Keihin 38 PWK Air Striker AG Shorty & JD Jetting Kit

[@bengtaberg]

I installed the 36 PWK Air Striker on my 2018 300 xcw. Huge difference in starting in cold weather. Thank you

[@Fox250R]

Didn’t know a/s had a 36.

[@welderboy711]

Can you please do an update video about your feelings of the new carb? The difference is you felt between them both? Did you set did you set the float hight or did you leave it the way you got it from JD jetting? Did you get better mileage? Your videos are awesome please keep them up!

[@naotak5592]

After struggling with Mikuni for a year(include JD jetting kit)、I’ve switched to Keihin.It’s amazing! even default setting.Thank you for great video.(2017 TE250、Japan)

[@jackdawson76]

Appreciate the video - got out for a ride in the weekend. Impressive up grade - transforms bike. Brings it in line with the TPI. I need to add a bit more idle speed and maybe a touch leaner on the 0-1/4 throttle but overall excellent. Sooo much better, more fuel efficient and cleaner burning than the mikuni.

[@250race]

The Mikuni 40 mm carb that came on a 2003 2007 CR250 tapered needle hands down is the best carburetor I have ever ran

[@momarsamson1383]

Hi do you know any mikuni carb larger than 40 mm?

[@SamHain2344]

I'm considering this carb on my 17 250xc as well, waiting to hear your findings. Thanks.

[@bannedbrothers]

thank you for all your in depth videos! i've learned a lot from them! i seized my 2017 300 with the Lectron and i'm now installing the Keihin PWK. it should be done next week.

[@nolankarat5169]

I am accepting Lectron donations...

[@jeremyfernandez7237]

I have a 19 ktm 300xc I just installed a keihin 38 pwk air striker,I had to adjust pilot jet 55 to a 45/ main jet is 168

[@ridenbudder]

did you change the spark plug also? or did you keep using the BR7E? I am trying the same AG carb and JD jetting and mine runs horrible at anything above 6000 ft. jetting per JD chart. The mikuni (also with JD kit) runs much better for me at higher elevation . I have heard some go to cooler plug with the Keihin

[@u1arunit]

Great video, as always. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on how it compares to the Mikuni as I have been running the exact same setup and jetting combo as you just removed.

[@anthonymccullough158]

I yanked a old kehin pwk off of a 98 ktm 250sx due to breaking a part in the trials on my JUNK tmx "02 cr250" . Threw it on the bike with no jetting change and the bike was rich on top end but MAN WAS THERE SUCH A difference

[@angelomedina8280]

It would be advisable for the ktm 150 sx to change the mikuni 38mm for a keihin 40mm or lectron 40mm!

[@TokyoOffroad]

A Keihin 38 Air Striker with a STIC Metering Block (114A tube) works great on 150 bikes. That would be my recommendation...

[@bengtaberg]

Spoke with JD Jetting regarding changing the fuel line. They said they never heard of an issue with the stock KTM fuel line. JD was not sure why you had an issue with the fuel line.

[@TokyoOffroad]

bengtaberg - The stock Mikuni TMX fuel line connection spigot is 8mm nominal. The Keihin is 7mm. If you use the stock fuel line with a Keihin you’ll find it pulls off very easily and probably leaks. Of course you could use a hose type clamp to cinch the hose down, but getting a smaller ID fuel hose is a better solution IMO

[@SkinnySkinch]

How did your throttle cable just work? You didn't have to grind the top of your carb?

[@TokyoOffroad]

To use the stock 2017 throttle cable with a Keihin it’s best to remove the raised part of the cap which the cable threads in to. You can mill, or grind it off. This will provide some throttle free play.

[@WillyD1]

Where did you get the 7 mm fuel line I can only find 7.95mm and 4.65mm from motion pro do you sell the fuel line

[@TokyoOffroad]

The fuel line I currently use has an internal diameter of 6.3mm and is a nice snug fit. The part number for a 5m pack is Kijima 105-014. It's oil and gasoline resistant.

[@WillyD1]

@@TokyoOffroad great thank you

[@freetaylor72]

Hey bro could that be a replacement for my 01 ktm 200? My stock carb is shot and I don't want to buy a knock off and I can't find an OEM. Getting frustrated

[@mark_Hershey]

Just to be clear, did you say the keihin needs a 7mm fuel line?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, the Keihin fuel connection diameter is 7mm. 6mm, or 7mm internal diameter hose will work fine. 8mm hose will not work (will leak)...

