Bing Carb Rebuild

[Bob_Roller]

The carb rebuild kit was waiting for me when I got home today, you don't get a lot for $118, but I can tell the needle jet ( you were right Ed!) was significantly worn compared to the new one. Also if you are mystified about the theory of the carbs used on our bikes, the Bing Agency has a factory manual that is quite informative, along with trouble shooting tips, and if you modify your engine or exhaust there are tips and charts to help you get the rejetting right, and it's about $10 plus shipping. This manual recommends that the needle valve and needle jet be replaced every 25,000 miles due to the wear that occurs on the brass jet.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I got 45 mpg last Saturday where I rode about 300 miles.  Not much interstate stuff, mostly county roads.  I was really happy to see 243 miles on the odometer when I filled up the second time that day.  

Unfortunately, the last time my jets might have been replaced was when I dropped off my bike at a Honda dealer in Williamsport, PA to have my carbs rebuilt (pre internet...), so I don't know exactly what bits were replaced and which were not.  I know the bike ran a lot better afterwards!  Good mechanic.

[Bob_Roller]

Rob, it seems like I get the best fuel mileage if I keep the speeds in the 55-60 mph area. But with highway speed limits at 75 mph here in Arizona, my mileage drops quite noticeably at 75 mph. About 15 years ago, I tried this test on a long stretch (30 miles) of straight country back road, I would set my speed, wait for the .0 to come up in the trip odometer, and turn off the fuel at the petcock, and see how far I could go until the engine first sputtered. If memory serves me correctly, I think 45 mph got me the farthest with this test, hardly scientific or controlled, but it was informative. Now I need to test how far I can go on reserve at different speeds, to see what kind of range I really have, if I get into a situation that I didn't plan for.