Well, I can hardly believe it myself, but today I bit the bullet and pulled the brass plug out so I could adjust my PMS, and I can tell that at least some of the knock I've been hearing is due to my bike running waaaaay too lean. While I had the tank off I pulled the plugs and they were mostly white, although the right rear was less so.

Anyway, weather was crisp but dry today so out I went with the PMS turned 1/2 more than whatever it was. Warmed it all the way up, and I could tell that the knock was somewhat better, although I still had some backfiring. Came in twice more for some more adjustment and I'm hearing improvement.

Musky, I was recalling what you said to me and others here, that "these are noisy motors", and I can now think of it in those terms. The noise it was making was just too much, but I've got it under control enough that I can live with it. At this point it sounds like a gas powered motorcycle.

So, for anyone with a real knocker on their hands, I would try a richer PMS setting. Not a 100% cure, but just knowing that it improves the sound gives me hope.

One question: I'm at 4 turns out now, and I still can make it backfire if I really wind it up and chop the throttle. Is there a practical limit to how many turns I can have the PMS out. When does it fall out? haha.

Thanks to everyone for listening to my ramblings on this knock thing. I'm gonna fix it!

To get close to where you want to be with the PMS - Set the idle at about 900 - 950. Turn the PMS in SLOWLY until the motor starts to stumble. Then counting the turns turn it SLOWLY back out until it stumbles again. Half way in between is pretty close to where you want to be. So if you went back out 3 turns go back in 1 1/2. Then test it out and see how you are. B

Got an 03 with the PMS replaced by the Baron's long screw for easier access. Mine's out 3 turns. Some minor backfiring but runs great otherwise (carb/air cleaner's still stock). As it's been stated every bike has it's own personality just like their owner. Nothing is set in stone on the R* so the manual is just a starting point. The Clinic is, IMHO, the bible for these cruisers.

Greyphart

Yes DO NOT take it past 4 turns it will viberate out mine did at 4 turns and you don't want to try and ride home without a PMS. I was lucky I was one a couple of miles away from the house when it fell out. If you have to go over 4 turns you need to rejet.

OK....good advice all. I think I'll put 'er back in to about 3+1/2 and ride. After another plug reading tomorrow I'll see about going up one size on the pilot jet. Sound reasonable?

BTW, Curt....I think AC/DC's new CD is going to be called Black Ice. Heard a tune off it last night and they've still got it. You might find a new theme song for your bad a$$ scooter.

MS07