VT1100 & Vance & Hines Pipes

[Orange Aero]

I am putting V&H Longshots on my '99 1100 Aero. Obviously getting the V&H Jet Kit and also the K&N Air Filter to increase air flow. Question: :thinking: Is the air filter enough to keep the bike from running rich or should I look into an increasing the intake?

[AeroCapDave]

I am putting V&H Longshots on my '99 1100 Aero. Obviously getting the V&H Jet Kit and also the K&N Air Filter to increase air flow. Question: :thinking: Is the air filter enough to keep the bike from running rich or should I look into an increasing the intake?
The K&N air filter will increase air flow, but proper jetting is what will make the power with your new pipes. When you put on the new exhaust and the new filter, your bike will be way lean, not rich.

Larger (#45) idle jets and shimming the needles on your vacuum pistons should do the trick. Re-jetting the mains and new needles (that is what comes in a re-jet kit) can help, but is usually unneeded if the idle jets are made larger and the needles are shimmed. The re-jet kit will not include larger idle jets, which you should get to stop the popping on deceleration you will get when you put on the new pipes.

It is way cheaper to do the idle jets and the needle shimming then to do a jet kit and will get you 99% of the way there. Been there, done that.

[Orange Aero]

Larger (#45) idle jets and shimming the needles on your vacuum pistons should do the trick.

Hey Dave,
There is nothing like the voice of experience! Could you tell more about shimming the needles? That's the only part I don't understand.
Ralph

[AeroCapDave]

Basically, you need to get a package of #4 s/s or brass washers from the hardware store. Then remove the needle from the vacuum piston. Slide one or two washers over the needle and reinstall it into the vacuum piston. Repeat the process for the other vacuum piston. This effectively raises the needle out of the jet to richen the mid range richness of the circuit sooner, this improving the 1/4-3/4 throttle performance.

[Orange Aero]

Thanks Dave,
Got it! I will look for the #45 idle jets and proceed.

[Orange Aero]

Hey Dave - go the other site and look under "Tech Tips & Tricks" - I have a couple questions for you in a new post, "Re-Jet for Vance & Hines Longshots".
R