Tuning Honda Shadow Carburetors: Carb Sync

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

►► Here is my step by step Twin Carb (VT1100 & VT750) Carb Cleaning tutorial -www.themotorcyclemd.com/Twin-Carb-Cleaning-Workshops

[@jtdundee]

Honda's engineering and your gift for communication makes these things easy to understand. Well done!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks John! Glad it all made sense!

[@axtonheath8170]

Sorry to be off topic but does any of you know a way to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly lost my account password. I would love any tricks you can offer me

[@nathanoakley9825]

@Axton Heath Instablaster ;)

[@axtonheath8170]

@Nathan Oakley thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@axtonheath8170]

@Nathan Oakley It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out !

[@revdrshad]

Everyone always talks about "carb syncing" as a horribly difficult maneuver that takes hours, and only shops can do it. You have absolutely removed the false mystique and made it look super easy and definitely do-able. You're the "Chris Fix" of motorcycles. Which is a huge compliment. Keep up the good work, stay safe out there!

[@robertdean1175]

I really learn a lot from your video

[@nateklein7342]

As an automotive mechanic myself I recognize your ability explain things very well for the people who are not so mechanically inclined. for example: When you were explaining the impact driver and explaining how the smack on the end of the driver will disrupt the corrosion in the threads. and that you can smack a regular driver for the same corrosion busting effect. keep up the good work.

[@kadenfrost5349]

Hey man I just watched this and was able to get my bike back into spec quite a bit without excess work I really appreciate it

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

My pleasure man. Glad it helped

[@murraykriner9425]

Didn't realize how simple the process was with the Honda V-twins, as my only other one was my 1980 Honda CX-500. Just the manometer to buy then. Looking forward to synchronizing my 1983 VT-500 C, once I get the other ill's sorted out, the major one, a slow cranking starter. Hoping its not the rings being broken, and scraping the cylinder walls. Make all this business seem too easy brother. Stay safe.

[@bikerbobcat]

About to do a rejet on my 03 Honda VT750 and this is precisely what I needed to see. Thought I was looking at my own bike for a moment. Thank you so much!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@RogerDiotte]

3ys later, Im attempting this to my 94 shadow...

[@DK-Design]

I just synced my '03 VT750DC today, what a difference! Thanks for the info !

[@waffl6]

Don't own a v-twin, but watched anyway. Your other video helped me get my Katana synched up. Keep up the good videos, man.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks for you support man!

[@mudder4660]

Thanks for your help to the Honda community.

[@dougdagenais7340]

Great video! I am going through this very thing right now. I have 32yrs of automotive exp, but bikes are defiantly different. Thanks again for the great video.

[@HDHD-tn7bs]

How so?

[@angelfigueroa4890]

And another great video!!!!! Keep cranking them out!!!!

[@monkeydude3987]

Love your videos - giving me confidence to buy my first bike. I was sort of set on fuel injection but with proper maintenance it seems like carbed bikes are just fine. And I'm looking for some sort of 750 shadow like this - thank you for sharing!

[@kendaniels9753]

I couldn't find any 5mm carb tubes locally so I took 2 5mm Philips head screws and drill out through the center with my drill press...worked perfect since the center of the Phillips head centered the bit for me.

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Well done video chief! It's been over a decade since I've had to do one, so this was a great little refresher! And the tip on the Honda screw hole was brilliant since thats what I'll be working on later! Cheers!

[@ActualJesusChrist]

hey hey, thanks for the vid man. Just bought my first bike, an fzr 600. i took it all apart and repainted it while i wait for ride season and i was always really really nervous about the carbs. I watched 2 other vids but I think this was the most informative and gave me the most confidence to work on them. Thanks for the video!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

This is super encouraging to hear! Glad you found some knowledge to chew on!

[@nevillevandermerwe7748]

You are seriously chilled - awesome video

[@RogerDiotte]

What I've learnt! We'll all no doubt be carb syncing!

[@gurugord]

Thank you. You do a killer job explaining maintenance for us thick thumbed noobs!

