Inherited 2003 VLX - Honda Shadow Forums : Shadow Motorcycle Forum

ND · 02-12-2009, 01:07 PM

My father passed away last month and I am keeping his bike. I changed the oil in in last week and took it for a ride a couple times this week. The only problems it seems to be having is with the throttle response. Its kind of touchy. Splotchy even (is that valid for a description?)

I'm guessing it is due to his custom exhaust and he may not have changed the jet. Am I right, possibly, in assuming it could be the jet? Is there a way to check to see if it had been changed?

simpleman77 · 02-12-2009, 02:36 PM

Welcome to the forum and look forward to lots of help. The VLX is a kick ass bike and you'll have a blast with it.

I have a 2001 VLX, fully stock, and the throttle response is just as you would expect, smooth. Someone else will be along here to lend some suggestions. In the mean time, you may want to provide some additional information, such as what modifications have been done and maybe a couple pics if you are able.

Eric

**old dad** · 02-12-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND

My father passed away last month and I am keeping his bike. I changed the oil in in last week and took it for a ride a couple times this week. The only problems it seems to be having is with the throttle response. Its kind of touchy. Splotchy even (is that valid for a description?)

I'm guessing it is due to his custom exhaust and he may not have changed the jet. Am I right, possibly, in assuming it could be the jet? Is there a way to check to see if it had been changed?

I am sorry for your loss, , I cannot tell you about the jetting done or not, what kind of pipes? Knowing the brand may help others give you an answer, as I have cobra classic slash cuts on my bike, I didn't re-jet, nor has it appeared to be necessary.

again sorry for your loss.

mark f

ND · 02-13-2009, 01:45 PM

Thanks guys. I'll try to get more information on the bike this evening or weekend. I will post pics as well.

Circles · 02-13-2009, 02:12 PM

I don't know how far you want to get into this. You will find pictures on this site of a guy rejetting his carbs. (do a search) Their is a plug that must be drilled and removed. You can look at your carburetors and see if the plug has been removed and that will tell you if anyone has been working on the jets.

ND · 02-14-2009, 02:04 PM

Thanks, I'll look for that thread. Anyhow, here is a pic of the bike from last summer. I am not sure of the brand of the exhaust.

He was rather patriotic. Him, two of his brothers, and I did our time in the Army. My sister is currently a 1st Lt after graduating from West Point in '06.

I already removed the flag mounted on the rear fender and am more than likely going to change the color scheme. God love him, but that's just not my look.

Cbjr · 02-14-2009, 02:14 PM

Sorry for your loss.....

How long had the bike sat unridden?

Possibly just fresh fuel and some carb cleaner (Seafoam is a good brand) mixed with the next couple of tanks of fuel will straighten it out.

Check the intake (air filter) area for critter nests if it had been sitting long.

It probably just needs to be run a bit the seafoam may just do the trick.

02-12-2009, 01:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
ND Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Inherited 2003 VLX My father passed away last month and I am keeping his bike. I changed the oil in in last week and took it for a ride a couple times this week. The only problems it seems to be having is with the throttle response. Its kind of touchy. Splotchy even (is that valid for a description?) I'm guessing it is due to his custom exhaust and he may not have changed the jet. Am I right, possibly, in assuming it could be the jet? Is there a way to check to see if it had been changed?

02-12-2009, 02:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
simpleman77 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6,167	Welcome to the forum and look forward to lots of help. The VLX is a kick ass bike and you'll have a blast with it. I have a 2001 VLX, fully stock, and the throttle response is just as you would expect, smooth. Someone else will be along here to lend some suggestions. In the mean time, you may want to provide some additional information, such as what modifications have been done and maybe a couple pics if you are able. Eric __________________

02-13-2009, 02:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
Circles Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 2,059	I don't know how far you want to get into this. You will find pictures on this site of a guy rejetting his carbs. (do a search) Their is a plug that must be drilled and removed. You can look at your carburetors and see if the plug has been removed and that will tell you if anyone has been working on the jets. __________________ If it ain't broke, fix it anyway!! 2002 Spirit 1100 Pearl Purple "Barney" 2001 Gl1800 Goldwing Pearl Yellow "Big Bird" Woody's Journal Rider #93

02-13-2009, 01:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
ND Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Thanks guys. I'll try to get more information on the bike this evening or weekend. I will post pics as well.

02-14-2009, 02:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
ND Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Thanks, I'll look for that thread. Anyhow, here is a pic of the bike from last summer. I am not sure of the brand of the exhaust. He was rather patriotic. Him, two of his brothers, and I did our time in the Army. My sister is currently a 1st Lt after graduating from West Point in '06. I already removed the flag mounted on the rear fender and am more than likely going to change the color scheme. God love him, but that's just not my look.

02-14-2009, 02:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cbjr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 9,046	Sorry for your loss..... How long had the bike sat unridden? Possibly just fresh fuel and some carb cleaner (Seafoam is a good brand) mixed with the next couple of tanks of fuel will straighten it out. Check the intake (air filter) area for critter nests if it had been sitting long. It probably just needs to be run a bit the seafoam may just do the trick.

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