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Power Reeds

Q: What are Rev-Plates?
Q: Should I use Rev-Plates or the stock reed stops to install the reeds?
Q: What is the difference between single-stage and dual-stage reeds?
Q: Do I have to re-jet my motorcycle if I install Boyesen Power Reeds?
Q: What conditions affect jetting?
Q: Why does my motor run richer with your reeds?
Q: How long will Power Reeds last?
Q: How do you know when it is time to replace your reeds?
Q: What will Boyesen dual-stage reeds do for my engine's performance?

Q: What are Rev-Plates?

A: Rev-Plates are the thin metal strips that are intended to be used, instead of the stock reed stops, to mount the reeds to the reed block. They allow the reeds to open freely and function efficiently.

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Q: Should I use Rev-Plates or the stock reed stops to install the reeds?

A: If the reed set came with Rev-Plates, you should install the reeds using the Rev-Plates. There are certain cases where you would install Rev-Plates and reed stops (e.g. special watercraft applications). See your installation instructions for more detailed information.

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Q: What is the difference between single-stage and dual-stage reeds?

A: The stock reeds in your motorcycle are single-stage reeds. Single-stage implies that they are of a one-piece design. Their ability to function efficiently throughout the powerband is limited due to their inherent design. A thin, flexible reed will perform well at low RPMs, but does not perform well at mid to high RPMs. A thicker, stiffer reed will perform well at high RPMs but not at low to mid RPMs. Therefore, one reed of a given thickness and stiffness is not versatile enough to perform effectively throughout the powerband. The end result being that motorcycle manufacturers end up compromising on a reed of a given thickness and stiffness that will provide adequate response.
In order to overcome these limitations, Boyesen developed and patented the dual-stage reed. The dual-stage design incorporates a highly responsive top reed placed on top of a stiffer, ported reed for superior performance throughout the entire powerband. The top reed is lightweight and resilient for crisp throttle response at partial throttle or low RPMs. The stiffer, bottom reed is ported to provide maximum flow and horsepower at higher RPMs. Dual-stage reeds work in unison to perform efficiently throughout the entire powerband. The difference in stiffness between the top reed and the bottom reed allows the reeds to respond quickly and accurately to changes in engine pressure as you accelerate or back off the throttle. This translates into a dramatic increase in engine efficiency and performance across the entire powerband, from start-up to wide open throttle.

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Q: Do I have to re-jet my motorcycle if I install Boyesen Power Reeds?

A: To obtain optimum performance we recommend that you re-jet your motorcycle. Typically, the motor will go lean on the bottom and rich on the top with the main jet being most affected. See the Power Reed installation instructions for more jetting information.

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Q: What conditions affect jetting?

A: There are numerous conditions that adversely affect jetting (i.e. altitude, temperature, air density, fuel type, oil ratio). Here are some conditions and their effects:

Altitude: Motor will run rich, due to less oxygen in the air.
Cold Air: Richen the circuit.
Hot Air: Lean the circuit.
See Power Reed installation instructions for more jetting information.

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Q: Why does my motor run richer with your reeds?

A: The ability of the dual-stage reed to close quickly and more efficiently causes a stronger carburetor signal, trapping more fuel and air in the engine. This causes the carburetor to run rich in a full throttle position. Air speed, which we refer to as velocity, is increased. The increase in velocity pulls an excess of fuel through the main jet, causing a rich condition.

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Q: How long will Power Reeds last?

A: When designing reeds there are two opposing factors that one must try to balance; performance and life. Boyesen Power Reeds are designed to provide the perfect balance between reed performance and life. In a motorcycle turning 8,000 RPMs the reeds will open and close 133 times per second. Like any other moving part in your engine, the ability of reeds to respond quickly to changes in throttle position will decrease over time. Life expectancy varies dramatically with engine design and riding characteristics. Someone who is always on the throttle, allowing the motor to over-rev constantly can expect less life from their reeds. If you are racing on a regular basis then it is a good idea to change your reeds 2-3 times a season for best performance. Reeds should be checked during regular top end service intervals for fatigue and chipping.

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Q: How do you know when it is time to replace your reeds?

A: Reeds should be checked on a periodic basis. If you do a lot of riding on a monthly basis you should check your reeds during regular top end service intervals. If you ride occasionally, it is a good idea to check the reeds when you prepare your bike at the beginning of each riding season. When checking your reeds, look for chipping or cracking. Also, check to see if the reeds are sealing against the reed block surface. If the reeds sit more than 10 thousandths of an inch off the surface of the reed block, it is time to replace your reeds.

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Q: What will Boyesen dual-stage reeds do for my engine's performance?

A: Boyesen's dual-stage reeds will enhance acceleration, improve throttle response, increase top end power and over-rev.

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