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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Couple "quick" questions...
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Message started by Probert31 on 08/11/05 at 21:00:31

Title: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Probert31 on 08/11/05 at 21:00:31

Just got a new Boulevard S40. Since the initial 600 mile service, about 150 miles ago, I've noticed a discoloration of the header pipes. After a little research, I found that discoloration is mainly due to "tuning characteristics, cam timing, carburetor jetting, overheating, and so forth, and is NOT caused by defective manufacturing." Do you guys know any way I could figure out why I'm havinbg this problem? Any troubleshooting I could do to find the culprit? I've read a few of the articles on jetting and exhaust systems, but I may not be that handy. Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, I have been having problems down shifting. Things get a little soft and the bike refuses to down shift. I had the same problem on my Father's bike, also a Suzuki, so I'm assuming it's something I'm doing, shifting late or something. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help!!!

Dave

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by DavidV on 08/11/05 at 22:11:24

The carb is tuned lean from the factory, so the pipes will discolor. Read through the archives and you'll see how to fix that. Maybe an afternoon's work, and a few dollars for new jets. A lot of local motorcycle shops will have the jets in stock. Do the white spacer mod, re-jet, and adjust the idle mixture. It's not a big deal. And you get some power for your trouble.

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by chriss on 08/12/05 at 01:33:02

when i first bought my 02 savage, i took it too the dealer complaining about the popping sounds. they told me it was too lean and removed the plug ont he carberator that adjusts the richness of the bike and set it a bit richer than factory settings. it still pops sometimes but i now have 11,000 miles on the bike and my header pipe is still bright chrome even at the head. take it back to the dealer and ask them to do it for you. they didnt charge me a cent.

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Reelthing on 08/12/05 at 05:09:25

Looks like the carb/pipe stuff is covered - on the shifting - make sure the clutch cable free play is correct - you measure the gap at the clutch lever and holder before the clutch moves - the book says 3mm or .12 in

and you are down shifting before you stop right?

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by WD on 08/12/05 at 06:54:28

Just a "SWAG" (scientific wild-a$$ guess)... It's hot out and your dealer put in the factory recommended 10W40 semi-synthetic. Take it back or change the oil out yourself for 15W40 or 20W50. New filter, 2 quarts of oil and 10 minutes of your time. The factory stuff is too thin north of the Mason-Dixon in the summer, and in Dixie most of the year. If you're in Europe, use your best judgement, lived in Spain 10 years ago but don't remember the rest of the continent's weather patterns.
-WD

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Reelthing on 08/12/05 at 09:18:25

I sure agree on the 20w50 in this 78f to 100f daily range here.

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Probert31 on 08/12/05 at 11:13:51

Thanks guys!!! That help's alot! I'll try to change the oil myself, but I think I'm going back to the dealer for the Carb mods. Will these modifications void the warranty? I paid for the extra two years and if it will, I'm going to sell it back. I'm also going to replace the muffler. I found a Dyno Power 13/4" Turn-Out that's supposed tp fit the 2005 S40. Anyone have any experience with it? Anyway, thanks for the help, gotta richen the mixture and change the oil.

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Reelthing on 08/12/05 at 13:46:44

and check that clutch cable free play

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Probert31 on 08/12/05 at 13:57:13

Forgot that one, thanks! Anyone know where to find any aftermarket mufflers? I've been having a rough time. The Dyno Power Turn-Out is sold out at J&P Cylces. Thanks.

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Savage_Rob on 08/12/05 at 14:08:00

Here's the MAC muffler (http://www.macperformance.com/store/category.cfm?SID=3&Category_ID=720), if you're interested.

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Reelthing on 08/12/05 at 15:56:07

and many places carry the Jardine # 14-4104-01 - course folks seem to like the Harley Scream'n Eagle slipon as well

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Reelthing on 08/12/05 at 18:31:55

Probert31 wrote:

Also, I have been having problems down shifting. Things get a little soft and the bike refuses to down shift. I had the same problem on my Father's bike, also a Suzuki, so I'm assuming it's something I'm doing, shifting late or something. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help!!!

Dave

I fooled around with the shifting on the way home on the '95 and then took the '02 out trying the same thing - they both will feel a bit soft and not downshift proper if you do not let the shift lever come all the way back up - so try this - as you down shift take your foot off the lever after each gear change and see if that helps - if not try letting clutch out a bit between each down shift.

