Hitchcocks Forum

Guys,

Does the air leaver situated on the handle bars effect the running of the bike or should I say how does it effect it ?
I normally have it about just under half open when starting and riding what is the correct procedure with the air leaver?

Thanks

Reds

It's like a choke. Close it to start the bike when cold, fully open it when the bike is warmed up or as soon as it will run OK with it open.
If you tickle the carb before starting, you might not need it at all, except in winter.

Frank

The air lever, commonly known as the choke, restricts the amount of air entering the carburetor and so richening the mixture for cold starting. It should be completely open once the engine is warm, so if your engine runs better with it partially on, the carb needs tuning as it is too lean. As Frank says, sometimes the tickler is all you need as this floods the carburetor venturi with neat fuel, so richening the mixture for the first second or two.

Just to be clear, with the lever pulled towards you (cable tight,) it is OFF and pushed away from you (cable slack,) it is ON.

REgards, Mark

In other words, if the lever is pulled towards you it is 'choke on'? Relaxed position or 'pushed forward' = 'choke off'. We are talking about the handlebar mounted standard R.E.-fitted choke lever located just inboard of the l/h side switch cluster/clutch-lever assembly?

Gaz, Reds told us in a previous thread (he does like to start a new one every time!) that he has a 1961 Redditch 350 Bullet so lever operation is as I described.

REgards, Mark

Whoops! - Sorry Mark.....I'll get me coat.........

Not a problem Gaz, this happens quite a lot, maybe when H's update the Message Board (which I know they have thought about,) they could include a box on a "Technical" post that makes you fill in the model and year of bike? That would help!

REgards, Mark