Hitchcocks Forum

Hey group
Above topic has been discussed excessively in various chat rooms and online articles however i really need your assistance.
I am having difficulties in starting my Royal Enfield (BULLET 500cc - 1995 model), it only starts after 25 or so kicks) and after that the bike works fine. I can start her again first kick if left switched off for less than an hour, after that same issue again, i.e. needs 20 or so long kicks to fire.

The bike currently has a new battery-hence full, ignition points have recently been changed, fuel tank is full and petrol is running out properly, new spark ...any idea what seems to be the problem?
Many thanks
Pat

Just because it is a new battery does not mean it isn't duff.

Could be the timing is a bit off. Thumper was a bit reluctant to start when I first got him. Advanced the timing by a tad and off he went.

Good luck...

After 24 kicks (crazy) before it starts remove the spark plug to see/smell if it`s wet with fuel.
It sounds short of fuel when more is needed for cold / warm start ups.
It could be an unwanted air leak in between the carb and engine.

Pat, the "choke" on the Mikarb is basicaly another jet opened by the lever, which adds extra fuel to enrichen the charge for cold starting. If you keep kicking it with choke on you will flood the engine and wet the spark plug. If it doesn't start after about 3 kicks with choke on, turn it off, open the throttle a bit and try again. If it gets really flooded, turn off ignition, fuel tap and choke, open the throttle fully, open the decompressor and kick the engine over a few times to clear out the cylinder of fuel vapour. Then try again!

Try kicking over 2/3 times with fuel on before your "normal" starting routine

Hi Pat, All of the above replies are spot on, however, you must remember that this is an Enfield, and as such requires a certain amount of mental preparation from yourself. You must put all else from your mind when starting a bullet. Fully concentrate on the task in hand, and follow the procedure in strict sequence. 1 bring piston to tdc. 2 use decompressor and gently take piston past tdc, until the engine "wheezes". 3 turn on petrol, engage cold start lever and switch on ignition. Now take a deep breath, and return kick starter to upright position and place your foot accurately and comfortably on it, whilst saying to the bike in a quiet but firm voice " You will start on the second kick, if not the first". 4 give a full, smooth, powerful swing on the kick starter.
This works every time for me, just so long as I haven't startled it by approaching it from behind, or suddenly turned the fluorescent light on without any warning. A soft cloth rubbed gently over the petrol tank accompanied by the words " Hey, how about a nice run round the country lanes today."Can do no harm either.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps

You would not want to stall this at traffic lights:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEurohAwrmA

Nice one papasmurf, never seen that before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEurohAwrmA

Sounds like the choke is not working properly. As a quick check you might try priming the engine manually (a DROP of petrol through the plug hole) If she starts, or even coughs, then start looking at the choke circuit in the carb.