Who the heck is right?? Need advice.

[BamaVenture06]

OK, I have a 2006 RS Midnight Venture which I bought new. I love the bike and want to keep it in tip-top shape. I have been changing the oil every 2500 miles or so, but recently switched to synthetic and plan on changing it every 5000 from now on.

 

Let me be totally honest and confess that I am NOT mechanically minded and have some questions about which I am totally confused. So folks, I need your expertise on the following as owners, riders and mechanics on the Ventures.

 

1) If I put the K&N air filters in, do I have to have the carbs re-jetted? I have the RoadKing mufflers, and the mechanic at the dealer said I would probably have to let them re-jet the carbs because the increased air flow will lean out the bike and could cause problems. Another mechanic said re-jetting is not necessary when installing the K&N filters. CONFUSING!!! :doh:Who is right??

 

2) Spark plugs - I have been told that the NGK Iridium plugs are THE best. At $12 each, they should be! Regular NGK plugs are $3 each. If the Iridium plugs are beneficial and improve start up, performance, gas mileage , or last longer, or something, I don't mind spending the $$. Problem is, I have been told "Yes, they are much better" by one dealer's mechanic, and "No, they just cost more and don't improve anything" by another dealer's mechanic. Also, one said change the plugs every 8000 miles and the other said just run the plugs until they give me a problem, like hard start up or engine missing. Sheeshhh!! :doh:Who is right?

 

3) Gasoline - I have used the 87 octane for the last few months and haven't seen any problems as of yet, but sure don't want to mess up my ride. One dealer mechanic said I should use ONLY 91 octane or higher in my bike. The other said 87 or 89 is fine to use. Oh brother!! Who the heck is right??

 

HELP!!!!! Thanks in advance!

[Tom]

No rejetting required,carb sync,YES. I run Iridium,they are suppose to last longer,I have 20000 miles on mine and runs perfect. My bike runs better on 87 octane..to me its a waste of money on the higher octane as I get better mileage with 87 octane. I also rum synthetic oil,some do not like it but its a personal preference,I am from the old school and was hard to convert me but I came around to synthetic and will use nothing else. Tom

[bongobobny]

OK I'm a 1st Gen'er but I'll take the first stab.

 

Rejetting. May or may not help, but I'm thinking with a free flowing exhaust as well as a less restrictive air cleaner, you may indeed need to richen up the mix a tad. Unfortunately the real answer is to try it out and see for yourself if it makes a difference in response with the engine breathing better.

 

Spark plugs. The Iridium may not make a noticible performance difference, but you will gain some longevity with those plugs. It is up to you to decide whether the extra money is worth the extra longevity. They better last 4 times as long to justify the cost...

 

Gas. You will have to try two or three tankfuls of each and monitor your gas mileage for each tankful and grade. If you run OK on 87 then by al means go for it. I have an Intrepid R/T that gets an extra MPG or 2 with mid premium, but the cost per mile is higher so it does not make sound financial sense to use the 89 when it seems to run fine on 87.

 

I'm sure you wil get other opinions soon...

[flb_78]

You should not have to rejet for the K&N's. The airflow will not be improved that much because the intake setup is so restrictive.

 

I know some guys that ran the iridiums and actually burnt the tips off of them. They reported no gains at all over the standard plugs. Some folks say they do notice a difference. I don't know, Ive never ran em. $12 bucks for a plug is outside my price range. If you do the maintenance yourself, plugs are cheap and fairly easy to change. I've only had my Venture for 20,000 miles and I've only changed the plugs once.

 

I run the cheap gas in my bike. Ive noticed no difference in performance or mileage compared to high octane. The engine does not ping under a load, so the high octane stuff is actually carboning up the head and causing more problems.

[GeorgeS]

Just run a can of SEA-FOAM once or twice a year.

 

Re-Jetting. No in my opinion, on these bikes, lots of money and work, and could make things worse if not done right.

 

Plugs. stay with the Stock NGK plugs.

 

I reccomend completly Draining the fuel tanks at least Once a year. ( or use 1/2 can of HEET, to get any moisture run out of the system )

 

Most important Maintenance, is Keeping the Throttle Linkage properly Synced.

Doing the Sync proceedure , solves most performance problems.

 

If you can find a member close to you to run you thru that job, once, then its easy to do. ( A tool is needed to do it correctly ) The Morgan Carb Tune. Just google it.

