to pod, or not to pod that is the ?

I have had my 83 midnight maxim for 3 months now and had zero problems other then the front brake incorrectly working.

I am now going to start putting a little money into this thing! Pods are the first thing I would like to do but I have know clue what size, or shape I need or the diameter. I would like to not have to tune or "rejet" the carbs if possible. bike runs PERFECT right now. Also I will be doing a custom exhaust on the bike... (like the guy who had the license plate in his backpack that posted on here a while ago) if anyone knows of the link to his pic it would be appreciated because essentially thats what I want mine to look like.

Currently the bike has stock exhaust without the rear muffler sections...

Thanks in advance

 

If the bike runs perfect, do not mess with it.

These bikes run best how they came from factory, without modifying the intake system.

You will have to do a lot of tuning that might end up in frustration and a waste of your time to get something that is not what you expect.

Now there are those who like pods and have been successful with using them, but really your better off enjoying the bike the way it is right now rather than having to mess with your carbs again and again. Unless, that is what you want? It is not an easy install and go sort of operation, there is much to consider.

 

Charles,
Going with pods and changing the exhaust to a more open system, you will deffinetely have to rejet the carbs. There is no set jetting sizes when going this route, so you'll have to do some experimenting with different size jet configurations. I'm sure there are some members who will get you in the ball park, so you will be able to speed up the process. Like it's been said, "if that's what you really want". Some have issues with them when they ride in the rain, which always seems to happen even if not planned, which is another thing to keep in mind.
There will always be those who have tried and failed, which is frustrating. But there are also those who have gone all the way with good results, so it's up to you. Good luck!

 

What are "pods"?

 

Kevin if you use pods you will go blind just say no to pods

 

They're the cotton candy sacs that the humans were put in on "Killer Clowns frm Outer Space".

 

I think I am going to give it a shot and see how it turns out. I mean after all these pods are pretty cheap to purchase. does any one know the correct size I need? I am just going to pick them up off ebay and on a free weekend throw them on.. if they work well ill keep them if not back to the box i'll go.

Thanks for the replys

 

Charles,
Pull off one of the boots between the carbs and the airbox...THAT size!

 

@painter... I was wondering if anyone off hand knew the size so I could just order them instead of removing measuring and reinstalling the boot...

 

Charles- you need to do a search on pods there are several postings with alot of good information about running them. It is going to be a pain in the butt to tune but that is the nature of that beast.

 

117mm I think

 

Charles, don't take this the wrong way, but if you were to rate your mechanical ability in regards to working and repairing a motorcycle between 1 and 10, what would your number be?
Also, take into consideration the tools and testing equipment you have, again, between 1 and 10.
Be really honest when you answer as there are guys on here that can give you good, solid technical advice, but if you are not able to understand it or have the tools to do the work, you are heading down a path that will be quite discouraging.
Do you even have a manual for the bike you're talking about yet?
Because the first thing you'll have to do is take the carbs off the bike to get the factory airbox out, then put the whole thing back together.
For some people on here, doing that will not make them break a sweat, but for someone that is not familiar it can cause frustration, excessive consumption of alcohol and finally unconsciousness. The last sentence, I'm just joking.......well, kind of.
Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose to do as there will always be this forum and the people on it to help you out as best they can.
A big plus would be to put where you live , you never know, someone may live just a short distance away.

 

Charles,
Sorry dude, I don't have pods so I can't help with the size. I assumed you were working on it, but I guess not. I am staying with the airbox cause it runs like a cat on fire the way it is.

 

I measure 1.968 inch, which fitz 48 - 52 MM. depending if you want snug or loose.

I'll also add that to save the airbox, you need to do alot of work, such as, remove starter, exhaust, intakes, loosen motor (driveshaft) and jack the motor forward an inch, all for clearance.

 

I managed to squeeze mine out by removing the clutch cable and adjuster, and working it through that side without loosening or removing anything. It's not easy but it will come out. BTW I thought "pods" were a reference to Lady Gaga's entrance the other night. And yes, 52mm is correct.

 

Charles:

A few of the Members tried to clue you in to not making a bad decision regarding Pods.

Yes! Pods L@@K good.
They give the Bike a more Sporty appearance and a custom look.

