Motorcycle Repair: 1986 FXST VOES, acceleration problems, crane hi

Question
QUESTION: Hi Mike,
I have a 1986 softail with a mildly modified drivetrain. Modest cam, Crane HI-4 Single Fire Ignition, Mikuni carb, custom exhaust, etc. My question is about the VOES. Since I have installed an aftrmarket ignition, do I still need the VOES? I'm asking because I have a sputter in acceleration and am tryng to eliminate possibilities. Not real clear on the purpose of the VOES but the HI-4 ignition has a wire for it and it is connected. Can I set the ignition from "street" to "race" and eliminate the VOES?

Thanks,
Mike


ANSWER: If you set the ignition to race you dont need the VOS. the VOS is a switch that changes the timing of the ignition when the bike is under a load
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

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QUESTION: Thanks Mike.
I just ordered a new adjustable VOES and plan on playing with the upper ranges to see if that helps my acceleration problems.... if not. I will switch the ignition to "race" and just run at wide open throttle as much as possible... maybe I'll bring to you for the rebuld!
mike

ANSWER: Has the bike always sputtered or is this somthing new?
Mike

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"Christine"   QUESTION: Well... It ran fine until I crashed it in 2005 and had to rebuiltd it. I had the motor gone through and the heads re-done to add a little more "zip" to the Andrews cam. I was starting to suspect my HI-4 ignition but read one of your previous comments about the ignition being either on or off. I then replaced the "Super E" with a Mikuni with hopes of getting lucky and it being that easy. After the VOES change-out I will be out of ideas and looking for a place to take it. Good 'ol HD doesn't want to do anything but change oil and install chrome these days. I've attached an image of "Christine".

Answer
Since your bike has had the sputter since the rebuild I would suspect that it is not the VOS. I see you changed carbs and that didnt help. If it were me I would do a compression and bleed down test to see if you have a valve that is leaking through. Also, your ignition might be breaking down, which would cause the saem problem
Good luck and happy riding
Mike