rich or lean xl 600??

[carpenter519]

I took the bike for ride for the first time in a couple of weeks. The temp was 8 degrees and the bike has never run better. The front wheel would loft up in the air very easily. It has never done this before. My question is i am told that bike is lean from the factory but this tells me mine is running rich or am i wrong about this??I am running everything stock. The bike has always run great but after today i am wondering what should i do to make it run this good all the time. I was planning on jumping up the jetting but maybe i should not. Thanks

[voodoolord]

I took the bike for ride for the first time in a couple of weeks. The temp was 8 degrees and the bike has never run better. The front wheel would loft up in the air very easily. It has never done this before. My question is i am told that bike is lean from the factory but this tells me mine is running rich or am i wrong about this??I am running everything stock. The bike has always run great but after today i am wondering what should i do to make it run this good all the time. I was planning on jumping up the jetting but maybe i should not. Thanks

Move somewhere where its 8 degrees all the time? Cold air is more dense so your actually getting more air in your carb then when its warm which increases your horse power.

[HeadTrauma]

I always end up asking the same thing: how does the plug look and what jets are in it?

[carpenter519]

jetting is 55/125/112 , plug is a nice tan colour and is a dpr9ea-9 (ngk). I have also been told (not that i totally believe it) that a bike will be richer when it is that old because the jets get a little worn after a period of time?????? There is 35000 kms on the bike and i am the ninth owner.Carbs have been sonic washed and all gaskets and o-rings have been replaced but the jets could be original. Thanks

[davek18]

Air density is your friend alright.I would guess your jetting is a little rich for warmer temps and is now a lot closer. I usually end up with 122-125 mains in both carbs the heat of the summer near sea level. 118-120 at high altitude.

I have gotten as rich as 128 in the frigid months if I am feeling like a hardcore cold rider.

Jets don't really wear out, needle jets and needles do though due to vibration and such, which is not really a problem since I think they are lean stock anyway.

Your results may vary, not legal in all states, blah blah...

[shadylane]

If you think it may have lean jetting then lower your needle one clip and/or go one size smaller on the main. If it was lean you will uncover a bog. An easier test is to remover your air-cleaner for a short test ride. The extreme side of lean is easy to find. Best performance and efficiency is two steps to the rich side of lean.

[carpenter519]

Thanks for all the input. I will probably have to wait until the weather warms up a bit to do a few tests, to bad i might have to wait till next spring .In the mean time i will enjoy the last few days of fall and do a bit of tuning during the winter and wait till spring.