Understanding the VOES
When I got rid of my stock carb and installed a Mikuni HSR42 flat-side, I was a happy camper except for one thing. I seemed to have a bit less power in the low and mid rpm ranges.
This, I discovered, was because the Mikuni HSR carbs have no TPS. The stock, Mikuni CV carb has a built in Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) that puts out a small, variable, voltage signal. This signal increases in voltage as the throttle is rolled on. The ignition module, a black box located in front of the battery, uses this electrical signal from the carb to adjust the spark advance for best performance and long engine life.
So with my new carb, my ignition module had no such signal. The two, ready and immediate options were, to set the timing module to least-advance, or to full-advance:
A much better solution was to borrow a bit of time honored technology from the Harley-Davidson world. Rather than estimate proper spark timing based on throttle position, some Harleys, and many cars, have used intake manifold vacuum pressure.
A little device called a V.O.E.S. (Vacuum Operated Electrical Switch) uses this intake vacuum to create voltage-ON and voltage-OFF signals. It’s simple, and fills the bill.
You would think that, if ON/OFF voltages would significantly improve power, gas mileage, and engine life, a full(er) range of voltages would be better yet. However, based on my experience and others', it turns out that any advantage gained for the Road Star engine, by having a wider range of voltages, isn’t dramatic. A simplistic ON/OFF switch is a fully adequate solution in my opinion.
Note: See Author's Notes section at the end of this article for an introduction to other solution options.
Furthermore, intake vacuum in a V-twin engine is extremely erratic, so any measurement of vacuum beyond the crudest, will give very erratic results. This is probably the reason why--for the stock carb--Yamaha uses a throttle position measurement, even though vacuum measurement would ideally offer better real-world accuracy for adjusting spark timing.
Deciding Which VOES to Use
Since most VOES are sold as 'fixed-trigger-point' switches, the only real decision is, figuring out which 'strength' unit to purchase. Luckily, only one variable influences the VOES: vacuum, so the decision is fairly straightforward.
The basic VOES units which are best suited to our engines come pre-set to the following pressures:
Note: For those who love to tinker, there is also an adjustable unit that allows you change the 'trigger point'. It is nearly double the cost of the basic units, however.
Here's how to calculate which VOES you need. This information is based on input from engine experts and experienced tuners I consulted:
3" Hg*, Drag Specialty# 2101-0007. For engines with:
4" Hg*, Drag Specialty# 2101-0009. For engines with:
5" Hg*, Drag Specialty# 2101-0010. For engines with:
Tip: Go up one size if attaching a VOES to the intake manifold instead of the carb.
*Note: Hg is the standard, chemical notation for mercury, which is commonly used in measuring pressure--like a blood-pressure meter or a barometer.
Parts List
Tools
Getting Down to Business
Note: This article assumes you have already removed your stock carb and installed a Mikuni HSR carb.
Remove the seat and tank. Disconnect the positive battery cable.
Locate the TPS electrical connector near the upper motor mount, just behind the left-side coil. It is a connector left over from removing the stock carb, and has three wires to it--yellow, blue, and blue/black. We will be tapping in to these wires, so the VOES is logically mounted nearby.
Next, you must decide on a vacuum source. The Mikuni HSR carbs come with an on-board vacuum-port--very handy.
Some owners, however, feel that the vacuum source should be as close to the heads as possible, to increase the accuracy of vacuum readings. The stock, and stock-type ported, intake manifolds have an integrated vacuum nipple that can be used as a source, but I have a Nemesis Racing aluminum manifold, which does not include any vacuum access. To remedy this, I could drill and tap a hole, and then mount a nipple in my manifold. After discussion with some others that have a similar setup, I decided that the benefit of doing all this would likely be minor, so I just used the carb's vacuum port.
If you will be using the carb's vacuum-port, locate it now. It's the rather long nipple that sticks straight up, at the rear of the carb. See photo below. Note: you may have to remove a plug-cap from the nipple if the carb is not new.
Take the vacuum hose you purchased (or found) for this project, and push it all the way down onto this vacuum nipple (or onto the manifold nipple, if you prefer). Then put a clamp over the hose--optional. Leave the other end of the hose free, for now. We'll finish it in a later step.