[@twentydixoncider7443]

I can take those covers off?!?!?! DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I SPENT CLEANING IN BEWTEEN THOSE COOLING FINS? lol man I feel like an idiot, thank you so much dude Ive learned a lot in just like 2 or 3 videos of yours, you're definitely the kind of tech I'd hope to get if I ever take my bike to anybody to fix it lol

[@snappytom1013]

I recently bought a 1995 shadow Ace 1100, with 6000 miles. It's all original and was recently serviced. It starts with little or no choke, the idle is smooth with a crisp throttle response. However it has trouble holding 70 mph, and there's no power in fifth gear. Tank a fuel system have also been cleaned and the petcock is new.

[@stansummers6259]

Would love to see step by step on choke adjustment please on 1999 Honda Shadow Ace 1100 thanks

[@misterx5417]

Very good video and helped me solve the problem with backfire Thanks a lot

[@imsgoalie1]

These videos are absolutely awesome man. Keep it up!

[@saatanakettu7514]

awesome video, even tho my -87 1100c shadow had the sync screw a under everything. only way i was able to tune it was to shut it down for a sec. full throttle and then adjust it a bit. and fire it up again. was simple enough.

[@tedgibson656]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience!

[@distinctivemf1918]

You’re the man, thank you.

[@Mightymax800]

ANOTHER Great Vid! Do you know if it will be that easy on my 1986 Shadow VT750? 🙂

[@markkaplan2133]

That is awesome if you have the tools. What about for us non-machanics?

[@georgesteffens7489]

Are all the 750 dual carb shadows the same concept? This is a great video!

[@tnflyguy8996]

Great video and awesome responses to everyone’s questions.

[@jeromemartinez285]

Sweet saving me money and keeping things simple.

[@johnfowler6189]

Great video as usual Cody 👍 Are the screws in the vacuum ports machine or pipe thread? I noticed you used adaptors to attach the vacuum lines. Are they commonly available or special order? Thanks

[@johnfowler6189]

Cody, great video 👍 I'm currently rebuilding my carbs on my 05 VT750DC as the bike sat too long with ethanol fuel (never again) and just watched your also great video on setting idle mixture. Question I have is should synchronization be checked first?

[@GoldwingBingo]

Great video. Where do I get the metal adapters you screw into the heads?

[@stansummers6259]

Ur video r extremely neat and cool man keep making them i ride a 1999 Honda Shadow Ace1100 but right now it running alittle rough but I don’t have the Mercury tubing that you have to adjust the carburetor but very impressive videos friend

[@RobCSells]

Great vid! What model bike did those rims come off of? Looks great.

[@southcarolinastallio]

Hey Cody, i have a 1994 vt1100 Shadow. It is an awesome bike. I have been watching your video's and doing some work on my bike and my dads Goldwing. I think my carbs may need a kit and I'm not sure about the sink on them. I dont have a vaccume guage to check them with. I know the adjustments are off because i can smell extra gas from my exhaust. Anyway i wanted to hit you up and tell you i appreciate what you are doing to help others. Thanks man. Oh yeah, Merry Christmas.

[@moisesorta9884]

Thanks for the awesome knowledge. This is next on my to do list.

[@elmexicanodelabarba3245]

That was easy!! I think i can do it no problem !! Thank you

[@cri8tor]

Just the tutorial I needed. Thank you

[@RockyMountainJeeper]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you!

[@kellystafford3394]

Thank you sir! Much help and straight to the point.

[@4MATAStudio]

Nice vid man! is this still the same on a 97 with the air filter under the seat?

[@matthewbeaver5026]

86 shadow vt700 have those same type of covers on the jugs? Or just the newer ones?

[@deitreider9055]

Привет из России. У меня тоже Shadow 750 VT. Хорошее видео.Все подробно.Ставлю лайк.

[@WillieWilson.notnelson]

Whats that tool called with the guages i learned that i want one

[@claybelli3880]

Hi there question at 6:53 you said the idle picked up and you need to lower down a bit. What are you exactly lowering?

