Well, this forum is for sharing successes, mistakes and failures.

In this case, I made a rookie mistake. I had my original jets separated in their own bag. When I put my new jets in, I assembled the carb sans main-jet washer.

The bike is all back together, and running great. Go figure. I'm definitely going to put the washer back on. I'm hoping I can do it without removing the carb this time.

Out of curiosity, what's the worst that could happen if someone forgot and never realized it? Would it simply affect performance?

Anyway, to all you noob carb tweakers to come, don't forget the main jet washer!!!!!  

( Btw, I'm reeeally glad now I replaced the bowl screws with allen head stainless bolts and lock washers. Will make it 100x easier to get off without removing the whole carb. )

people forget this washer all the time.  and it runs fine... now.
later the jet gets sucked up with the needle and slide and it starts to run a bit rough.

My stocker (as far as I know) did not have a washer on the main jet when I removed it.

Well, thankfully I was able to fix the problem without removing the carb.

It's a bit tricky screwing that main jet in, because you don't want to push on it.

Seems to be running well. I'll test drive it either later tonight or tomorrow.