I have an '01 carbed 1200C Sporty and want to adjust the idle down to give it more of the potato sound. I don't have my manual and that's why I'm here. Where is the idle so I can adjust it down?

 

There is an adjustment on the carb near where the cable connects to the carb, it's basically a stop and the tab will be against the stop when it is at idle. If you look, you will see it. Beware, don't idle it down too far or it won't circulate oil.

 

don't go below 960 rpm, and 1000 is safer

 

I'm not sure how to explain this or the reason for it.

I had a 92 XL 1200 with an S&S carb... when the idle was set low it would handle with less control around down hill twisties with the throttle rolled completly off for a down shift. I have no idea why it did this but I was certain I did not like it!

 

Don't do it, the factory specified the idle speed for a reason. People think it sounds cool until they burn up an engine from lack of lubrication. Having a cammed bike is one thing, idling it down to achieve a similar sound is different.

 

I have my idle set at 1100-1200 rpm. Once it's warmed up that is. My carb has a screw that is easy to get to. You can see it without removing anything. Just a long phillips screwdriver works with no problem.

And yes it does sound GREAT

 

The op didn't say what the idle was set at now so, it may be higher than the recommended idle speed. I know my 02 was when I bought it. The original owner screwed with every adjustment possible. Took me a good while to get it all right again.

 

I don't have a tach to know the 1000 mark......it does seen to idle a bit high right now. How can I tell w/o a tach??

 

As said above....below 960 RPM's and the bike wont pump oil.

If you have that Potato Potato lope, your probably too low.