Motorcycle Repair: freeer flowing exhaust and fuel injection, bikebandit com, stock pipes

Question
Mark, I ride a 2004 Yamaha V Star 1100 classic.  When I purchased the bike I replaced the stock pipes with Hardchrome shotguns.  The dealer said I did not need to rejet the carb.  The bike has always popped a lot when throtle backed off suddenly.  When hot it seems to idle too high and sometimes I smell fuel.  Do I need to tell the dealer he is full of it and do something to the injection or adjust mixture, change intake filter to a more free flowing one.  I dont want to damage the engine, but not sure if I din not create this problem with the exhaust change.  Thanks man, Dan Teutsch

Answer
Hi Dan,

Any changes to the stock carburetion, air intake, or exhaust requires tuning.

The air-fuel mixtures are lean causing the backfiring. The carbs will need tuned to correct A/F mixtures.

The air filter may need replaced and/or air box modified as part of the tuning process.

Learn how to read spark plugs to know if the carbs need tuned. Visit "www.ngk.com" and navigate their website to learn more. Look under "Plug 4-1-1" for details.

View microfiche parts at "www.bikebandit.com" and www.yamaha-motors.com"

Tuning is not easy and may require removing the carbs numerous times before the A/F mix is correct. I would avoid the shop mentioned in your qestion.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively