My Series C Rapide has developed very inconsistent starting. I purchased the machine in 2009. It had only 20090 miles registered on the speedometer but it had been sitting since 1972 so was given a complete restoration by an expert in British motorcycle restorations. Since the restoration I have put 9500 miles on it and until recently it started easily and ran well. A couple of years ago, however, it became very difficult to start, a problem that was attributed to the magneto. Last year the magneto was completely rebuilt by a specialist and gives a good spark, but the inconsistent starting remains a problem. On some occasions, it will start first or second kick, sometimes without even priming the carbs. Other times I can kick it until I'm exhausted (I turned 80 a couple of months ago) with fuel dripping from the carbs after repeated priming. If left for a few hours, it will then often start on the first or second kick. The carbs are, as far as I know, the original Amal 276s and have been completely dismantled and cleaned. The fuel is ethanol free 91 octane and spark plugs are NGK B7ES. Once it does start, it very quickly settles into a nice even tickover with no spitting or popping. The pilot jets are open one and a half turns and the main jet and needle jet are 106 and 180. I always fully close the air slides when attempting to start the machine when it is cold.
Any suggestions for improving starting, short of installing an electric starter, would be greatly appreciated.
Peter Salter
Any suggestions for improving starting, short of installing an electric starter, would be greatly appreciated.
Peter Salter