39mm Flat Side Carbs - how to improve the look

[t0lkien]

I recently bought a rebuilt VMax with 2003 running gear on a 1988 frame, and lots of upgrades including a PCW 1500 Tourmaster engine with 39mm flat side carbs. It's a beautiful machine and pushes 163bhp etc.

The carbs are great and bring a lot of extra power, but have left the little scallops under the scoops looking as if they are out of place. The look of the VMax is a big part of its appeal to me, so this is something I'd like to fix. I have seen builds with velocity stacks there which greatly improve the look (though I really like the standard carb appearance to be honest).

So my question is, is there anything that anyone has figured out that can improve the aesthetic of these carbs? I'm kind of a newbie to all this, so forgive me if I've missed something obvious. I've included a pic of the engine to show what I mean:

 

[Redbone]

If your thinking of something to mimick the stock look of the carbs maybe a cover could be devised that would mount off the mainifold bolts? You could have a facsimile of the two factory diaphragm covers say as 2 tuning forks cut into a piece of stainless steel. Below the 2 tuning forks you could do any number of designs such as: "1500", "Vmax", "V4" or even "PCW 1500". It would most likely need another bracket at the top but not sure where you would mount to as I've not that familiar with FS carbs.
I'm sure you'll or someone else will come up with a better idea, just throwing it out there for ideas. Look forward to seeing what you end up with.
Also, welcome to VMF. I'm sure you'll find just about anything you want to know about your Vmax on here. In case you don't find what you need in a search, or need clarification on a point just ask and an answer will be posted to help you out. We also like pictures of your Vmax, any rides you go on, or any work you undertake. Beware there is a mod monkey that likes to use your bank account to further mod your Vmax, he is lurking in the most likely and unlikey places, hopefully you will be wary, you may not get much warning.

 

[MaxMidnight]

As far as I can recall all of the aftermarket scoops intended for the Gen I have the cut-outs.

But fret ye not - I have a solution

I fitted a pair of Millennium Scoops (without the Ram-air) to mine.

It may be worthwhile contacting Rick Bachman and see if he would supply you with a pair of the outers.

 

[1967vmax]

First i would remove the rear plastic cover on top of the valve cover, it will help keep the engine cooler i also have the same mtr an carb set up i polished the carbs and added lots of chrome including the intakes, i love the look an the hp an torque are ok to lol! JIM

 

[MaxMidnight]

First i would remove the rear plastic cover on top of the valve cover, it will help keep the engine cooler

I have a few problems with that statement

a) As the motor is water cooled and the running temperature is controlled by the thermostat I think that removing the cover is unlikely to make a significant difference.

and

b) Why would you want to run the motor at a lower temperature?

and

c) Yameriningha put the shroud there for a reason, I would guess to keep heat away from the fuel system. This could give running problems when in slow moving traffic or when stationary in high ambient temperatures.

 

[satariel666]

I have a few problems with that statement:

I have too...this is fairytale.

 

[donnelly317]

I have a few problems with that statement

a) As the motor is water cooled and the running temperature is controlled by the thermostat I think that removing the cover is unlikely to make a significant difference.

and

b) Why would you want to run the motor at a lower temperature?

and

c) Yameriningha put the shroud there for a reason, I would guess to keep heat away from the fuel system. This could give running problems when in slow moving traffic or when stationary in high ambient temperatures.

No picking a fight but Yamaha made the bikes the way they did y isn't yours stock? Lol. I agree tho it is liquid cooled so shouldn't matter

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

I don't think they look out of place....the cutouts still show the carbs!

 

[t0lkien]

As far as I can recall all of the aftermarket scoops intended for the Gen I have the cut-outs.

But fret ye not - I have a solution

I fitted a pair of Millennium Scoops (without the Ram-air) to mine.

It may be worthwhile contacting Rick Bachman and see if he would supply you with a pair of the outers.

Those scoops look fantastic. How did you get the carbon fibre look? That's pretty much perfect for what I want as I have the carbon fibre body work as well, and minimizes the visual issue with the carbs. It's another step away from stock, but could be worth considering.

Also, thanks Brian and others for the replies! That mod monkey hasn't hit my wallet yet. I might feed him with some OEM parts I have to sell though...

