Editor’s note: If you’re having trouble with that old Suzuki, BSA or BMW, Keith Fellenstein is your guy. From motorcycle tuning tips to detailed motorcycle engine repair, he can draw from a wealth of experience to help guide you to success. Send questions to: Keith’s Garage, Motorcycle Classics, 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609, or send an email with “Keith’s Garage” as the subject.
Q: Before I shove this bike off a tall cliff, I figured I should ping you on your vast experience! I’m working on a 1982 GPz550 which is close to complete, except that I can’t seem to be able to sort out a carburetor issue. It has the dreaded TK CV carbs. I have been through the carbs too many times already and all jets are clear, passages flow carb cleaner and air, float levels checked.
It has pod filters and an aftermarket 4-into-1 exhaust (I wish it had the standard exhaust, but that is the way it came). I have a Dynatek Stage 3 ignition. I have a 1983 GPz550 which runs great, and I set these carbs up using that bike’s setup as a starting point.
It has new plugs, wires, and I changed the igniter with a spare I have.
The bike starts easily (too easily, actually) and will run at lower engine speeds, but begins to die when you open the throttle, and will spit and buck when you close the throttle. Initially it felt like a lean condition, except that the plugs came out black and sooty — classic rich condition.
I have the slide needles in the leanest position, but nothing seems to make any difference. No amount of changing jets or adjustments appears to make any difference.
The diaphragms appear good and the slides do lift with the throttle. I’m wondering if the needle jets need to be a leaner size, or am I missing something else I should be looking into? Any thoughts would be appreciated — that cliff is moving closer and closer! Thanks!
— Keith Herchenroder
A: I think you’re on to something with the slides. Many times those staging kits come with new jets for the diaphragm metering too. Is it possible the wrong jets were installed there, choking down the CV slide response? If you have the carburetors set up to match the other GPz550 in your stable you could compare them. P.S. My experience is only half-vast at best … MC
