted it up and down just to see what happened and i discovered the bike seems to run a bit better at lower speeds with the co around 40. Again my question is: is this a safe level for the bike as i read in another post that you shouldnt go anymore than 10 above the factory level.
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If it runs better at 40, then leave it at that. Richening the mixture by adjusting the CO will only slightly improve things, and even then only at very small throttle openings only. You can't really do any harm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Creativedave
Exactly what do u guys mean by "lean" and how can i tell if my bikes running lean or not?
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Lean means the air/fuel ratio is too high (too much air in relation to fuel) or in old school terms you have a weak mixture of fuel and air. The bike will surge more, make less power etc. Ideally it should be around 13.6:1 (13.6 parts of air to 1 part fuel). In stock trim XTs run in the 14's to suit emissions regulations, which is too lean to start with. With a K&N, no snorkel and unblocked 25mm holes in the airbox your bike will be running way leaner than that!
I’m certain you’re probably better off leaving the snorkel in place and keep the holes bunged up until such time as you can afford to fit a fuelling device, either a Kev mod or PC, particularly if you’re having trouble with a jerky throttle and surging.