Co-worker’s Monster 1000 vs my carb’d M900

[Baschino36]

A co-worker rides a fuel injected Monster 1000 and we've been trading bikes on weekend rides around Seattle. My 1998 Ducati Monster 900 has FCR 41s and feels more raw but his FI bike is smoother across the whole range. I'm tempted to sell the carbs and go back to Mikunis just for easier living. Am I missing something in the tuning that would give me that smoothness without losing the character?

 

[Venom4]

FCR 41s can seem a bit rough if they aren't properly tuned. To achieve a smoother response, it's a good idea to look at the pilot jets, needle taper, and slide sync. Adjusting the float height and tweaking the air screw can also make a difference. While Mikunis are generally simpler to work with, keep in mind that you might sacrifice some of that sharp throttle response.

 

[Baschino36]

FCR 41s can seem a bit rough if they aren't properly tuned. To achieve a smoother response, it's a good idea to look at the pilot jets, needle taper, and slide sync. Adjusting the float height and tweaking the air screw can also make a difference. While Mikunis are generally simpler to work with, keep in mind that you might sacrifice some of that sharp throttle response.

I'll go back through the pilot and needle setup before giving up on the FCRs. I haven't touched float height yet, so that's next. Did you notice any change in midrange torque after syncing the slides or was it mostly smoother off-idle? I'll try to get a test run in next weekend.

 

[bigbrain$]

+1 @Venom4 The float height adjustments can fine tune that effect since too high or too low will throw off the mixture across the range. You might want to consider checking it before making the changes. The FCRs usually deliver both the sharp response and a steady pull through the midrange.

 

[Baschino36]

+1 @Venom4 The float height adjustments can fine tune that effect since too high or too low will throw off the mixture across the range. You might want to consider checking it before making the changes. The FCRs usually deliver both the sharp response and a steady pull through the midrange.

Thanks @bigbrain$! Great point about checking the float height first, as it affects the whole mixture. I'll change my plan and start there this weekend before I revisit the pilot jets and needles. Appreciate all the guidance.