Someone said recently that their decals added 50 horsepower each. That made me laugh, but I'm guilty of a similar syndrome sometimes. So I need you guys to tell me what I'm imagining, what is real, and if what is real is o.k.
I rejetted to a #50 pilot jet from the stock 47.5 last night. At the same time I removed just about everything that was left in my muffler. I have the same 155 main jet I've always had. Rode to work this morning (about 45 miles, so the bike was good and warm.)
Here is what I noticed (I think): The bike does not seem to be so "snappy." Instead of leaping (or jerking) when I open the throttle, or nose-diving when I slap it shut, the bike seems much more smooth. It pulls steadilly off the line, and doesn't "feel" ready to shift as early as it did. It seemed like I was 5-10 mph faster when I was ready to shift into third and fourth gears. I tried and tried, and could not get it to backfire. From WOT on the highway, when I decelerate, I swear it sounds just like the Jacobsen's brake on an 18 wheeler.
Could one little piece of brass really change it that much, or am I dreaming?
Synopsis: Sounds good, feels good, runs good. I think I'll keep it. Unless I get tired of the noise.