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The slow return to idle is probably due to the cable. Some folks like to run the single cable system.
The Mikuni has a flat slide, and is prone to sticking.
When using a single cable, and the cable starts to bind (as they sometimes do before failing) you are stuck with a stuck throttle.
When running a dual cable, and the cable binds, all you have is a stiff throttle, so you will have some time to get the bike back to the garage.
What type intake do you have on the bike? Look at the intake manifold, if there are rubber manifolds bolted to the cylinder heads, you have the OEM setup that came on the bike.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Oct 19, 2013 at 08:47 PM.
Usually the high idle/slow return is an intake leak, the popping is the same thing....if it was me I would replace the manifold to head seals, the manifold to the carb seal, check any vacuum pipes and put a #45 idle jet in.
I ran a single cable for years, never had a problem with it because the return spring is so strong.
Yeah, the spring is pretty strong, especially on the HS40, but once a cable gets frayed inside the cable is going to be stuck.
I never could find any decent cables for the HS40, the only cables I could find were from Motion Pro, and they were pretty wimpy, and would only last a couple of years before they would start to fail.
Being that the OP`s bike is an `87, there`s a good chance that the carb is an HS40 (a great carb).
If you need to replace cables, try Barnett.
I have always been happy with their stuff.
If you need help ordering the correct cable, call them and ask for help. http://www.barnettclutches.com/
Finally got around to replacing my intake seals. No more backfiring! Runs great! Still not settling back down to idle as quickly as I think it should, but definitely better. Cable replacement next on the list. Thanks again!
Thanks for the update. My bike was slow to come down to idle, like the cable was sticking and it turned out to be the thumb screw under the throttle. Give it a little time to clean up after the intake seal leak.
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