New to me Vmax

[chargerman426]

Hello guys! Been lurking on the forum for a little while while I get my Dad's Vmax back up and running so I figured I would actuarially post something.

I passed my motorcycle safety course about a month ago and got the VMax back running last sunday and have been riding it everyday since. The max was my Dad's who passed away while I was deployed over Christmas. The bike sat for about the last 5 years as my dad bought an Harley Ultra Classic that he and mom rode all the time. So a buddy of his and I cleaned the carbs (twice) and pumped the old gas out of the tank which got it running. It still has a pop coming form the left pipe once it warms up so I just ordered a set of tamper resistant torx bits so I can take the bowl covers off the carbs and do the shotgun method of cleaning on the to hopefully clear up the popping.

The bike does have a set of Dale Walker pipes on it, a V-boost switch, and a fan switch. More than enough for me especially since this my first bike.

Look forward to learning more about the bike and have fun riding!

 

[Bill Seward]

Welcome! You're gonna get to love that bike! My condolences for the loss of your father. Ride the Max proudly, it's a constant reminder of your dad. And thank you for your service to your country.

 

[Bill Seward]

Also, this forum is an amazing resource for the Vmax owner. Ive had my bike over 29 years now, and learn more about it every time I come here. People here are friendly and really want to help. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that didn't get asked. So ask away!! Nobody's gonna give you a hard time for asking a question.

 

[one2dmax]

Justin?

 

[marsmax85]

Welcome aboard and sorry about your Dad !!

 

[chargerman426]

Thanks for the welcome guys!

 

[chargerman426]

Justin?

Nope :ummm: :biglaugh:

 

[chargerman426]

So maybe this would fall under the dumb question category but what are you guys doing to get the screws out of these carbs? I started to try and take on off and it started to twist the head on the screw. Anything I'm missing here or is it just soft screws/different metals seized together?

 

[Traumahawk]

I used a JIS screw driver on mine (+ the torks bit) I had 2 screws that started to strip. 1 I got out with a pair of vice grips....and the other I had to drill out. I replaced all of the screws with Allen head bolts.

 

[davesax36]

I use dannymax...

 

[onspeed]

Use a proper size screwdriver and a lot of pressure behind it to prevent stripping. If that fails, I use my dremel to make a slot in the screw, then use a flat head screwdriver. Replace ALL of them with regular allen screws or 6 point screws.

Also, why are you replacing the float cover screws with TR torx? Sounds like more trouble than to replace with regular allen screws. If you use allen screws, you'll only need like 5 tools total to go from an assembled bike to carbs apart and torn open. Also I personally have a lot more hex keys laying around than torx bits.... and I have even fewer TR torx bits.

 

[Fire-medic]

I agree w/the Vise-Grips, straight jaw. I have also done the Dremel-Tool slotted method w/success on any variety of stuck fasteners, but be very careful if you decide to use an impact tool! You may end-up w/a cracked carb body.:confused2: I would try the Vise-Grips 1st, then the Dremel-Tool. If you slot the head and then try the Vise-Grips, you may just collapse the head when you squeeze it w/the Vise-Grips. That would put you at drilling-out the fastener.

 

[one2dmax]

Vice grip to crack it loose.

 

[sdt354]

So maybe this would fall under the dumb question category but what are you guys doing to get the screws out of these carbs? I started to try and take on off and it started to twist the head on the screw. Anything I'm missing here or is it just soft screws/different metals seized together?

A mini benzene torch is your friend. Heat the screws good and the area around them(which should be hotter than the screw. They come out a lot easier. The safety allen screws? I see how far I can throw them whenever I get them out. Like you I acquired the proper socket set. I stumbled upon it in a little mom and pop shop. I've used hand impacts, but careful with that, aluminum will break.
Steve

 

[chargerman426]

So I rode the Max quite a bit today and the popping has almost completely gone away now that I've put about half a tank of gas (with some Lucas fuel treatment in it) through it. At least I have the tools in I ever do need to take the covers off.

One more question if you all don't mind. What RPM do you guys cruise around at? I've been running around town around 3-4K. I'm use to big motor cars and I usually cruise around around 2K mark so 3-4K sounds like a lot to me.

 

[one2dmax]

It's not excessive at all. You're big motor cars probably don't redline at 9500 either.

 

[chargerman426]

Thats what I figured but just wanted to see what others where doing.

I had to switch over to reserve fuel today and it brought back the popping. So I'm going with I just need to keep riding and work this old gas out.

 

[one2dmax]

When/IF you have a trans issue you can look into our 5th gear overdrive. That will eliminate the buzzy/High Rev feeling you get when cruising.