Hawk Mikuni vm26 carb 17 45 sprockets

Musictrek · 02-03-2017, 08:26 AM

My hawk got some new toys last night. A new VM26 Mikuni carb and sprockets. For now, I set the carb with a 110 jet and 1 1/2 turns out on the mixture screw. Stock settings on the screw was 3/4 out. I left the needle clip at the most rich setting. All I can say is wow! The throttle response is so much better. Much smoother revs. And it does start without choke. On a cold morning, the choke actually does its job. Works like it should. The install was just like OEM. I haven't taken the cat out of exhaust yet. I'm at 1,000ft elevation. The Mikuni is just a better carb. Would not have known this without this site. Thank you all for your sharing of info.

The 17tooth sprocket on the front was effortless on putting the cover on. Nothing to modify. My bike is a little older than new. Harbor Frieght stand holds the bike up well for work. http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/my...y/hawk%20wheel

emptyschmitz · 02-03-2017, 08:38 AM

I started one of our two Hawks for the first time last night and with the air being 23 degrees, she really didn't want to keep going, really struggled. If the stock carbs are as lean as described, this could be an indication. We have a pair of VM26's to put on the bikes but it has been suggested to break the bikes in on the stock carbs. We might have to go to the VM26 carbs just to make the bikes useable in the cold weather! Glad your like it!

Musictrek · 02-03-2017, 09:42 AM

I'm going to crack open my OEM carb and see what jet I have. The one thing I noticed though. Is I have done allot of desert dirt riding. The OEM carb could have used some cleaning inside. The air box needs some inspection of dirt getting passed the filter. Not a deal breaker, but just some improvements. My OEM carb, I was always messing around with that big idle screw during warm up. The mikuni doesn't have that problem.

Musictrek · 02-03-2017, 09:46 AM

Before I pulled my OEM carb I checked my plug. I have 250miles on the bike. Plug is pretty dry.

2LZ · 02-03-2017, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musictrek

I'm going to crack open my OEM carb and see what jet I have. The one thing I noticed though. Is I have done allot of desert dirt riding. The OEM carb could have used some cleaning inside. The air box needs some inspection of dirt getting passed the filter. Not a deal breaker, but just some improvements. My OEM carb, I was always messing around with that big idle screw during warm up. The mikuni doesn't have that problem.

My guess would be a 100/20. You'll find the same lean jetting in the Mikuni. I guess it has to do with EPA....would be my guess.

Sullybiker · 02-03-2017, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emptyschmitz

I started one of our two Hawks for the first time last night and with the air being 23 degrees, she really didn't want to keep going, really struggled. If the stock carbs are as lean as described, this could be an indication. We have a pair of VM26's to put on the bikes but it has been suggested to break the bikes in on the stock carbs. We might have to go to the VM26 carbs just to make the bikes useable in the cold weather! Glad your like it!

The last couple of mornings have been below 30F here, and today was 19F.

The bike starts with no problem on full choke, but I need to leave it for at least three minutes on half choke. It will not throttle up until it's warmed.

tomalak007 · 02-03-2017, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musictrek

My hawk got some new toys last night. A new VM26 Mikuni carb and sprockets. For now, I set the carb with a 110 jet and 1 1/2 turns out on the mixture screw. Stock settings on the screw was 3/4 out. I left the needle clip at the most rich setting. All I can say is wow! The throttle response is so much better. Much smoother revs. And it does start without choke. On a cold morning, the choke actually does its job. Works like it should. The install was just like OEM. I haven't taken the cat out of exhaust yet. I'm at 1,000ft elevation. The Mikuni is just a better carb. Would not have known this without this site. Thank you all for your sharing of info.

The 17tooth sprocket on the front was effortless on putting the cover on. Nothing to modify. My bike is a little older than new. Harbor Frieght stand holds the bike up well for work. http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/my...y/hawk%20wheel

Did you mod the factory carb? Just curious if the difference was between an unmodified stock carb and the mukuni or a modified carb?

wilserchinarider · 02-03-2017, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emptyschmitz

We have a pair of VM26's to put on the bikes but it has been suggested to break the bikes in on the stock carbs.