Mounting the VOES
The VOES unit can be mounted anywhere, in any orientation. I used the mounting bracket that came with the unit, and attached it to my upper motor-mount bracket. However, others have used wire-ties or home-fabricated brackets just as effectively.
I found that the bracket retainer didn’t fit very snuggly, so I used some silicone gasket-maker to help create a more solid mount. To do the mount my way, first put a bead of high-heat gasket-maker (I used Permatex RTV #26B, red) around the large hole of the VOES mounting bracket. It's the big hole with the little key-slot in it. Put a moderate amount of gasket-maker on both sides of the bracket surrounding this hole.
Next, slide the bracket on to the VOES, with its key tab fitting into the key-slot of the bracket. See photo above for reference.
Now slide on the supplied retainer washer--cupped side down. This is a one-way retainer, so be sure to get the bracket, VOES, and retainer oriented correctly, before putting on the retainer. Though none of the photos show this retainer, use the photo above as a reference.
Push the retainer firmly on to the VOES, against the bracket. Use pliers or a screwdriver if you want, but be careful not to break the retainer or the VOES.
It is likely there will still be a little slop in the bracket, as the retainer doesn't fit down fully--at least mine didn't. The gasket-maker will take up this slack, once cured.
Set the bracketed VOES aside to let the gasket-maker dry.
After the gasket-maker has fully cured, mount the VOES in the bike. I mounted mine by using one of the little bolts that mounts the stock fuel-pump bracket to the upper motor-mount, between the cylinders. It is invisible when the tank is mounted. See photo below.
To do this, remove the outer-most bolt that mounts the stock fuel-pump bracket to the upper motor-mount. Slip a little washer on to the bolt; then mount the VOES at this location, and secure it using the bolt and washer.
Connecting the Wires
The VOES will be connected to the yellow and the blue/black TPS wires. It does not matter which VOES wire is connected to which TPS wire.
Since I thought I might want to try VOES units with other trip settings, I just used some wire taps. To do this, I simply clamped male connectors on both (yellow and blue/black) stock TPS wires. Then I trimmed the two, dark-grey, VOES wires to a reasonable length, and crimped female connectors onto the wires. Finally, I just smeared some dielectric grease on the contact pieces of the connectors to inhibit corrosion, and plugged the connectors together. See photo below.
You can use any method you wish, to attach the VOES to the TPS wires. Others have stolen the TPS connector from their stock carb, connected the connector-pins for the yellow and blue/black wires to the VOES, and then just plugged the connectors together.
Finishing Up
The only remaining VOES related step, is to attach the vacuum hose that you installed on the carb or manifold during an earlier step. To do this, slide a hose-clamp onto the hose, work the hose onto the nipple of the VOES, and then secure the clamp. See photo below. Note: The hose-clamp is actually optional.
Now just reinstall the gas tank, reconnect the battery, and put the seat back on. That's all there is to it.
The following are unlikely, but they are possible problems this installation might present:
Check your connections carefully, if you suspect problems.
Start her up and enjoy greater low/mid range power and better gas mileage, as well as full high-RPM power.
Author's Notes
Instead of a VOES, a few riders have installed a MAP (Manifold Air Pressure) sensor, while a few others have adapted the stock TPS to the HSR carburetor.
MAP Sensors: I, personally, have no experience with MAP units. However, as I understand, MAP units supply variable voltage to the ignition system, based on intake vacuum. Sounds good. The difficulty though, is that no MAP unit has been found that will offer voltage outputs on a similar power curve to the stock TPS. Also, there's the issue of the erratic intake vacuum inherent in V-twin engines.
TPS Adapting: Since TPS-adapting requires machining on the carb, not many owners have been willing to take such drastic measures.
A Delphi Road Star Riders forum member (Ken "The Mucker" Sexton), on the East Coast has begun offering a TPS adaptation service. According to The Mucker: Just ship him your HSR carb and the TPS adapter from your stock carb. He will perform his magic, and return your carb with the TPS installed and properly calibrated. The cost of this adaptation--as of this writing--is $100 plus one-way shipping. You can post a message to him on that forum, for further information.
As of this writing, I have found no performance data for these options. In addition, removing the TPS from your stock carb may reduce its resale value, if you decide to sell it.