 

If you have any Specific Problems, just ask, sombody will jump in with the answer.

[rburkeen]

Were are you getting your Iridium plugs at I got mine at O’Rileys Auto Parts for Six dollars a piece. And yes they do last longer I got 43,000 miles out of the first ones I installed and have 20,000 mile on the second set. Do they run better, not that I can tell but they do a good job. Do I get better gas mileage, no about the same. But (and it may just be in my head) I think it starts better with the Iridium. Just my two cents worth. Rod

[V7Goose]

OK, here's my opinion, and of course it's the best; just ask my wife! Wait a minute, maybe she just constantly tells me I think my opinion is the best.... Oh well, it must be if I think so, right?

 

Let's take the last point first - whatever friggin' idiot told you to run premium gas is the first place you should NEVER NEVER go back to! Bad English, but you get my drift. That fool quickly showed you just how stupid he is, and that stupidity will show up in any work he does on your bike. A little on-line research will quickly show that I DO know what I am talking about here.

 

Premium plugs = waste of money. They work fine, but provide absolutely ZERO improvement in performance or economy. The only benefit is that they last a lot longer, so if you plan on not changing plugs for 50,000 miles or more, they might be a good choice.

 

Re-jetting is PROBABLY not needed. Certainly not from the K&N filters alone (but your engine will wear out faster with those poor filters). I base the statement that those filters do not change jetting on the fact that Yamahaha offers them as a standard option. The "probably" is needed because you have non-Yamahaha pipes. I have absolutely no idea how those pipes might have changed the mix, so it is possible (but not probable) that they, combined with the K&N filters, could breath free enough to change the mixture. The correct answer here is to just read your plugs after a couple of tanks. If they are not white, you don't need to consider re-jetting.

 

Good luck figuring out who really knows what they are talking about! (here's a hint - it's me!!!! )

Goose

[wizard]

The headers on the Venture are very restricted, I believe you would have to replace them if you really wanted a unrestricted exhaust. Just replacing the slip-ons will not effect the jetting, just check your plugs to see how its running. As far as plugs go, its a good idea to check them every once in a while to see how the bike is running, so just use the regular ones and replace every 8,000 miles. Opening up the intake will not effect the jetting if you don't open up the headers, check your plugs to see how its running. I use the lower octane, cheap gas and have no issues with it. As a matter of fact, its fun when riding with Harley's to see their expressions when you fill up with regular gas. Hehe.

[frogmaster]

Were are you getting your Iridium plugs at I got mine at O’Rileys Auto Parts for Six dollars a piece. And yes they do last longer I got 43,000 miles out of the first ones I installed and have 20,000 mile on the second set. Do they run better, not that I can tell but they do a good job. Do I get better gas mileage, no about the same. But (and it may just be in my head) I think it starts better with the Iridium. Just my two cents worth. Rod

 

Agree you can find em for $ 6.00 each any thing more is a RIP OFF $$$

[scotty]

IMHO it is not so simple.

Mechanic A is correct in that with increased air flow the mixture will change and it must be re-jetted.

Mechanic B is also correct, the amount that the mixture is off is minuscule and will not cause any drivability issues.

 

Mechanic A is correct, iridium plugs will last longer.

Mechanic B is correct, regular plugs will ignite the fuel just fine.

 

As I understand octane it basically increases the flash point of the fuel. The higher the octane the higher the temperature has to be to ignite the fuel.

This can be important in higher compression engines as the heat in the cylinder under compression can exceed the fuel's flash point and start to burn before it is supposed to. This will give you a "ping" or "run on" condition.

 

Mechanic A is correct, it is a high compression engine and should have a high octane fuel.

Mechanic B is correct, If you don't have a ping or run on condition 87 octane is just fine.

 

Then again maybe I am way out in left field.

[SilvrT]

In my somewhat limited experience, re-jetting is usually only necessary if you install some kind of performance headers (and I don't believe there is such a thing for our scoots).... simple muffler and air filter changes won't necessitate the rejetting. How to tell?.... run it as is (with the RK's and the K&N's) for a few thousand miles... pull the plugs and see what they look like... if normal, no rejetting req'd... if black and sooty, it's too rich...if white, it's too lean...reject accordingly. Of course, after installing the K&N's, re-sync the carbs & set the idle properly. All should run fine. (IMHO)

[SilvrT]

Agree you can find em for $ 6.00 each any thing more is a RIP OFF $$$

 

 

ha! ... by the time I drove to wherever there is an O'Rileys, my Iridium plugs would cost me about $100 each

[GeorgeS]

Are you actually haveing some specific problems with the bike ?

