Rockin_John
Serious Thumper Alliance Member
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Posts: 1562
+36° 10' , -95° 48'
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Thanks to all who have replied so far... Though most response hasn't been too positive. As I stated, I'd thought about this far more than I had revealed, and so far the discussion has only touched a couple of points beyond my previous considerations.
The loss of simplicity in doubling parts and having to sync carbs was a given which I'd really hate to give in to, but is not beyond the realm of possibility. I've been up for the "complexity" of twin cylinder, and even multi bikes in the past, but I agree that the simplicity of the Savage is possibly it's most appealing attribute; so I can certainly understand a "why mess with it?" attitude.
I agree that 2 x 28mm would be pushing the concept to the max. And even at that, there would need to be improved flow through the head, and optimized valve timing (better cam) to realize much of any possible potential. As for having to change the head entirely: I don't think that would be an absolute necessity. I think manifolding them together pre-head would work, but the result might be less efficient than a well tuned single carb. Hard to say without a flow bench, or going there.
Greg's semi-serious(?) comment of following up with dual exhaust ports, and pipes, had already crossed my mind. But then you really do get into "a whole new head" territory.
As Slavy mentioned, not all "dual carb" systems are created equal, and I believe he is correct in that some work on a two-stage principal like a four barrel automotive carb with vacuum operated secondaries, or an old "tri-power" 3-2 barrel setup with mechanical linkage which only kicks in the front and rear carbs when the throttle linkage passes the 2/3 to 3/4 mark. And I could see how trying to set up such a "staged" system, using two individual carbs would be an extremely difficult to impossible task. I must say however, that such staged systems do have benefits. But I would dismiss any such staged system as impractical for a DIY shade-tree project, because it multiplies the complexity. So... that relegates any dual carb attempt into an "equal halves" arrangement which may be of completely questionable value; at any price point.
I also agree, that porting/polishing and raising compression are no doubt much more cost effective and direct paths to HP gains, and perhaps with little or nor loss to low end torque. In fact, if done correctly it might be win-win all across the board. The best of all worlds!
Even the possible cost of $400-$600 is not a complete killer to the daydream of having one of a pair of twin carbs angled out of the frame on each side. How cool would that look?
The real dream killer, may be in what Dr. Jim mentions in comparison with the BMW... Yes, who wouldn't love to have more HP, but how much lovely low end torque is to be sacrificed to possibly make an engine that is RPM hungry and "peaky?" Since grunt is much of the attraction of the Savage: I'd say that very little if any loss of that steady low to mid RPM tractor power would be acceptable unless it was in trade for huge leaps in HP. And even if it was wished; due to basic design limits, making the Suzuki motor into a 7000rpm cruising rocket just isn't in the cards.
But if not for purely performance reasons, but aesthetic considerations... dual carbs might be interesting. Providing that they didn't cost too much in way of performance; increased maintenance, and yet unmentioned fuel economy. I know that I'm getting little enough distance out of the small tank now, without reducing mileage by some percentage.
And still, with all these things said, I can't help but wonder...
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