75 CL360 Newbie Kinda Build

[cburg_cafe]

I have been lurking now for a few months. I recently purchased a CL360 for $950 (I know I overpaid)...


The bike runs, but it sounds like the carbs need a good cleaning (I think a float is stuck as it leaks gas), and the tank needs serious attention (rust ville in there). I'd like to ride it for the rest of the season before getting my hands dirty and really going to town and making lots of cafe changes.


So on to my question, I want to install a new carb kit and replace the air box with K & N style air pods (from DCC). If I do this will I need to change the jets in the carbs from stock, or will factory spec jets be ok for just the the air pod filters. I know once I get to messing with the exhaust I might have to change jets (depending on if I cut the exhaust or not).


Thanks in advance!

 

[crazypj]

You will be way better off sticking with stock airbox and changing exhaust system.
Clean carbs and make sure it runs properly before you start messing with anything though or you could try and fix a non-problem

 

[MB]

My advice; listen to PJ.

 

[3cermak]

+1
My 360 runs like a champ because I stalk PJ around the forums.

 

[cburg_cafe]

Sounds like a plan. To start I will just install the new carb kit / clean the carbs and leave the exhaust and air box intact until I am ready to really dig into the bike.


Starting with a well running machine, then changing things makes more sense. Thanks guys.

 

[surffly]

kits arent always needed and more often then not have the wrong jets in them....

 

[surffly]

but dont mess with the carbs untill you fix the tank....no real point....

 

[cburg_cafe]

The tank will get done first, then the carb rebuild. Thanks in advance.


I am getting kit "just in case" having new seals and spare part can't hurt... good note on the kits coming with the wrong jets sometimes. I will double check sizes.

 

[surffly]

you do have a manual to know what the right jets are?

and if you do run the pods make sure you get 3 or 4 sets of different jets to tune the thing
no one on the interwebs will be able to just tell you what jets you need. they will be able to give you a range but you will need to test and tune the bike yourself. you will need to know how to do this.
but before making changes make sure EVERYTHING is with in spec as per the OEM manual

 

[cburg_cafe]

I have the service manual and would assume the specs are in there for stock. Otherwise I think I can find the specs on the interwebs somewhere.


That being said, getting it running great in its stock/OEM configuration is my short term goal so I can ride it daily till the weather turns on me.


Then I plan on breaking it down, and building it back up again. From what I've read tuning is an art that takes time to learn, so I expect that I will be going a little mad this winter trying learn. Sounds like I picked the right bike to do my first cafe build...


Any pro-tips are appreciated. If there are any major pitfalls I should know about before starting my first build feel free to pass them along!