Recently, I bought a 1995 Virago XV100 as a garage find. It had not been started in 20 years. I cleaned the tank and put on a single Mikuni TM40. My plugs are a decent color. But will only idle fast and has a flat spot in the mid-range. Thanks for your video and advice on tuning. I think I’ll start over from scratch and see how it goes.
I have been a motorcycle technician since 1984 also. We always adjused the mixture screws so the plugs were white and ran and idle better. I had 14 years at the worlds largest dealership in Falls Church Va. and have worked at alot of dealers in my time. But basically just do a idle drop.
Im glad to talk with another experienced guy on here. White plugs are still lean! my virago pulls like a freight train and the plugs are tan. It is a smidge rich yes but with an air cooled in hot weather like we have here it works and stays cooler. I went to Fairview motorcycle college in northern Alberta and worked at an all makes and models shop for years before starting my own thing.
Just a message as of sept 28th, 2017 bike is still running strong and is ridden every day. Lost about 500rpm up top but pulls from idle strongly to redline.
This is an old video but your advice helped out a lot. My bike is a 85 XV1000 and I went with the VM30 like you said. Those old Hitachis were driving me crazy. It bogs down at 3/4 throttle now but is ok below and above that. A minor needle adjustment should take care of that. Thanks again.
Hello hammer head my name is Joe I saw your video on your virago nice work. I was wondering if you have your stock carbs and are they for sale? Thank you sir.
As of August 3rd,2018 the xv 1000 is running like a champ. Replaced the stock ignitor with a Carmco electronics digital unit. Wow! what a difference. Easier starts smoother running and more power. Autolite ap 63 plugs work well.
The vm 40 is too large for this machine. The vm 30 is perfect I run a #40 pilot jet and 240 main with the needle on the middle clip. Autolite ap 63 plugs work best.
Hey I know this is a long shot as it's an older video but could you possibly run me through how you got the stock throttle cable connected to the vm 30 carb?
Mikunioz company sells all sorts of carb kits. I put a recommended VM38 on my 78 sportster and it runs great, size wise. The 30 does sound a bit small but is it works that’s good. As a guide look at single cylinder bike carb sizes and they should match to a v twin of double the engine capacity quite well. To fine tune you can temporarily fit an exhaust gas oxygen sensor and check your readings starting from wide open then all the way down to idle.
Just bought this same set up for 1987 xv535 virago. Thanks for the tip on the filing of the throttle cable. As the one that came with my vm30 was too short. I'll post my success or failure this coming week after my install.
Hey Coty! did it end up working out? I also have an 87 535 and I am going to buy a single carb for it but I need to know if the vm30 is suitable for the bike. Thanks!
Those are base numbers but every machine is different even two of the same year and type. Depends on alot of things. charging system, valve clearances, compression reading etc.
I appreciate your vid, well done, but most guys go the VM34 X 2. Even jetting wouldnt make up for it. And your running stock pipes and air filter I guess. Its got to run lean as you go up surely. Much respect.
Let me start over first my apologies for not being more specific, first of all i have a 1990 XV750 which i know is a little different from your XV1000, mine doesnt have the vacuum port above the ignition coils upfront by the forks, i went from a vacuum petcock to a manual shutoff valve with the fuel filter into the VM30, my single carb manifold(with no vacuum port) is flush to the engine's on both sides so my question was do i do anything about the timing or is it all handled electronically by the TCI? Am i over thinking?
So the stock fuel pump isn't to much for a single. Number 2 loads up and no matter what I do still does. I modded the stock exhaust true duel removing the bladder baffle and made huge difference for tuning but that twin carb after rebuild and fine tuning still loads up number 2. Its my project i wanted and tried to sale but now im going to see it through and keep it.
5 years later and still riding this machine as it was on this video. I replaced the stock igniter with a camco electronics digital unit, I also prefer ap 63 spark plugs instead of ngk.
@@HammerHeadGarage best reply I could have gotten! Right on! Looks like Im going to keep this as my project and ride it one day. Last time went on test drive was like a bucking bronco! Felt like I was in a rodeo holding on for life 😂. Got it dialed in best I could but wasn't happy. Number 2 was loading up and then under road load would run better. Thanks for the helpful input appreciate it!
Great video man. I have two 84 virago xv700. I was wanting to switch one to single carb but I’m worried I’ll loose to much power. The bike I’m planning on doing this to is my project bobber bike and the two carbs it has now are just beat to crap so I figured I’d give it a go.
Good afternoon, first I would like to say that I think it is awesome that you actually take the time to replay to people questions and comments. I have a BIP manifold with a Mukuni tm38 on 87 Xv700, and I can not get it to stop filing the plug on the rear cylinder. I have it tuned to the best of my ability. No popping or bogging, smooth accelration throughout, just rich on the rear plug. Wasn't having this issue with stock setup. Do you think It may be the carb or the manifold?
Hey, I was wondering if you ever got it tuned in, I’m doing the same thing with the same carb and was wondering what jets you used? Thanks if you see this
Hey bud great videos, I got a question for you, I'm mikuni vm32 carb on an 85 xv1000, with 200 main jet and a 35 pilot. Do yousuggest jetting down the carbs or jetting up the carbs given the larger, carb size than what worked for you. Thanks for all your help!
@@HammerHeadGarage well they're a little sooty, it kind of depends on where i put the mixture screw. but i'm actually getting ahead of myself. do you have any suggestions for why the bike starts idles for about 5-15 second then dies? i can't get it to idle consistently or stay on. I cleaned the carbs to like new. and the fuel pump seems to be supplying a consistant amount to the mikuni, the question about jets is that i cant tell if the cylynders are getting too much fuel or not enough. when the bike dies the carb spits. any advice?
I ended up buying a very similar carb. 38mm snowmobile carb…. My issue is I need to find a 38mm boot before i can even set her up on the single carb manifold I got. Plus the top throttle feed has a different cable end then my stock cable so I need to get a new cable to or try to buy a tiny end peace to solder on there.
im still 'on it ' but it is noteworthy that " wasearayguy popped his clogs on july 30 2000 . my condolences to susan . ive purchased the lithuanian manifold and probably wont get it for several weeks but ive rode so much this summer that i dont even mind being down the rest of the year . im over the stock carbs , they are just troublesome and complicated .