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Probert31 on 08/12/05 at 19:53:36

Thanks agian to everyone for their help!! Really quick and to the point. Probably the best forum out there on any topic!! I'm going to change the oil this weekend and vary my shifting pattern as suggested, including an inspection of the clutch cable free play. I'm still a little nervous about the whole rejetting and spacer things. I'll probably stop by the dealer to see if they'll do that part, not that they seemed very interested before though. If I do try to change the jets, how do I know what's already there? I've read the specs in the other posts and assume the Mikuni BS40 in my bike has the same #145 main jet as the 2004 Savage but will I need to change all the jets or just the main? Do I need a specific package or just ask for a compatible #155 jet? Thanks again!!

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by SavageDude on 08/12/05 at 20:53:43

I have 05 S40. I did the 1/2 spacer mod, air screw adjusted to 2 1/2 turn out, and put in the 155 main jet. It runs great on freeway(75+ mph), no backfire, no blueing on the header. I recommend that you at least do these siomple mod first then experiment with other mod later.

Happy tuning!!!

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Reelthing on 08/12/05 at 22:41:00

You really only need to change 1 jet - the Mikuni bs40 on your bike uses the Large round jet - although a small round will work - try to get a large round. A 155 maybe too rich if your exhaust and air intake is still stock and/or your higher than sea level - you might be better off with a 150 or 152.5(most likely) - before you work on the carb bowl put a shop towel over the starter as anything you drop will go into the slot like the brass washer that goes under the jet to hold the needle jet tube in place, the rejet is the easy part - the white spacer is a bit harder to do, lots of words on the site about doing all three - jet, spacer, idle mixture. It really will run like a different bike - haul a$$ in fact once you open up the exhaust and air intake- it takes quite a high tuned v-twin to catch a ls650 up to about 70mph with these changes as most are dragging around about double the weight. As far as that goes lancer and woodworker have added some more serious engine mods and can most likely beat the v-twins to near 100 when they run out of rpms - can't sling that single piston too fast or it'll come out of there.

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by gazab44 on 08/13/05 at 01:37:30

Reelthing wrote:

before you work on the carb bowl put a shop towel over the starter as anything you drop will go into the slot like the brass washer that goes under the jet to hold the needle jet tube in place.

Thats wot i forgot to do...DOH! :'(

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Savage_Rob on 08/13/05 at 15:31:20

gazab44 wrote:

Thats wot i forgot to do...DOH! :'(

Well, it gives you a place to look!

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by george on 08/14/05 at 12:15:15

j&p cycles have alot of good parts. I was having truble finding an exhaust for my 87 savage and they had one. also if you go to your local harley shop they sell a powder to clean the color off your exhaust. 8)

Title: Re: Couple "quick" questions...
Post by Mr 650 on 08/15/05 at 21:09:38

Both these questions need to be placed on the FAQ, next to the Newbie notice.

Probert31 wrote:

My gearbox was quite stiff, the 3-4 change required more effort. The dealer did the 400 mile change free as it was purchased there used w/ just over 400 on the clock, so ran that to about a 1100-1200 miles to let things seat and switched to 15-50 Mobil1 (red cap). That and about another 3000-4000 miles with changes @ about 2500- 3K (miles) and the gearbox shifts consistantly. I try not to abuse the bike and hope to get a long service life, however sometimes traffic requires WOT.
This not a Harley pushrod, but an OHC design that must push oil up to the top end where it maybe subject to more heat transfer.

Intend next to mix 1qt. of the new 'bike' 20-50 M1 and top off w/ 15-50 M1 red cap or 10-40 M1. The 20-50 likely offers the best gearbox and temp protection, however word has it that the Savage oiling system was compromised in production or perhaps the top end oiling is marginal. (someone managed to kick the oil filter cover off last week, it must make pressure) so when cold also need a low viscosity to get oil to the top end ASAP, so again consider your riding style and climate, and suffcient warmup.
Consider an oil that will flow when 1st cranked and still provide the best high temp stability in your new air-cooled thumper.
As far as your headpipe goes, if you ride it, it will turn, even if you change the jet.
You have a lot of reading to do here at SS.com.