 

[Fire-medic]

Mr. Midnight:
Those scoops are ugly, and I can see they are possessed, if you want to absolve yourself of the life-problems you are currently experiencing, send them to me immediately so I can cleanse them of the evil spirits attached to them. Be-sure to include plenty of Euros, "whatever those are."

 

[MaxMidnight]

Those scoops look fantastic. How did you get the carbon fibre look?

They were done with the immersion dipping (Hydro-graphic) process.

The guys that did mine are in the UK so probably not much use to you but I think Sean can get this done?

Mr. Midnight:
Those scoops are ugly, and I can see they are possessed, if you want to absolve yourself of the life-problems you are currently experiencing, send them to me immediately so I can cleanse them of the evil spirits attached to them.

Mr Medic, once again your generosity humbles me; I realise that I am not worthy to exist on the same planet as you.

And yess, my precious, the scoopses do have a control over us!

But Medics wants to steal them from us - cruel Medic
He wants the power they gives to usss.

Ah, but we have seen thorough Medicses plan...Medics will NEVER have them!

Mr M walks off stage left wringing his hands and muttering darkly to himself.

Be-sure to include plenty of Euros, "whatever those are." http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=...F3T3kh43MRZ2BIuZD3ICq7Rg&ust=1361018767991305

It's a sort of joke money issued by self serving and non-accountable bureaucrats.
Methinks it is they who are possessed, not my scoops.

 

[Fire-medic]

"Gandalf lives, and he rides a VMax!"

"Smeagol Gollum, return thyself to your Dark Place and leave the carbon-fibre behind!"

 

[t0lkien]

"Gandalf lives, and he rides a VMax!"

ShadowMax?

BTW Midnight, what seat do you have. I like the material on it also.

And finally - newb question - I didn't *fully* realize the VMax air scoops weren't functional. What sort of benefit is gained from the RAM kit? It seems a lot of work and money for not much except the satisfaction of knowing the scoops are functional (which I must admit, appeals to me quite a lot).

 

[Fire-medic]

ShadowMax?

BTW Midnight, what seat do you have. I like the material on it also.

And finally - newb question - I didn't *fully* realize the VMax air scoops weren't functional. What sort of benefit is gained from the RAM kit? It seems a lot of work and money for not much except the satisfaction of knowing the scoops are functional (which I must admit, appeals to me quite a lot).

Well you get bragging-rights and probably not much performance enhancement unless you ride around all the time at 8000 rpm in 5th:rofl_200:
then you probably would be better-off doing Sean's jet kit, or a Dynojet Stage 7, and a Kerker 4/1 pipe, I think that's probably the best-sounding, and it will produce more-power, properly-tuned. Jon Cornell's will boost power too. As far as I am concerned, the #1 thing you can do to your bike to make it more-enjoyable is to give it radials. How you do that can cost you $1-$3K. Search the forums under an appropriate word, as-in "radials":biglaugh:

 

[satariel666]

Hellriser - Pinhead - my idol from childhood

"Gandalf lives, and he rides a VMax!"

"Smeagol Gollum, return thyself to your Dark Place and leave the carbon-fibre behind!"

Noooo, my precious! Yessss, We can have it...He stole it from us...

 

[t0lkien]

Well you get bragging-rights and probably not much performance enhancement unless you ride around all the time at 8000 rpm in 5th:rofl_200:
then you probably would be better-off doing Sean's jet kit, or a Dynojet Stage 7, and a Kerker 4/1 pipe, I think that's probably the best-sounding, and it will produce more-power, properly-tuned. Jon Cornell's will boost power too. As far as I am concerned, the #1 thing you can do to your bike to make it more-enjoyable is to give it radials. How you do that can cost you $1-$3K. Search the forums under an appropriate word, as-in "radials":biglaugh:

Thanks for the info. The bike is already set up as much as I need mechanically a (long list of mods including new rims and radials, 39mm flat sides etc. - it was dynoed at 163bhp and it's already a beast; it's taken me a week just to get comfortable with the torque and power). It's basically 2003 running gear on a 1988 frame, with many power and handling improvements. The guy who did it is a performance car specialist and loves Vmax's. He knows his stuff, and this was the second build like this he did (he had two bikes, one in the US and one in Australia). The PCM 1500 Tourmaster engine has not much more than 9,000km on it, so is just run in. He's since moved to a 2009 Gen 2.