The later Mikuni carbs on the 1100 machines were better than the Hitachi models but still too many emissions gadgets for my liking. Simple is always better imo.
Hi. I enjoyed your video. I have a 83 XV750 that I built up (you can see it on my youtube channel for reference) and I installed dual VM-34's. I'm a heavy duty mechanic, but NOT a motorcycle mechanic. I'm handy but no expert with carbs. I can dial in the idle and wide open throttle. When riding at cruising RPM and crack the throttle open my bike hesitates, tries to stall out, then catches itself before accelerating normally. I have tried everything under the moon! Jets, needle positions, needle change outs, anything and everything I could think of and was suggested by others. I had to have custom intake manifolds made and I see you have a vacuum line coming out of yours that I don't even have an option for on mine. Does that go back to the carb for a vacuum actuated accelerator pump or something? I just feel I am not getting the fuel required with I punch the throttle at mid RPM, low engine load. Thanks.
So got my vm30 installed on my 87 535 today! She starts right up and idols but still need to do all my tuning. Appreciate your video. Mines coming soon
Stupid Question.. So My 85 Virago XV1000 With A Single Carb Using A Mikuni Hs40 Keeps Backfiring Out The Exhaust When Accelerating Low RPMs.. Ive Done Everything And Now Just Checked My Pilot Jet Size And It Was A 25.. Needs To Be Bigger?
I got a xv700 just installed a vm30 carb on it still got the 250 jet rn I need to order a jet kit for it but I can't even get it to start at is the 200 needed to get it to even idle
Man thank you so much for this forum you are a true bike guru!!! My question is that i have my manifold installed as well as the carb, where does the timing hose go because the manifold doesnt have a vacuum port. I'm worried about the bikes timing now? Thank you!!!
I switched to a Carmco digital ignition box so it is not needed for my setup. You should still be able to put the hose on the forward head manifold where it was. There is a small nipple there for it.
Fuel bowl full checked and double checked valves spark ok put 35 jet in carb the 1 what was in was 28 just ordered compression kit from e bay it was running on olde carbs before i went down single carb route
If no fuel is getting into engine somethings wrong. You have a big leak in the intake somewhere? make sure you have suck squeeze bang blow with the plugs out when turning the engine over with the starter.
what do you mean in Suck Sqeeze Bang Blow think i did that yesterday on checking plugs for spark could here a sort of sqeeze sucking kind of thing also my caskets was just a kind of paper for manifold bought some casket sheets and made my own is that ok or not cheers
@@davidemery830 Its the 4 strokes/cycles of a 4 stroke engine. suck is intake, piston going down inlet valve open pulling fuel and air in. Squeeze is compression stroke, bang is power stroke both valves closed plug fires, blow is exhaust stroke. If lets say your inlet valves had an issue (hanging open) or your rings were shot or you had a vacuum leak. You wouldn,t have enough suction to pull in the fuel from the carb.
I am running a bip intake. With a kehnin carb.. my problem is that I only have 1 cylinder firing. When the originals where in. The front cylinder would fire.. now with the single carb the rear is only firing. I know I have spark to the cylinders. But I can't get it to fire any advise?!?!
Likely the ignitor box or the pulse generators down on the flywheel. They can test good but still be bad. If you have spark to the cylinders as you say make sure the cyl is getting fuel. Is the plug wet? Plugs sometimes fire in open air but not under compression in the cyl. Are the valves in adjustment? whats the compression in both cylinders?
what did you do to make the stock throttle cable work? I have a different single carb kit. I will let you know when the customer tells me. I tried modifing the stock cable but it is too short to start with. The cable goes inside the throttle valve not on the outside of like the stock carbs. Customer paid only $300 for this carb kit
Sorry if you answered this but what did you do with the tube from the coils? Im deleting AIS and the MCV also for the cable did you just chop it get a ferral and solder it on?
there were no tubes from the coils on an xv 1000. Those chrome tubes were for vac. Just plug them. The stock cable can be made to work just file the end down that use to go to the carbs so it fits in the small hole in the slide of the vm 30. Takes about 30 min with a vise and a good file.
Hi, your videos are really interesting, and i am learning a lot by watching them. At the moment i am struggling with adjusting the original dual carb on my XV500, and i was wondering, if i go with a single carb, what size would be the best? And do you recommend a flat slide carb, or would a round slide be better? Thanks!
Thanks. The VM 30 Mikuni works on just about anything well. The flat side carbs are more for racing type scenarios and imo don't work that great on the street.
Hi there hope you can help I have a 1100 virago with single carb set up issue i have is when hot it revs up on its own and seems to be (popping / backfiring ) while riding
Is there anyway to attach a TPS? I am planning on purchasing a BiP kit for my 2006 Vstar 1100. And the TM40-6 is the only carb I've seen people fitting the TPS to the accelerator pump.
I am going to fit a Mikunioz manifold and carb onto my 1993 1100 Virago. Can you tell me how you have set up the fuel line to the carb. I am going to go to a gravity feed and not using the fuel pump. Thanks.
Bought mine here. they replace the stock ignition box, just plug and play. About $500 canadian dollars. www.carmo.nl/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1266&language=en
The VM30 feeds your motor enough go juice? If it can keep a liter bike chugging, it should be just fine on my 94 750. Looking at getting that exact same setup. Are you still happy with it?
Hey there, for the other side of the bike under the bug eye, there are some lines going to the air cut off valve and a small air box. What did you do with those lines when you swapped the carbs? Thank you
I hope you dont mind me asking since you made this video a couple of years ago but as I mentioned in my last post my xv1000 with single Vm30 is bogging down at 3/4 throttle. its Ok before and after 3/4 throttle. Do you think its a rich or lean condition so I can adjust the needle accordingly?. Thanks in advance.