[@mark_Hershey]

@@TokyoOffroad thanks, i will pick up 1/4” hose tomorrow, thats a little bigger than 7mm but is what we got here. Picked up a 2019 250xc with 7 hours on it and the mid body gasket was incredibly deformed so have a keihin on the way, glad I caught your vid.

[@BBK-v7f]

Hi Mark. I have a 250EXC 2017 and met you last Sunday at Naguri. I ordered a JD kit, S-1Needle and cylinder head of SX 2 days ago... May I have a reason why you decided to go Keihin from Mikuni?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Curiosity :-) My Mikuni with a JD jetting kit ran very well. For the price it's a very good and cost effective upgrade. I think you'll be very happy with this setup compared to stock jetting. The Keihin 38mm PWK AG Air Striker AG Shorty with JD Jetting kit adds some more bottom end compared to the Mikuni. It works very well.

[@PrimalEnduro]

why not keihin 36mm if you are looking for bottom end?

[@freetaylor72]

Hey bro I bought one of these keihin carbs and the jd jetting kit and now my bike wont start. Got fire and gas so I'm at a loss on what's wrong. What do u think?

[@johncollins1846]

Great videos, do you know what bike this carb is on from factory? Or the oem part number?

[@TokyoOffroad]

2-stroke 250/300 KTMs up to year model 2016 were fitted with Keihin PWK 36mm Air Stiker carbs. No KTMs came stock with the 38mm version though. The 38 works very well with a STIC installed and is recommended over the 36mm.

[@johnpaulstez]

One final question, does JD supply a complete jetting chart with the carb? I may have asked this in another video, but I’m referring to this setup. Thanks.

[@TokyoOffroad]

johnpaulstez - The instruction sheet which comes with the JD Jetting kit includes details of which pilot jet, needle and clip and main jet to use. Information is provided on what to change if riding at higher altitudes or high/lower temperatures. A chart is not provided, so you need to figure it out from the written description.

[@beachbrada]

could you comment if the keihin 38 has any off idle snap that is too much for tight trails, thanks

[@TokyoOffroad]

No, I didn't find the Keihin 38 low end too much for tight trails. Very controllable and usable power.

[@Cee-FJedi]

Hi Mate, thanks as always for the video. Can you tell me what the difference is between the 36 you see on some 300s and and the 38 carb. Are they interchangeable depending on preference? Or do certain bikes have to have a certain size etc? Thanks in advance.

[@TokyoOffroad]

The difference between the 36mm carb and 38mm carb is the bore size. Traditionally 36mm carbs were fitted on most 250 & 300 bikes, to increase the air velocity through the carb and improve bottom end performance. However, there is a trade off here and the smaller bore size impacts top end performance. As such riders focusing more on technical riding would use 36mm carbs and those doing higher speed riding would use 38mm carbs. However, recently with the introduction of the STIC metering block, which I've been using for over a year now, a 38mm Keihin Air Striker fitted with a STIC will deliver similar bottom end performance to a 36mm Keihin (also fitted with a STIC), but the mid and top end are much improved with the 38mm. As such, if you're going to use a STIC there is no performance advantage to using a 36mm. I plan to make a video soon discussing 36 vs 38...

[@Cee-FJedi]

@@TokyoOffroad perfect! Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks for the super quick response. So yea 99% sure I'll be grabbing the kit from you shortly!! Cheers

[@DYLLY0456]

I cannot get the choke to work with this carb on my bike it just bogs down and blows a ton of smoke when the choke is turned on and has inconsistent idling, runs perfect on without choke

[@jessew6437]

It enriches the fuel mix doesn't choke air

[@dynomike4142]

After watching your video I bought an airstriker for my 92 KDX 250 from JD. The bike now runs great. It is smooth and responsive. I only have one problem. It leaks. At first it was leaking really bad. I fitled with the float and now it is a trickle while idling. Did you run into this? Will it go away or do I need to do something different?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Michael Paul - Where is fuel leaking from? If it’s leaking from the bowl overflow and the bike is upright it maybe that float needle is sticking, or the float level is not set correctly. Take the carb off and check the float level and inspect the needle.

