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Happy Friday everyone! Wanted to pick your brains real quick about a rich running deuce. Last fall I decided to throw a bassani 2:1, and a big sucker onto my stock 2000. Pretty sure the carb has never been touched by the previous owners as the plug is still intact where the air/fuel mixture screw is. Right off the bat, I noticed it running rich. Nothing too crazy, but you could smell it. It was the end of the season, so I told myself this is something we can address over winter. Only got it out about 10 times, under 200 miles. Winter was busy, and cold, and I didnt want to freeze my *** off in my garage. So, fast forward to today, I decided with riding season almost here I should get the plug out and toy around with the mixture screw and maybe re-jet this pig. Pulled the plugs, and took the air cleaner off and pulled the carb off the boot so I could get the plug out. So, my first question, introducing more air flow with the intake and exhaust, the bike should have gotten leaner, not richer? I've read up on how to re-adjust the mixture screw. After doing that, and hopefully leaning it out a bit, I would still have to go down a size in the main jet, correct? Here's the plugs I just changed out for a reference...
That happens when the engine is started cold and left to idle too long with the choke on (enricher)
Put in new plugs then remove them, put old plugs back in.. Start and ride for 10-15 miles. Re-install the new plugs and go ride for 100 miles or more. Then look at them.
It sounds like the carb needs to be refreshed, and the intake manifold seals too. Do you know what jets are in there now? If the bike is 26 years old, there are some things that should be refreshed, especially carb seals and the carb itself. Vacuum and fuel lines seem likely in need of refresh as well. You need to always get out for a good hour ride (25-30 miles?) to make sure everything is warmed up to temps so moisture from oil get expelled. t150's advice is good.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Mar 28, 2026 at 07:12 PM.
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Running rich?
