500 Exhaust system v Needle position on carb?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

My 500 has the standard air filter system - it had a 4 into 1 Motad I think it was that has been binned as the silencer was rotted out on the wheel side plus the downpipes were not in great condition.

The needles were all set with the circlip on the second position from the bottom - slighty rich setting rather than the standard middle position.

I will most likely fit the Delkevic system as the four pipe system is a big leap in cost though I would have liked some sort of twin exhhaust system at the very least for visual balance. I am now uncertain if I should return the needle position to standard or leave it in the second groove position.

As there are quite a few 500 owners here I wondered what impact the different exhaust systems have on the carb needle position/fuel mixture requirements. I would be interested to read of owners experiences on this issue.
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[Nurse Julie]

Running with a Delkevic, the bike should be set at all standard factory setting. No adjustment from original is required at all.

[florence]

On mine, I have the needles in the standard position but I have larger main jets.  I also have individual filters.  Runs perfectly. 

To determine if your needle position is correct you will need to look at the colour of the spark plugs.

[Oddjob]

Set at standard and see how it goes first. Only alter the carbs if the engine needs it.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I did wonder why Gerben set the needles in this position when Bryan had them done?

[Oddjob]

Probably because the 550F has it in that position and it's better too rich than too lean.