[@mkat_551]

Theres a small screw that adjusts idle speed on the left side of the bike. Thats what he was referring to lowering it

[@joebalderas2672]

Is this procedure the same for a 87 Vt1100c? Thanks

[@omarortiz9443]

Nice video, thank you man. One question though, should syncronization always be done at idle speed?

[@christianwalden9006]

is there a way to do this at home with out a tool

[@gsfpetr]

Hello, I have a request for advice on how to adjust the carburetors on the Honda Shadow vt1100 C2. Could you please advise me how to set the petrol dose for idling speed?It is said that too much gasoline goes to the front cylinder and the engine only goes to the rear cylinder. As you rev up, it shoots out the exhaust and fires both cylinders. I'm asking for advice on how to adjust. Thank you

[@LAChris-tj7uf]

Great video… what is the name of the synchronizer you used in the video? Is the one advertised after the video “cheap”? I just want to make sure i buy one that’ll get the job done

[@FredHarris-du2pe]

Does anyone know if this engine is okay to run without the covers mentioned in the video? For say normal riding conditions, I'm wondering if the liquid cooling system is enough to keep it cool

[@thedaydreamer7972]

Hi, I have both a Intruder VS1400 and Marauder vz800,,,I have the bikes running well and synced,,,However the idle on both of these bikes is a bit off,,,AND upon bliping or reving the throttle on both bikes the idle hangs for a sec before returning to steady idle,,,from my under standing when this happens its typically a lean condition, conversely when you blip a throttle and it dips, then returns to idle its a rich condition,,,,,,,IS this issue solved by simply finding the correct mixture screw seting on both carbs? IF not do you have any other ideas for me to try? TY you have a great channel

[@cvizel]

I see how easy it is to sync the 750. But I have a 2000 sabre 1100. I thought it would be that simple too. Apparently I do not need to remove the fuel tank but I need a specialty tool. Can you show that and do you have any suggestions on buying one? There are 2 kinds online

[@Cees1984]

Thanks for the video 👍🛠, going to do it on a 1100 soon.

[@RobbieBalboa13]

You did it?

[@Cees1984]

@@RobbieBalboa13 No, the bike is not yet in the shop

[@matts2581]

When blipping the throttle after making an adjustment, be careful not to ingest the mercury or whatever fluid your synchronizer makes use of - when you blip the throttle the fluid sometimes may "bounce" back up. Also, I found with my Motion Pro (I think it was a Motion Pro - it has since been Hazmat recycled) mercury synchronizer I got back in about ~1995, the ID (Interior Diameter) of the piping was completely off from the others, by in excess of 10%. So I had to pick the two pipings that were closest to one another to make use of my L-twin VTR1000f.

[@leverguy]

Appreciate the video. You made it easy.

[@marvinm6991]

Hi my shadow vt750 ace 03 had a backfire out from the carb like cauphing in acceleration. The vaccum numbers is 25 in both carb. Air adjustment is 2,1/2 turns. And have the problem yet. It s valve problem. Need help

[@ww2dude222]

I have an 04 Spirit 1100. Is the adjustment screw in the same place

[@ahmeddover8967]

Thanx hug man

[@paulacabbo466]

how much will adjusting pilot fuel screws affect the vacuum signal, can adjusting them knock the carbs out of balance if so by how much, will the vacuum gauge move much while turning the mix screw

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

That is a great question but the mix screws has nothing to do with sync. I typically make all of my adjustments to the mix and main idle before I start my sync procedure.

[@paulacabbo466]

so your saying the gauge won't move at all when turning the mix screws? good to know

[@SG-vc3wb]

Another great helpful video. Thanks!

[@TheMotorcycleMuse]

This will help tonnes with my VT700. Thanks a mil!

[@samuelacosta3564]

Saludos Puerto rico. Nice video

[@lmdetect]

Should the engines be warm before I sync?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+lmdetect operating temperature is a good rule to follow! That way your not battling choke. Smooth idle is ideal'

[@mattb6491]

Great video. Question: I'm in California. On my Honda Hawk Gt, the two vacuum ports are being used by the secondary air injection system. Can I just disconnect the SAI and plug in the carb sync meter? Or do I need to do something else? Thanks!