If you are going to Pimp your bike, take pictures of it and send them to all your friends, ... and not want to have any fun riding it, ... because it rang good when you got it ... BUT, you decided PODS were going to make it look and run better.

1. Its going to LOOK better. That we all agree on.
2. It ain't going to run better. And, you are going too add your name to the bottom of the 30-year long list of those, including me, who have tried to figure it out, and are still struggling.

So it boils down to this:

Even though a bunch of us have taken you aside, pointed to the sign and told you that the sign says: THIN ICE !!!

You're still lacing-up your Skates.

Don't put those Pods on and then come-back asking what we can do to help you get your bike running right.

Bottom line, ... we don't know really know yet.
And we tried to warn you about it.

 

how many pods threads can we have going at once?

how many pod threads can we have with the same exact title?

pods will cause: diarrhea, nausea, hot flashes, cancer, no power, rust, blowby, and in some rare and isolated cases amnesia.

pods, as well as any other modification to the intake or exhaust tract will require rejetting. some people have given up because they could not get their bikes to run right.

i jetted mine spot on, it didnt take several attempts, and it runs fantastic and gets 50mpg.


PODS 4 LIFE

 

Well, then ... there you go.
If you put on Pods and have any trouble with the way the bike runs; just stop-by Zookie's place and he'll fix you right-up.

I think I'll order a set of Pods, now and bring 'em over to Zook's for the Hot Set-up, myself.
Hey, maybe we can all get Pods, now. A Bulk rate purchase.

Won't even need the G-P-S.
Just follow the Yellow Brick Road.

 

Funny....
All is good in the land of OZ.

 

Hey Zook, apart from Ricks teasing, why not do a small write up (including any pics or even better a vid) with a simple step by step of how you did it? I know all bikes are different, but the information may just give some of the guys that want to Pod their ride a good baseline to work from. Then the issue of Pods can either be put to rest or at least not have to defend itself everytime it comes up.

 

im pretty sure we have 2 threads like that going, definitely one anyway, where all the pods guys have posted their mods and jetting to get things running right. i would have to search it myself to remember what size i drilled my jets to, because i did it a few years ago and havent had to go back into the carbs since.

as for the teasing.....read my sig! and rick, should your balls ever grow to the size of your mouth and you do show up at my shop...bring your wallet, i get paid to do this stuff.

 

i put straight pipes and pods on my maxim

rejetting will be required its not that bad just trial and error which im told goes by real quick if you have a friend with an exhaust gas analyzer but plug chops is not hard just time consuming

the number one problem with this setup is backpressure i solved this with lollypop baffles they are adjustable and barely alter the sound

if needed i can create a thread on the lollypops

 

A lot of work for something that does not give you the performance most people expect.

What is the fascination with pods anyways?

 

the same question was asked in another pod thread. my situation was that i had a broken airbox and severely rotted ruuber boots. rather than spend a lot of money on replacing all that, i put pods on it.

i didnt do it for performance, or looks. i did it to keep the cost of getting the bike running down. the bike has more power than is needed for the non-racing life it lives.

 

I've seen a sohc cb750 with a set of xj650-750 carb on it, im going to do some measurements and try asking how he did it, that way, we could run the cb750 round top SLIDE carbs, meaning you manually lift the carb slide, no bs cv carbs, that way, if you want to run pods, spend 100 bucks more and get carbs that will like unrestricted air and potentially increase performance... not to mention, splitting the cb750 round top rack is VERY easy... that way you could just toss the body into a smaller ultrasonic cleaner or carb dip easily...

 

ok after this i jsut went out in the garage picked up my spare rack and lined it up with my cb750 carbs... and I'm pretty darn sure it will work, you can get 3 of the barrels to line up great and theres about a 5mm offset on the last one.. and the carb barrels are either a 1 or 2 mm difference... im thinking that can be taken out with some thin rubber, or electrical tape, and there should be enough give in the engine boots to let it slip in... hmm

 

poor man's cr carbs, they're about half as hard to clean as ours , theres a full picture write up how to on hondachaopper.com, and you can take yours off and sell them... but now im wanting to put them on my bike...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-197 ... ccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB ... ccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-HON ... ccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-HON ... ccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Carburet ... ccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Hon ... ccessories

 

man those are not the prettiest of carbs now are they?

