Welcome, Guest
Username: Password: Remember me
  • Page:
  • 1

TOPIC:

1980 KZ550 jet recommendations 13 Feb 2020 10:41 #819182

  • Buzzard53
  • Buzzard53's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 6
  • Thank you received: 0
I'm in the process of putting together the motor on my cafe' project.
I'm hunting for jet sizes and needle sizing for the 550.
I plan on running pods and have a 4 into 1 header ready to mount.
I'm sure many others have run this setup and would like to get suggestions on what would work best for normal use. Not trying to create a high performance bike. Just one that will run well for around town rides.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
1980 KZ550 LTD
2016 HONDA GOLDWING F6B
U.S.A.F. 1972-1976

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

1980 KZ550 jet recommendations 13 Feb 2020 11:50 #819189

  • loudhvx
  • loudhvx's Avatar
  • Offline
  • KZr Legend
  • Posts: 10868
  • Thank you received: 1615
Stock pilots are 32.
Stock mains are 92.
Stock needle is a fixed clip position.

I recommend using the stock needle unless you know for a fact that the adustable needles you find are either 100% TK (factory original adjustable available outside the U.S.) or are non-counterfeit Dynojet needles. I have run into counterfeit Dynojet needles and bad replica factory adjustable needles.
Here's a link to the various needles and what to avoid:
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2...K22threeNeedles.html

I recommend getting your jets at Jets-R-us. Here's details on jets and links to jets-r-us.
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2...22jetsAndDrills.html

There is a wide variety of jetting combos that will work for you.

Start with a pilot around 35 or so and a main around 96 to 100. You might be able to run this without a needle adjustment if you are very lucky.

Most likely you will have to shim the factory needle with the smallest shim you can get. Normal shim is .5mm, but you can find .4mm and sometimes smaller. Or you can bang a shim thinner with a hammer. Just do 20 of them and you will find 4 that are good. You have to properly shim the needle
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2...shimmingNeedles.html
and this is how to change the needle:
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2.../TK22needleSwap.html

These are just very preliminary starting points. The best way is to make sure the bike runs correctly stock first. Then start making changes. This is not always possible, so a starting point is needed. If the bike doesn't run well at all, then you will really need to check a bunch of other things first.

Compression
Valves (read the warning below)
Voltage
Ignition timing
Vacuum leaks

Jetting is usually the last step before final tuning.

You will also want to make sure the choke system is working properly:
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2...chokePlateFlaps.html

s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2...astIdleScrewMod.html

And of course general carb condition, especially fuel level:
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2...stmentsAndMaint.html

Main site:
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK22mainPage.html

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Last edit: by loudhvx.

1980 KZ550 jet recommendations 13 Feb 2020 16:22 #819229

  • Buzzard53
  • Buzzard53's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 6
  • Thank you received: 0
loudhvx

Thank you for the detailed carb information.
I have a lot of reading ahead.
I certainly appreciate you providing the recommendations.

K Gee
1980 KZ550 LTD
2016 HONDA GOLDWING F6B
U.S.A.F. 1972-1976

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Page:
  • 1
Powered by Kunena Forum