I just bought this kit myself for an 89 1100. It has that double throttle cable set up, and I'm not sure the best route for a throttle cable. Stock handlebars and everything. Any input would be appreciated. Love your videos
Been fiddling with my 1981 XV750, and have a VM30 just like yours on a single carb manifold. I’m struggling to even get the thing to start, I just want it to idle right now. I rode the bike for the past year on the factory carbs, so I know it’s in good running condition, I just have no idea what to set my base settings to be in the carb. I see some ideas of pilot and main jet sizes, looks like maybe a 35 pilot would work, but shouldn’t it fire off at least for a little with the 40 pilot that came in the carb? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. -Jacob
A motorcycle needs 3 things to start. 1. Fuel (getting inside the engine) 2. Compression 3. Properly timed spark If your missing any of the 3 she wont run. Check the plugs are they wet? Do you have a manifold air leak? Im betting you do.
Shawn Bradley, I have an 87 xv700 with an Adam Smith intake and Mikuni TM40-6 and I cant get this this dialed in! My current setting are 20 pilot, 165 main, clip at the bottom and 2 turns out on the fuel mix screw. I had a 17.5 pilot in it and it would cough through the carb at low speeds and so i upped the pilot and now it goes good up to 3rd gear then when i snap open the throttle it boggs then power comes back when i let off. The pumper seems to be more of a headache than its worth!!
I think I may give the vm30 a try. Would you have any baseline jetting info for my xv700? Wish I had an 1100, as there is much more info available, my 700.....not so much! Thanks!
180 main and a 30 pilot. Use the vm mikuni super manual pdf for tuning. A link for it is in the comments here. Make sure everything else is up to snuff before tuning. Valve adjustments, compression is good, bike is charging and a good battery.
Does the bike run better with a single carb? I've heard mixed things about it. What benefits do you get out of a single carb that the original carbs on there? I'm considering doing this myself
IMO the single best mod you can do to one of these machines. Easier tuning, more torque down low a better usable powerband. These bikes were never intended to be fast, anything over 100mph is sketchy as hell.
I like your video. I'm doing the same to my 85 xv1000. But the new style intake doesn't use old boots. It came with gaskets. My question is what did you do with the 2 bigger tubes off the cylinder heads next to exhaust that ran to the side of the bike under the chrome cover.
I have a 82 virago xv 920 and I am putting a 40mm manifold and a vm 30 carb I do not have much time working on motorcycles is the carb going to going to work straight out of box
I had to lower the float height. There is no such thing as run out of the box. Make sure your engine is tuned up. Check compression, adjust the valves make sure the charging system and battery are at 100% otherwise tuning will be a waste of time. Start with the needle in the middle position and the air screw 1.5 turns out from lightly seated. Use autolite ap or a 63 plugs as they work better than ngk. Also in the comments below is the link to the Mikuni vm super tuning guide. Use it!
Hello! Been watching your videos about mikuni vm30 to a virago 1000 -86. I cant get i to run lean. Sparkplugs always get soty. I think i need a smaller main yet. I have a 250 main jet and the needle is set to the highest position. After a day of riding the sparkplugs are unusable and needs to be switched in order to run the following day. What do you think? Thanks
@@HammerHeadGarage hey man. Thx for earlier response. Still cant get it to run good. I think it might be a total diffrent problem. Im holding my hand behind rear engine exaust and its a nice pop pop pop, strong. The front is irregular. Pop puu pop puu puu pop. There is a big diffrence in power from the two exausts that feel and hear. Compression on both are equal, spark the same, also timing. Am i missing something? Thank you.
Take the end that used to go to the old carbs and file it down to fit in the slide opening on the vm30. Takes about 30 minutes with a vise and a good file. Work up on it slowly so you don't make it too small.
Just plug them off. You still need the little one from the box above the coils. Connect to the rubber on the front head. It controls your timing advance
I have an 85 xv700 with a vm30 kit from BIP. Any recommendations for a staring point with the jet sizing. I am having an issue with getting the bike to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
what if it rave good but everytime you rev it back let say you rev at 4500 then try to rev it back it just backfire and too rich plug... ive tryd needle clip to the leanner and even the float leaner doesnt change anything
@@HammerHeadGarage are you sure i should got smaller ? its seems after ive put oil filter on the air filter it was litle better then ive but a rag around the air filter and it wasnt backfiring pushing it full to throttle back and fort im not sure i think this mean it suck to much air even if the plug says im too rich reading them the air flow doesnt lie by goin smaller jet ill still have the same air flow coming in ...
Had mine running pretty good after watching your video, took hose off of breather going to frame now it wont start . any idea why? Was trying to put a filter on breather instead of going to frame. Its on a 1995 xv1100.
Just file the end that use to go to the carb down to fit in the little hole of the slide on the vn 30. Takes about 30 min with a good file. Thanks Randy, Please Subscribe and like this video.
Hi there I am also working on my Honda Steed 400 w a single carb. Been struggling to fine an optimal A/F adjustment, currently I had it at 1.25 turns and it'll backfire at the carb when I accelerate the throttle. Should I go to 2 turns and work my way clockwise? what would you recommend. By the way my carb is a Keihin 30mm
At the top of this comment section is a link to a Mikuni pdf manual. Click on that and follow that guide to help you tune. Tuning is a science and takes time and patience. Let the plugs tell you the tale.
@@HammerHeadGarage Thanks. I'm gonna try same thing you did, raise the clip 1 up then see if I rev up will the carb backfire. Seems we got the same issue when revving carb it backfires. Hope this will fix the issue too. Also doing plug reading, plugs are still black.
So the stock throttle cable u have has only one line coming from the handle. What am I supposed to do cause my throttle cable on my virago 1100xv has two cables that hook up to the carb.
Hi, so I have the xv1000. Modified it to single carb. I got to idle perfectly, but its choking upon acceleration and it turns off. I feel like it's not burning gas fast enugh, spark plugs in good shape. Raised the notch on the needle still the same. Thank you
Hey, I know this video was posted a while ago. I have a 1998 virago 1100 and got this same kit from BIP. The bike runs at an idle over 2000 rpm. I tried adjusting the air/fuel screw and still nothing changes. Anything you know that could point me in the right direction?
Hi Shawn, great overview. I just got the BIP intake with the VM30 for my 81 XV750, my question is how is the vacuum line routing done on this now that there’s only 1 carb. It’s got me stumped and the only piece of the puzzle I need! Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.
