Forum

[Thack]

I'm sure there is one place we can agree: Amal Mk1s are pretty good - probably as good as any other - in high speed or racing conditions. Where they perform less nicely is in part-throttle work, especially up to around half throttle where the air compensation circuit doesn't work particularly well. This means its much harder to get the best possible combination of performance, smooth response and fuel economy out of them. I am the first to concede that - without another make of carb to compare it with - most riders would probably never notice any shortcomings (although the fluffing as you take it off idle is very common). Oh, and I wouldn't claim that Amals are the worst! Anyway, I'm starting to feel bad now because my pet rant must seem like I'm criticising ExREEFI's choice. In reality I'm wondering why H's sell Mk1s in their tuning kits at all, when the Mk2 is better. Maybe it's just about pricing. The Mk1 is good value for money.

[Presto]

I’ve heard on the grape-vine that H’s have never found the MK2s to be anywhere near as usable as Mk1’s on Bullets. H’s catalogue offers a Mikuni kit but not a Mk2 kit, (also a Pre-Monobloc and Monobloc kit which are both more expensive than the Mk1) so it can’t be a matter of pricing. Knowing that they have good experience of the Bullets I can’t imagine that they would not list a Mk2 kit if they thought it would be any good. I mentioned that Mk1’s have been successful not only in road racing but also in motocross and trials use. Sammy Miller chose MK1 Concentrics for his Bultaco Sherpas. I rest my case!

[mauri]

ooooh, thack.

haven't you learned yet that on any old timi related forum is comes down to the same.

people get stuck in a certain time period that loops over and over.

it's not that there not smart enough to get out, they just don't wont to.
theirs nothing as good as in them olden days i tells ya.
that's just the way it is.
and of corse hear say is always the best reverence.

PS. there is an MK2 kit on the site.
a race is not won true a certain make of carburetor, there are so many factors that come in to play.
and so on...........

[Thack]

mauri, you are absolutely right! Thanks for reminding me.

[Chevy]

Interesting to note that some of the major Spanish manufacturers (Montessa and Bultaco) chose the Amal MK1 to fit as orignal equipment to their trails and scrambles models during the 70's when there must have been a big choice of other carbs.
Chevy

[John M]

AMAL sell a blanking plug for the hole where choke cable enters the top of the carb, which infers that it is acceptable to remove the choke slide.------On a practical note I run my trials Bullet with a Mk1 Concentric with the choke removed and have no issues with it.

[Presto]

OK, we all know this sort of discussion isn’t really that important. But it’s fun to bounce ideas off each other. Until someone comes along who knows nothing about the people are enjoying the banter and throws in some pointless, personal (and mildly abusive) comment that’s got nothing to do with the subject and sours the whole thing.

[mauri]

indeed presto pointless.

from you its enjoyable banter.

from someone else its mildly abusive.

[Thack]

Well said, Presto. It's well worth remembering that nothing we talk about is remotely important in the grand scheme of things. Personally, I love debating because it's how we test each others' ideas and get to learn new things. I have seen to odd thread get slightly abusive, but luckily this thread isn't one of them.

[Presto]

Ok, I apologise for '(mildly abusive)', let's just say it was impolite. And then let's all fit the carbs we like best, never mind what others say about our choices!