86 GS550ES Slide needles

[86GS550ES]

Anyone out there know how to properly remove the needles from slides in the Mikuni 2bbl CV carbs on an 86 GS550ES? I need to change mine out. Oh, and does anyone know the stock jet sizes for the same bike? Thanks!

[Calvin Blackmore]

Anyone out there know how to properly remove the needles from slides in the Mikuni 2bbl CV carbs on an 86 GS550ES? I need to change mine out. Oh, and does anyone know the stock jet sizes for the same bike? Thanks!

use needle nose pliers get a good grip on the white cross like part and pull with a short sharp tug and it should come right out.

cant recall the needles OEM size but you cant get new ones.

[GSJim69]

Here is the trick

The trick is to pull on the needle a little while pulling on the needle retainer with pliers. The needle sits slightly in the center of the needle retainer. The needle prevents the retainer from compressing and comng out easily. If you pull on the needle a little it will no longer be in the retainer. The retainer then comes out very easily.

I figured this out after destroying one of the retainers.

[86GS550ES]

Thanks guys!