Hey Artifact, basically you plug the vac holes on the carb boots except for the small vac line coming from your timing box, it goes to the front cylinder boot. If you have the metal lines coming off your head, just plug everything up so there are no leaks and your good.
Hey bud i am from Manitoba so hows the Carona situation at your end of Canada anyways I'm going to order a vm30 for my 920 with a searay guy intake hopefully it will work .. I read through your comments on the throttle cable mod but did you still have the chrome crimped end on the cable and if you did how did you get it in the carb cable adjuster .. the one on the carb not the throttle itself . Did you drill the hole bigger because the cable won't fit unless I pull of the metal tip 🍻 cheers and have a great day
Hi Wayne. Corona is pretty serious as it has closed nearly everything down here. The searay intake will work fine. Make sure to seal it up really good to the carb and the heads. The 920 cable is different from the one used on the xv 1000/1100. I would suggest getting a cable from the 1000 or 1100 bikes to make the mod I suggest in my videos. Thanks for the view and comment. Get in touch if you need any more help, take care. SB
Some tools we use and like found here amzn.to/3dbOQVE
Recently, I bought a 1995 Virago XV100 as a garage find. It had not been started in 20 years. I cleaned the tank and put on a single Mikuni TM40. My plugs are a decent color. But will only idle fast and has a flat spot in the mid-range. Thanks for your video and advice on tuning. I think I’ll start over from scratch and see how it goes.
I have been a motorcycle technician since 1984 also. We always adjused the mixture screws so the plugs were white and ran and idle better. I had 14 years at the worlds largest dealership in Falls Church Va. and have worked at alot of dealers in my time. But basically just do a idle drop.
Im glad to talk with another experienced guy on here. White plugs are still lean! my virago pulls like a freight train and the plugs are tan. It is a smidge rich yes but with an air cooled in hot weather like we have here it works and stays cooler. I went to Fairview motorcycle college in northern Alberta and worked at an all makes and models shop for years before starting my own thing.
Just a message as of sept 28th, 2017 bike is still running strong and is ridden every day. Lost about 500rpm up top but pulls from idle strongly to redline.
This is an old video but your advice helped out a lot. My bike is a 85 XV1000 and I went with the VM30 like you said. Those old Hitachis were driving me crazy. It bogs down at 3/4 throttle now but is ok below and above that. A minor needle adjustment should take care of that. Thanks again.
Hey man! right on I am glad your bike is up and running. I appreciate all of you. Please share this video and Subscribe!
There will be a live stream tonight Dec 8th at 8 pm Halifax NS time that will address many of these questions. Hope to see you all there!
Hello hammer head my name is Joe I saw your video on your virago nice work. I was wondering if you have your stock carbs and are they for sale? Thank you sir.
@@joealvia68 Thanks Joe. No I do not they are long gone.
I'm working on my 83 virago 500 ..the original carbs drive me crazy. Tank for the video.
Your welcome man!
I also have the xv500k and want to convert. Could I get the parts info. Thanks.
As of August 3rd,2018 the xv 1000 is running like a champ. Replaced the stock ignitor with a Carmco electronics digital unit. Wow! what a difference. Easier starts smoother running and more power. Autolite ap 63 plugs work well.
Hey mate cheers for the video. What size jets are using? Also, any reason you didn't go the vm40?
The vm 40 is too large for this machine. The vm 30 is perfect I run a #40 pilot jet and 240 main with the needle on the middle clip. Autolite ap 63 plugs work best.
Hey I know this is a long shot as it's an older video but could you possibly run me through how you got the stock throttle cable connected to the vm 30 carb?
Check out my new answer video here ua-cam.com/video/vmltHKxtQaw/v-deo.html
Mikunioz company sells all sorts of carb kits. I put a recommended VM38 on my 78 sportster and it runs great, size wise. The 30 does sound a bit small but is it works that’s good. As a guide look at single cylinder bike carb sizes and they should match to a v twin of double the engine capacity quite well. To fine tune you can temporarily fit an exhaust gas oxygen sensor and check your readings starting from wide open then all the way down to idle.
The vm 38 is what I'm going to go with it's a larger 40mm od I have a 85 1000
You, my good sir, are magnificent. Thank you for pointing me in the proper direction.
Thank you for watching.
Just bought this same set up for 1987 xv535 virago. Thanks for the tip on the filing of the throttle cable. As the one that came with my vm30 was too short. I'll post my success or failure this coming week after my install.
Awesome coty, it wont be a failure, just might need some tweaking is all. I can help you.
Shawn Bradley
Thanks! I'll keep ya updated
Hey Coty! did it end up working out? I also have an 87 535 and I am going to buy a single carb for it but I need to know if the vm30 is suitable for the bike. Thanks!
@@GhostlyCoty Hi what jets are you using on the 535 as i have fitted a vm34 but running rich after fitting small jet
i have a 1983 XJ900RK SECA I AM RESTORING. I loved those bikes
I tried your custom modification to the stock throttle cable and it worked great!! thanks
Glad to hear it man! ride on :)
Sounds healthy, buddy! Great conversion!
Thanks. I ride it everyday and as of Aug 2021 is running like a champ.
Brad shawnley !!! It good seeing that your alive and well
Hello Zach! yes im still going. Im just like the energizer bunny.
Shawn, Great Job and Very useful Information too
Do you think I can do a single carb swap on my VT1100 shadow? It has the dual carbs
usually the air mixture screw is set around 1 to 1.5 turns out. fuel screws are around 3 turns out
Those are base numbers but every machine is different even two of the same year and type. Depends on alot of things. charging system, valve clearances, compression reading etc.
Very interesting, be doing single carb on my 535 asap, subscribed,
Hi how did you get on the the carb convertion as ive jut done my 535
Good work thanks a lot Pal
I appreciate your vid, well done, but most guys go the VM34 X 2. Even jetting wouldnt make up for it. And your running stock pipes and air filter I guess. Its got to run lean as you go up surely. Much respect.
Does not run lean anywhere. In fact it is rich.
