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1997 GL1500SE Running lean or not?

95 Views 2 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  RReTo
Hello, new member here and have to ask help from more experienced people because i am not even sure do i have a problem or not.

I have 1997 GL1500SE:
  • Rebuilt the carbs
  • Fixed the broken L-shaped vacuum hose under the carbs, and also replaced another vacuum hose coming from left side middle intake
  • Adjusted pilot screws to 2 turns out (maybe 2,5 now when i tried to adjust them a little to see difference)
  • Synced the carbs
  • Changed new sparkg plugs
  • Washed the radiators and changed the coolant
  • Replaced cam belts

The "problem" is:
My new spark plugs basically don't get any color on them and they stay almost clear. Should them get at least some color when it is only been on idle and revved when stationary? For what i know clear plugs mean running way too lean?

Bike idles normally, responds to throttle normally, no surging (or maybe surging like 50rpm up and down but i think that is normal for the bike?)
Only if from idle i turn throttle all the way very fast, it tries to bog down from too much air i think? I don't have air filter installed yet, so i understand it might make it a bit leaner, but i tried with filter on and no change on the color of the plugs.

Should i just put everything together and drive it if it doesnt overheat or bang on exhaust?

Also in rebuild kit i got size 65 idle jets (or slow jets, whichever they are called?) and my carbs had size 70 in them, i'm thinking to put them back and see if it changes anything?


Thanks already! I'll try to answer if you need more information
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Never ever use the jets that come with aftermarket kits. Jets don't wear out so unless they are damaged use what came in it.
Never ever use the jets that come with aftermarket kits. Jets don't wear out so unless they are damaged use what came in it.
Good to hear this, so i will start with using old jets and see what happens. They were in good shape. Just going to soak them in carb cleaner to make sure they are clean.
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