Triumphrat

truebrit · 06-14-2007

Hello guys .... long time, no post!! It's been ages since I've been up at the forums, but the bike is back on the road (despite being almost sold twice due to money troubles) and I am luvin' the Speedie more than I could ever have imagined.

Anyway, I digress ... to the point.

I have put about 1200 miles on the bike since getting the pipes fitted and the AI removed etc., and to be honest, the bike seems pretty darn good.

However, when looking at the rear of the exhausts, the left pipe is considerably darker and sootier than the right; and if I had to pick which looked better ... it would be the right pipe - that side is a nice dark color without looking too black and choked up.

What do you think that could be guys? I have yet to check the plugs to see if there is any significant difference there. Do you think it could be that the carbs are out of balance since the AI removal? Would an imbalance manifest itself this way?

Riding the bike, everything seems pretty much ok. It chokes up a little under heavy throttle when it's not up to running temperature, and there is a slight hesitation under roll-on acceleration in the higher gears ... but all in all it seems ok. That said, I am not the most experienced rider and what my a$$ says is ok might not be!

What do you reckon??

enginuity · 06-14-2007

Sounds like one cylinder is running a little richer, so the carb balance could definately be the problem.

dazco · 06-14-2007

I don't think balance would do that, but i think you're on the right track looking at the plugs. If the dark side is running richer the plugs may show it, especially if it's a significant amount. I would definately balance it after AI removal tho whether or not thats it. Also make sure the pilot screws aren't adjusted way differently. If you find they're the same then it might be worth a try to lean out the side thats sooty by screwing it in maybe a 1/2 turn more. The screws are not always the same as each other as far as how many turns equals a given amount of air.

Balance would seem to be the likely culprit assuming noting is blocked in a carb or airbox, but i just don't think it would lead to an obviously sootier pipe on one side unless the balance was so off that the bike ran to what would feel like a faulty degree.I may be wrong but thats what it seems like to me. Mine has been off to a considerable degree before and i never noticed any difference in the pipes like that. But again, i'd balance it anyways because i do feel AI removal throws it off to a degree. Besides, if you don't have a balancer you should get one anyways. If you don't wanna put out the $, do a search in the forums and you'll find posts on making your own for about $3. Try the search term "home made balancer" or such.

[ This message was edited by: dazco on 2007-06-14 09:30 ]

truebrit · 06-14-2007

Thanks for the advice guys ...

I'll start with a look at the plugs later today and take it from there.

The carbs weren't balanced after the pipes and AI mods, although I did get a run on a dyno. That all looked okay with the exception of being a little lean through the midrange (hence the potential need for the TBS needle/shim mod, right Daz?)

I'll look into the balancing myself - or worst case, I have it booked in at the dealer on June 30 for a state inspection and general look over ... i'll get them to balance the carbs then.

dazco · 06-14-2007

if the mid showed lean i'd just add a shim and that should be good enough. I would however get a gauge because they'll almost surely charge you as much as it would cost to buy a gauge just to balance it one time ! And it's very very simple to balance them yourself. It takes me literally 2 minutes.