I have a 82 virago xv 920 and I'm putting on the same carb
Let me start over first my apologies for not being more specific, first of all i have a 1990 XV750 which i know is a little different from your XV1000, mine doesnt have the vacuum port above the ignition coils upfront by the forks, i went from a vacuum petcock to a manual shutoff valve with the fuel filter into the VM30, my single carb manifold(with no vacuum port) is flush to the engine's on both sides so my question was do i do anything about the timing or is it all handled electronically by the TCI? Am i over thinking?
So the stock fuel pump isn't to much for a single. Number 2 loads up and no matter what I do still does. I modded the stock exhaust true duel removing the bladder baffle and made huge difference for tuning but that twin carb after rebuild and fine tuning still loads up number 2. Its my project i wanted and tried to sale but now im going to see it through and keep it.
5 years later and still riding this machine as it was on this video. I replaced the stock igniter with a camco electronics digital unit, I also prefer ap 63 spark plugs instead of ngk.
@@HammerHeadGarage best reply I could have gotten! Right on! Looks like Im going to keep this as my project and ride it one day. Last time went on test drive was like a bucking bronco! Felt like I was in a rodeo holding on for life 😂. Got it dialed in best I could but wasn't happy. Number 2 was loading up and then under road load would run better. Thanks for the helpful input appreciate it!
Great video man. I have two 84 virago xv700. I was wanting to switch one to single carb but I’m worried I’ll loose to much power. The bike I’m planning on doing this to is my project bobber bike and the two carbs it has now are just beat to crap so I figured I’d give it a go.
You will lose about 500rpm on the top end but gain torque lower down. Best thing I ever did to mine.
Got to find a manifold that’ll fit then lol for as low as possible since I only paid $200 for the bike lol
Good afternoon, first I would like to say that I think it is awesome that you actually take the time to replay to people questions and comments. I have a BIP manifold with a Mukuni tm38 on 87 Xv700, and I can not get it to stop filing the plug on the rear cylinder. I have it tuned to the best of my ability. No popping or bogging, smooth accelration throughout, just rich on the rear plug. Wasn't having this issue with stock setup. Do you think It may be the carb or the manifold?
Hey, I was wondering if you ever got it tuned in, I’m doing the same thing with the same carb and was wondering what jets you used? Thanks if you see this
TUNING MANUAL HERE : www.mikuni.com/pdf/vmmanual.pdf
Hey bud great videos, I got a question for you, I'm mikuni vm32 carb on an 85 xv1000, with 200 main jet and a 35 pilot. Do yousuggest jetting down the carbs or jetting up the carbs given the larger, carb size than what worked for you. Thanks for all your help!
Go by what the plugs say. Is it rich or lean? 32mm carb is not too big.
@@HammerHeadGarage well they're a little sooty, it kind of depends on where i put the mixture screw. but i'm actually getting ahead of myself. do you have any suggestions for why the bike starts idles for about 5-15 second then dies? i can't get it to idle consistently or stay on. I cleaned the carbs to like new. and the fuel pump seems to be supplying a consistant amount to the mikuni, the question about jets is that i cant tell if the cylynders are getting too much fuel or not enough. when the bike dies the carb spits. any advice?
I ended up buying a very similar carb. 38mm snowmobile carb…. My issue is I need to find a 38mm boot before i can even set her up on the single carb manifold I got. Plus the top throttle feed has a different cable end then my stock cable so I need to get a new cable to or try to buy a tiny end peace to solder on there.
It can be done that way as well. I just bought the whole BIP kit as it made it easier to find all the little bits. Good luck with your conversion.
im still 'on it ' but it is noteworthy that " wasearayguy popped his clogs on july 30 2000 . my condolences to susan .
ive purchased the lithuanian manifold and probably wont get it for several weeks but ive rode so much this summer that i dont even mind being down the rest of the year . im over the stock carbs , they are just troublesome and complicated .
The later Mikuni carbs on the 1100 machines were better than the Hitachi models but still too many emissions gadgets for my liking. Simple is always better imo.
Hi. I enjoyed your video. I have a 83 XV750 that I built up (you can see it on my youtube channel for reference) and I installed dual VM-34's. I'm a heavy duty mechanic, but NOT a motorcycle mechanic. I'm handy but no expert with carbs. I can dial in the idle and wide open throttle. When riding at cruising RPM and crack the throttle open my bike hesitates, tries to stall out, then catches itself before accelerating normally. I have tried everything under the moon! Jets, needle positions, needle change outs, anything and everything I could think of and was suggested by others. I had to have custom intake manifolds made and I see you have a vacuum line coming out of yours that I don't even have an option for on mine. Does that go back to the carb for a vacuum actuated accelerator pump or something? I just feel I am not getting the fuel required with I punch the throttle at mid RPM, low engine load. Thanks.
What about the engine breather? This way, it’s not connected to any filtering system.
I have a 1983 Yamaha xv500k and want to convert to single carb. Tiredof dealing with two. Could i get some info on parts .
So got my vm30 installed on my 87 535 today! She starts right up and idols but still need to do all my tuning. Appreciate your video. Mines coming soon
No problem Coty, use the pdf file below to help you with the tuning, it works!
Stupid Question.. So My 85 Virago XV1000 With A Single Carb Using A Mikuni Hs40 Keeps Backfiring Out The Exhaust When Accelerating Low RPMs.. Ive Done Everything And Now Just Checked My Pilot Jet Size And It Was A 25.. Needs To Be Bigger?
I got a xv700 just installed a vm30 carb on it still got the 250 jet rn I need to order a jet kit for it but I can't even get it to start at is the 200 needed to get it to even idle
how did you mod the cable i'm switching to single using a pwk 34 carb that came with the intake on my 88 750
How did you modify the original throttle cable?
Thx
You take the lead barrel end that use to go to the carbs put it in a vice and file it down to fit the vm 30. Takes about 30 minutes.
Man thank you so much for this forum you are a true bike guru!!! My question is that i have my manifold installed as well as the carb, where does the timing hose go because the manifold doesnt have a vacuum port. I'm worried about the bikes timing now? Thank you!!!
I switched to a Carmco digital ignition box so it is not needed for my setup. You should still be able to put the hose on the forward head manifold where it was. There is a small nipple there for it.
