I would say YES, you need the kit. I've tried guessing what jets I would need befor,and by the time you get the right combo you might as well get the kit. I start by reading the plugs, if your just putting a slip on can you may not have to go up much. You might be able to just go up 1 in the mains andjust the fuel screws and shim the needles.(so then you could just buy the jets, instead of the kit. But the more you mess with it(intake/exhaust) the more fidleing you'll have to do, with full exhaust you'll need to change your piolots too.To get it dialed in, plan on diving in there more than once. Dan