I've done some searches but haven't found an answer to my specific question. My bike is an '04 XL883C that was converted to a 1200. I just put on some V&h Straightshot slip-ons with the quiet baffles and I'm running a Big Sucker for and air cleaner.

I'm rejetting and the jets in the bike are oversized - a 48 pilot and a 190 main jet. I picked up a 45, but the shop didn't have a 175 main on hand and he gave me a 160. At this point I hve te carb opened up and I'm wondering whether I should install the 160 or just pick up the 175. What can I expect if I install the 160?

 

160 is lean my friend I wouldn't do it. 170 or 175 then dyno it for a/ f ratio. Actually, I definitely would not run the 160

 

While there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to jets, in 90+% of all cases, a 45 pilot and 180 main does the trick for stage 1 1200's.

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I run 180 and 45 after the 1250 conversion. It works pretty well. 160 isn't going to be enough. As I recall, that is the size for stock 883.

 

It's really beneficial to have the a/f checked. You leave power, efficiency and possible damage if your off a ways. Most run their bikes a touch fat. A quick tune will have your bike running tip top.

 

That's a given the a/f ratio will need to be adjusted when changing jets.

 

I was told the 160 was stock for the 883 as well. Guess I'll pick up a 175 and drop it in before I put the carb back on. So when I drop in these jets, where should I start on the adjustment screw?

 

Just had my bike dyno'd by yours truly (me), and it ended up at 42/175 and 1 3/4 turns. It's an 883, so I would go with what everyone has said and stick the 45/180 in there. Start at 2 turns and if it is a little too rich after riding, drop it down 1/4 turn, or if it pops/is lean, move it up 1/4 turn. I'd be really surprised if that didn't put you almost right on to start with.

 

Just picked up a 180 main jet and installed it along with the 45 pilot. I turned the mixture screw all the way in, then backed it out 1 3/4 turns. I'm gonna clean off the exterior of the carb and reinstall it tomorrow.

The new backing plate is scheduled for delivery Wednesday so I should have it back together and ready to go by week's end. We're supposed to get some weather approaching 50 (a heatwave by recent standards) so I might actually get in my first ride of the year.

 

I took the bike out for a 50 mile ride yesterday. I liked the deep sound of the Straightshots, and the bike ran well. It did cough once or twice at start out, so I adjusted the screw out an additional 1/8 turn for a total of about 1 7/8.

Today was a bit warmer so I took it for a 135 mile ride. It ran well from the start and was responsive in all areas. I experienced zero coughs and no decel pops. Overall, I'm happy with the results so far.

When I got back I pulled the plugs and I'm posting some photos below. How do they look?