Best Carb Synchronizer for the Buck?

[KRISTI'SGS550]

So the title pretty much explains it all. I hate to throw $90 into a new carb synchronizer. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to get one, besides ebay? Anyone have one laying around they would like to get rid of? Let me know what you have, or know.

Thanks

Cory

[rookie racer]

Bought one from Z 1 $85.00 works great! very happy with it.

[Suzuki_Don]

Bought one from Z 1 $85.00 works great! very happy with it.

What is the name of it. I am thinking of getting one too and I notice Z1 have a couple of different ones for sale.

[Steve]

What is the name of it. I am thinking of getting one too and I notice Z1 have a couple of different ones for sale.

I just looked at Z1 and saw three sets. Two were analog gauges, one was 'mercury-free' columns. I have used that unit and found it rather acceptable, compared to my mercury sticks. Based on the opinions of others on this board, the only better option would be the Morgan Carbtune, but that will cost you about $120.

Analog gauges are OK, but they are harder to read because they bounce a bit, and it's also harder to compare the angles of four needles rather the height of four colmns of colored liquid when comparing vacuum levels.

.

[RageZro]

I use the TwinMax electronic balancer. I can tell you it is simple to use, very accurate. I chose it as there are no fluids to piddle with like MotionPro's.

What I like is the fact that you balance each carb off of a reference carb. Unlike the needle gauge type there isn't any fluctuations unless you want to take it up to that level of sensitivity. If you do it is still easy to see the difference between the two carbs as the needle moves side to side in the scale.

The best price out there I could find was at RL Motorsports, $87.95 on the internet, nice people to deal with too IMHO.



You leave one hose connected to the reference carb and move the other hose to each of the other 3 one at a time. This might seem a bit tedious but unlike MotionPro's, Carbtune or any gauge based synchronizer, there is no possibility of any difference betwen measuring devices as this is just one device. Any multi gauge can have differences in how each "tube" or gauge is snubbed to limit fluctuation or in the case of the Carbtune I guess you can add drag in the tube of the metal rod. I like that it is just one calibrated measuring device instead of several uncalibrated measuring devices mounted together.

[bwringer]

The Morgan Carbtune is worth every single penny and then some.


Don't waste your money on inferior crap like the vacuum gauges or the mercury/mercury alternate liquid-based junk. I think it's also a false economy to attempt to make your own, unless you're just that bored.

This is one of those cases where you can spend just a bit more money and get something that's 100X better. The Carbtune is a precision instrument that will last a lifetime, can be stored anywhere and in any position, can't spill, and won't poison your children. It will also save you an incredible amount of time and frustration when synchronizing carbs -- once you've used a Carbtune, you won't ever go back to the %$#@@#!!! maddeningly bouncing columns of mercury.

If you're really so poor that an extra $50 will render you destitute, band together with a couple of riding buddies to buy one. Every multi-cylinder motorcycle must have its carburetors or throttle bodies synchronized at regular intervals, so it's universally useful.

[Greg O.]

I bought one of those cheap sets like you see on ebay, and even Z1 sells them. They seem to work pretty well, but probably not as accurate. I found the hoses are very cheap, and keep splitting, so replaced them with good grade automotive vacuume hose. I am considering buying a Carbtune. I have to decide whether or not the $120 or so, is worth it. I do seem to get good results with my cheap gauges. But I have often wondered how accurate the 4 gauges are between all of them.

Greg O

[Junkie]

I've also got a TwinMax and while I haven't balanced the carbs on the GS yet, I'm happy with it.

[rapidray]

I have the same Motion Pro vacuum 4 gauge set that I bought back in 88 & I still use them & have NEVER had a single problem with them. I like the vacuum gauges myself. Ray.

[psyguy]

i have used carbtune and was very happy with it, easy to operate and read the levels.
i like the idea of twinmax where you adjust one carb at the time comparing always to the same reference carb. also the reading seems easier than with the carbtune as there's no bouncing sticks

as carbtune that i use is not mine i'm actually considering buying twinmax

i am wondering though how slightly different rpms when switching from carb to carb on twinmax might influence the adjusting accuracy
with carbtune you see all 4 vacuums at once and as you use different rpms the vacuum levels do oscilate a bit - you can however get an "average" position of sticks accross different rpms that is good enough
not sure how you can achieve this with twinmax

[psyguy]

I use the TwinMax electronic balancer.

i am wondering though how slightly different rpms when switching from carb to carb on twinmax might influence the adjusting accuracy
with carbtune you see all 4 vacuums at once and as you use different rpms the vacuum levels do oscilate a bit - you can however get an "average" position of sticks accross different rpms that is good enough
not sure how you can achieve this with twinmax

ragezro, can you shed some light on this maybe? thanks

[Junkie]

With the twinmax, you are comparing the vacuum of two carbs - not measuring the absolute vacuum. If your cylinders are all in similar condition, there shouldn't be a problem.

[KRISTI'SGS550]

There seems to be a lot of great carb synchronizing products out there. My plan was to buy a new MotionPro from Z1, but my sife didn't like the $90 price tag. I told her I would do some research and that is the reason for my post. I figured if anyone knew all of you would. And the information I would get from you all would be very useful. The carbtune does seem like a great setup, so does the TwinMax electronic balancer as well. Thank you all for your ideas. I think the best idea was from bwringer, even though there isn't any carbs out here for $50 I think I will talk to my buddies and see if we can buy one together. Between my wife, friends, friends parents and I we have about 6 bikes with inline fours.

If there are any other suggestions feel free. Thanks!

Cory

[twistedwankel]

So the title pretty much explains it all. I hate to throw $90 into a new carb synchronizer. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to get one, besides ebay? Anyone have one laying around they would like to get rid of? Let me know what you have, or know.

A local GS member put me on to a local Triumph dealer who will work on my 81 GS750 mechanicals. He charged me $60 for the carb sync and I have no complaints. Sometimes it pays to ask around. I still am thinking about the thread for fuel injection I like people who make life simple.

[earlfor]

The next time you need a carb synch, I can beat anyone's price. I have a Morgan carbtune, used to have a 81 GS750 and I have a deal for you. You bring it to my shop, I'll fix it and buy the beer too (if thats your preference). LOL No charge my friend. :-)
Just give me a day notice of what you need and when you want to do it. I'm only about 15 miles from Spring Hill, so you cant be too far away. heh

Earl

A local GS member put me on to a local Triumph dealer who will work on my 81 GS750 mechanicals. He charged me $60 for the carb sync and I have no complaints. Sometimes it pays to ask around. I still am thinking about the thread for fuel injection I like people who make life simple.