Hitchcocks Forum

Hi chaps,
I've just fitted a "200087 50's style exhaust" to my 2008 Bullet Classic. I tried it with the baffle removed but the noise was beyond what is acceptable for the road.Even with the baffle fitted the noise is louder than I would have expected.
However,the noise isn't the point.Jetting is the point. I have a "tea caddie" air filter fitted so in conjunction with the free flowing exhaust I need to enrich the mixture from the Micarb instrument.

I wonder if anyone out there has the same setup.I don't want to buy a handful of jets and slides that wont get used so does anyone know from experience which parts are required.

Many thanks,Dave P.

Hi DAVE P-------------- RIGGERS is your man with the jettings etc. for that set-up----------------- Are you out there son ???---------- I did post his figures on here recently (As I use them myself) but can't for the life of me remember the post heading--- sorry !!!

Brought your post forward alan...



Subject: Carb settings - to Alan R
Hi WINNIE,---------- this is my current, total set-up for a 500cc engine with Alloy Barrel and Standard cyl. head. }----- AIR FILTER = "TEA CADDY" type, CARB. = VM28 (with--- FLOAT HEIGHT = 24MM, MAIN JET =135, NEEDLE JET = P2, PILOT = 30, SLIDE No.= 3, NEEDLE CLIP POSITION = 3/5.), EXHAUST = Std.Long Type chopped down by 30% ie Less restrictive, PLUG = IRRIDIUM, PISTON = 8.5 FORGED, GEARBOX SPROCKET = 19t, FUEL = Best Premium......... With this I still need to increase the main jet a tad more. ( Plug-chop shows a little on the weak side..). RIGGERS main jetting is given as a 1mm drill which my chart shows as slightly rich... but it does look that I'm heading in that direction...In the mean time these overall settings do give a good control in 1st gear whilst 60mph is held comfortably..... An estimated 80mpg seems to be right as well....Please do remember that these are GUIDELINES ONLY... You'll have to do final settings as per whatever your engine tells you it needs...

Thanks Alan R and Gwilly. You've given me something to work with.
Although our host shows a graph of power output using the the exhaust system I've fitted and has specified an increase in main jet size, he doesn't specify the air filter type or any other carb' setting alterations.
I'll order up some bits and commence playing!
Cheers,Dave P.

Hi guys---------- GWILLY, much appreciated indeed !!........... DAVE P, just to repeat what both myself and our hosts mention and that is these are GUIDELINE settings only ie a good starting point for you to work from....Note also that this is with a VM28 carb and that I run a 19t output sprocket as well...... If you are still on std. gearing you might want to consider this upgrade as well ???????

Dave, I agree about the ridiculous noise levels of this exhaust which I too found quite unacceptable. However, on fleabay there are a number of outlets selling, for not too much money, far longer baffles, up to about a foot long, and also material to wrap around the baffles to mute the noise. This will keep your neighbours happy and the local plods off your case.

Once again thanks for the input chaps. I have just removed the carb' and found a metaphorical spanner in the works.
The carb' mounting stub, bolted to the cylinder head, has a small hole drilled at about 4'o'clock going right through from atmosphere to the inlet tract.I don't know what it's purpose is but I imagine it should be blanked off.I seem to remember
seeing a reference to it somewhere but I cant find it now.I had believed that all the popping and banging on the overrun
was due to a rotted silencer.Hence the purchase of a new system.I now doubt that was the case.I think the blanking plug has fallen out of the manifold causing a significant air leak.
Oh well,the new system is nice and shiny as well as being deafening, and re-jetting will still be required,but I would like to know about that hole.Who knows,do you??
Cheers Dave P.

Dave, that sounds like the PAV connector, if so yes it does need blanking off. On mine, I tapped a thread and loctited a bolt into it. The previous owner had put a woodscrew in it which wasn't the best engineering solution!

Hi Midge.Since my last post I have discovered the purpose of the hole and done exactly what you suggest.
When I bought the bike new in 2008 the dealer at my request removed the PAV system and presumably blanked off the hole.
This is why I was unaware of it's existence.The "bung" must have fallen out causing some running problems.
I Have ordered jets and a slide from our hosts and given their usual efficiency expect to see them tomorrow.
Can't wait to feel that massive power increase!!!!! Thanks for all advice received,this really is an invaluable resource.
Cheers,Dave P.