Mikuni 'choke' doesn't help starting my 45
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 7,936
From: Long Island, New York
We will be at Daytona, rented a nice house right on the ocean in Ormond Beach. Flathead not making the trip, Shovel will be on the scene so me and the wife can travel around in style!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 7,936
From: Long Island, New York
Due to circumstance beyond my control we trailered to Laconia this year. Since I had room on a borrowed trailer, I brought the Shovel and Flathead. That was a lot of fun. Every morning while the crew was showering and all that stuff, I took a solo ride around town to scope out the scene. We had a good chance of rain one day, rode two up down Lakeside Avenue and found a great spot in front of the bar. Then outside table with waitress service about 10' away from the bike. We had a really good afternoon. More than one bike at a BW, first world problems for sure. but if I was going solo or with the guys, I would take the Flathead.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 322
Likes: 92
From: Cumming, GA
Thanks to Architect for the picture of his bubble tester!
I was able to mimic his design and do the test.
My rear cylinder did leak a bit.
I also had a badly fitting hose connecting the Mikuni to the manifold.
Put it back together and it does start better.
In 45 degree weather I have to keep the Mikuni 'choke' on for a few minutes, but I can live with that.
Thanks for the input guys!
terry
I was able to mimic his design and do the test.
My rear cylinder did leak a bit.
I also had a badly fitting hose connecting the Mikuni to the manifold.
Put it back together and it does start better.
In 45 degree weather I have to keep the Mikuni 'choke' on for a few minutes, but I can live with that.
Thanks for the input guys!
terry
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 322
Likes: 92
From: Cumming, GA
Bought a manifold wrench and cranked it a little more.
I kick it a few times with the Mikuni 'choke' on before I turn the key on
Turn the key on and it fires after one or two kicks.
It runs for a few seconds and then dies
I turn the key off and kick it a few more times, 'choke' still on
Turn the key back on and it starts and runs, choke still on
I let it idle for a few minutes and then I'm down the road.
Not bad for a machine that is 76 years old!
I kick it a few times with the Mikuni 'choke' on before I turn the key on
Turn the key on and it fires after one or two kicks.
It runs for a few seconds and then dies
I turn the key off and kick it a few more times, 'choke' still on
Turn the key back on and it starts and runs, choke still on
I let it idle for a few minutes and then I'm down the road.
Not bad for a machine that is 76 years old!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 7,936
From: Long Island, New York
Saddle time is the solution. First you will be dealing with the obvious **** that falls off (figuratively I hope) then her quirks will appear and you will address them. And so on. Honestly I feel like it has taken me the 6 years I have owned by Flathead to call her "well sorted". But for sure the more you ride her, the more she will tell you what is wrong. Address the problems one at a time and after a while you have a trustworthy antique MC. Carry on.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 322
Likes: 92
From: Cumming, GA
That's why I'm taking my 2010 Super Glide to Daytona as a backup.
If the 45 craps out, I'll still be able to cruise with my son and a friend for 50 years.
Am I a sissy? Yeah, probably.
If the 45 craps out, I'll still be able to cruise with my son and a friend for 50 years.
Am I a sissy? Yeah, probably.