Ok, so my project is nearing the end and I'm basically on the last step, which is cleaning and jetting the carb. I've read all the articles, I've searched all the forums, and from what I can gather, with the 1700, V+H longshots with the baffle cut down to 4 inches, and a Baron's BAK, I should go with a 170 main (using the Baron's kit), and 3 1/2 out on the pms to have it run slightly rich. I know each individual bike needs to be tuned but is this fairly accurate? I'm trying to do this one time and I'm really trying to have it run slightly rich.

I don't go on too long of trips with this bike so I'm not too worried about mileage. I mean, if i'm getting 20mpg and I'm shooting flames out the tail pipe then yeah I'll have some concerns.

Just wanted to make my own thread and do a final check in before I do this, I am not good at all with carbs, this will be the first one I have apart and I'd really like to do it right first time around

-Soma

p.s. I have this breather hose hanging off the back of the carb that I think was from removing the ais or installing the BAK. Can I cut this thing down? It's just kind of long and hanging between the jugs. should I route it in to something? Or plug it? thanks. It should be noted when this thing last ran on decel it loved to push air out the carb and k+n fluid all over my pipes.

That jet should be close IF you are also replacing the stock needle with one from the kit. And the clip on 3 or maybe 4.
It's a good starting point.

Soma 3 1/2 out isn't good you should try to keep it 2 or 2 1/2 out on the PMS so it doesn't vibrate out on the road. Tell me where you live so I can check your elevation and then I can help you out with the jetting. You don't want to run too rich especially if you don't do a lot of highway driving you will end up with SVS. The R* like to run hard at highway speeds 60-70 mph in town it is harder on the bike that is why it is called a cruiser.

if'n ya want it a bit to the richer side, then use the 172.5, but as far as the pilot screw, I would start it at 2.5 turns out from a light seat, especially if the accelerator pump is functioning. clip on 4th groove counting from blunt end, spacer and 1 washer. Keep in mind, too rich also causes a loss in power.

On your first start-up, just have the idle adjuster turned in a couple turns more to have a high idle to start, then after about 15, 20 mins of riding around, re-adjust the idle speed to proper rpm's. The pilot screw and idle adjuster kind of work hand in hand, if the adjuster is not set right, it doesn't allow the flow of air to create the proper vacuum to pull the fuel up thru the pilot ckt. What ends up happening, is a lot of people then richen the pilot screw, to compensate for a weak vacuum draw.

I live in watertown mass, right outside of boston, and yes I plan on replacing the needle with the new one supplied. I've heard several things about moving down the clips on the needle, but never a mention of a washer, was I just skimming or is this washer thing something different?

-Soma

all after market needles us washers and spacers from the stock needle as far as I know. the stock needle should have 1 washer above the clip, this just allows for a flat seat for the small spring. then the spacer and washer below the clip.

Then what needle is in there now? if it's the stock, ya can't run that with Barons BAK, it will be way too lean.

I'm pretty sure my bike has been running insanely lean for years. Have alot of rust in the tips of the pipes.

-Soma

Your at 36 ft above seal level so you could do like Erbman said got to a 172.5 main and 4th slot and put your PMS in to 2 turns from lightly seated. Test ride and check back and we can go from there.

Neal, Curt...
Didn't you guys say that the main has no
real effect in the pilot and lower mid-range
circuits?

Also while I'm asking silly questions,
Which has the smaller effect-
1 washer on the needle or 1 pilot jet size?

Spydr

in the mid range the main will start to take some effect.

The needle an extra washer or 1 less washer has more to do with how it will accelerate so will have less an effect vs changing the pilot jet. raing the needle will allow it to rise earlier and go into the taper sooner. The jet would be across the entire spectrum of the pilot circuit.