KZ1000 with VM29 tuning - off idle rich condition

The issue: the bike prefers a rich idle (17.5 pilots, 1/4 turn out air screw). When idling for some time, I get a rich bog and black smoke from exhaust if throttle is applied. Once it clears out it is fine. Any leaner settings on pilot air screws and the bike does not want to idle smoothly. If I go with smaller pilots, I don't think I will have any more tuning in the air screws.

Also, it does not need any choke to start. It runs great when riding, just tends to load up if idling for some time.

Jetting:
Main: 120
Air jet: 0.9
Needle jet: O-6
Jet needle: 5DL31-3
Throttle valve: 1.5
Pilot jet: 17.5
Air screw: 1/4
Fuel level: 2-4mm below gasket surface. Verified with some tubing.

Other info:
Compression is good.
Valves in spec.
Carbs are synched.
Ignition timing is good. Mechanical advance is working and not sticking.
New choke plungers, not stuck open.

Thanks,
Matt

Your jetting looks good, what mods are on the bike? Are you running a 4 into 1 exhaust? Some 4 into 1 exhaust systems will do that and you cannot jet around it.

If not already done, would inspect the air jets.



Good Fortune!

Air screw at 1/4....my previous k1000 ran great with
125 main
20 pilot jet
2 turns out air pilot
Stock turns on pilot is 1.3 with 1/4 either way.
If it does not run right at idle then check your air jets