[@TokyoOffroad]

This video includes how to check the float height: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2ecZWyMbs2XjMU

[@dynomike4142]

Thanks for the tips. Great video link. I'll do the vent tube mods as well.

[@quikcolin]

Hey Mark, great video... I've been thinking about grabbing one of these Keihin shortys... problem is I can't find anywhere to purchase one? Where in the world did you get yours? Thanks again!

[@TokyoOffroad]

I got mine from JDJetting www.jdjetting.com/xcart5/jdkh38-keihin-38mm-pwk-airstryker-ag-short-body-w-jet-kit.html It looks like they’re out of stock now. Not that they wouldn’t send it to me in Japan, so a friend in the US purchased it for me and sent it.

[@quikcolin]

Tokyo Offroad funny, I figured that out a few moments after I messaged you. I stumbled upon the thread over at KTM Talk. I'm sold! Just waiting until they come back in stock - keep up the great videos ;)

[@MarcosMartinMartin]

+quikcolin I got mine from here www.chaparral-racing.com/product/jd-jetting-keihin-38mm-pwk-airstriker-short-body-carburator-with-jet-kit/347-jdkh38.aspx It seems they still have it in stock at the moment.

[@kevinbgillingham]

Bought one yeaterday from jd. They only had 5 up for grabs. I was told they had 70 coming in January. Cant wait to see tge difference! Mikuni is terrible for bog!

[@seismic160]

Can you tell me what number slide was on that carby?

[@TokyoOffroad]

It's a 6.5 slide

[@maverick2242]

Sick, look fwd to hearing how it performs, looks like a bit larger float bowl on the Keihin as well? Any reasons for going this way over say a Lectron, cost difference, availability? I thought one of the reasons why KTM went to the Mikuni was for broader elevation changes, again something the Lectron is supposed to be the best at as well as the Lectron having better fuel efficiency, just interested in your thoughts on that. Personally think it was a mistake going to Mikuni in the first place by KTM, jmo though. Considering the Lectron myself a number of features I like with it as above and the clear float bowl, a brilliant 💡 idea! Lol. Cheers mate love the vid as usual! Have you seen the new GoPro 6 and update Karma, any chance you looking at reviewing them?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, the float bowl is quite a bit larger on the Keihin. The Keihin with the JD Jetting kit retails for about $325. The Lectron is a bit more expensive at about $495 including a longer throttle cable. But if I thought the Lectron would perform better I would have bought that. If you check out the first ride video you can hear what Rasmus had to say after riding my bike (he has the same bike, but with a Lectron). kzbin.info/www/bejne/naiohKCljbZpmKM Online forum feedback from 2017 Lectron owners seems to be quite mixed, some loving it, others not so much (particularly the low end). I decided that for the riding I do I'd probably be happier with the Keihin, particularly as I don't mind tuning a conventional carburetor.

[@maverick2242]

Tokyo Offroad ah good points, I have also seen that about the Lectron, but still the Keihin is and was good before hand so solid bet, I check that link out too, cheers for that! 🤙

[@TokyoOffroad]

If someone sends me a GoPro6 and Karma I'd love to do a review...

[@SoilworkZA01]

Hi Mark, how’d you manage to get the carb since JD don’t ship to Japan?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Robert Moore - I asked a friend to buy it for me and he arranged shipping.

[@SoilworkZA01]

Tokyo Offroad enjoy the carb, I’m running a 36mm one. Much better than the Mikuni

[@TheHuckHD]

how did you get the 7mm fuel line to fit on to the 8mm fuel tank?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Punkman98 - The fuel line I got is quite flexible so fits on to the gas tank 8mm fitting no problem...

[@TheHuckHD]

Where did you get it i can only find one online and its very stiff!

[@TokyoOffroad]

Punkman98 - I got it from a local motorcycle parts store here in Japan. The stiff type would probably work too. Try putting the end in some boiling water before stretching over the fuel tank fitting

[@TheHuckHD]

You saved me "kinda" i ordered the exact same carb for my bike but they sent me the none short body one and i was watching your video to install it and things were not adding up!, if it wasn't for your video i think i would have installed it without knowing thanks a lot!

[@TokyoOffroad]

Punkman98 - Hope they send you the right one next time!

