I have a 97 RK with an EVO and I was just wondering how I can tell if I am running too rich? [sm=headbang.gif]
It is Carbed, not FI.

 

Usually by the strong smell of gas, or checking plugs or exhaust tips for Black Soot.

 

I don't have any black smoke, but I do smell strong exhaust fumes and I have black soot inside of my pipes. What color should the plugs be? I am running a 180 high speed jet...Maybe I should go back to the 170??Thanks

 

The plugs should be a brown or tan color.

 

thanks for the help guys! Shoud I back down from the 180 to the 160 and see if good and then go to the 170 if the 160 is lean. If lean, the plugs should be almost white, right??
Would running too rich cause my fishtails to pop on decel, even with thundermonsters installed???

 

Try the 170 jet. check plugs after a nice ride.
Most fishtails make a discusting nose on decell.

 

Below is a list of symptoms of a rich runing engine.

Engine blubbers when throttle is increased
Bike emits black exhaust smoke, (a little black exhaust smoke is normal when accelerating hard or operating engine when cold)
Exhaust pipe deposits are dark, or black in color
Engine blubbers at steady throttle
Engine fouls spark plugs
Bike runs well when cold – engine runs worse as it warms up to operating temperature
Spark plug color is black
Fuel consumption is abnormally high