Main Menu
|
Active Threads
|
Xlcr1000
Last Post: xlerate
Posted On: 52 Minutes Ago
Replies: 4
Views: 221
Keep & Kill
Last Post: Crusty
Posted On: 2 Hours Ago
Replies: 20,439
Views: 1,213,047
V Stacks
Last Post: Blacky
Posted On: 8 Hours Ago
Replies: 4
Views: 193
|
Members Birthdays
|
|

7th January 2021
|
Chief Master Mechanic
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 482 Sportster/Buell Model: XLH Sportster/Buell Year: 1969 Other Motorcycle Model: Panhead EL Other Motorcycle Year: 1948
|
|
The 38mm Mikuni VM -9 's are good starting carbs. They have an enrichener system which works like choke. When you kick with it on, you don't give it any throttle at all. I've run them on a few panheads, a '59 CH, a'77 shivelhead, and my current '69 XLH. All of my bikes have performed great with them installed.
|

14th January 2021
|
XL FORUM TEAM MEMBER
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: ny
Posts: 110 Sportster/Buell Model: sportster xlch Sportster/Buell Year: 1970 Sportster/Buell Model #2: sportster xlh Sportster/Buell Year #2: 73 Other Motorcycle Model: sportster Other Motorcycle Year: 2003
|
|
I have 2 Sportsters (70 xlch 73xlh)with vm38 carbs.They are set up identically.The xlch is a 4 kick start(2 kicks key off and 2 key on enrichener on).The 73 xlh enrichener on key on 1 push engine starts.I feel the difference comes down to vaccum created when turning over the engine. Both engines are dialed in and have fresh rebuilds so everything is fairly even.Without an accelerator pump the mikuni requires a strong kick.The carb itself is excellent.Once running the carbs are responsive in all throttle ranges.The issue I have relate to fitment. I wanted to run a turtle tank on the 70 but the top throttle cable interferes with the tank in the stock position. My tillotson fits perfectly.I tried a longer intake manifold but honestly at my age I was killing myself (no need for a gym). Lastly the 70 tach cable rubs the float bowl so it doesn't line up as straight as I would like.
|

14th January 2021
|
 |
Senior Custom Bike Builder
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Paradise
Posts: 2,798 Sportster/Buell Model: xlch Sportster/Buell Year: 1977 Other Motorcycle Model: BMW K-1200/GT Other Motorcycle Year: 2004
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by leon bee
Well, thanks a lot, that's interesting. It doesn't really compute in my mind, but I believe you. New carbs for these bikes, I'm seeing: S&S for $500, Bendix for $400, or Mic for $100.
|
A NEW S&S for $500? Ones I've seen are closer to $700 with shipping/tax
I have one with the S&S jet kit complete and CLEAN I'll let go for half of new price
__________________
If loud pipes save lives....imagine what learning to ride will do for you.
|

14th January 2021
|
 |
Senior Custom Bike Builder
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Paradise
Posts: 2,798 Sportster/Buell Model: xlch Sportster/Buell Year: 1977 Other Motorcycle Model: BMW K-1200/GT Other Motorcycle Year: 2004
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by sungod
I have 2 Sportsters (70 xlch 73xlh)with vm38 carbs.They are set up identically.The xlch is a 4 kick start(2 kicks key off and 2 key on enrichener on).The 73 xlh enrichener on key on 1 push engine starts.I feel the difference comes down to vaccum created when turning over the engine. Both engines are dialed in and have fresh rebuilds so everything is fairly even.Without an accelerator pump the mikuni requires a strong kick.The carb itself is excellent.Once running the carbs are responsive in all throttle ranges.The issue I have relate to fitment. I wanted to run a turtle tank on the 70 but the top throttle cable interferes with the tank in the stock position. My tillotson fits perfectly.I tried a longer intake manifold but honestly at my age I was killing myself (no need for a gym). Lastly the 70 tach cable rubs the float bowl so it doesn't line up as straight as I would like.
|
Want to lose the Turtle?
|

14th January 2021
|
XL FORUM TEAM MEMBER
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: ny
Posts: 110 Sportster/Buell Model: sportster xlch Sportster/Buell Year: 1970 Sportster/Buell Model #2: sportster xlh Sportster/Buell Year #2: 73 Other Motorcycle Model: sportster Other Motorcycle Year: 2003
|
|
Sorry I have tillotsons and a boatail project.
|

14th January 2021
|
Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Athens, GA
Posts: 5,475 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year: 1962
|
|
Kinda off-track, but... I'm seeing prices for the Super E ranging from $350 - 430 (USD), including shipping and tax. Carb only... How many you want at $700, Mike? I take visa/mc/paypal and of course cash. Free shipping to upstate SC.
I don't see where CH is defined here. If it's a mag CH, it may be a bit harder to kick-start than one with battery ignition. Never seen any bad reviews on a VM38-9.
__________________
Ham, porkchops and bacon all come from the same magical animal?! That's crazy!
|

15th January 2021
|
Senior Chief Harley Engineer 2nd Class
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,693 Sportster/Buell Model: XL Sportster/Buell Year: 1992 Sportster/Buell Model #2: 1978 XLCH project Other Motorcycle Model: Sportster XLH Other Motorcycle Year: 1975
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by sungod
I have 2 Sportsters (70 xlch 73xlh)with vm38 carbs.They are set up identically.The xlch is a 4 kick start(2 kicks key off and 2 key on enrichener on).The 73 xlh enrichener on key on 1 push engine starts.I feel the difference comes down to vaccum created when turning over the engine. Both engines are dialed in and have fresh rebuilds so everything is fairly even.Without an accelerator pump the mikuni requires a strong kick.The carb itself is excellent.Once running the carbs are responsive in all throttle ranges.The issue I have relate to fitment. I wanted to run a turtle tank on the 70 but the top throttle cable interferes with the tank in the stock position. My tillotson fits perfectly.I tried a longer intake manifold but honestly at my age I was killing myself (no need for a gym). Lastly the 70 tach cable rubs the float bowl so it doesn't line up as straight as I would like.
|
I fitted a Mikuni conversion to my 1978 XLCH. There is an offset manifold which lowers the carb so it doesn’t foul the underside of the tank, this was a Mikuni part but now very difficult to find. Sudco list them occasionally.
https://www.mikunioz.com/shop/mikuni...v=79cba1185463
|

18th January 2021
|
XL FORUM TEAM MEMBER
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: ny
Posts: 110 Sportster/Buell Model: sportster xlch Sportster/Buell Year: 1970 Sportster/Buell Model #2: sportster xlh Sportster/Buell Year #2: 73 Other Motorcycle Model: sportster Other Motorcycle Year: 2003
|
|
mikuni 38mm
That looks interesting.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:16.
|