[@ollie6512]

Does the Keihin have the loop on the over flow hose?? Thanks

[@TokyoOffroad]

My recommendation is to check and adjust the float level and to not use a loop on the overflow hose. While the loop may help to save some fuel from slopping over, if the float level is adjusted correctly it shouldn't be a big issue. The concern with the loop is it can have some affect on the fuel level in the float bowl and thus affect the mixture (higher fuel level results in richness). As such I think it's better not to use a loop. In this video I show how to set the float level: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJeXhaxsjshsibs

[@valtercoutinho88]

What the difference on consumption?

[@TokyoOffroad]

I assuming that you're asking what the fuel consumption difference between the Mikuni and Keihin is. For my riding I've never had fuel consumption issues with either carb. But on both I did test and set the float level which has a large influence on how much fuel is spilt while riding. In this video I show how I measure and set the float level of my Keihin PWK Air Striker fitted with a STIC metering block: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJeXhaxsjshsibs

[@nicksampo5979]

Hi. I just got one also. What jetting specs have you landed at after testing etc?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Nick Sampo - I’m still using the same settings (PJ: 42, needle: red 3rd clip, MJ: 172)

[@nicksampo5979]

Tokyo Offroad thanks for the info. Where are you with the air screw? Also did you have to screw the idle screw almost all the way in to set a decent idle?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Nick Sampo - Air screw is between 1 to 2 turns out depending on altitude and weather. Adjust the idle when the engine is fully wam. I set my idle relatively low

[@nicksampo5979]

Tokyo Offroad - All good thanks. Just took it for a spin around the block to wake up the neighbours. Sounds and feels a little different, looking forward to trying this weekend. Also just watched your video about the metering block, very keen to hear your review. Sounds to good to be true.

[@nicksampo5979]

Hi. How are you finding the carb now after more rides? I’ve got a lectron and since modifying the head I’m finding it difficult to find a sweet spot.

[@TokyoOffroad]

I've done 4 rides on it now. I haven't need to adjust anything since I set it up. Cold starting is a huge difference. The Keihin starts straight away with the choke pulled on, the Mikuni would never start straight away. Low down torque is the biggest improvement over the Mikuni. I bought airscrew and idle adjusters, but haven't fitted them yet as I haven't needed to fiddle with adjustments yet. Very pleased with the Keihin.

[@hoptard]

That's because the Lectron is a one-trick pony with it's metering rod, the only thing it's really good for is half throttle and above, the lugging and "loading up" part to it sucks. It's an 85% capable carb and better suited for 5k+ altitude. It's not a horrible carb, just not very responsive especially with bottom end delivery. To perform better, these enduro bikes really require the individual access/tuning of the circuits within the Keihin and Mikuni. Take the time and learn how to tune either carb, and you will be greatly surprised over the Lectron. This is from first hand experience with both 150xcw and 250xcw and I immediately sold the Lectron. My 150 now absolutely rips. Also the stock Head design for the 17 and 18's pretty much sucks. Install the RK Tek insert, and one will need to actually richen up the Mikuni and probably the Keihin as well. Quite honestly, the Keihin and Mikuni's are not much different from one another.....the Mikuni has the adjustable Needle Jet (R8, S1, S4 and one other), the Keihin does not have this, and that's where Mikuni tunings are confusing people....also Mikuni slides are a bit too rich stock, but they can be purchased or modded to be leaner.

[@michail1963]

What made you choose keihin over Lectron? Price?

[@maverick2242]

Mikhail u read my mind, just asked same thing lol

[@TokyoOffroad]

No not price. I read mixed reviews about Lectron. The Keihin seems to be about the best performing carb for 2017 bikes now. But for people riding huge elevation and temp changes in a day the Lectron may be the better option. My riding isn't like that though...

[@Fox250R]

What would cause my 250r to act like it needed a 70 pilot?

[@TokyoOffroad]

I’d check the following: 1) air screw position- screw it in fully clockwise, then screw it out 1 turn. Does it still run lean? Try adjusting 2) Pilot Jet might be blocked. Remove and clean 3) Air leak between carb and intake. Check hose clamp is tight, manifold bolts are tight and gaskets are OK 4) Slide- Was the slide cutaway modified, or a different slide fitted?