 

4 mikuni round slides are sexy

 

Let me get this straight...
Your saying the CB750 carbs are a piece of cake to work on and tune compared to our XJ carbs? Interesting. I guess with all the bikes I've owned, I can't say I've ever found carbs quite as complicated as these Xj carbs, that's for sure. Infact I was seriously looking into the 4-into-2 carb manifold idea for my 750 Seca, even if it meant losing performance a little. Atleast a person could simplify the whole cleaning/tuning procedure.

 

you dont EVER heave to deal with stripped bowl bolts, or top bolts, the slides are straight up slides with easy needle clip adjustment, 4 positions, to split the rack you take off the 1 count em 1 bracket holding it together which uses massive philips head bolts that arent easily stripped, once the slides are out (come out as one unit) you just pull the rack apart, thees 2 fuel lines so no middle connector is required synching is done with the top slide part so as long as you dont adjust em you're fine. and there's just 2 T connectors because it has 2 fuel lines....

you dont really have to get the bores surgically clean because your slides dont have to go clunk, theres a large spring that pulls them down.

only negative is the effort to twist the throttle is harder...

 

No problem twisting the throttle I guess. I have cruise control too, so it would be a piece of cake.

 

i think the only concern is the 1 or 2 mm difference in the engine side of the carb, but the clamps may take that out... i have no doubt there will be enough give in the boots for them to fit

another note: these carbs come with a stock 105 main jet... they recommend a 125 for open exhaust and nonrestrictive filters

 

how - to rebuild, click on the pics for bigger pics and description

http://www.salocal.com/sohc/tech/carb/carb.htm

 

i want to try a single 41mm kehein FCR on my bike. i think it would be GREAT.

 

schooter, they look to be a bit taller, do they fit that way? from the outlet bore to the top of the carb

 

Would you have to convert to a manually operated petcock, seeing as the Yammies are vacuum operated?

 

I wouldn't think so seeing as the vacuum line is drawn off of the intake boot on the tub. It is not on the carb...

 

ya, they're taller, i would imagine they would fit... i suppose i have to be the test dummy on this....

 

YES!!! We have a test dummy :wink: !!!

skillet

 

Hey now, if someone wants to supply me with the carbs, I would be happy to try it out

 

I have been talking to and doing quite a bit of research on the Keihin FCR carbs and the Mikuni RS carbs for these bikes. The problem I am hearing most about the FCR carbs is that they are designed more for race setups and you lose a lot of low end power and see them with velocity stacks rather than pods.

The Mikuni RS (roundslide) carbs is supposedly the best setup since they are much, much easier to tune and love pods. I am currently looking at the RS option and if I find a set (cheap) will report back. You can get a new set for approximately $800 spaced correctly and ready to bolt on.

 

$800? I guess simplicity cost is higher than I expected. I don't think it's worth that kinda money. I'm going to keep on looking for a good used pair.

 

my boss gave me a zenith carb, not sure what model, off his harley. its a butterfly design, and it was free so i may try it out.

 

Zookie,
Keep us posted on your progess please! Thanks.

 

if i am ever home again to work on it, i will definitely do a full writeup with pics. we have been working in long island for a long time, and the end is not yet in sight! St. Josephs college, currently at glen cove, then off to Hofstra, then Lincoln Park. i am trying my best to not pick up that accent

 

I am not intimidated when it comes to this bike. I have built everything from corvettes to dirtbikes but this is my first street bike. I would give myself a 7 out of 10 for "mechanical ability". as far as tools and testing equipment I have everything to test and tune a car but not a motorcycle so my score honestly wouldnt be quiet as good. Also The first thing I did when I got home was order a manual and I have it in hand. By the question I am asking I would wondering if it would performance wise be worth it to go through the head ache of removing and changing the airbox out to pods. not to mention worth the head ache.

Also I live in LA county California in the city of Lynwood, or also known as the Long Beach area so if anyone out there would want to help with the projects to come or just want to ride let me know... I have no one to go riding with =C

 

As to the performance "thingy". The responses to that are as varied as the opinions on to pod or not to pod :roll: ...

skillet