I am going to make this as simple as possible since I am still learning the R*.

I used to have Roadhouse 2-1 and a K/N Air Filter set up (Not stock box). The bike was jetted and ran great when I bought it.(((I do not know which jet kit or what the clips are at, I have not dug into it before since it was running fine.))) Recently I went to Bub Stubbies and the Air Filter Mod like Loko's. The bike still ran great for about a month. No backfire, no loss of power, no stalling - all was great.

Then I took a trip down to Florida where the weather was a lot warmer than what it has been here and the bike seemed to show it. After the three hour trip when riding in the city traffic my bike started to backfire when I would shift gears.

I toughed it out down there but now that I am home I am not sure where to start. Jetting - Leak somewhere?

I still have no loss of power but when I pull the clutch in while driving normal it sounds like an M-80 going off through the exhaust. If I wind the gears out (like when I get on the highway) then I do not get the pop. Also when the bike is cold in the morning it does not pop until about 15 minutes into the drive.

Any help?

I think you know where to start from the sounds of it. First the exhaust (it's easiest) do the smoke test aroun the exhaust ports and pipe seems as well as the AIS block offs if you have done that. Then check the intake manifold by spraying wd-40 on it while it's idling to see if your idle speed changes (these manifolds are known to crack). A leak sounds more likely than a jetting problem, what do the plugs look like?

I haven't taken the plugs out yet but I think I am going to do the smoke test then manifold. I am getting plugs today and this is going to be my weekend project. I guess I will chime back in after I knock those tests out.

Another quick test in addition to the smoke routine, is just run your finger up behind the exhaust flanges, if it's been leaking, then most likly you will pick up some carbon buildup on your finger..Do this on a cold engine...

Did it start to vibrate noticably more at certain engine speeds where it didn't before?

Rayjay wrote:
Did it start to vibrate noticably more at certain engine speeds where it didn't before?

Nope no real vibrations other than the normal. Nothing while riding really.

Joe, I sent you a P/M about weather you still had your RoadHouse 2-into-1 exhaust & if you'd be willing to sell it. Please shoot me back a P/M.

So I checked the exhaust and I do have a laek at the rear hear and exhaust. When I was putting the pipes on I didn't use a gasket, should I have??? If I need a gasket can I just use the silicone gasket stuff or is there one specific I have to order? Also did the WD-40 and no manifold problem (just being on the safe side).

Side note - I called 8 Advance Auto and AutoZone's here in the area and none of the had the Iridium NGK 7803. I actually had to order them from out of town but they came in last night. Didnt think they would be that hard to find.

There's a copper "crush gasket" that you need for the headers.

There are a few options other than OEM....somebody will chime in here?

Did you check the front? Is there a copper gasket in there?

I wouldn't use silicone.

MS07

The old gasket is probably still inside the exhaust hole. If not you do need to get one. Silicone won't work. Any Yamaha dealer should have the correct gasket. If it is in there pull it out and flip it over and loosen everything back up including the mounting bracket, and retorque at the heads first. Tighten the frame mounting bolts last.