@@HammerHeadGarage there is no nipple for it on the manifold and no room for a intake boot with a nipple
@@sonicstopsty Well you will need to drill and tap the manifold for a nipple.
Fuel bowl full checked and double checked valves spark ok put 35 jet in carb the 1 what was in was 28 just ordered compression kit from e bay it was running on olde carbs before i went down single carb route
If no fuel is getting into engine somethings wrong. You have a big leak in the intake somewhere? make sure you have suck squeeze bang blow with the plugs out when turning the engine over with the starter.
what do you mean in Suck Sqeeze Bang Blow think i did that yesterday on checking plugs for spark could here a sort of sqeeze sucking kind of thing also my caskets was just a kind of paper for manifold bought some casket sheets and made my own is that ok or not cheers
@@davidemery830 Its the 4 strokes/cycles of a 4 stroke engine. suck is intake, piston going down inlet valve open pulling fuel and air in. Squeeze is compression stroke, bang is power stroke both valves closed plug fires, blow is exhaust stroke. If lets say your inlet valves had an issue (hanging open) or your rings were shot or you had a vacuum leak. You wouldn,t have enough suction to pull in the fuel from the carb.
Where did you get that intake manifold?
I bought everything at B.I.P (Bike intake performance)
I am running a bip intake. With a kehnin carb.. my problem is that I only have 1 cylinder firing. When the originals where in. The front cylinder would fire.. now with the single carb the rear is only firing. I know I have spark to the cylinders. But I can't get it to fire any advise?!?!
Likely the ignitor box or the pulse generators down on the flywheel. They can test good but still be bad. If you have spark to the cylinders as you say make sure the cyl is getting fuel. Is the plug wet? Plugs sometimes fire in open air but not under compression in the cyl. Are the valves in adjustment? whats the compression in both cylinders?
Nice song!
great vid i just bought the conversion of ebay for my 750 it came with a flat slide 34mm carb.would a 34 be to big
what did you do to make the stock throttle cable work? I have a different single carb kit. I will let you know when the customer tells me. I tried modifing the stock cable but it is too short to start with. The cable goes inside the throttle valve not on the outside of like the stock carbs. Customer paid only $300 for this carb kit
the most reason plugs foul on the old carbs was because the choke plungers were worn out.
That is partially true other things can cause it as well such as an ill functioning tci box or bad pick up coils.
Sorry if you answered this but what did you do with the tube from the coils? Im deleting AIS and the MCV also for the cable did you just chop it get a ferral and solder it on?
there were no tubes from the coils on an xv 1000. Those chrome tubes were for vac. Just plug them. The stock cable can be made to work just file the end down that use to go to the carbs so it fits in the small hole in the slide of the vm 30. Takes about 30 min with a vise and a good file.
@@HammerHeadGarage Classic case of over thinking it here hahah thank you very much ill take a look this weekend for sure!
Hi, your videos are really interesting, and i am learning a lot by watching them. At the moment i am struggling with adjusting the original dual carb on my XV500, and i was wondering, if i go with a single carb, what size would be the best? And do you recommend a flat slide carb, or would a round slide be better? Thanks!
Thanks. The VM 30 Mikuni works on just about anything well. The flat side carbs are more for racing type scenarios and imo don't work that great on the street.
Hi there hope you can help I have a 1100 virago with single carb set up issue i have is when hot it revs up on its own and seems to be (popping / backfiring ) while riding
You have an air leak either at the head or carb connection. re seal and try again.
Like making bull breathe through a pixie stick
How did you hook up the “blow by gases” from the case?
All I did was remove the emission garbage on the left side of the engine and plug the lines.
Is there anyway to attach a TPS?
I am planning on purchasing a BiP kit for my 2006 Vstar 1100.
And the TM40-6 is the only carb I've seen people fitting the TPS to the accelerator pump.
What's up bro, I have a lot of questions hahaha, I speak Spanish, can you tell me which carburetor did you use? And the collector did you?
Hello. My entire kit is from BIP intake Performance. bikeintakeperformance.com/
I really like your set up I have xv1100 but I'm assuming it's going to be the same way. Can I have more info about the throttle Cable
I am going to fit a Mikunioz manifold and carb onto my 1993 1100 Virago.
Can you tell me how you have set up the fuel line to the carb.
I am going to go to a gravity feed and not using the fuel pump.
Thanks.
@@tomslater1332 just go right from the fuel pump to the carb .
@@tomslater1332 they don't run well gravity fed imo.
@HammerHeadGarage I on the Mikunioz info is said that going from pump to carb it might flood?
Thanks for your help.👍🏻
Also how musc was your digital timing and how do you install one?
Bought mine here. they replace the stock ignition box, just plug and play. About $500 canadian dollars. www.carmo.nl/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1266&language=en
Doing this conversion on a 97 750 was wondering how you did the throttle cable?
Read down to gyom and read his comments i explain it in detail.
The VM30 feeds your motor enough go juice? If it can keep a liter bike chugging, it should be just fine on my 94 750. Looking at getting that exact same setup. Are you still happy with it?
Extremely satisfied, best upgrade for the virago bar none.
Hey there, for the other side of the bike under the bug eye, there are some lines going to the air cut off valve and a small air box. What did you do with those lines when you swapped the carbs? Thank you
Yeah, I took the whole mess off and threw it away. Plug the lines with caps.
Hey just bought that setup but can't fit the the stock throttle in there the end of the cable is to big to fit in those old need help my friend
Simon, you need to file the end that goes into the slide of the carb to fit. Takes about 30 min with a good file and a vise.
I hope you dont mind me asking since you made this video a couple of years ago but as I mentioned in my last post my xv1000 with single Vm30 is bogging down at 3/4 throttle. its Ok before and after 3/4 throttle. Do you think its a rich or lean condition so I can adjust the needle accordingly?. Thanks in advance.
Unfortunately, the only to know for sure is to do a plug chop at 3/4 throttle. Just google plug chop or watch my other video.
👍
Was wondering what jets you used im doing same thing to same bike , also did you eliminate fuel pump, and gravity feed or keep the pump ? Thx !