I'm really just concerned about some of the aesthetics - the flat sides and scoops particularly. Here's a pic (though I've since fitted a grab handle on the Ventura rack and removed the Garmin Zumo 550 cradle since I can't seem to find a replacement - the previous owner kept his 550). If I can't sell the original body work, I may remove the tuning fork badges and put them on the new carbon fibre tank shown here. I like the stock look, however, and don't want to move further away than the bike already has if I can help it:

For those interested, here's a list of mods. All work done to the bike was performed by PCW Racing in Schenectady New York:

• Big bore 1500cc engine with 39mm Keihin Flatslide carbs and custom intake manifolds

• Brand new 2006 Venture undercut transmission

• Tougher clutch to suit

• Whole engine and trans parts were cryogenically treated for longer life and strength

• Ohlins piggyback fully adjustable rear shocks

• Racetech emulators and springs in the front forks

• R1 front brake calipers (stops more quickly than most modern bikes)

• Braided brake and clutch hoses

• Fully braced and powder coated rear swing arm

• Lightcon lightweight custom 17" wheels with Michelin Pilot Power sport bike radial tyres

• Upgraded charging system with Venture voltage regulator/rectifier

• Rifle brand (California) easily removable touring windscreen

• FJR1300 clutch and brake master cylinders with fully adjustable levers

• Marks (California) 4-2 stainless exhaust system fully ceramic coated inside and out by HPC Coatings

• Heated grips

• Manual cooling fan switch

• Factory case saver crash bars fitted with Kuryakin billet alloy highway pegs

• Billet alloy front fork brace

• Custom rider and pillion seats for improved long distance comfort

• Fake tank and both mudguards are brand new factory Carbon Fibre colour items from a 1999-2001 model

• Ventura bag rack

• When the frame was changed every seal and bearing were replaced in the steering stem and swing arm

• Garmin Zumo 550 hard wired mount and bracket

• Brand new Odyssey gel battery

• Ancillary 12 volt cigarette lighter socket installed under the seat to plug in trickle charger, phone or other battery chargers or heated clothing

 

[Fire-medic]

So I am guessing the "Melbourne" address is Victoria, Australia and not Brevard County, Florida?

Geez, that's a lotta-stuff done to that, sounds like the work should help it live. That's a bit better-than the stock HP of a Hyabusa in good tune. I may have missed it, what did that cost?

 

[t0lkien]

So I am guessing the "Melbourne" address is Victoria, Australia and not Brevard County, Florida?

Geez, that's a lotta-stuff done to that, sounds like the work should help it live. That's a bit better-than the stock HP of a Hyabusa in good tune. I may have missed it, what did that cost?

The original owner had $25k in the bike, but I picked it up for almost half that. I looked at a lot of bikes and this was the best locally by a significant margin. Anything else I would have been spending money on immediately. With this, it's pretty much all done, and by someone who really understands what he's doing. Prices in Australia are nuts though - we pay almost twice what you guys do. We are gouged hard on almost everything - it's totally unethical, but not much we can do about it.

 

[MaxMidnight]

ShadowMax?

BTW Midnight, what seat do you have. I like the material on it also.

What sort of benefit is gained from the RAM kit? It seems a lot of work and money for not much except the satisfaction of knowing the scoops are functional.

I think it would have to be Grey Max?

It is the original seat and I had the centre section re-profiled (top and sides reduced) so that it looked less like a spare tyre.
The uppers have a basket weave pattern, not sure about the sides.
Stitching was done to my own spec. Also has gel pads.

According to Ramair, he reckon 3 to 4 %, about 4 BHP at max velocity.
If you are riding on the road then I doubt that you will notice that so I think you conclusions are spot on.

 

[1967vmax]

Mr max you dont have to be rude, but to defend my statement , and since you seem to think you know everything i will ask you. In traffic on a HOT Day,does a 1500 pcw motor make more heat than a stock motor? Second does more airflow increase cooling? I got my info from John a Pcw when he was building my motor so if John was wrong then contact him. Just remember if you push me im pushing Back!