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[Brazilla]

Hi,
1997 350 with standard mikcarb Bought with 80 miles on the clock so running in and adjusting carbs is a learning curve. Passed my test a few days ago and have since done 100 gentle miles and the engine seems to be running pretty well. Sometimes I turn up the idle speed to help get started then back it off once the engine has warmed up and the choke is off. The other day I set the idle speed nicely before I switched off the choke but then when the choke went off the engine was suddenly racing and I had to back it off again. Is there a simple explanation for this? Part of the running in of the engine? I thought it was a tad peculiar!

While I'm here as well does anyone have any running in tips? I've read a variety of advice but as where I live is pretty hilly it's hard to avoid the odd burst of throttle in low gears.

Thanks for reading!


Leo

[apparently lucky eddie]

Why are you playing around with the idle speed? There should be no reason to do so, set it with the engine warmed up and leave it.

[Brazilla]

Yeah fair play, not really necessary but I read somewhere I'm sure it could help start if it doesn't after a few tries. Still though, should the speed change when the choke is engaged?

[Beezabryan]

Yes it does

[neddy]

As said by a.l.e., what you read is not right,once set leave the idle alone, when " running in ", do not "labour" the engine, best more revs than less in each gear.

[Thack]

Brazilla, there is no reason to think that raising the fast idle is necessary to help starting. Why? Because it's exactly the same as cracking open the throttle a little, which you can do with the twist grip, of course.



If you find that your bike won't start without that (and loads of bikes won't, including my own B5), then really it's just a case of learning just how much to crack the throttle when kicking it.



It is all quite simple and saves you an awful lot of messing about. I agree with all the others: set the idle speed to be correct when the engine is warmed up, and then leave it well alone. Use the throttle to "help" it if necessary when cold.



By the way, the choke normally causes the engine to run faster when the engine is cold. When hot it sometimes causes the engine to run so rich it slows down or even stops.

[dottyone]

When running in my Classic 500 my dealer - a man of long experience - suggested a little 2 stroke oil in the petrol tank. Also actual oil changes earlier rather than later.
Good luck - you have joined a curiously strange band of brothers.
dottyone

[Anders F. R.]

It makes perfect sense to me to increase the idle speed a little when engine is cold, and lower it when warmed up. If I adjust the idle speed to a slow, pleasant “thump – thump” when warm, my 350 doesn’t idle at all when cold. If i turn it up, it races when warm. It is not easy to hold the throttle in correct position when lifting the bike (1953 Model G) off the main stand (i.e. the only stand) just after kicking it to life. The most annoying thing is to stall the engine and have to put the bike back on the stand again, as I can’t kick it over properly to start it standing across it unless it is really warmed up. .-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

So I installed the extended idle stop screw that can easily be twisted by two fingers, even with gloves on. Makes life so much easier! .-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Regards, Anders F. R.

[Brazilla]

Thanks for the replies chaps, a pleasure to have joined the community, thank you!
Replaced the rubber piece between filter and carb (and discovered a split in it) as well as fitted a new fuel tap and fuel filter. Performance has improved and when I rode yesterday he ran great with a nice low idle and quick return when I throttled off.

I'm up to two hundred miles now. What are the views on different speeds for running in, I'm trying to vary speed/revs as suggested and not running for too long or maintaining a constant speed/rev for extended periods. I am finding it tricky when riding about 40mph (top speed I've gone so far and not for long) as third gear revs the engine too fast I think and I don't quite seem to have the speed for fourth! Any experience or advice is appreciated!