KEIHIN FCR35 jet needle - choice of type

KEIHIN offers this carburettor needle. The needle is a thin tapered rod fixed to the carburettor slide: when you open the throttle, it rises and uncovers a bigger and bigger passage for the fuel.

Why change the needle?

The benefits:

• Get precise metering back by replacing a worn or bent needle.
• Switch to a different profile to match the carburation to an exhaust, a filter or an engine build.
• Cure an engine that hesitates or lacks pick-up between a quarter and three-quarter throttle, where the twistgrip spends most of its time.

Why choose KEIHIN?

Keihin, founded in Japan in 1956 and long nearly half-owned by Honda, supplies original equipment to Honda as well as Suzuki, Kawasaki and KTM; its FCR carburettor, whose flat slide runs on roller bearings, was developed in Superbike racing.

When should you replace this part?

A needle that is scratched, bent or worn oval on its tapered section, or a clip with play: the mid-throttle mixture becomes imprecise and fuel consumption rises.

Specifications and fitting tips

• Manufacturer part number: N427-OC-CVQ / N427-0CDTN / N427-0CEKQ / N427-0CEKT / N427-0CEMP / N427-0CEMQ / N427-0CETP / N427-0CFBQ / N427-0CGFQ / N427-0CGMM

Cross-Mania tip: Fit the clip in the same groove as on the original needle, then move it one notch at a time: clip lower on the needle = richer mixture, clip higher = leaner.

Compatibility

Universal part: check the dimensions given before ordering.

Which type? The three letters give the needle profile (diameters and taper). They are stamped on the original needle and given in your bike’s manual. Changing type corrects mid-throttle carburation: if in doubt, take the original type.