 

If its running good, Just use NGK plugs, and 87 octain fuel, your good to go.

 

You have about 95 HP,

 

Plugs should last at least 20K,

[az1103]

OK, here's my opinion, and of course it's the best; just ask my wife! Wait a minute, maybe she just constantly tells me I think my opinion is the best.... Oh well, it must be if I think so, right?

 

Let's take the last point first - whatever friggin' idiot told you to run premium gas is the first place you should NEVER NEVER go back to! Bad English, but you get my drift. That fool quickly showed you just how stupid he is, and that stupidity will show up in any work he does on your bike. A little on-line research will quickly show that I DO know what I am talking about here.

 

Premium plugs = waste of money. They work fine, but provide absolutely ZERO improvement in performance or economy. The only benefit is that they last a lot longer, so if you plan on not changing plugs for 50,000 miles or more, they might be a good choice.

 

Re-jetting is PROBABLY not needed. Certainly not from the K&N filters alone (but your engine will wear out faster with those poor filters). I base the statement that those filters do not change jetting on the fact that Yamahaha offers them as a standard option. The "probably" is needed because you have non-Yamahaha pipes. I have absolutely no idea how those pipes might have changed the mix, so it is possible (but not probable) that they, combined with the K&N filters, could breath free enough to change the mixture. The correct answer here is to just read your plugs after a couple of tanks. If they are not white, you don't need to consider re-jetting.

 

Good luck figuring out who really knows what they are talking about! (here's a hint - it's me!!!! )

Goose

He may not be too humble, but he is right on all points!

[spotsy]

Well, my 2 cents worth.

 

I have a 99 that I bought 5 years ago. I have the RK's punched as far as I can. I have K & N filters and I have had no problems.

 

I took the plugs out when I bought the bike and they looked fine and that was about 30K ago. I have been thinking I should at least check them. The bike still runs fine with no issues so I haven't messed with them.

 

I run 87 all the time with no issues.

 

Just my experience. The decision is your's. :-)

 

Spotsy

[Ozark]

I would listen to these guys. If it ain't broke don't fix it. Dealers often look at their bottom line when making recommendations. These guys do it for free..

[Joopster55]

OK, here's my opinion, and of course it's the best; just ask my wife! Wait a minute, maybe she just constantly tells me I think my opinion is the best.... Oh well, it must be if I think so, right?

 

Let's take the last point first - whatever friggin' idiot told you to run premium gas is the first place you should NEVER NEVER go back to! Bad English, but you get my drift. That fool quickly showed you just how stupid he is, and that stupidity will show up in any work he does on your bike. A little on-line research will quickly show that I DO know what I am talking about here.

 

Premium plugs = waste of money. They work fine, but provide absolutely ZERO improvement in performance or economy. The only benefit is that they last a lot longer, so if you plan on not changing plugs for 50,000 miles or more, they might be a good choice.

 

Re-jetting is PROBABLY not needed. Certainly not from the K&N filters alone (but your engine will wear out faster with those poor filters). I base the statement that those filters do not change jetting on the fact that Yamahaha offers them as a standard option. The "probably" is needed because you have non-Yamahaha pipes. I have absolutely no idea how those pipes might have changed the mix, so it is possible (but not probable) that they, combined with the K&N filters, could breath free enough to change the mixture. The correct answer here is to just read your plugs after a couple of tanks. If they are not white, you don't need to consider re-jetting.

 

Good luck figuring out who really knows what they are talking about! (here's a hint - it's me!!!! )

Goose

 

 

Go with the Goose. He knows.

[Eck]

 

1) If I put the K&N air filters in, do I have to have the carbs re-jetted?

2) I have the RoadKing mufflers, and the mechanic at the dealer said I would probably have to let them re-jet the carbs because the increased air flow will lean out the bike and could cause problems.

I know someone who is willing to check and adjust your carbs if needed, and he is only an email or a phone call away...and he lives in Huntsville

Will do it for free..

Spark plugs -

I know someone who will change then for you...

