Drilling out carb slide?

Question

I recently bought a jet kit for my bike that suggests I drill out the carb slides. I've seen this on an SV650 website as well. But, I've also heard people say this actually hinders performance.

Any ideas if this is really an effective way to increase throttle response or whether its just a gimmick?

Answer 1

Well you bought the kit to install on your machine.....??? So I would quess the folks that sold you the kit would have a good idea as to how it should be installed......???

Answer 2

The next thing you know, people will be telling you to drill out the exhaust muffler.  

The slide is a sensitive piece of metering equipment.  It is best not to tamper with it.  Whatever changes you make, do them only if they can be easily reversed.  

If you need more power, go for a configuration which is meant for delivering that type of power.  It is not right to try to change the basic power delivery of a machine which is meant for easy cruzing at lower revs.

Answer 3

I drilled out the cab slide on my KLR 650 per instructions on the jet kit and per recommendations of many KLR owners.  I like how my bike runs after I installed a Staintune muffler and opened up the air box.  With the jet kit installed to enrich the air/fuel mixture, bike has better throttle response and more power.

Answer 4

If you're that worried, do not drill the slides and put the carbs back together.

Take the bike for a ride and follow the trouble shooting recommendations.

If the bike rides fine - leave it as is.

If it needs adjustment - take the carbs apart again and drill the slides.

I've always followed the directions of the jet kits and never had a problem when drilling slides are part of the process.

The companies that make and sell the jet kits, test the adjustments on every bike they're sold for, on a dynamometer.

So I think they know what they're doing.