[Nevershine]

Im restoring a 2001 VT600 I neglected for a bit. I bought the Bike used in 2013. Ran her for a bit with need of maintenance. Parked her for the off season and life happened and hadn't had time to get her fixed up. Recently started restoring her back to ride-able status. I'm mechanically inclined, but have never worked on a motorcycle before. NEVER dealt with a carburetor, so bare with me here. I've managed to scour this forum and get most of the details I need to get started working on it. I bought the Bike with minor mods, K&N filter with stock air box and cobra exhaust. I haven't been able to trace what model Cobras are on it. When I got to the carb, I was under the impression with the mods, they would have jetted the carb. The plug for the Air/Fuel mix screw is still intact. Everything I've read said that plug is drilled out and left out when rejetted for adjustments. When the bike was running, it didn't seem either rich or lean. So I guess my question would be, do you have to rejett with these mods or no? I plan on getting Velocity stacks or something high performance and know I will need to rejett, but until then, should I be concerned?

 

[Nevershine]

General Maintenance

Here's a List of what I've done so far and the remainder, in case these are in question. Lol!

Done:
Front brakes Rotors
Replaced Master Cylinder
Chain/Sprockets
New Tires
Throttle cables
Drum brakes were seized, Fixed that
Charged battery, Luckily took the charge!
Sealed tank (had some rust and pinholes from sitting)
Spark Plugs
Dampers (since I had the wheels off anyways)

To Do:
Fluids (partially changed Coolant, waiting to start to top off)
Carb Clean.... GAH!
Reinstall exhaust. Currently being prepped for high temp black paint and wrapped.

Almost ready to fire up, just concerned on the carb because I'm noob.

Ive done quite a bit of cosmetics.
Custom side mirrors (black) etc...
Painted various parts to reduce Chrome (Nevershine... get it?)

Waiting on radiator cover, Grips and replacing rear lights since the owner did a shotty job.
Bitwell Keystone handlebars are already on the list, just need to order them.
Powder coating wheels black.
Solo seat!

Obviously I'm prepping her to be a bobber. It's going to be a process, but for now she just needs to be ride-able. I miss the ride....

I'll have some pics posted once she's up and running. She's in pieces right now. Poor girl....

 

[Ramie]

If the bike is running ok i wouldn't touch it. I would have thought at least with the exhaust and K&N air filter they would have ajusted the A/F. I suppose it's possible the PO had a shop do the work and they replaced the caps over the A/F screws.

 

[Harryc]

^^^^^+1. Ride it and then read your plugs. If they are light brown and you don't get any decel popping you are good to go. If the plugs are whitish or really dark then consider the next steps.

 

[Old Dad]

my 06 vlx didn't have a plug covering the a/f screw (bought new)(which is "D" shaped)

 

[Nevershine]

thanks for the input guys! She seemed to be in good shape, no backfiring. The plugs were blackened when i pulled them. So may need a little adjusting. I cant do much at the moment, waiting on the exhausts. I'll repost once shes going. Thanks again!

 

[Nevershine]

Old Dad- Ive ordered a replacement A/F screw thats extended from TJ Brutal Customs. Figured once I get it setup with performance filter, it would be nice to adjust wiyh no specialty tool.

 

[Old Dad]

Old Dad- Ive ordered a replacement A/F screw thats extended from TJ Brutal Customs. Figured once I get it setup with performance filter, it would be nice to adjust wiyh no specialty tool.

quite right, and TJ puts out nice work. My side tins are from him.

 

[Nevershine]

I plan on ordering his custom tank too. Just waiting on some funds! My stock tank is sealed with Red Koat. Im considering it a temp fix to get her on the road. She had a few pinholes... Most likely getting velocity stack and jet kit there too.

 

[XApacheDoc]

I took a dremmel tool and cut a slot in the d shape A/F screw so I can use a flat tip screw driver.

 

[Nevershine]

i was considering altering the screw too. Then i found the .22 casing trick and planned on that. Found TJ's site, the extension and was sold immediately. I just like the idea of "no tools necessary ". Then if i notice on the road she needs a little adjustment, i dont need an extra tool.

 

[BnTfam]

I wouldn't worry about the carb cleaning too much, I just had to do mine and I was seriously worried cuz I've never touched a carb either but though VERY tedious, it wasn't hard at all. Well, the cleaning wasn't difficult there was just a lot of it. The hardest part was getting the jets clean, and the second hardest was getting all the boots seated properly when I reinstalled, lol!

 

[Nevershine]

Ive already dropped the bowl, inspected the diaphram and needle, float looks good and doesnt seem to be sticking. I have a needle and seat ordered because it looks a little iffy. Maybe its ok and im paranoid. Ive blasted the jets clean. I didnt replace seals. They look ok, but maybe i should.... Lol. Im waiting on A/F extension before I even attempt to remove the plug. I need to get her running before making adjustments anyways. All and all, i feel like im on the right path. I do lots of research before doing anything. Thankfully she isnt a dual carb.... Starting simple.