[@Fox250R]

Tokyo Offroad I don’t believe so no. Been running the same setup for years and just last summer I started noticing not having as much low end. I’ve gone from a 185 main to a 165 trying to adjust my top end but didn’t really notice much of a difference. Maybe I’m missing something I dunno at this point. But it idles perfect with a 70 pilot but my low end sucks!

[@Fox250R]

Tokyo Offroad thanks for the help :)

[@TokyoOffroad]

How many hours has the top end on it (piston and rings)? If you're not sure, and haven't overhauled it recently it might be time. If you have a compression tester that would indicate the condition of the rings.

[@Fox250R]

Tokyo Offroad less than 10 hours on top end

[@c-rod9005]

what size are those pink lines on the carb ?????? anyone??????

[@TokyoOffroad]

The 4 breather hoses are ID 4mm and the overflow hose is ID 3mm

[@087elemenohpee]

What jetting did you run in the Mikuni?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Damien Keith Smith- I used a JD Jetting kit in my Mikuni. The settings were: Summer- Pilot: 30, Neddle Jet: S1, Needle: Blue, Clip:2.5, Main: 420 Winter- Pilot: 32.5, Neddle Jet: S1, Needle: Blue, Clip:3, Main: 430

[@087elemenohpee]

Tokyo Offroad thanks for info trying to sort out my TE250

[@TokyoOffroad]

Damien Keith Smith - If you fit a JD Jetting kit you should be able to get the Mikuni to run reasonably well. However, if you have the money a better solution is to replace the Mikuni with a Keihin. If you ride Ride large altitude changes you might also consider a Lectron, or Smartcarb. For the riding I do (sea level to about 1,800m) the Keihin with a JD Jetting kit works very well, without a lot of fiddling.

[@087elemenohpee]

Was looking at getting Lectron in the future but have the revised 2018 jetting kit from husky dealer coming for free to try out first

[@TokyoOffroad]

Damien Keith Smith- Yes, if it’s free it’s worth trying. One other thing to check is the float level. For some reason they seem to be set by the factory higher than the Mikuni specification.

[@mullaway5746]

U must be in Antarctica with those jets lol

[@TokyoOffroad]

My current setting of my 2017 KTM 250EXC are: Keihin 38mm PWK Airstriker, STIC 19E, STIC Tube=113A, Pilot=50, Main=195, Needle=JD/STIC RED on 3rd, Airscrew=3.5 out, Float Height=7mm, Slide=#6.5. I ride year round with the same setting and fine tune using the airscrew (temp -5C to +30C, sea level~2000m). Yes, the jet sizing when using a STIC is significantly larger than when using the stock Keihin block

[@mullaway5746]

@@TokyoOffroad ok cheers, i just stacked it again seems like half way between 0-quarter throttle its happened twice 1 every 6 rides ruffley, the idle will rev and keep reving and couldn't stop it but the throttle doesn't move only the revs, broken ribs both times can't do it again any idea please

[@TokyoOffroad]

@@mullaway5746 - That sounds like hanging idle (lean). I'd need to know what bike you're riding, and your carb & settings details to advise...

[@mullaway5746]

@@TokyoOffroad ktm300exc 2007 36mm keihin main 165, suzuki needle necj clip 2, pilot 35, elevation 0-500 ish cheers

[@TokyoOffroad]

@@mullaway5746 - Do you have a richer pilot jet to try? Try a 38, or 40. Start with the airscrew at 1.5 turns out and see how it feels. Also the needle you're using is quite lean and already on the 2nd clip. Would recommend using a richer needle. If you like the Suzuki needles then maybe try a NECW, NEDW, NECH, or NEDH (from lean to richer order).

[@jamesbramblett3346]

Much better carb than the mikuni. I can't figure why ktm switched a couple years ago? Anyone know??

[@maverick2242]

James Bramblett changed in 2017, I understand it was to give a wider range to elevation changes!

[@TokyoOffroad]

That's the official line. Owner experience is the reverse though. Rumor has it that Keihin (Honda is largest share holder) refused to sell Keihins to KTM from 2017. Not sure how true it is...

[@maverick2242]

Tokyo Offroad haha, actually that makes allot of sense as I they also use the Mikuni on the SX range and well they aren't going to see the same variables as the Enduro line. Good old Honda always anti competitive, if can't beat em change the rules lol