2012 RSV. Got everything torn down today to get ready to finally replace my leaking valve cover gaskets! Also going to pull apart the carbs for a full clean and install Ivan's Performance jet & needle kit (FYI...they are running a 10% off Black Friday special right now that started on 11/29 and goes I think till either 10/2 or maybe it was 10/6?). Since I pull a trailer at times and have heard great reviews on Ivan's kit boosting the power some I figure it will be well worth it even tho I am sure the tradeoff is a little less fuel mileage. With carbs open I am gonna figure out how to check my float levels and correct them if needed since I have seen a few threads on here saying they were pretty far out of spec and getting them right can positively effect gas mileage. I have 4 of the K&L carb re-build kits on the way which include new needle valves/valve seats/orings as well as the other orings needed and the float cover orings. Never had any carb issues with this bike as I mostly run Non-ethenol and always use stabilizer but only makes sense to go thru them now since its so much work getting them pulled out. Definitely a good deal of attention to detail required to do this job but sick of seeing the leaking engine oil all over the back of my engine from those leaking gaskets. Have done MANY carb re-builds over the years but never anything as intimidating looking like this bundle of 4 carbs! Figure if I take my time and take plenty of pics I will be able to figure out how to get them all put back together into the bracket system.
One question.... I am at 800ft elevation but living in NC do trips to the NC & TN mountains which range between 3-4k elevation, can anyone who has installed the Ivan's kit confirm that the recommended jet sizes ended up working the best for them? I received his kit yesterday, looks like the recommendation is 117.5 on the left 2 carbs & 115 on the right side carbs. I havent pulled them apart yet but from parts diagram it appears that carb #1 & 2 both have 122.5, #3 carb had 117.5 & #4 carb has a 122.5 installed from factory. Can tell that these carbs have never been removed from the bike before.
Also replacing the 2 twinkle gaskets as preventative maintenance while everything is apart. Have fully drained coolant from radiator, cylinders, overflow bottle and the water pump in order to change that & also replacing the 4) rubber cylinder plugs. Doing engine/oil filter change to out some fresh Amsoil in there. Installing new NGK Iridium spark plugs, etc.
Will be going thru and checking all the valve clearances, not sure if I will find any valves out of spec or not since only 31k on the engine...if I do find issues I will do that at the same time of course. Hopefully everything goes smooth putting her back together once the valve cover gaskets are replaced and will do a carb sync last. Should be good to go for the next few years with no major maintenance work required since I just finished installing new rear tire (Shinko 777), installed new wheel bearings on the rear, re-packed the swingarm bearings and went thru the final drive thoroughly as well as obviously cleaning and re-greasing the drive pinions.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Heading to MN later this week to visit my Son & 2 grandsons! Oldest turns 7 while I am there and the 2nd was just born in Aug so stoked to spend some time quality time with them.