Forum

[John R]

Advantages of AMAL over Mikcarb; 1) Looks pukka. 2) Cold starting; if you tickle the AMAL, you don't have to stretch down and put the choke off when you are going.
NO performance advantage as far as I can tell, after all they both work pretty much the same way. More needle position options with the Mikcarb.

[John R]

If you are stripping the engine, I would replace the main bearings and big end bearing; use European made ones for the mains, and a roller for the big end if you can stretch to it. This will avoid another strip down in the near future. Also the oil pump spindle and worm - It's not necessary to upgrade the pump, but our hosts quality spindle is a good idea as the original item will wear out with serious consequences eventually.

I like Boyer ignition personally.
I replaced the regulator/rectifier several times before fitting a Powerbox, which is more durable even if the flat-battery starting does not really live up to its billing.

Is your centre stand OK? You can practically ride off with mine down. If the engine is out that is a good time to fit a new one; there is a kit available for doing this. Wish I had fitted it!
Samrat sidestand is worth fitting if you don't have one.

Most people seem to fit Samrat rockers; they were already on my bike so I don't know how much difference they really make.

TT100 tyres are better than speedmasters IMHO.

Over the years I have fitted other bits and pieces; the Goldstar replica exhaust is pretty good in my view, for example. The nice thing about an '89 350 is that it is a sort of blank canvas, to customise and modify as you like; not the sort of classic that you want to keep original, not a new bike you don't want to change!

[Beezabryan]

More or less in agreement with JohnR except - I have read enough Amal angst here to keep me firmly with the Indian built under licence Mikuni

[John R]

Well, yes I think Amal vs Mikarb is a dashed close run thing with the Mikarb winning on price; you probably already have one and if not you can afford one!
My performance modification goes no further than a conical filter (or bellmouth when the bike is being shown off!) and a free flowing exhaust, with the carb jetted to suit. But i would like to take it further with a tuned head, performance cams etc.
I have heard it said that you can get a 350 to be as fast as a stock 500, but much sweeter running.

[ketsa]

So I think as far as the engine is concerned I'm best upgrading standard parts with better quality bits to give a good base that should hopefully prevent any problems arising.
I think I'll also go with the mikcarb as the concenses seems to be that there's not much in it with amal apart from price and looks.
Will also look into gearbox etc upgrades too.
I do see it as a bit of a blank canvas old enough to customize but not too old to spoil, I want to make this bike very much my own if you see what I mean built purposely to bimble along all those back lanes I like with a big daft grin on my face! Trouble is that gives me thousands of decisions to make,ha.
Thanks for all your posts there very informative and helpful.
Chris.

[Tv]

G'day All
Interesting thread as I am going through the same process. I have an '87 Bullet Super Star 350. After the big end twisted in half, replaced with Hitchcocks roller big end and conrod and a high comp piston. I also fitted an 18 front sprocket. First ride and the bike seemed smoother down below but yes, vibrated a lot more than the previous setup. Seems to pick up better in first 3 gears but go up a slight hill in top gear and it dies in the arse. Last night I swapped the Amal 28 for a Mikarb 24 and fitted a cone air filter and a goldie exhaust. I'm off to test now so I'll let you know. From what I have read above, I think the close ratio gears is the way to go, especially around the hills I ride on. I'm not expecting miracles but I I'd like something that feels a little more spirited.
REgards
Tv

[Bullet Whisperer]

Tv, that 18t sprocket will be what is killing it in top gear, 17t is the MOST I have ever fitted to any mildly tuned 350 and they can only just cope with that. Regards, Paul.

[Norm]

Far too many hills where Tv lives Paul, poor little 350 doesn't have a chance

[bigpete]

I too have a 350 bullet( 2003)and would like to go to a 17 tooth sprocket but feel I need just a little more power to be able to pull it.My bike has our hosts performance valves and a mild gas flow job,but heres my question a lot of people say stick to the micarb but the standerd carb is 24mm, my inlet port is 26mm.Can you modify the inlet manifold from a 500cc bullet to to able to fit the 500cc bullet carb?.Also my bike came with our hosts alloy cylinder (not fitted at the moment) this cylinder had sufferd a mild seizer.I would like to refit this after it has had a gentle hone out and fit our hosts indian made hi comp piston,does the team think this a good idea or is it a big no no Thank you, Pete

[simon]

It's what I've got. The ally barrel make the cooling much more efficient and reduced the propensity to pink after a hight speed run. I have a 1 1/8" 389 Amal monobloc cab which is definitely more traditional on a 500 than a 350. It took a mountain of shagging around to get it balanced for the 350 but it works a treat now and the breathing at wide throttle settings is far better. I have got the 8:1 piston installed too.