Don't Second-Guess The Instructions.The guys writing them have installed more jet kits than you've had hot meals. If they tell you to initially adjust the pilot screw to 4.5 turns, do it. If you later find out it runs best at 3.5 turns, then good for you-but don't assume anything that isn't in the instructions.
Don't Throw Anything AwayKeep the OEM parts and all paperwork that came with the kit, especially if the kit was installed along with open pipes and/or airbox modifications. The bike's next owner may prefer a stock setup.
Don't Be Afraid To Contact The Manufacturer's Tech Line With Questions.These guys have run across most of the problems you're likely to encounter and will be able to steer you in the right direction should you run into any snafus. If you find a kit that doesn't have a line for tech support, take a pass.
Don't Panic If Something Goes Wrong.Carburetors are simply mechanical devices, and there is nothing particularly mysterious about them. If something fouls up, retrace your steps until you find the problem.
Drilling Out Anti-Tamper PlugsAlthough your carb's pilot screws are adjusted at the factory, chances are pretty good at some point you're going to need to readjust them. There are two types of screws out there. Type 1 is normally accessible, but requires a special tool to adjust it. Sometimes the tool is included in the jet kit, but when it isn't you can order it through the manufacturer or the aftermarket. Type 2 uses a standard slotted-screw adjuster, but has an anti-tamper plug placed over it at the factory. If your bike has the latter, your first step in the tuning process will be to remove it.
1. Locate the plug and use a center punch to dimple it as close to dead center as possible.
2. Drill through the plug. A few wraps of tape on the bit will prevent it from reaking through and wiping out the adjusting screw.
3. Screw in the sheetmetal screw.
4. Pull out the plug using a Vise-Grip.
Product ReviewTestedGerbing's Cascade Extreme Riding Jacket And PantsI've never been fond of doing clothing-related reviews. Babbling on about thread counts and such doesn't really float my boat, and I figure that if it bores me to write it, then it must certainly bore you to read it.
I mean, you may care that the Cascade Extreme Riding Jacket ($425) and Pants ($299) are constructed of abrasion-resistant 330 Cordura with 1000 denier ballistic fabric reinforcing the sleeves or has T-Pro armor strategically placed to protect your tender body in the event of a get-off. But are you really interested in knowing that the jacket closes with a two-way, heavy-duty zipper and has a Velcro-fastened storm flap and a padded collar to prevent cold air from blowing up your schnozzle? Didn't think so.
I'm sure someone needs to know there are four front pockets, two inside pockets, a pouch at the back of the jacket, that all seal as tight as a clam at low tide and that there's also slash-cut pockets for whatever and a whole bunch of neat things like large, glove-friendly pulls on all the zippers, access pockets for the electrical connections so you don't have cords dangling all over the place and convenient cargo pockets in the pants.
The seat of the pants features a nonskid surface so you don't slide around like a demented eel, and both jacket and pants feature sealed seams and a urethane coating to promote water resistance and have reflective piping applied to enhance visibility. The jacket and pants are pre-wired to accept Gerbing's electric gloves and socks (sold separately). Someone may need to know all of that, but you and me? Here's what we need to know.
First, with the liners removed, what you have is a top-of-the-line, vented and armored, textile jacket and pants with all the bells and whistles that can be worn year-round. Second, when cold or even just damp and chilly out, it takes about 10 minutes to install the electrified liners, close the vents and zip the pants to the jacket, creating a one-piece suit that'll keep you warm and comfy (especially if you also get the gloves and socks). Three, and most importantly, you need to know that when it comes to riding in really cold weather, and I mean the bone-cracking, oh-my-gawd-I'm-gonna-freeze-to-death-if-I-go-another-mile type of cold, this is the best damn suit you can buy. Oh, yeah, and I suppose you'll also want to know that it comes in three color schemes and that I plan on wearing mine until they come out with the nuclear-powered version.