You only need to decide what type you want..

I personnaly would not buy the expensive ones..

3) Gasoline - I have used the 87 octane / 91 octane or higher.

The owners manual states: "regular" gas..

[VTirelli]

OK, here's my opinion, and of course it's the best; just ask my wife! Wait a minute, maybe she just constantly tells me I think my opinion is the best.... Oh well, it must be if I think so, right?

 

Let's take the last point first - whatever friggin' idiot told you to run premium gas is the first place you should NEVER NEVER go back to! Bad English, but you get my drift. That fool quickly showed you just how stupid he is, and that stupidity will show up in any work he does on your bike. A little on-line research will quickly show that I DO know what I am talking about here.

 

Premium plugs = waste of money. They work fine, but provide absolutely ZERO improvement in performance or economy. The only benefit is that they last a lot longer, so if you plan on not changing plugs for 50,000 miles or more, they might be a good choice.

 

Re-jetting is PROBABLY not needed. Certainly not from the K&N filters alone (but your engine will wear out faster with those poor filters). I base the statement that those filters do not change jetting on the fact that Yamahaha offers them as a standard option. The "probably" is needed because you have non-Yamahaha pipes. I have absolutely no idea how those pipes might have changed the mix, so it is possible (but not probable) that they, combined with the K&N filters, could breath free enough to change the mixture. The correct answer here is to just read your plugs after a couple of tanks. If they are not white, you don't need to consider re-jetting.

 

Good luck figuring out who really knows what they are talking about! (here's a hint - it's me!!!! )

Goose

 

 

If Goose says it, I trust him.

 

I put standard plugs in when I replaced mine at about 10,000 (no problem with them, I had the tank off and figured I might as well.)

 

Decided against K&Ns.....bike runs fone for me with the stockers.

 

Squidley drilled my RK pipes at Maintenance Day and it caused no problems except for a little popping on decel, but I think it will clear up with a carb synch.

 

I've run 87 gas since new, 2 up, 1 up, 2 up with trailer and never had a problem with starting, power or run-on.

 

So now that you've got all these opinions, good luck hehehe

[Silver Dollar]

 

1) If I put the K&N air filters in, do I have to have the carbs re-jetted?

 

2) I have the RoadKing mufflers, and the mechanic at the dealer said I would probably have to let them re-jet the carbs because the increased air flow will lean out the bike and could cause problems.

I know someone who is willing to check and adjust your carbs if needed, and he is only an email or a phone call away...and he lives in Huntsville

Will do it for free..

Spark plugs -

I know someone who will change then for you...

You only need to decide what type you want..

I personnaly would not buy the expensive ones..

 

 

3) Gasoline - I have used the 87 octane / 91 octane or higher.

The owners manual states: "regular" gas..

 

Do you know someone who will fill my tank with 87 octain for free? If so, I will send you the info on where to send the cash.

[Jethroish]

Just my 2 bits...

 

Original stock plugs with 19,000 miles. No missing, no pinging and 45 mpg on 87 octane.

IMO, the high $$ plugs are not worth it.

If you are not getting any predetonation (spark knock) or run-on when you shut the bike off, you do not need higher octane fuel.

[BamaVenture06]

Thanks Eck. I'll be giving you a shout in the near future.

 

 

1) If I put the K&N air filters in, do I have to have the carbs re-jetted?

 

2) I have the RoadKing mufflers, and the mechanic at the dealer said I would probably have to let them re-jet the carbs because the increased air flow will lean out the bike and could cause problems.

I know someone who is willing to check and adjust your carbs if needed, and he is only an email or a phone call away...and he lives in Huntsville

Will do it for free..

Spark plugs -

I know someone who will change then for you...

You only need to decide what type you want..

I personnaly would not buy the expensive ones..

 

 

3) Gasoline - I have used the 87 octane / 91 octane or higher.

The owners manual states: "regular" gas..

[Eck]

Thanks Eck. I'll be giving you a shout in the near future.

Bama Yama also needs his carbs checked out and posibly sync'd..

Let me know ahead of time and Im sure we can work something out.

I will not be able to help you on the Oct18th / 19th weekend...

Maybe Nov 1st/ 2nd weekend or

Nov7th & 8th weekend.

Nov 15th I can

The last two weekends in November are also out....I wont be in Huntsville.