Hitchcocks Forum

change mikcarb for Amal?



My 1994 500 army bullet (with rectangular air filter box) is running with a Mikcarb,
But the Amal 389 looks much more pretty!



So is there any advantage and is it even possible to change to an Amal? Or would I just be opening cans of worms?



Was also intending to keep the tin air filter if poss.

Simon, keep the Micarb, nothing wrong with the Amal except I had a bit of an issue getting a hose to go from my Amal to the airbox but a lot of money just for looks

had a monobloc on my bullet when i bought it second hand.

went back to a mikcarb and never looked back.
the cold start lever on the mikarb is a pleasure to use, compared to the basic choke thingy on the amal.

the monobloc is looks over function.

and expensive too.

You've just got it in one! It looks better, but not much else to recommend it, in my opinion.
In fact it could well be a retrogade step. I did the usual mods on my 350 Bullet...removed PAV, replaced exhaust with free-flowing pipe, and replaced Mikcarb with Amal.

At times it can be an absolute bitch to start when cold, despite trying all the methods previously recommended on this forum. Even when running, the performance improvement in negligable. As many others might verify, the most significant performance modification comes from getting rid of the restricted silencer if you havent already done so.

Also, you wont be able to retain the "tea-caddy" airfilter, but our hosts sell a very nice cover to hide the electrics.

I recently bought a genuine English made, still in original box, new-old-stock Amal 376 on fleabay for my T90 for less than £50 so it is worth shopping around. The "basic choke thingy" is easily and simply replaced with a cable and lever that will give variable choke control rather than the on/off choke fitted to micarbs and older amals.

If you want to ride the bike leave well alone. ... If you just want to tinker then carry on.

Mostly I agree with Durham Tim. I fitted an Amal to a 535. Needed a larger main jet than standard. Fitted a bell mouth intake with wire mesh. Starting hot or cold was no problem, you need a certain technique when hot after a stall, like with ignition, off and throttle wide open, kick it over a couple of times to cool the cylinder, then ignition back on throttle closed and kick. The cover for the electrics is worth it and overall the looks are great. Induction noise is quite powerful. Good luck TrevorCH

here is a explanation howe the cold start on different carburetors work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di-v06bn ... M2BzC2_SuT

Hi guys-------- have "been there, done that, etc----"......If I was you keep the Mik28 and save yourself a whole heap of unnecessary agnst, costs and the like....Great little carb that's a piece of cake to use and work on and DAMM CHEAP to buy as well ( typically about £30 or so ).............. I sold all my AMAL stuff and am now a very HAPPY BUNNY 'cos it's working A-OK, 24/7 !! ( I bet it'll go and break down now !! But who cares as I have 2 spare ones to fit if needs must ).......... IMHO, naturally !!