Unfortunately, I must leave it to the reader to perform a cost/benefit analysis on the real value of VOES vs MAP vs TPS-adaptation. I made my choice…now it’s your turn.
Ride on.
Questions should be asked in our forum (Use discuss link below). The forum is very active and you stand a good chance of getting your questions answered there. If you would like to leave feedback for the author, or have additional information you think will benefit others, please use the comment section at the bottom of this page.
Discuss this article on the forums. (29 posts)
DISCLAIMER: This information and procedure is provided as a courtesy and is for informational purposes only. Neither the publishers nor the authors accept any responsibility for the accuracy, applicability, or suitability of this procedure. You assume all risks associated with the use of this information. NEITHER THE PUBLISHERs NOR THE AUTHORs SHALL IN ANY EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OF ANY NATURE ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE USE OR MISUSE OF THIS INFORMATION OR LACK OF INFORMATION. Any type of modification or service work on your motorcycle should always be performed by a professional mechanic. If performed incorrectly, this procedure may endanger the safety of you and others on your motorcycle and possibly invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty.
Quote this article on your site | Views: 44239 Comments (10) |
| Carb Written by blkhwn, on 04-09-2015 21:51 I messed around and bought a carb off a buell and dont know if its the same one i'ts an Hsr 42 but I dont know if tis the right one.. |
| HSR42 Written by postie, on 05-15-2014 01:26 Hi from Australia Randy, l'm thinking about fitting a HSR 42 to my 99 RS. Can you tell me is it worth doing, is there a noticeable increase in performance? Should l think about changing the manifold or will the stock one suffice? Apart from the VOES, do l need to make any other adaptions? l have a Barons BAK air cleaner on it now but would like to change it for a smaller one to show the motor a bit more. Can you suggest anything? Hope you can help. Cheers mate. |
| hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Written by rollerw, on 04-03-2013 15:11 Did anybody come up with an answer for the proper wires to hook up on the newer TPS plugs. My 2000 & 2003 have the black/blue wire but the 2007 has the yellow, solid blue, and solid black wires. I would like to guess it would be the black but want to be sure. Ron |
| hmmmmmmmmmmm....... Written by porkwrice1also, on 07-14-2011 00:34 I have three wires from my stock TPS......1 is yellow....1 is solid blue....and 1 is solid black....not sure which of the two to use to hook up to the VOES, as i don't have a black/blue wire. Any words of widsom on this one? |
| voes Written by rollerw, on 01-16-2010 11:14 Any info on dip switch settings when you install the voes? I had to set the Dyna 3000 to full retard before. Thanks, Ron |
| VOES Install Written by ghost_flamed, on 11-06-2009 09:46 I installed it on my R/S. Saw a little improvement. But is the eng light supposed to go out? Mine seems to stay on? Maybe I need to go back and look at my connections? |
| VOES and a resistor? Written by rebel57, on 05-23-2009 05:19 Hi, can I ask you a question? I am very enthusiast after reading your article about installing a VOES on the RS. I want to do the same. But my question is, isn’t it necessary to add a resistor (+- 1K) between the VOES and one of the cables? I’ll hope you can help me. I’ll drive a 110ci RS with a mikuni HSR 45 and a Dyna 3000 (28B curve), open air filter and exhaust pipe Greetings Johan (rebel57) |
| I like it Randy... Written by Hay Bay Woody, on 08-15-2008 13:40 Hello Randy: Intake manifold vacuum is far more indicative of engine load conditions than a TPS could ever be. The problem with the TPS is that it cannot retard the spark timing enough for slight increases in throttle. There should be enough of a change in manifold vacuum, with a slight increase in throttle position, to switch the timing to full retard, thus making the Roadstar engine friendlier at low revs. I would consider using a V.O.E.S. in conjunction with the stock TPS, having the V.O.E.S supply full retarding voltage the instant that the vacuum decreases below normal cruising vacuum. What do you think? |
| Written by Flashback, on 04-11-2008 08:47 Thanks Randy, the install went great..and I did notice some improvement, not a lot, but noticable.. |
| Written by maessen, on 12-22-2007 19:09 Yes and the Dyna 3000 sees the 5V at WOT as retard mode. I would reconsider this design and use a MAP sensor instead. |
 |
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.
Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved