Can't lie you motivated me soo much to start a cafe racer project and I'm just waiting to buy my first bike. I'm looking to do my a2 first so I can ride a bigger bike but I think I might start a 125cc cafe racer build before. Thank you for being such an inspiration. Everyone who reads this comment and loves bikes should follow and subscribe to this channel.

Man!! I am a huge fan of all of your videos. Your videos popped up on my "watch next stream" at the same time that my buddy was telling me to get a bike... Two weeks later I bought my first bike. Got a 1983 Honda Nighthawk CB550sc for $200 and a handgun. Big project. Didn't run, a the electrical harness had been hacked/slashed/melted and it looks like one of the last owners didn't feel up to finishing the frame work after doing a mono-shock conversion. Lucky for me, I am a master certified ASE automotive tech and electrical/diagnostics are kinda my thing. And as it turns out a lot of my know how and skills translate to motorcycles. However, I have never had to study carburetors. So there was a good deal of learning I had to do. Had it running and most of the electrical sorted out by the next week. The guy thought it was a lost cause. Thank you for being an inspiration! And I can't wait to see how these projects of yours turn out. Good luck and have a fantastic day!

I have to say you do a great job on these videos! I have a 79 GS550 cafe project going myself and your vids are giving me a ton of inspiration. Keep up the good work!

Great video as usual, looks like you're going about it the right way. Can't wait for more videos on this carb adjustment.

I found you because I have a cx500. Dude you are great at explaining things. Be blessed man

I've rebuilt these carbs several times sorting mine out on my gs550, first thing is if you notice adjusting the fuel pilot screws on the bottom of the carbs is not doing anything take the carbs off and pull the fuel screw. Most likely the tips broken off in the carb, this is s huge pain to get out trust me I had three broke off. As far as the jets, I went to six sigma website and gave them the information they needed to build a kit for me. It worked great other than my slow jet was to big. I have 4 individual pods and a 4-1 custom exhaust (open header) and I run the original slow jet. My air pilot screw (screw on the side of the carb) is at 1/2 turn out. My fuel pilot screws at 3/4 turn. My mid jets are the originals and my mains are 97.5 on the outside carbs and 95 on the inside carbs. My needle clips are in the original positions as well.

It might sounds stupid but it's how I would try it before re jeting the carbs and change everything : you may try the air box with the factory settings to make sure for 100% good running ( idle, air leaks, synchro, valve clearance, blablabla, etc etc ). Once you know everything is okay go to the next step. As you already know, the cleaning process of the carbs and jets is the most important. I'm impatient for the next steps and the end result as the success of this build. :)

I love tuning carbs haha mostly messed with them on old tractors but I have learned that with determination and a good ear you can tune anything ;)

The pilot jets control the idle and low engine speeds. The main jets control the high speed/full throttle. Were the jets replaced, or were they just soaked in cleaner? There are many little holes in each of those pilot jets, and ALL of them must be clean. I use a strand of wire from a stranded wire to clean those tiny jet holes. Also, the main jet must be fully seated. The only thing that isn't seated is the air bleed, and its best to start at about 1.5, to 1.75 turns out from full seated. Your issues may be as simple as the idle speed isn't adjusted properly. Good luck.

Good video! I use a small external fuel tank whenever working on carbs for easier access. Also gaffer tape on pod would look better on pod manifold instead of outside

When I researched jetting a lot of guys were running 100's . That seemed a bit big for me and I went a bit conservative. Elevation makes a difference also. My bike sat for a long time so carbs were plugged. I rebuilt them and then pulled again and cleaned them again as it had the same problem as yours. Pay special attention to idle circuit and blow it out with compressed air.

Love your videos and they are all so interesting. I just wish you'd do more. The anticipation of the finished products of both bikes is killing me. Appreciate this channel. Keep at it

Good trick for testing the air/fuel issue, using the tape. I had the same goal for my CX500, have it ready for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride this year. However life has been to busy and I have made virtual 0 progress. Still participating, but the CX500 will have to wait until next years ride.

Hey I had the same idea regarding the air intake, but mine is just a bit better I would say hahaha. Multi cylinder don't really care about the exhaut because all the work in in the carb fuel repartition and synchronisation, despite of monocylinder. My point is the main issue you're facing is on the air intake we agreed on that point. My idea was to reduce this air flow by inserting inside the pods some mask. From a more technical way, I though about cuting a star shape with a hole in the midle. the advantage of this shape is that you're sure that its no going to be suck into the engine. Run the bike with a small hole in the middle. If not running good you just have to take it off an create a bigger halo, until you find the right flow similar to the stock air box. Do not hesite to contact me on instagram if you want more information about this ;) Keep it up !

Hey man! Just some thoughts on carb basics: When you remove stock mufflers or stock airboxes and throw pods on, you’re gonna get a very lean mix. (A lot of air) as you discovered. That’s not a bad thing. What you then need to do is increase fuel supply to normalize that mix, like you’re doing. Trial and error is your friend, just keep bumping up the jet sizes until it idles without choke when it’s warm, and without tape on the pods. An important note about jets: The slow jet controls 80+% of the idle air/fuel mix, so that’s what’s most important. I would focus on getting just that one in the right size as it will mostly control the idle mix. The main jets control 1/2 open - wide open throttle (WOT), give or take. Lastly, not all of your tuning will be done in the jets alone. You need to get those right to get it to idle yes, but the fine tuning and “dark arts” are gonna be in those needles that are turned out from stop. 5/8s, and 2 out I believe you had them. Once it idles with the right sized jets, screw in and out those screws till you get a nice mix. Trial and error. You’ll wanna work your way screwing out (if it’s a gas needle) until it gets really rich and wants to cough, then screw in slowly until it idles nice and happy. That gives you the best rich mix while the bike is in tune.

Smaller pods will reduce cfm and allow you to idle without choke. A lot cheaper then re jetting carbs and saves time. Just switch come filters to smaller size

@forthebold do you know where i can find swingarm bearings?

I have seen people use washers to restrict the air flow on pods before. I think the re-jetting is a better option though. That blue tank looks amazing in the sun light

I have a 78 gs 550 with pipes and pods. I used a 95 main jet raised the needle one position and left the pilot jet stock. It runs great. I might play with the pilot jet down the road as there's a slight bit of popping when I let off but it's very slight. It works great at my elevation of 1034m. If it's not running with out choke maybe the idle circuit is dirty? Also I have a dyna electronic ignition and love it. Points were great when that's all we had but it's time to let them go. Lol. Have fun and keep up the good work!

Found your video on the re-jetting of the carbs after air filter change :-) You mentioned some sort of "schedule" : if you use 1 pod, go up 1 size in jets, if you use 4 pods go up 3 sizes in jets, and about the turns for the air/gas mixture needle ..... Did you draw up that schedule somewhere? Or could you draw it up if you have some spare time? Thx in advance !!

Just found this so I do not know where your at on doing the jetting but with mine and only running pods I am running 20 on the pilot's / 70 on the mid range / 95 on the mains. Mine also started off at 15,50,80. One thing you may do is raise the slide needle 1 clip. By lowering the clip you raise the needle. I just picked up another 1978 GS550 with 685 miles on it at the Barbers Vintage show here in the US. Only had to pay $1.09 per mile or $750.00 and a 1978 Kawasaki KE100.

So your current condition is a lean condition, try turning IN the air pilot screws on the sides of the carbs. This will lessen the amount of air in the IDLE circuit. This won't affect the mix after half throttle. Take the screws in till you hear the bike bog a little then turn back out a 1/4-1/8 of a turn. Also just a side note the bike should not idle bellow 900 rpm because it can cause insufficient oil pressure. If you need anything or any questions hit me up I can shoot a video of bench top carb syncing and tuning if you need. I also have some spare parts and gaskets I'll give you if you want to pay postage.

A Black art for sure Best bet without a dyno and exhaust gas sensor is to go with the lower of your two estimates, try to set it up for idle then ride and do a plug chop while under load at high revs. Then pull each of the spark plugs and visually ascertain the burn quality.

interesting, thanks. how many builders must suffer thru ''air intake''

Hi! Didnt catch the turns on the screws under the carbs, I took mine out and forgot the count. The air/mix is two turns original, but what did you set them on when using pods? I got gs550e 77, so hope you can help me out with the problem :)

g hi i have a question i dont know anything about these gs550 i just baught one its an 82 o ly had 1037 miles on it and it has the original title from when it was baught new i was planning to cafe race it but since its such low miles and only one owner would i drop the value cafeing it should i just clean it up and restore it

Don't know if you already know this but anyway - here's a tip - check if rubber boots of PODs do not cover the small weird pilot (I know they are not called so) holes in the main Bernulli boar.

Hey buddy I noticed something dripping of the exhaust header clamp 8:15 - 8:26 looks to viscus to be oil, possibly petrol.

i have pods but never put them on my 82 750 suzuki T model..was afraid it would not burn rich enough...i tore them carbs down a clean all the green gunk out ..its not right but not bad ether

Rhythm bro! I think you got it though.

I need help my gs550 diaphragm carb is idle around 2000 rpm then gradually increase to 3.5-4.0 rpm I'm so stressed ride it especially during red traffic light I already try adjust the middle carb skrew and nothing happen . Is there any other point to lower down the idle.

Is the slow jet the pilot and small/long jet and the main jets the small ones like bolts?

The duct tape is a funny solution hahah I hope I don't have to worry about my carb too much when I put it back together and put the pod filters on...

On my gs550, i only changed the main jet to 84. But be aware that the petcock does not deliver enough fuel. It needs to set to prime, or modify it. The engine runs for the moment the best after trying al sizes of main jet and pilot jet. Kind regard

Hi, I broke one of four fuel pilot jets, and I need to replace it. Problem is that i cant find any website selling this. I have tried 6 sigma jets and Bikebandit. Did you replace yours? If so, any suggestion on where I can find new ones? I got the VM22SS carbs, same bike as you gs550e 77'. One more thing: Do you know if the fuel pilot screws is supposed to be sealed? Thanks a lot!

I really need to learn from you guys. I just bought a GS550 (Mikuni VM22[ss] carbs). Where can I get a good carb rebuild kit (preferably just the jets... I think. I'm going to have individual pods, and a very free flowing exhaust. I just want to replace all the jets with "properly" sized jets. I don't want to file jets or anything crazy. My bike currently idles with some choke (original airbox). I suppose that means my jets are likely dirty. Thanks. Thanks, dreegez (as I know you). I appreciate you greatly for your great videos.

Do the jets compensate for the air with fuel or do they limit/meter the air intake?

look on the inside of your pods,is there an edge or a lip ? if so it is possible blocking of one holes on the carburetor? it was an isssue with one of my builds for the jets i just bought 3 set with about 10 sizes up and i raised my needles by putting a ring under them?

I bought a 1981 GS550 recently. It doesn't have carbs at all. Should I just find some aftermarket ones or try to find a used oem one?

When and where is the gentlemens ride? Hopefully i will have my bike finished by then

Was you bike cold You should always check valve clearance on a cold bike as metal expands with heat

Hello, where did you happen to purchase the NGK spark plug wires that are colored?

love your videos.

1st Comment yea,and great video! Enjoyed each one and inspires me to keep working on my bike but question or possible opinon how to install pod on a 85 Honda Sabre thanks

What jets did you switch and where did you find them brother. Just got the same year and model bike for a build project

every week you gain 1000 subscribers

What size main jets and idle did you eventually use on the gs550 with k&ns?

Timing will also affect carb jetting. The company you ordered your Jett's from should have or recommend a jetting calculator. This will help with determining main and pilot jet size and shim per needle based on your setup. This is what I used carbjetkits.com/bikes-with-jet-kit-calculator.html . The bike sounds great, btw!

Where did you order the jets?

Go back to the stock air box, less headache same fun !

Damn. Looks like I'm taping my pods :p

OHHHH SNAPPPP!!!!!! Its not a real build without the tape. Lol Hahaha I cant believe it actually worked!!!! I'm actually crying now. LMAO

Could you do an offroad quad video it would be amazing!

The only way to have a perfect tuning is using wide band sensors

Have a chat with Moonfleet41. Electic ignition helps in rainy weather

Next project: xv 750?

Are you able to show me how you ran all your fuel lines?

I have to paint my motor then I will be onto the wizardry of carburetors. Lol

What an absolute WRONG WRONG WRONG way to attack the problem!