1981 GS 850 Too Lean

[gmcpheter]

I have a GS 850 which just does not run well unless the choke is out 3/4 to 1 inch? The exhaust seem to get very hot as well. I've seen the 4 to 1 exhaust, carb kits, K&N Pods posted...where do you find them? Any thoughts on the apparent lean setting? I think everything is stock the #2 carb air screw is apparently cross threaded as it will not move, others at 1 3/4. Thanks.

[mark]

You would perhaps get a better response by posting this in the technical section. But anyway, welcome to the forum.

Assuming your bike is stock, it is absolutely essential to have your stock airbox on and sealed up tight. Make sure the side covers are sealed well. Most of us use weather stripping since the old gaskets are usually worthless.

Foget the pods unless you want to do a lot of work to get your carbs rejetted, needles set right etc.

Assuming your bike is stock, the first thing I would do is make sure your carbs are clean. Unless you are sure they are clean, its not much use going further. Take them completely apart, soak them in carb cleaner blow them out with compressed air. Use a manual, or use intructions on the Homepage of this forum (GS garage I think). Then synch them properly and adjust the floats. All this you can do yourself. Don't just spray them with carb cleaner out of a can. Do it right.

Old carb intake boots and O-rings are common culprits as well for a lean condition. These can be tested by spraying around them with water with the bike running. RPM changes indicate leaks.

If you add a 4-1 exhaust you may have to adjust needles etc. (ask me how I know). Keeping the bike stock is really the best option for maximum performance unless you want extra work.

Your air screws are at a typical correct adjustment. Sorry about #2, that's a pain. Ask for ways to deal with that, there are smarter people than I am here that are good with that stuff.

Good luck...if you need help, ask.....but over in the technical section would be better .

[gmcpheter]

You would perhaps get a better response by posting this in the technical section. But anyway, welcome to the forum.

Assuming your bike is stock, it is absolutely essential to have your stock airbox on and sealed up tight. Make sure the side covers are sealed well. Most of us use weather stripping since the old gaskets are usually worthless.

Foget the pods unless you want to do a lot of work to get your carbs rejetted, needles set right etc.

Assuming your bike is stock, the first thing I would do is make sure your carbs are clean. Unless you are sure they are clean, its not much use going further. Take them completely apart, soak them in carb cleaner blow them out with compressed air. Use a manual, or use intructions on the Homepage of this forum (GS garage I think). Then synch them properly and adjust the floats. All this you can do yourself. Don't just spray them with carb cleaner out of a can. Do it right.

Old carb intake boots and O-rings are common culprits as well for a lean condition. These can be tested by spraying around them with water with the bike running. RPM changes indicate leaks.

If you add a 4-1 exhaust you may have to adjust needles etc. (ask me how I know). Keeping the bike stock is really the best option for maximum performance unless you want extra work.

Your air screws are at a typical correct adjustment. Sorry about #2, that's a pain. Ask for ways to deal with that, there are smarter people than I am here that are good with that stuff.

Good luck...if you need help, ask.....but over in the technical section would be better .

Mark, thanks for the info. What is it with the airbox leaking on the side panels that is so bad? Air goes in the airbox somehow, through the air cleaner and into the carbs...what am I missing?

[mark]

The airbox is designed to restrict the airflow to the carbs in a precise way. Leaks or taking it off leans the bike way out. Take the airbox off and the bike will barely run. Can't tell you why they designed it that way, but that's how it is.