Been playing with the bike and was thinking of rejetting again, when I realised after 7 years, I had a spark arrestor fitted in the arrow can. So instead of rejetting, I thought I’d try it removed and see what the mixture was like. Had to drill the screws out as they had rounded. Then took it for a quick ride around the village.
holy fuck
I’m sure the locals must’ve thought a spitfire was about to strafe. Under load it’s insane. So much so I was actually embarrassed.
Never mind the tinitus.
Needless to say, I’ll be getting some new screws to refit it.

I did similar, I put on a megaphone zorst.... Very loud, so put on a cheap aftermarket one... Still noisy so solution was to put in steel wire wool scourer pads to dull down the noise....... Worked till I got an original exhaust....

I cut the restrictive spark arrestor out but left the rest of the “trumpet” so hopefully it’s a good balance. Just need some new screws and re thread the piece to refit it.
I’ll message you if I get to take the bike west. Wouldn’t mind doing strata Florida on her. Nothing too technical, tanks are too rare.
Must be some other westerners on old XTs who fancy meeting up.