OK, time to do some maintenance on the 99 ZL 500...

She just got over 4000 miles, and it seems like the throttle response isn't as good as it used to be.... its happening before engagement and while engaged.

Top End seems ok (not as bad as lower end), but its still not as snappy either.

I'm figuring the petals are just worn out.....

I'm now debating whether to get original OEM Reeds and just replace them, or spend the money on a set of Boyesen replacement petals for the stock cage.

Any thoughts?

TTT............. Anyone?

I would get a set of boyesen power reeds...I have a set and my sled has been very snappy since....I can tell the difference in power since installing them....

It may be the reeds getting tired but my moneys on clutching unless your clutches have been recently serviced.

Rick.

ZR Sled Head,

I agree that it could be the clutches, if I haven't had them serviced, but I just had the primary rebuilt in the middle of last year...only has about 1000 miles on the clutch... (went about 2800 on the first clutch)

but did you just put the old spring, and weights in the new clutch? if so i would change the primary spring (they do wear out), and press new bushings into the weights. check the rollers on the secondary as well.

I wouldnt worry about the stock reeds they go 10-15,000 easy. Its the after market ones that wear out fast. They can burn, fray up, or get busted from carb backfires. As your motor gets older it changes and needs a little carb fiddling to get it back close to when it was new. Like the others said clutch has to be in good condition

Thanks guys....

But I got a whole new clutch last year.....

I asked them to rebuild it, but they said it wasn't worth it....so I got a whole new primary clutch.....

I've babied this sled... changed the chaincase fluid every year, greased everything several times a year, changed the belt every year.... plugs, every first ride of the winter.....

The sled did back fire a few times when I would shut it down before the idle came down.... but after that happened, I let it idle down from there.... learned my lesson quick... could that have messed up the reeds?

The stock reeds are metal and can take lots of abuse from backfires and spitbacks. If you have a damaged reed your problem will show up more than just sluggish performance

I see you replaced it with a new one but have you serviced / cleaned it since and have you checked belt deflection? Poor clutch maint. and not adjusting belt deflection is the most common reason folks think their engines not running properly. Even with your deflection off only slightly it's like your engines starting off in 2nd gear instead of 1st. Also by doing regular service / cleaning / replacing pins and bushings your clutch would have lasted far longer. My '02 800 had 9300 miles on an original clutch. I cleaned it on a regular basis and changed the pins and bushings twice.


Rick.