Hi Everyone,
Just bought the bike of my childhood dreams; a 1973 Interstate. It's a US bike, but has had what seems to be a really good engine rebuild (bills etc), matching numbers etc., and a belt primary drive and electronic ignition fitted.
But, childhood dreams are quickly turning into adult nghtmares because it won't start. I'm not a British Twin Virgin (I rebuilt a 6T sprung hub Thunderbird - so I know the nature of pain) and have tried all the usual dodges, but it either just splutters for a second, or more commonly the kick-start just locks up - even when the fuel is off... When it's locked up I can stand on it - and I'm 13+stone... Irritatingly the bloke who sold it to me (nice guy) started it on first kick, having trailered it half way accross the UK - so it will run.
Could this be something to do with the dreaded wet-sumping I keep reading about? Also, everyone, except the Commano owners manual says that you shouldn't touch the choke (air lever) at any time; just keep it open - is this really the case?
Any advice much appeciated - Hugh
As it manages the odd sput…
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As above, and - If you are…
As above, and -
If you are running twin carbs, this time of the year you may find you only need to tickle them until they just prove, bring the engine onto compression and give a good kick. Failing this, kick a couple of times with the ignition off and then retry. Other areas to check are security of carbs and rubber balance pipe across the carbs if fitted. Battery condition could also be worth checking. I'm also 13+ stone and I can also stand on the kickstart, so this is not unusual - bare this in mind if you stall at a junction and need to give it a good kick - I need to balance the MKIII to avoid dropping it. You will soon have it mastered.
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Hi James and Ashley.. Chil…
Hi James and Ashley..
Childhood dreams (well teenage actually, and other aspects censored) restored..... Drained the best part of a litre of oil out of the crankcase and it started first kick!
Thanks so much for your rapid and accurate comments - very much appreciated.
I guess now's the time to have a look at the 'persistent wet-sumping' thread....
Great forum - thanks again - Hugh
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As it manages the odd sputter for a few seconds it's probably not far off running properly with correct set up. If your seller got it started first kick and assuming it ran OK after that then the electronic ignition is likely set up correctly and I'd move on to checking carb settings and valve clearances are as per Commando manual.
If kickstart requires a Charles Atlas course to turn engine your sump may contain the oil tank contents - wet sumped - which you can obviously check easily by looking in the oil tank to see if the oil has gone. Unless your bike is left staning for acouple of weeks or more this normallyshouldn't be a problem.
My two Commandos both require full choke to start and for the first couple of minutes of riding before they can be fully opened.
Don't worry , you'll soon develop the knack - once set up correctlyCommandos are easy starters.