just picked up a 1997 EVO Fatboy. It runs great. Sometimes though the idle isn't consistent. It'll idle low then a little higher then low. Not enough to cause issues but I'm wondering if I'd benefit from rebuilding the carb? Or is there an adjustment I can make? Air screw? Maybe the idle cable is leaking air? It's a mikuni carb which I'm assuming is after market. My plugs look dark brown when I pulled them after idling which I know doesn't tell the tale. Bike runs great pulls hard in all gears. Just asking since it's my first EVO.

 

You really should have stayed with your original thread, it makes it easier for someone who may have the same issue sometime. ......and, "idle cable leaking air"? c'mon!

Mikuni has a website, go there and download the manual. While you are at it, get the FSM for your bike, it's worth it.

 

I meant leaking air around where the idle cable goes in. Just asking. No need to get all bent out of shape.

 

The cables do not go into the carby, they are attached to the linkage on the outside of the carb. Here is the manual: http://www.mikuni.com/pdf/hsr_tuningmanual_021003.pdf

http://www.mikuni.com/pdf/tm42xview121801.pdf
If I'm bent out of shape, it's my arthritis.
A sense of humor goes a long way here.

 

"Rebuild", while commonly used, is too much word for a carb job.

Based only on what you say about the plugs, it sounds like you're running rich, so a simple jet change may be all you need. Since you've got an aftermarket carb, no telling if the guy who put it on had any idea what he was doing.

Of course, you "may as well" give the whole thing a good cleaning and replace all the soft bits (ie, "rebuild" the carb) while you're in there.

Listen to Beemervet. Get some manuals.

 

By all means strip clean and rebuild your carb, but get the proper rebuild kit and replace all the perishable bits inside, like O rings, gaskets etc. And use that Mikuni manual to tune it once you refit to the bike! The FSM will give you details on removing your gas tank and stacks more for the future. You're getting solid advice in here.....

 

Here is a recent Mikuni thread, there are plenty of others. To find them use Search in this Evo forum for Mikuni in 'Titles Only'.