[@johnegadget]

Cody, After performing the idle drop procedure on my VT750DC shadow spirit and it went quite exceptional, I started looking into carb sync. I have watched most of other video's on this and to tell you the truth, you just know when the video starts, that it's junk.... I decided to check out your site and wa-la, it was the 1st video that came up. You do some great work my friend and I appreciate your expertise as you show and explain the process of procedures completely. Thank You very much. I was wondering, I don't have a mercury vac gauge, what do you think about the cheap bottle diy sync balance tool using water ???

[@timberninja3180]

John Masell I would like to see this reply I have the exact bike and put a new batterie spark plugs and cleaned tank the cylinder closest to the rear tire is now firing. The pipe is cold and sucking air in.

[@garycooper4526]

Thanks Cody

[@crusher-101]

What to do with the other two lines on sync? Do they just hang or connect to geather , plug up? Thanks for the great vid

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

They just hang out!!

[@zragevii4705]

Any idea how I could hook a single throttle cable to twin mikuni style carburetors? Also, how would I set the idle on a twin carb, do you just adjust the idle screws to the same position.. and for air-fuel... do you just adjust each cylinder like it is a single cylinder?

[@sharks1117]

Can you use a digital manometer to do the sync?

[@bigdogdj]

Where are you located? How much do you charge for a balance and carb clean? 04 shadow 1100 spirit

[@jeremymurray9805]

Would this work on a 97 shadow 600?

[@jhonnatanramirez5488]

I ave a !988 honda shadow vt800ac can I used this procced on that?

[@PRACERZ]

A BIG thumbs up !!

[@JeremyBorumComposer]

I used gauges, not a manometer, and I lost probably half my power. Moving the adjusting screw seemed to only move one of the gauges, but both were active. The gauges came with restrictors that I could use to keep the gauges from bouncing around too much, and I dialed those in to match. Any idea what I did wrong?

[@adamillnevertell566]

Looking for info on Yamaha vstar stuff if anyone knows any good channels on the tube in know most the stuff you cover will work on most bikes

[@shanemichaelneal]

Would carbs being out of sync cause 1 cylinder to shut off? On idle both my cylinders run, but when i drive 1 of them shuts off, mechanic told me it possible could be carbs out of sync

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Doubtful. Anything off idle rarely has to do with carb sync.

[@shanemichaelneal]

@@TheMotorcycleMD dang im not sure what it could be, it idles fine, bit when i give it gas, 1 cylinder shuts off

[@shanemichaelneal]

@@TheMotorcycleMD he rejetted the carb, changed spark plugs, and put a new fuel pump

[@danielschutzler250]

Great vid. Thanks for the help

[@Bricklinsv1970]

I have a 1100 shadow, Changed the air filter, new plugs, new fuel filter, fuel pump, gas flowing good, cuts out when I open up throttle.

[@vipermech]

Where can I buy that tool? I have an 84 VT750 that runs like crap.

[@johnegadget]

Cody, what are the most common size screws, honda uses on their bikes, I want to buy a allen head set for replacement purposes when repairing my 2003 VT750DC Shadow Spirit

[@anandramsaroop2417]

Hi I have problems 750 shadow

[@irvingchagollan4523]

Thanks I just check to see the I'm doing right on my 1100ct

[@laika9020]

Hey Cody, nice video again have a question what to do first Synchronisation or fuel mixture setup or it really doesn't matter what you do first ? thanks

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Laika Great question, I like to get my mixture screws and idle set just right before I sync.

[@laika9020]

Thanks for quick answer..i will follow your advice..keep going with those perfect vids buddy!

[@derekr7814]

@@TheMotorcycleMD what mercury sync tool do you have?

[@CraftwerksMC]

I'm just curious, because I noticed on some of your shop shirts I have seen the Twin Max insignia and I was wondering on what your opinion is between the twinmax vs the mercury style gauge like you used in this video?