Every bike is different. Start with the jets from the carb in the kit. Keep the fuel pump. They don't run well on gravity feed.
Nice bike. Can you please give me more info on installing and modifying the throttle cable.
Read gyom,s comment below here. I cover in detail what to do.
let me know what you did on the throttle cable. i can buy a cable kit but customer said he could not afford it
I just bought this kit myself for an 89 1100. It has that double throttle cable set up, and I'm not sure the best route for a throttle cable. Stock handlebars and everything. Any input would be appreciated. Love your videos
If it is the VM 38 Mikuni you bought the stock cable modified to fit into the slide hole works the treat. I'm running the stock cable
I got the vm30
I realize this is an older video but how was the rideability and reliability after the swap
Ride it everyday. Awesome.
Been fiddling with my 1981 XV750, and have a VM30 just like yours on a single carb manifold. I’m struggling to even get the thing to start, I just want it to idle right now. I rode the bike for the past year on the factory carbs, so I know it’s in good running condition, I just have no idea what to set my base settings to be in the carb. I see some ideas of pilot and main jet sizes, looks like maybe a 35 pilot would work, but shouldn’t it fire off at least for a little with the 40 pilot that came in the carb? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. -Jacob
A motorcycle needs 3 things to start. 1. Fuel (getting inside the engine) 2. Compression 3. Properly timed spark If your missing any of the 3 she wont run. Check the plugs are they wet? Do you have a manifold air leak? Im betting you do.
Shawn Bradley, I have an 87 xv700 with an Adam Smith intake and Mikuni TM40-6 and I cant get this this dialed in! My current setting are 20 pilot, 165 main, clip at the bottom and 2 turns out on the fuel mix screw. I had a 17.5 pilot in it and it would cough through the carb at low speeds and so i upped the pilot and now it goes good up to 3rd gear then when i snap open the throttle it boggs then power comes back when i let off. The pumper seems to be more of a headache than its worth!!
That's the totally wrong carb for these machines. Flat slides are for racing not street machines. Go with a vm 30 it's more than enough for a virago.
I think I may give the vm30 a try. Would you have any baseline jetting info for my xv700? Wish I had an 1100, as there is much more info available, my 700.....not so much! Thanks!
180 main and a 30 pilot. Use the vm mikuni super manual pdf for tuning. A link for it is in the comments here. Make sure everything else is up to snuff before tuning. Valve adjustments, compression is good, bike is charging and a good battery.
Does the bike run better with a single carb? I've heard mixed things about it. What benefits do you get out of a single carb that the original carbs on there? I'm considering doing this myself
IMO the single best mod you can do to one of these machines. Easier tuning, more torque down low a better usable powerband. These bikes were never intended to be fast, anything over 100mph is sketchy as hell.
Wonder if you ever have any issues with the knee hitting the carb/air filter sticking out the side?
My knee touches the outside of the filter. It does not bother me in any way.
I like your video. I'm doing the same to my 85 xv1000. But the new style intake doesn't use old boots. It came with gaskets. My question is what did you do with the 2 bigger tubes off the cylinder heads next to exhaust that ran to the side of the bike under the chrome cover.
Block off those tubes.
Thank you. I wasn't sure if they needs breathers put on them. I think they are crank case breather tubes.
I can't get the bike to run correct. Mine came with a vm34 carb. Would that be why?
@@justinlozenski5526 No. If its not running right there is something else wrong.
I have a 82 virago xv 920 and I am putting a 40mm manifold and a vm 30 carb I do not have much time working on motorcycles is the carb going to going to work straight out of box
No such thing as out of the box. Doesn't exist. If you can't tune it bring it to a mechanic who can and pay him to do it.
What did you do on the throttle cable?
Hi Shawn, when you put the throttle cable on the carb how far is it screwed into the cap?
Mine isn't screwed into the cap. It slides through a rubber sleeve on the top of the cap into the little hole in the slide.
Did you have to make any adjustments to the carb or was it just ready out of the box
I had to lower the float height. There is no such thing as run out of the box. Make sure your engine is tuned up. Check compression, adjust the valves make sure the charging system and battery are at 100% otherwise tuning will be a waste of time. Start with the needle in the middle position and the air screw 1.5 turns out from lightly seated. Use autolite ap or a 63 plugs as they work better than ngk. Also in the comments below is the link to the Mikuni vm super tuning guide. Use it!
Hello! Been watching your videos about mikuni vm30 to a virago 1000 -86. I cant get i to run lean. Sparkplugs always get soty. I think i need a smaller main yet. I have a 250 main jet and the needle is set to the highest position. After a day of riding the sparkplugs are unusable and needs to be switched in order to run the following day. What do you think? Thanks
If its rich lean it out. If lean richen it up. The plugs tell all.
@@HammerHeadGarage hey man. Thx for earlier response. Still cant get it to run good. I think it might be a total diffrent problem.
Im holding my hand behind rear engine exaust and its a nice pop pop pop, strong. The front is irregular. Pop puu pop puu puu pop. There is a big diffrence in power from the two exausts that feel and hear.
Compression on both are equal, spark the same, also timing. Am i missing something? Thank you.
Hey mate, I’m curious how you modified your stock cable to suit the new carb? Are you able to explain it to me, cheers!
Take the end that used to go to the old carbs and file it down to fit in the slide opening on the vm30. Takes about 30 minutes with a vise and a good file. Work up on it slowly so you don't make it too small.
Thought that might have been your method! Awesome I’ll definitely have a go.
Cheers mate, love your work.
Do u still need the vacuum system when u convert to one carb??
Just plug them off. You still need the little one from the box above the coils. Connect to the rubber on the front head. It controls your timing advance
Hi Shawn, are you using the stock fuel delivery system on this?
Yes sir. 100% stock pump, lines fuel filter.
Ive got a 84 someone swapped but didnt do it right, it pops when given gas. Tips?
Air leak at the manifold. Fouled black plugs. Needs carb tuning.
