Ironhead Should I invest in a CV carb

[ReNNie]

I'm currently running a 38mm non-CV Kiehin (main is 165, forgot the slow size) on my '81 XLS which does the trick okay. Not perfect still tho.
But I'm still tempted to see what she will feel like with a CV.

I'm now looking to buy a CV carb OEM 27206-93
It has been rebuilt with new float, needle, O-rings, gaskets, accelerator pump, etc. Jets are 45 and 185, new bolts, ultrasoon cleaned

But things tend to get a lot more pricey over here in europe: so is it worth € 165 ($230 US). And by that I mean is there an improvement and will there be enough tinkering involved...

Are there advantages over this year (93) over others or ...




Lest but not least, I'll have to fabricate or get a new manifold?

[Moon Wolf]

Sounds awfully high. CVs regularly go for around a hundred bucks--I bought a new take off for about that--and even with shipping to Europe, that would be substantially under $230. I'm not an expert on CVs, but the general scuttlebut is that you want at least a 90 because of the accelerator pump, and preferrably a 93 or later, because of the shape of the float bowl.

[ReNNie]

I realize the price it steep to US standards but over here these carbs don't start off lower than 130 euros and go up to 180+.

[83XLX]

I always say, If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That said, if you do buy it, you can get an adapter to bolt it to your stock manifold. Also, the bolt pattern and opening in your air cleaner won't line up - you'll need to modify yours or buy one made for a CV. I'm not sure, but your throttle cable may not fit correctly either...but I could be wrong on that one.

[tat2d2dope]

you will need an adapter, eBay had billet aluminum adapters for around $30-$40
and you'll need an air cleaner, and you'll need a throttle cable .
you may even need a choke set up.
myself i took a S&S E off and put on a CV and after getting it set, i haven't touched it since.
i think these are some of the best carbs made.

[drhach]

One question you may want to answer for yourself, is "what are expecting from a carb change?" I have S&S Super. I took it off and installed a CV. The only thing I really noticed was that it started much, much easier. It seemed like I wasn't even fully down on my kickstarter and the engine was lighting up. That said, there really wasn't a very noticeable difference anywhere else. Yes, you will have to fiddle with jetting. Yes you will have to fabricate a mounting bracket, you'll need a special manifold and I believe that you'll also need some kind of apater if you want ot use your old air cleaner. Supposedly these carbs can also deliver alittle better fuel economy. In theend, I put my S&S back on. I was a little disappointed but for me, I couldn't stand how much the carb stuck out. The S&S is really compact and the CV wasn't so great that it was worth riding with my right knee flapping in the breeze. These really weren't intended for these bikes. They work and some people swear by them, but in the end, there wil be some tinkering involved. I had additionnal issues because I tried to mount it under a turtle tank.

[IronMick]

I have considered the CV for a couple of years. But my stock Keihin works just fine, and i see a lot of hassel getting the CV installed and working. And i just cannot be bothered.

[mike131]

ReNNie DO IT!!!!,I did it to my 79 xls a few years ago to replace a zenth carb,that I had too mess with all the time,yes you'll have to buy a adapter for it to bolt up to your manifold,get the aluminum one,light press fit,all over ebay,that will make it stick out no further than your cu carb now,it all ready has the choke cable,I modified my existing throttle cable,cut it to the length I needed and went to the hardware store got a cable end that crimps on,I just bought a nice used air filter off ebay $30,the jets that are in it should work good,there the same i found worked best in mine,BUT once ya get the cv carb set up there GREAT,supper crisp throttle response,the closest your going to get to fuel injection

[mike131]

there's the ebay store i use,tons of good used parts,cheap PinWall Cycle Parts Inc

[Moon Wolf]

+1 on the easy starting.