[@derickwalker3684]

Where are you located ? Need to take my Honda Shadow Spirit to you ! 👌🏽🙌🏽

[@paulacabbo466]

how are you keeping the fluid from bouncing in the tubes, i'v never seen a sync tool that steady, i was always told the air filter needed to be in place to do a proper sync

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

paul acabbo Mercury is a pretty heavy substance. That's why these old gauges work so well compared to the new fluid type. They use a blue liquid that bounces all over the place.

[@rolandraddatz440]

I noticed that you turned down the idle with one turn of your wrist, is that a idle screw that works for both carbs? I picked up my 2007 vt1100 and it seems as though the engine idles on the high side. I am looking to lower the idle but can't seem to get a good straight answer. Any help from you or others would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+Roland Raddatz Yes, Yes and yes! The main idle adjuster is on the left side of the carbs right where the throttle cables attach. Should a black plastic knob attached to the carb. Counterclockwise will bring the idle down!

[@cvizel]

TheMotorcycleMD is there any other way to adjust the idle? My main adjuster screw broke and I cant get the remaining part out of the throttle stop. I plan on drilling it out someday, but for the time being I do not have time or expertise to remove my carb in order to do so. I noticed that in your throttle adjustment video you mentioned something about idle changing. Would that be possible too?

[@doglegjake6788]

very good video !!!! thanks for sharing !!!

[@Beerserker703]

Man I wish you were in VA.

[@Colyosis]

Hey man quick question. I'm in the HVAC industry and was wondering if I could use a digital manometer for this either by getting a 0 pressure differential or seeing the pressure on the base carb and matching it on the one I need to adjust. Just thought I would ask since I could kill two birds with one stone and avoid getting another manometer I wont use as much.

[@Colyosis]

Also, on the 500 I connect the gauge where the vacuum line,goes, does this negate me,having,to,crimo the vacuum line you mentioned in the video?

[@aaronhall1984]

Hi new to your channel your videos are the best i've seen so far (by far). i just watched your video "deceleration backfire" my 750 is doing pretty much exactly what that bike was but i have the twin carb setup how do i do a pilot adjustment ?

[@merbywerby]

yo thanks for the video, I am having troubles reaching the website to subscribe to the mailing list

[@theyoungtech2038]

I have a question for you my motorcycle runs fine when cold but once it warms up I can't get the idle to drop below 2000 RPM to idle but if I let it sit for about 20 to 30 seconds it lowers idle by itself then dies and then I can't get the idle to go back up

[@sgtjoe2008]

check for vacuum leaks

[@shoechew]

0:48 video begins

[@mabast007]

I have a quick question please. Today, I was able to sync the carbs but here is the scenario. The rear cylinder is only a half turn outward from the sitting position. Whereas, the front cylinder is 2.5 turns or 3(doesn't make difference whether 2.5 or 3).When I match the turns for both sides to 2.5 or 3 turns the pipes make a pop and the engine runs rough. Is this possible? Now, the carbs are running great but I think the RPM is high.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+Chris Samurai if one adjustment is different from the other there may be some slight clogging in one vs the other idle system. Don’t sweat it though. It’s very okay for one to be half out further if and only if you can get them to run well.

[@mabast007]

The idle is great but when you take it for a ride, the engine shuts off and you notice unbalanced carbs when it is in 1st or 2nd gear. Thanks for responding.

[@mabast007]

I uploaded a video of how the idle is looks like before taking off or taking it for a ride. It is in my channel.

[@king21w48]

i have a 98 vt1100 and it tends to bog out at high rpm, farts and pops around 50 in high gear, but once i drop it down it runs better, might be because its been sitting for a while, but i have pulled the carbs out to clean them after i pulled it out of storage not really sure what it is...

[@Zahra2008.]

good video... yet i got a qurstion. they say the guys who have long beard are either failed in love or dont have a girl friend.. just wonderring which catogory you fall in to. ?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Neither