Current status
Posted: 05 Mar 2012 16:28
I ordered and installed a new 39-tooth rear sprocket this past week. Had to cut 4 links off the chain so it would fit with proper play within the adjusters. Now it's towards the forward edge.
Took it out for a test ride. The appoximate 1" shorter wheelbase isn't evident, however the rear suspension seems a bit stiffer over bumps.
As for the gearing change, I was a little concerned at first about possibly having to feather the clutch from a standstill, but that proved to not be an issue whatsoever.
From what I've read, this puts my Ex on par with 3 1/2 and 500 overall gearing, and it feels MUCH better on the street, less stressed. I'm sure Morini geared the Excalibur so it could compete in the stoplight wars, but it's so much more pleasant with "normal" gearing.
With the additional load and broadened speed range per gear, the only problem I encountered on the 10-mile ride was regarding carburetion, and it was at one setting.
While in 6th around an indicated 60 mph & 4000 rpm and approx 1/4 throttle opening, there was a very mild surge with an audible hint of driveline snatch. My understanding is that it's still a bit lean at that opening, so I'll raise the X22 needles another groove, taking them to the fourth of five from the top.
It may be due to the temps I've been test riding in (high 30s to high 40s), but with a deflowered airbox and moderately baffled silencers, this engine seems to like its carburetion fairly rich compared to what I've seen others running on their Morinis. PHBH28, 40 slide, 50 starter, 47 pilot, 115 main, 264T atomizer, X22 (2.48/1.2/28.5). Overall plug coloring has been a light brown, so I guess I shouldn't worry about how mine differs from others, just get it to run as well as I can.
Took it out for a test ride. The appoximate 1" shorter wheelbase isn't evident, however the rear suspension seems a bit stiffer over bumps.
As for the gearing change, I was a little concerned at first about possibly having to feather the clutch from a standstill, but that proved to not be an issue whatsoever.
From what I've read, this puts my Ex on par with 3 1/2 and 500 overall gearing, and it feels MUCH better on the street, less stressed. I'm sure Morini geared the Excalibur so it could compete in the stoplight wars, but it's so much more pleasant with "normal" gearing.
With the additional load and broadened speed range per gear, the only problem I encountered on the 10-mile ride was regarding carburetion, and it was at one setting.
While in 6th around an indicated 60 mph & 4000 rpm and approx 1/4 throttle opening, there was a very mild surge with an audible hint of driveline snatch. My understanding is that it's still a bit lean at that opening, so I'll raise the X22 needles another groove, taking them to the fourth of five from the top.
It may be due to the temps I've been test riding in (high 30s to high 40s), but with a deflowered airbox and moderately baffled silencers, this engine seems to like its carburetion fairly rich compared to what I've seen others running on their Morinis. PHBH28, 40 slide, 50 starter, 47 pilot, 115 main, 264T atomizer, X22 (2.48/1.2/28.5). Overall plug coloring has been a light brown, so I guess I shouldn't worry about how mine differs from others, just get it to run as well as I can.