Carburetor choices
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Carburetor choices
I have a 98 FXDWG (45K miles) with a CV carb (45jet & 185 idle jet, jet needle set at middle adjustment notch) that has a stage 1 K&N air filter and thunder header. Over the years it has ran well except for getting noticeably richer. Tore down the carb and discovered that the jet needle is worn, which should account for increase in fuel richness. Harley stopped making the jet needle for the carb. So I'm thinking of replacing carb with a 42 Mikuni. I want a worry-free carb and any advice from you Harley experts that have already made this transition would be appreciated.
If it's just needle jet availability that's the issue, PM me your address and I'll mail you the original needle jet from mine (had 10k on the bike when I rebuilt the carb).
I bought a complete rebuild kit from CV Performance. I don't have a lot of experience swapping carbs on these bikes, so I don't have an opinion on replacing (the S&S does seem highly regarded, though). Mine is running fine with the CVP parts in the original CV.
I bought a complete rebuild kit from CV Performance. I don't have a lot of experience swapping carbs on these bikes, so I don't have an opinion on replacing (the S&S does seem highly regarded, though). Mine is running fine with the CVP parts in the original CV.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 942
Likes: 323
From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
The CV carb is a pretty worry free carb. I would get the jet needle from Omaha and replace it and be done.
Mikuni, S&S, and CV (OEM) from 1990 on Big Twin on are the three most common carbs for these Evos. All good. Just a personal choice and $$ you want to spend. There are mods to the CV carb that will make it very nice. I've done this on my Evo CV carb. Good luck.
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/hd_cv_mods.htm
Mikuni, S&S, and CV (OEM) from 1990 on Big Twin on are the three most common carbs for these Evos. All good. Just a personal choice and $$ you want to spend. There are mods to the CV carb that will make it very nice. I've done this on my Evo CV carb. Good luck.
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/hd_cv_mods.htm
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Omaha, Does your stock jet needle have the adjustment notches at the top? I'm wondering if my jet needle may be an aftermarket because it had 4-5 notches for adjustment. I bought one from Harley for a 1200 sportster (Rep said it was same for EVO carbs) that is a solid needle without adjustment notches. I much prefer the inexpensive option of fixing what I got vice a new carb.
Omaha, Does your stock jet needle have the adjustment notches at the top? I'm wondering if my jet needle may be an aftermarket because it had 4-5 notches for adjustment. I bought one from Harley for a 1200 sportster (Rep said it was same for EVO carbs) that is a solid needle without adjustment notches. I much prefer the inexpensive option of fixing what I got vice a new carb.
FWIW, you can buy the CV Performance needle here.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
I am a huge fan of Mikuni carbs. They are not worry free though and tend to be on the leaky side (float needles) but I love the performance from them. If you want to change things up and be worry free put an S&S or a newer CV carb on it...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,201
Likes: 6,062
From: Black Hills
I wouldn't trade my CV for a box full of the others. Everyone has a preference, a correctly tuned CV is a great carb and will provide all the performance and economy you could ever need.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,324
Likes: 3,869
From: Upstate New York
No notches on mine. Unless things changed year to year (mine is off of a 1990), I don't think the stockers had notches.
FWIW, you can buy the CV Performance needle here.
FWIW, you can buy the CV Performance needle here.