I have a '68 xlch and I want to upgrade the carb. It has a Keihin carb right now. I can't get it to stop flooding. I have replaced the float needle but cant find a replacement seat. I have heard this is one of the hardest starting bikes I figure I would be better off upgrading. The engine is a 1200 so I'm looking toward a 42mm but it has to be able to clear the magneto. Any suggestions?

 

"68s were only 900's or are you punched out that big ? and maybe originally would have had a Linkert or Tilotson Carb. I'm still running my Keihin on my 78 Lowrider though, they work good if set up right. If you got a whole rebuild kit you'd get a new seat but they're pricey.

 

another thing i've done is to take an all metal needle, I happen to have one from briggs carb rebuild kit that i didn't need, and glue it to something you can put in a drill. Put a little toothpaste on the tip of the needle, and spin it in the seat with VERY light pressure, just enough to shine up the seating surface. Just make sure to clean out the toothpaste or whatever you happen to put in there. PS, this only works on brass seats, not viton seats.

 

Go on shovelhead.us and head to the forum and find Doc , have him set you up with a CV carb ...... easpecially with a kicker!! MUCH easier to start & the guy KNOWS IT ALL when it comes to setting a bike& carbs!
DWIGHT!! I used to live in Chenoa , the little farm house close to the southbound ramps!

 

cv is a good carb. I'd switch out the magneto. They're set up in the advanced position so starting is difficult. Ran one on my pan for years. Great once they start but you got to get them spinning fast to fire.

 

It's stroked to 1200. I just picked up a newer keihin cv carb and it sounds like it wants to start much quicker than with the old carb, still a pain to start. Now I definately want to upgrade the ignition.

 

a super E would do him great justice