My Hawk ran like crap on the stock carb!!!! I haven't seen this suggestion of breaking in the bike with the stock carb but I surely disagree with it!!!!!

Either rejet or replace the carb, and check the valves and maybe change the oil as well. IME all of these should be strongly considered before hitting the starter....

timcosby · 02-03-2017, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilserchinarider

My Hawk ran like crap on the stock carb!!!! I haven't seen this suggestion of breaking in the bike with the stock carb but I surely disagree with it!!!!!

Either rejet or replace the carb, and check the valves and maybe change the oil as well. IME all of these should be strongly considered before hitting the starter....

from what ive read it seems to be the consensus that break in needs to be done with a rich carb setting which stock is not.

OUTERLIMITS · 02-03-2017, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timcosby

from what ive read it seems to be the consensus that break in needs to be done with a rich carb setting which stock is not.

I would agree. I don't think there is any benefit other than saving fuel, to ever run an engine lean. As lean, they run hot and never start well, especially when it's cold out.

Musictrek · 02-04-2017, 11:39 AM

Lean is right. It puts the bike at not running great. It all adds up to emissions. Using super unleaded, running lean jets all to keep the cat inside hot and clean as possible. I think doing the mods will eventually clog up the cat.

wilserchinarider · 02-06-2017, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUTERLIMITS

I would agree. I don't think there is any benefit other than saving fuel, to ever run an engine lean. As lean, they run hot and never start well, especially when it's cold out.

Granted it was summer time,
but my Hawk with the stock carb and jets ran very HOT, like a fireball, b/w the cat and the hot engine OMG HOT!!!

02-03-2017, 08:26 AM	#1
Musictrek Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Arizona Posts: 463	Hawk Mikuni vm26 carb 17 45 sprockets My hawk got some new toys last night. A new VM26 Mikuni carb and sprockets. For now, I set the carb with a 110 jet and 1 1/2 turns out on the mixture screw. Stock settings on the screw was 3/4 out. I left the needle clip at the most rich setting. All I can say is wow! The throttle response is so much better. Much smoother revs. And it does start without choke. On a cold morning, the choke actually does its job. Works like it should. The install was just like OEM. I haven't taken the cat out of exhaust yet. I'm at 1,000ft elevation. The Mikuni is just a better carb. Would not have known this without this site. Thank you all for your sharing of info.The 17tooth sprocket on the front was effortless on putting the cover on. Nothing to modify. My bike is a little older than new. Harbor Frieght stand holds the bike up well for work. http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/my...y/hawk%20wheel Last edited by Musictrek; 02-03-2017 at 09:36 AM.
	4

02-03-2017, 08:38 AM	#2
emptyschmitz Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 72	I started one of our two Hawks for the first time last night and with the air being 23 degrees, she really didn't want to keep going, really struggled. If the stock carbs are as lean as described, this could be an indication. We have a pair of VM26's to put on the bikes but it has been suggested to break the bikes in on the stock carbs. We might have to go to the VM26 carbs just to make the bikes useable in the cold weather! Glad your like it! __________________ 2002 BMW R1100S, 1999 Kaw Concours, 1991 Kaw Eliminator 250, 1969 Honda Trail 90 Too many damn mopeds...
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02-03-2017, 09:42 AM	#3
Musictrek Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Arizona Posts: 463	Hawk carb I'm going to crack open my OEM carb and see what jet I have. The one thing I noticed though. Is I have done allot of desert dirt riding. The OEM carb could have used some cleaning inside. The air box needs some inspection of dirt getting passed the filter. Not a deal breaker, but just some improvements. My OEM carb, I was always messing around with that big idle screw during warm up. The mikuni doesn't have that problem.
	0

02-04-2017, 11:39 AM	#11
Musictrek Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Arizona Posts: 463	Lean is right. It puts the bike at not running great. It all adds up to emissions. Using super unleaded, running lean jets all to keep the cat inside hot and clean as possible. I think doing the mods will eventually clog up the cat.
	0