How do the carbon fiber reeds wear out?

[bernard]

Do the carbon reeds (VForce 2 in my case) fail by falling apart or do they lose performance first? I am diagnosing a bogging issue. Mine are 3 seasons old, I know VForce advises changing them every season, of course they would...

 

[DylanS]

They tend to lose their spring and don’t seal well after awhile. I have yet to have a set fall apart or even chip on me personally.
Are you having hard starting issues too?

 

[Quinc]

Would worn out reeds cause fuel to spray out through the flame arrestors?

 

[WFO Speedracer]

Would worn out reeds cause fuel to spray out through the flame arrestors?

I extreme cases yes and this is the case with any reed valves not just carbon fiber. if you can feel any pressure coming back up through the carbs the reed valves are not working properly, I have had OEM yamaha reeds do this and the ski would barely run in the water, this was on xl1200 but the reed valves are the same as a 760.

 

[Myself]

I've seen perfect looking reeds on Seadoo 951's that had over 200 hours........they are stock carbon fiber. A poorly tuned or backfiring machine will damage carbon reeds for sure though.

 

[bernard]

More likely I have a fueling issue. I'm going to kit my carbs and replace my reeds. Hopefully that fixes it.

 

[bernard]

It does start and run fine by the way, just bogs out when running hard.

 

[WFO Speedracer]

The test is simple enough , pull the flame arrestors off, fire it up and hold your hand about an inch away from the top of the carb, rev it up, if you feel any pressure coming up though the carb the reeds are bad.

 

[Quinc]

The test is simple enough , pull the flame arrestors off, fire it up and hold your hand about an inch away from the top of the carb, rev it up, if you feel any pressure coming up though the carb the reeds are bad.

What are you using for replacement reeds? Carbon tech? SBT? Tried partzilla for oem but they no longer have them.

 

[TheBuzzard]

On my superstock octane , just before I was going to load it up, I went to start it and something shot out the carb top. It was a V2 petal so yea they break off. Also they get chewed/chipped around the edges. When it's running, if gas is spraying back out the carb top, a reed with a hole or badly chewed petal can be the culprit.

 

[Big Kahuna]

I got about 16 years out of some carbon tech's. still have them, retired....... Have new set on the shelf!

 

[bernard]

Wow, so they can last. I'll have to check mine. I know I did eat a bit of water when my filter fell off so they could be damaged.

 

[WFO Speedracer]

What are you using for replacement reeds? Carbon tech? SBT? Tried partzilla for oem but they no longer have them.

Usually I used OEM or used OEM, I haven't tried any of the SBT reeds so I can't comment on them

 

[Myself]

I've always used Boyesen reeds, never had any issues going WAY back to my CR250 motocross days.

 

[Jr.]

Reeds are a performance wear item. Yes they wear and most never realize the performance loss they are experiancing.
in testing with Boyesen over the years. Carbon pedals offer best performance over glass, but they loose tension fastest. Top racers changed them often, sometimes every moto! For me and motors I produce, I suggest changing carbon at least once a season. Glass can go several seasons. Kind of depends on the level of performance you want to maintain, and of course budget!
Fresh reeds are just a piece of the overall performance package.

For most of the normal weekend warrior running ported 701 SJ power. I suggest Boysene glass power reeds. Bugget friendly, strong and consistant. Will withstand repeated hydrolocks without breaking, will easily get 2-3 seasons use.

For the Serious hot shot Freestyle / Freeride running bigger power over say 850cc. Most are running carbon. Most also change at least every season, the comp guys change twice a season. I highly suggest inpecting after every hydroloc or backfire.
to test, besides the hand over carb method, remove cage. With your finger, “snap” pedal open, do this to all pedals.
you will hear the peral that has an issue.

(BK disclaimer) 16 years? There is some Bud Light mentality going on in Bama……………..

 

[bored&stroked]

(BK disclaimer) 16 years? There is some Bud Light mentality going on in Bama……………..

These are super duper jet's we're talking about after all lol

 

[WFO Speedracer]

No 16 years riding twice a year sounds about right.

 

[Sparkplug]

You can pressure test with intake on. And then off. To give you and idea of how your reeds are sealing.

It's not 100 percent definitive. But it absolutely let's you know if there is a sure fire leak.