Brand Noob here...well, to this site anyway
Sold my last (89) V-Max back in 06 when I stopped riding, and now I'm back in the game.
Just purchased a 2005 CA model with 16k, and after surfing this forum for a while, I immediately purchased and installed a Marks 4-2 (2" on sale for the holidays), and Sean Morley's jet kit.
It's too early to say much about performance, as I've only taken one ride so far, and can tell it's not going to be an out-of-the-box win (it never is). I CAN say that that Mark's exhaust sounds amazing, and you can't beat the way he does business.
As for Morley's kit...here's what Ive done so far with the installation:
1. Idle Mixtures: I was careful to record the factory's settings prior to disassembly...which were:
Cyl 1: 1 1/8 turns
Cyl 2: 1 7/8 turns
Cyl 3: 1 Turn
Cyl 4: 7/8 Turn
I installed everything per Sean's verbal instructions, (He recommended I start with 157,5 Mains, 2.5 turns out on the mixtures, and needles clipped second from blunt end). I deviated slightly by starting with 160 mains, and I've found the bike idling / coming off idle ok with each carb 1 full turn out from stock (I tried the 2.5 turns recommended, and it was close, but my settings pop more and transition better).
I confirmed correct float levels by performing a wet check with the bowl drains...all were 15/16mm from horizontal mark on carb castings.
Synced the carbs per the manual...I used a guage kit from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/vacuum-carbur...UTF8&qid=1356395124&sr=8-5&keywords=carb+sync. This kit is awesome...it has adjustable orifices to control needle bounce...and don't worry, all it does is minimize bounce, which doesn't change the average vacuum reading. Definitely better / easier to use than my old manometer I "loaned away" to someone years ago.
Took it for a spin, and I've definitely got some tuning to do...no more wheelie going into second (I think it did one, but it was a tiny one and I couldn't do it after 3 or 4 more times trying). It doesn't like 5k coasting, and the pull seems to drop off as I approach redline. Plugs are a thick, medium tan...I may throw in the stock needles (since that's easiest) to see if leaning things out will make any diff. If not, I'll go down to Sean's original recommendation.
I only have 3 minor complaints so far:
1. No 5/32 drill bit for slides as advertised (It's OK...I had one of my own, and judging from the overwhelmingly positive reviews Sean gets, I'm sure he just forgot to put it in).
2. No clear instructions: If I were a total noob, without calling Sean, there's no way I'd have gotten this thing installed correctly. I'm a seasoned carb guy and I still needed to call for instruction. DJ has a really great set of instructions...where's the simple PDF for this kit? Sean would only have to invest the time to craft it once and avoid much confusion and future phone calls. Just a suggestion.
3. The crankcase ventilation t-fitting: Mine's too short after cutting it per the instructions on Sean's site...would be nice to include a bit of extra hose for those who may need it. That restrictor kind of sucks...wouldn't take much to get it turned sideways in the hose and defeat the purpose of it being there, and make your intake valves look like chewed tar.
Let me follow up this negativity by saying that both, Sean and Mark were absolute pleasures to deal with over the phone. Hell, Mark sent me the exhaust without receiving so much as a penny! Then I sent him a check with a thank you note, and instead of running to the bank, he sat on it, ensuring that I liked the system before cashing it. Pret-ty awesome indeed! Sean invested a great deal of time with me on the phone...just prior to the holidays no less...and for that I say BRAVO! I also learned that he and I have aviation maintenance in common...so...I know his attention to detail has potential to be quite high
It's great to be back on a MAX, and I look forward to meeting more of you folks. To Sean, Mark and anyone else listening...thank you and Merry Christmas!!