adjusting idle speed

[Jelmo11]

How do I adjust my idle it sits high around 2000rpm remember I'm new at this so talk to me like a two year old....... oh and my idle gradually climbs then when I crack the throttle returns to around 2000 is this a big problem?

[bikerphil]

There is a main idle speed screw (large knob) between carbs 2 & 3. If you have a 78-79 model it will be on the top rear, if you have a 80-81 it will be on the lower front of the carb bank. Turn this knob counter clockwise to reduce idle speed. A final carb sync may be needed as the bench sync is to get them close enough for the bike to run. Hanging idle is usually a sign of needing a vacuum sync. Use the search key, there is plenty of reading to do to get you up to speed. Good luck!

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

+1

+1 on Phil, if you haven't sync them on the running bike, all the other settings are a waste of time. If your idle does't hold a a steady RPM, they are out of sync

There is a main idle speed screw (large knob) between carbs 2 & 3. If you have a 78-79 model it will be on the top rear, if you have a 80-81 it will be on the lower front of the carb bank. Turn this knob counter clockwise to reduce idle speed. A final carb sync may be needed as the bench sync is to get them close enough for the bike to run. Hanging idle is usually a sign of needing a vacuum sync. Use the search key, there is plenty of reading to do to get you up to speed. Good luck!

[Danny Crawdad]

Well, the idle will naturally climb as the bike warms up (or every one I've been on has, anyway). Mine will cold-idle at about 800rpm, and gradually climb to 1100 as it warms up. Is it climbing after it warms up?

As posted, the idle screw on later bikes is on the bottom of the carbs, and is a star wheel that you can easily reach in and adjust with your (gloved) hands on a hot engine, or you can also easily use a screwdriver to turn it.

Go look at your carbs, you should see it pretty easily.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Idle

Mine does't change RPM after the complet carb rebuild and sync / adjustments I did. I go full choke at cold start-up for about 30 sec. it runs up to about 2200 RPM, then half choke for about 20 sec. it idles at about 1400 RPM, then full off on the choke and 1100 RPM from then on This is exactly how my brand new XS worked back when I bought her in 1979, and it makes me smile everytime I start her

Well, the idle will naturally climb as the bike warms up (or every one I've been on has, anyway). Mine will cold-idle at about 800rpm, and gradually climb to 1100 as it warms up. Is it climbing after it warms up?

As posted, the idle screw on later bikes is on the bottom of the carbs, and is a star wheel that you can easily reach in and adjust with your (gloved) hands on a hot engine, or you can also easily use a screwdriver to turn it.

Go look at your carbs, you should see it pretty easily.

[Danny Crawdad]

Sounds like it runs great! I generally don't ever use the choke to start -- when I do, the idle points are as you describe, but that's usually not necessary to start her up unless it is really, really cold outside. Cold start with no choke it begins idle at 800rpm, and settles out to 1100rpm over the span of a minute or two.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Sound good

Sounds good, I never tried a no choke start (guess, just a creature of habit) It gives me something to do while getting seated and putting on my goggles, plus, it feels cool, makes me feel like a biker, turning petcocks and pulling the choke, instead of jumping up on the kick starter like the old days

Sounds like it runs great! I generally don't ever use the choke to start -- when I do, the idle points are as you describe, but that's usually not necessary to start her up unless it is really, really cold outside. Cold start with no choke it begins idle at 800rpm, and settles out to 1100rpm over the span of a minute or two.