05' & 06' 400EX Carbs/needle

[NY06400EX]

Let me start off by saying I do not have an owners manual unfortunately...

I noticed this weekend that my 06' does not have an adjustable needle - meaning I cannot change the "C" clip position to fine tune my carb. I was changing the main jet due to my K&N purchase/install and when I pulled the needle to change the C clip positionI noticed there was only one location for the C clip.

Long story short, do any of you swap this needle with an aftermarket adjustable one or swap it with say a 03' or 04' needle? Just curious.

TIA

[GPracer2500]

Switching to a 99-04 needle works. You can also shim a non-adjustable needle to richen up that circuit. Shimming usually doesn't give you as much adjustment range but you shouldn't need much. For just a filter change, leaving the stock needle as-is is probably just fine. There's enough overlap between the needle and main circuits that only changing the main is often adaquate.

[NY06400EX]

Thanks GP I appreciate the feedback. I actually "test" rode the bike today with my new main jet (170) and it felt strong and was smooth throughout the entire RPM band. I think for now (with the current mods) I am ok as far as jetting goes...or at least until the ambient temparature begins to plummit.

[cals400ex]

yeah, if you want an older needle it is a keihin B44A needle. i am not sure why honda made this change.

[NY06400EX]

Thanks for the info Cal.