I have an 85 xv700 with a vm30 kit from BIP. Any recommendations for a staring point with the jet sizing. I am having an issue with getting the bike to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
The jetting right out of the box should get it running. You have another problem. Fuel, air, spark you need all 3.
what if it rave good but everytime you rev it back let say you rev at 4500 then try to rev it back it just backfire and too rich plug... ive tryd needle clip to the leanner and even the float leaner doesnt change anything
Well in your case you will need smaller jets. Main and probably pilot. www.mikuni.com/pdf/vmmanual.pdf
@@HammerHeadGarage are you sure i should got smaller ? its seems after ive put oil filter on the air filter it was litle better then ive but a rag around the air filter and it wasnt backfiring pushing it full to throttle back and fort im not sure i think this mean it suck to much air even if the plug says im too rich reading them the air flow doesnt lie by goin smaller jet ill still have the same air flow coming in ...
Had mine running pretty good after watching your video, took hose off of breather going to frame now it wont start . any idea why? Was trying to put a filter on breather instead of going to frame.
Its on a 1995 xv1100.
Vac leak no doubt. I just plugged all those vent hose connections. Put it back the way it was and try again.
Awesome job man I'm working on a 89 xv750 kinda stumped with the throttle cable how did you modify it ?
Just file the end that use to go to the carb down to fit in the little hole of the slide on the vn 30. Takes about 30 min with a good file. Thanks Randy, Please Subscribe and like this video.
@@HammerHeadGarage sounds simple enough would a bench grinder speed things up a bit maybe
@@randyszilay3590 Yes as long as your careful. You want to stop while it's bigger and work the last bit with a file. Cheers
How did you modify the cable to work? I just got the same carb for my xv1100, now I gotta fit it!
Just read gyom,s comments i explain it there in detail.
Hi there I am also working on my Honda Steed 400 w a single carb. Been struggling to fine an optimal A/F adjustment, currently I had it at 1.25 turns and it'll backfire at the carb when I accelerate the throttle. Should I go to 2 turns and work my way clockwise? what would you recommend. By the way my carb is a Keihin 30mm
At the top of this comment section is a link to a Mikuni pdf manual. Click on that and follow that guide to help you tune. Tuning is a science and takes time and patience. Let the plugs tell you the tale.
@@HammerHeadGarage Thanks. I'm gonna try same thing you did, raise the clip 1 up then see if I rev up will the carb backfire. Seems we got the same issue when revving carb it backfires. Hope this will fix the issue too. Also doing plug reading, plugs are still black.
How did u run the stock throttle cable? I’m not getting enough length to go up through the handle
If your carb has a metal spigot 90 on it you need to remove that. It fits on the xv 1000.
I can't find any BIP manifold 50mm here in Philippines, any recommendations?
If you can't find it they don't have it for your bike. Miy bike is an xv 1000 and I bought one there at BIP. Make a manifold.
What size jets u using bec mine keep popping out of air filter
The ones that came with the kit. Every bike is different. There is no "Out of the box jetting" I got lucky.
you can buy a spark plug cleaner thru Matco but it is $50
So the stock throttle cable u have has only one line coming from the handle. What am I supposed to do cause my throttle cable on my virago 1100xv has two cables that hook up to the carb.
Just need a pull cable not a push. Take the push cable off.
I but that carburator , can you tell me please wear I can buy the cable
It's the stock cable with the carb side end shaved down to fit with a file.
Hi, so I have the xv1000. Modified it to single carb. I got to idle perfectly, but its choking upon acceleration and it turns off. I feel like it's not burning gas fast enugh, spark plugs in good shape. Raised the notch on the needle still the same. Thank you
What do the plugs look like?
@@HammerHeadGarage the plugs are new, I changed them less then 50 miles ago. Before I changed the carb, and just to make sure I cleaned them.
@@matt92q30 No what color are they?
@@HammerHeadGarage light brown
@@matt92q30 float height is correct? fuel pump working?
Hey, I know this video was posted a while ago. I have a 1998 virago 1100 and got this same kit from BIP. The bike runs at an idle over 2000 rpm. I tried adjusting the air/fuel screw and still nothing changes. Anything you know that could point me in the right direction?
The slide is hanging up.Throttle cable is too short? or slide not closing all the way.
do you have the air screw all the way in and play with the idle screw until it start then you play with the air screw ?
No 11/2 turns on air screw from seated. Then when the bike warms up set the idle speed.
What did you do with the holes on the intake boots that the vacuum line connects into? What did you use to block them off?
Just go to the parts store and get a vac plug that fits the nipple. Only cost you a few dollars.
Hammer Head Garage if going from vacuum petcock to gravity fed, I should just cap those correct? The only thing I’d need to connect is the fuel line?
Hi Shawn, great overview. I just got the BIP intake with the VM30 for my 81 XV750, my question is how is the vacuum line routing done on this now that there’s only 1 carb. It’s got me stumped and the only piece of the puzzle I need! Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.
Hey Artifact, basically you plug the vac holes on the carb boots except for the small vac line coming from your timing box, it goes to the front cylinder boot. If you have the metal lines coming off your head, just plug everything up so there are no leaks and your good.
Wow, great, thank you! I'll mess with its this weekend and will report back if I have any Qs. Thanks again!
Does anyone have a picture of this set up for vac lines, fuel and other lines? I have a 82 xv750 I'm switching to single vm30-6 thanks
Hey bud i am from Manitoba so hows the Carona situation at your end of Canada anyways I'm going to order a vm30 for my 920 with a searay guy intake hopefully it will work .. I read through your comments on the throttle cable mod but did you still have the chrome crimped end on the cable and if you did how did you get it in the carb cable adjuster .. the one on the carb not the throttle itself . Did you drill the hole bigger because the cable won't fit unless I pull of the metal tip 🍻 cheers and have a great day
Hi Wayne. Corona is pretty serious as it has closed nearly everything down here. The searay intake will work fine. Make sure to seal it up really good to the carb and the heads. The 920 cable is different from the one used on the xv 1000/1100. I would suggest getting a cable from the 1000 or 1100 bikes to make the mod I suggest in my videos. Thanks for the view and comment. Get in touch if you need any more help, take care. SB
@@HammerHeadGarage thanks I'll see what I can do about the cable . And you take care care out there also 👍
@@target1967 Thanks Wayne.