Question94 Honda Shadow VT1100 I was jetted for Kansas (elv. 3500 ft), Now I livve in Colorado at 7500', When I ride into the mountains and at 1100' it acts like its flooding out at low RPM. I want to know what to change it to and how to do it, can a "shade tree mechanic" do it right with the proper instructions and care?
AnswerMike,
-the low speed fuel mixture is changed by adjusting the
idle or pilot screw just above the float bowl.
It is sometimes blocked by the factory with
a plug that needs to be carefully drilled
and pulled out. You should not drill
more than 1/8" in or the screw will be damaged.
It may have been removed already if you check.
-Turning those idle screws in a turn might do it, if not
you would have to remove the carbs and try a smaller
slow jet. The slow jet is next to the main jet
which is more or less in the center of the carb.
-The mid-speed mixture is controlled by the needle that
is attached to the carb slide. It is accessed
by removing the top cover on the carbs.
-Sometimes they have a clip on them which can be
raised to lean the fuel mixture or lowered to richen.
-Others use tiny washers to raise and lower the needle.
Also the whole needle could be changed.
-Lastly the high speed fuel mixture is handled
by the main jet in the center of the carb bowl.
-use care when working on the carb, things are
small and can break easily. Keep track of how
things are positioned and try not to bend
any plastic parts. The hardest part is getting
carbs off and on the bike.
Some links that might help:
http://www.pegmonkey.com/node/575
http://www.cmsnl.com/img/Honda_CARBURETOR_COMPONENTS_VT1100C_SHADOW_1100_1994_US...
