If there was one motorcycle repair task that the weekend warrior/motorcycle enthusiast will warn you about, its working on your carbs. They are complex by design and anything but low maintenance. In other posts, we’ve talked about the importance of clean and functioning carbs. If you have an old bike (or any carb’d bike) you will eventually need to pull the carbs off as part of your motorcycle repair.
.https://midlifemotoz.com/2018/05/13/at-the-core-of-every-vintage-motorcycle-is-a-clean-carb/
https://midlifemotoz.com/2018/07/18/just-how-dirty-are-your-jets-soldier/
Removing carbs on an old bike isn’t very complicated. Once you have the tank off, you can simply loosen 8 screws (if you have an old 4cyl) ; 4 clamps on each side of the rack of carbs. You have a throttle cable to unhook and choke cable. Those are relatively simple to unhook as well. Popping off the carbs by pulling and jiggling them up and down.
You’ve read your manual, watched all the YouTube videos on carb cleaning and motorcycle repair and you feel ready. GS RESOURCES has a great resource for this.
ITS TIME!!!
When its time to put the carbs back on , the challenge is getting them to actually seat . Meaning, All four sitting happily in the rubber boots that they call home. Here are some tips to make this last step a breeze:
One of the most important steps in this process is being relaxed. Both you and your bike. If you are in a hurry, pressed for time, you will be prone to errors, skipping a step, and possibly breaking something your bike. Go back to each of your clamps. (ALL 8) and make them just a bit more open. Its much easier to pull /torque the carbs out of those boots than to push them in.
to give yourself space, you MUST remove the screws that keep your airbox mounted. In my case, that requires pulling the battery out, and removing 4-5 screws.
Since putting your carbs back on requires wiggle room, you also need to POP your fender. If you’re committed to that old school plastic and still have yours, you need to look for a way to make space there. On my 1980 GS 550, there are 2 rivet (one on each side) that can be popped out. That further allows your air box (and underseat components) to slide to the rear.
Now that you have things loose, lubed, and lined up, you need to get that puzzle piece back in place. What works for me is to get down on one knee and with one arm on the left side and one arm on the right, PUSH. You will, if you’re lucky, get them all in 1 well timed push. If not, you may need to switch sides and push from the opposite angle. Push straight in!
These simple steps can save you loads of time . I recall the first time I tried to put them back on . It took me over an hour of pushing, straining, forcing, and cursing.
Taking your time and following the steps listed above, you’ll be able to get your cabs back on in a matter of minutes.
Check back with Midlifemotoz.com for more tips and thoughts on midlife.
Ride on ..