was talking to a buddy and the question came up - my old 76 400f honda supersport had 4 cylinders and four carbs all in a bank. that bike is gone long ago but what was the reason for each cylinder having it own carb and what would this do to a harley? Not that I want the 1200c to have anymore nut than it has, just a moterhead question I guess, saw a kid years back that had dumped a ton of money into of all things, a volkswagon rabbit - special manifold and twin carbed - thing screamed, kid was a jacka$$ with too much $$$$$

yes I'm bored - time for bed

 

Hmmmmmm....dunno

 

Having multiple (smaller) carbs allows you to have enough total flow for making max power at high revs while still retaining high velocity through the carbs and intake tracts at lower RPM that makes for good throttle response and good low RPM power. Two smaller carbs would be "better" on a Harley than one larger one but the CV design helps keep velocity high through the carb no matter the RPM or throttle setting which prevents bogging. You want the high velocity to pick up and atomize the fuel and for the ram effect that helps fill the cylinders when the intake valve opens. I'd hazard a guess as to why Harley still runs a single carb has more to do with tradition, styling and maybe cost. And Harley doesn't go after high HP numbers at the expense of that low end torque we love.

 

I think it has more to do with the fact that synchronizing carbs is a B***h.

 

HAHA.... I gotta Suzuki GS650 that needs to be synchronized ( all four carbs)........ so far I've put it off for 2 years, mabey I'll get it done this year... who knows?

 

As the rock group "STING" wrote a song about, "Synchronicity". That has always been the downfall of the old 6-pack v8s. Just my .02.

!!! RIDE SAFE !!!

Keith in Pa.
05 1200 custom "Lava"

 

I remeber helping a buddy who teaches auto mechanics a the OSWEGO Boces try to sync the carbs on his bike - neer could get the levels perfect - seamed like it didn't make a differance. Anybody make parts for this knd of noncense? - again, moter head bored - there are other, tried and true methods for warming up a Harley.

 

i think you need another beer or 6. maybe by then the twin carb thing will be gone

 

There have been 2 carb HDs around forever. Somewhere I have some old pics of a 80" Flattie with 2 carbs, maybe ol' Linkerts. I remember some whack show bike from the late '70s - early '80s with 4 carbs sticking out all over the oogly beast. The latest Horse has a Knuck with 2 carbs, and one of the editors of American Iron is having a 2 carbed Knuck or Pan built for him. They've had some pics of it recently. Don't forget about the XR 750 racer, it has 2 carbs.

 

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Hey I was bored and curious - I'll go sit in the corner[8D]