Aftermarket Air Intake

I've been thinking about getting an aftermarket air intake like a
Hypercharger or similar. Do these things really increase power or are they
just snake oil?? Also, how hard is it to rejet the carbs? I'm pretty handy
with a wrench. The subject here is a 2004 V-Star 650 Custom.

Cheers,
KB

 

A less-restrictive intake will help power, but unless the stock intake
is REALLY restrictive, the new intake won't do much without
freer-flowing exhaust and re-jetting the carburetors. The new intake
allows more air in, the new exhaust lets the extra air out without
excessive backpressure, and the larger jets ensure that the
carburetors can meter in enough fuel to mix with the extra air. Since
most bikes are jetted somewhat lean from the factory for to pass
emissions regulations, the carb re-jet might well have the biggest
effect of the three upgrades.

In addition, although the engine in the V-Star 650 is based on the
old Virago 535, it actually has *smaller* carburetors (28mm vs 34mm)
to increase low-end response at the expense of top-end power.

I thnk your bike has Mikuni carbs, so if you have any experience with
jetting, the carbs on your bike shouldn't hold any surprises.