DIY throttle body sync tool vs Carbtune

[F14CRAZY]

A generous Motobrick member lent me their Carbtune (thank you to them). I've wanted to compare how a homemade DIY sync tool (clear tubing with ATF) compares to a professional syncing tool.

I concluded that a DIY tool works pretty much just as well. I took a video with both. I fine tuned the sync a little more with the Carbtune hooked up but as shown in the video I got them synced a whole lot closer than how the sync was before

[K1300S]

 while the diy set up may work 90% as well, for the hundred bucks, i would rather use a tool that doesn't need 2x4's, filling tubes, atf, cleaning up messes, and storing loose parts.  the professional tools are so worth it.  fast, simple, accurate, no mess, stores in its custom bag. 

PS - the carb tune should be vertical to be accurate.  it also works better suspended upside down in low vacuum conditions like small displacement cylinders. 

[Martin]

+ 1 Marshall if  looked after your great great Grandchildren will still be using it.

[F14CRAZY]

while the diy set up may work 90% as well, for the hundred bucks, i would rather use a tool that doesn't need 2x4's, filling tubes, atf, cleaning up messes, and storing loose parts.  the professional tools are so worth it.  fast, simple, accurate, no mess, stores in its custom bag. 

That's being a full time college student does

I did find that when held vertically the Carbtune showed less vacuum but the decrease was even across the cylinders

The Carbtune looks and feels like a well made, quality tool. I just can't afford one myself

[K1300S]

while the diy set up may work 90% as well, for the hundred bucks, i would rather use a tool that doesn't need 2x4's, filling tubes, atf, cleaning up messes, and storing loose parts.  the professional tools are so worth it.  fast, simple, accurate, no mess, stores in its custom bag. 

That's being a full time college student does

I did find that when held vertically the Carbtune showed less vacuum but the decrease was even across the cylinders

The Carbtune looks and feels like a well made, quality tool. I just can't afford one myself

if it is not vertical, the cylinders drag on the walls of the tubes. needs to be vertical.  using upside down solves the low vacuum issue.  the instructions detail this.

[Laitch]

Thanks for taking time to do that comparison, F14. I'm a fan of combining 2x4s with fuel injection any time it's possible.

[K1300S]

Thanks for taking time to do that comparison, F14. I'm a fan of combining 2x4s with fuel injection any time it's possible.

if this forum had a "like" button, i would have punched it for that post!!!

[Martin]

When I was young & poor my mates and I used to pool resources. We would share tools or sometimes pool  money to buy something expensive,
Regards Martin.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

The carbtune is nice, but it's hard to justify the cost even with three bikes in the garage.  My homemade balancer cost me under $10 and works as well.  It just takes a little longer(about 15 minutes on the K75) to get everything perfect.

[BlitzenGruv]

Nice video, thanks.
I've been using a pair of vacuum gauges to synch carbs for years. Inserting old jets into the tubes steadies out the readings.
So far I haven't had the pleasure of synching the throttles on my brick.

[duckhawk]

Nice post and comparison.

I'll be making one this summer.

[billday]

Do what I did. My friend got a Carbtune at my suggestion when he was working on an ancient Gold Wing. Then he got rid of the Honda. Then I got married and he gave me the Carbtune for a wedding present. Easy peasey.