Question:
- I put on a set of Jardine Rumbler Slash Cut pipes (full exhaust system) and need to know what jets I should use. Any Info? Stock air box, air filter and carbs. {David, FL 1999 Shadow Aero 1100}
Answer:
- In my experience, most bikes equipped with a stock air filter, carbs and new complete aftermarket exhaust system will require jetting. That said, let’s talk about your specific motorcycle.
The 1999 Honda VT1100, Shadow 1100 Aero model has a V shaped, Twin cylinder, 1100cc engine. Giving you your model designation of a VT1100. The Aero portion of the name is the tank and fender design and trim kit. This bike has a Keihin constant velocity, 36mm carburetor. The carb identification stamping is located below the air box joint on the carb inlet. Pilot jet size of 42, main jet size of 180. The air filter element is a paper, replaceable type.
I recommend that your purchase a Stage One Jet Kit. When purchasing a kit you will receive all necessary parts to compliment your exhaust purchase and will receive instructions and technical support information. DynoJet has been one of the easier jet kit installation for me. They will supply the necessary main jets, adjustable fluid needles and components to tune your bike for maximum horsepower and torque while retaining ride-ability.
Other jet kit or carburetor recalibration kit manufacturers are Vance & Hines, Cobra and Factory. Not all kit manufacturers include the same parts in each kit or make kits for the same bikes. You can find good deals on exhaust at Chaparral Motorsports.
I feel that as a person who is able to install a full aftermarket exhaust system at home, you are also capable of installing a jet kit yourself. However, home installation is not for everyone. There are many confined spaces that may require small hands and out of the ordinary screw drivers or pliers.
Patience is an absolute must. The jet kit may require you to remove the tank, airbox, carburetors, disassemble the carbs and drill parts internally. The drill bits are supplied with the kit.
- The time required to install a jet kit will be approximately from one to three hours. However, tuning time or “dial in” time can be extensive due to climate, elevation and air quality. By this I mean if you follow the jet kit instructions using the sizes they recommend and your bike runs perfectly. The hard part is over. Sometimes fine tuning air – fuel mixture screws is all you have left to do.
Other times you follow the instructions and you find that your bike, in your riding area, does not respond to the recommended sizes. It may be idling fine, but now it is fouling plugs. Kits will usually supply additional jets and fluid needle flexibility to allow for individual circumstances, but to install them will require the removal of the carb as if starting all over again.
It may be a good idea, after purchasing a jet kit to call the tech line and give them information such as, elevation above sea level, air filter and new exhaust system info before starting. Bikes at higher altitudes require a richer fuel mixture.
If you feel that you are not able to do this at home, on your own. You can take it to a shop. Call local shops and get an estimate first. Carburetor jetting can be time consuming and shops can be expensive.
I hope this has been helpful, as yours is a simple answer by telling you to buy a jet kit. I feel like that is almost a blow off answer, I normally try to answer a mechanical question in depth. If you decide to take on do it yourself carb jetting, please read our
Carburetor Jetting
pages before you take anything apart.
Vance & Hines SS2-R Performance Exhaust System
- For more information on the carburetor jets and what they do read the
Carburetor Jets
page.
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