Q. I'm running pod filters and a 4-2 exhaust. What carb jets do I need?
A. The magic setup seems to be replace the stock 68 jets with 75s and replace the 102s with 110s. Turn the needles out to 3 1/2 turns, synch the carbs and
go!
Q. I'm running just pods (or aftermarket exhaust), do I need to rejet the carbs?
A. More than likely. Motorcycles are very very sensitive to air/fuel mix. Anytime you change that mix, you have to adjust.
Q. When my bike is running, I put it in neutral and let out the clutch and it makes a rattling sound. Should I worry?A. Nope. The DOHCs had that noise in their clutch. They start doing it when they have about 2000 miles on them. It's harmless, but bothersome.
Q. A lot of guys say the DOHC has a bad reputation. Why is that?
A. In 1979, when the DOHC first came out, they had a bad cam chain tensioner. When it failed, they threw the cam chain through the case. There was a recall,
and the tensioner was replaced. The only bikes affected by this were the EARLY 79s.
Q. Will a SOHC exhaust fit on a DOHC?
A. Yes, but not without some modification. The DOHC is a taller engine.
Q. My bike runs great, but I think it's geared too low. It runs around 5000 RPMs at 60mph. Is this normal?
A. Yes, this is normal. Keep in mind that these engines redline at 9,500 RPMs. They are designed to run at a higher RPM.
Q. I'm thinking of buying a DOHC. Is there a weakspot in them?
A. Only one that I know of. The rotors in the charging system sometime fail because the engines turn so many RPMs. When this happens, they tend to knock out
the regulator/rectifiers in the process. There is a rotor for a Yamaha that is the exact same size that cures this problem, but am not sure what model
Yam.
Q. I just cleaned my carbs, but the bike still won't idle. What's up?
A. Chances are that the idle passages are clogged or partially clogged. These passages are TINY and it doesn't take much dirt to fill them.
Q. Is it safe to add STP or Marvel Mystery Oil in my crankcase?
A. No! Engine additives cause the clutch to slip, and you'll fry it. Just keep your oil changed, and all will be fine.
Q. What's better, a SOHC or a DOHC?
A. Both are great bikes. The DOHC is faster, but there are many more aftermarket parts for the SOHC. Also, due to the fact that the SOHCs were made from 69-78
there are a great more used parts out there to be had. DOHCs were only made from 79-82, so the parts are limited. There is no clear cut answer to this
question. It's a matter of personal choice.
Note: I will be adding to this section as time progresses. If you know of a FAQ, message me at my inbox.
Freebyrd
