Pod filters: re-jet or just adjust mixture??

[ImagoX]

I'm planning on installing pod filters on my '71 CB500F (running stock carbs w/ non-stock 4-1 Mac exhaust and electronic ignition, not old-skool OEM points), and was advised by the helpful staff over at Dime City that:

"Re-jetting is not necessary... you should only have to adjust air/fuel mixture".

Has anyone successfully installed pods on this four-cylinder model and did NOT re-jet, then achieved good performance simply by changing the mixture (using the set screws on the carbs, I assume - no other hardware changes/modifications)? I assume Dime City knows their stuff (they've always steered me right in the past anyway), but I'm somewhat intimidated by the black art of analog fuel/air mixtures, and always heard that "pod filters = need to re-jet to a richer needle/jet to off-set the leaner mixture"... True? False? Possible via altered mix, but preferable to also install new needles/jets/etc.?

Thanks a million in advance!

 

[carnivorous chicken]

Yep, I've put pods on a several SOHC fours and been able to adjust the mixture with the stock jets. Your exhaust may be factor depending on baffle and air flow, but likely not if it's running fine with the stock airbox. Keep an eye on your plugs and obviously see how the bike runs.

 

[SONICJK]

What brand pods?
The emgos are more restrictive than stock in most cases.
I went with general wisdom and rejected about two sizes richer. Ran that way for a while and it ran like shit. Switched back to stock and it runs like a top.

 

[ImagoX]

What brand pods?
The emgos are more restrictive than stock in most cases.
I went with general wisdom and rejected about two sizes richer. Ran that way for a while and it ran like shit. Switched back to stock and it runs like a top.

The Dime City "K&N Style" units (http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-carburetor-intake-parts-39mm-k-and-n-pod-airfilter-12-55739.html). Several friends have said they wear well and the price is great.

 

[evilaugust]

I was really disappointed with quality of the EMGO pods I got from DCC and would recommend springing for K&N filters. Just be prepared to pay a lot more. The 4 little filters on my 350F were $80 for the set.

 

[HOOLIGAN]

Every bike is going to respond differently. As mentioned above, your exhaust will be a factor. I have a CB550, stock carbs, K&N pod filters and a 4 into 1 open exhaust. Went from 100 mains to 115's and the bike is running beautifully. Rest of the carb is stock.

If you can, see if you can get a performance jet kit that has different sizes of main jets and try different ones. See which work best. I've heard doing a plug chop is the best way to go but never tried. Didn't have enough road to do it on.

 

[SONICJK]

To the OP,
Those are EMGO brand

 

[Emptygrace]

Very helpful thankyou