Topic: n00b b00b m00ve

[JWilde]

Honda cb 350F

New to it.

Been riding around with the choke closed (about 30 miles of doing this).  Lately, all kinds of sputtering and mayhem.

Took the plugs out. Fouled.

Put new plugs in

I forgot about the choke, what it does and how important it is. So I just left it open. I did some testing and this is what I came up with:

With the choke CLOSED (which is OPEN) the bike sputters when I rev it past 5000 RPMS
With the choke OPEN (which is closed) it revs fine all the way to the upper RPMS

I completely forgot that you have to figure out where your bike likes the choke. Mine likes it closer to open.

Ive added pics of the fouled plug and then the new plug I put in, and did a couple of miles on.

Any thoughts?

1st plug is the fouled plug from running around with the choke OPEN (which is closed)
2nd plug is when I figured out how to run it and did it right. Does it look ok?

[Don R]

 You forgot to tell us about the air filter.  In normal use, the choke should be closed when starting and full open as soon as it warms up.

[JWilde]

You forgot to tell us about the air filter.  In normal use, the choke should be closed when starting and full open as soon as it warms up.

Bike has rejetted carbs with K&N Airpods on the 4 carbs

[Don R]

 If it likes a little choke when running it may still be a little lean. My 400F was like that.

[Stev-o]

Writing about the choke can be confusing, I prefer on [closed] and off [open].

If your bike likes running with the choke on, it most likely is not jetted correctly.

Pods can cause tuning difficulty as you do not have the stock base line to start with.
You'll need to find out what size jets you have. And what exhaust is on there? That also comes into play...

[JWilde]

If it likes a little choke when running it may still be a little lean. My 400F was like that.

Thanks Don! Do I just leave it? That is, leave it where i figured out it likes the choke? And should i change the oil since ive had it running with the choke closed for a bit without realizing the consequences?

[JWilde]

Writing about the choke can be confusing, I prefer on [closed] and off [open].

If your bike likes running with the choke on, it most likely is not jetted correctly.

Pods can cause tuning difficulty as you do not have the stock base line to start with.
You'll need to find out what size jets you have. And what exhaust is on there? That also comes into play...

it jsut doesnt rev high when off and seems to flood.

[jonda500]

Two of my bikes like the choke lever pulled on fully for initial cold start up and then gradually pushed back to fully open over the following couple of minutes. My other bike will start with the choke lever pulled all the way on (butterflies fully closed), but will die within a few seconds if I don't straight away push the lever back off all the way(open) - I plan to change the pilots for smaller ones for this bike as this indicates it is running rich in the idle circuit and I haven't been able to fix a stumble it has when completely warm just above fully closed throttle with just mixture screw adjustments.
John

[Don R]

If it likes a little choke when running it may still be a little lean. My 400F was like that.

Thanks Don! Do I just leave it? That is, leave it where i figured out it likes the choke? And should i change the oil since ive had it running with the choke closed for a bit without realizing the consequences?

 I bought it with pods and stock jets, it wanted about 1/4 choke to run. I'm too lazy to rejet so I bought a stock airbox with parts and put mine back to stock. It runs great with the choke off now.  That's just me, I'm planning to resell it and want it stock.

[DaveBarbier]

The right thing to do is to rejet properly so when your bike is fully warmed the choke is off (open) completely. All you're doing is restricting the amount of fuel and air lowering the power the engine can make.

Do what Stev-o said. Post what jets you have installed and what your exhaust setup is.

[JWilde]

The right thing to do is to rejet properly so when your bike is fully warmed the choke is off (open) completely. All you're doing is restricting the amount of fuel and air lowering the power the engine can make.

Do what Stev-o said. Post what jets you have installed and what your exhaust setup is.

OK will do!

[JWilde]

The right thing to do is to rejet properly so when your bike is fully warmed the choke is off (open) completely. All you're doing is restricting the amount of fuel and air lowering the power the engine can make.

Do what Stev-o said. Post what jets you have installed and what your exhaust setup is.

BTW. Dave this isnt something I have the time or skills to do. What should I be paying someone to rejet?

[DaveBarbier]

The right thing to do is to rejet properly so when your bike is fully warmed the choke is off (open) completely. All you're doing is restricting the amount of fuel and air lowering the power the engine can make.

Do what Stev-o said. Post what jets you have installed and what your exhaust setup is.

BTW. Dave this isnt something I have the time or skills to do. What should I be paying someone to rejet?

Skill and time.

Time: I guess I can understand that, but you should understand that having an old motorcycle automatically means time has to be spent on it to get/keep it running perfectly. If you don't have time for wrenching, you might be best with a new bike. Otherwise, you might end up with a poorly running, unsafe machine. My opinion.

Skill isn't an excuse. You post questions  and pictures and video here and we will help you through it. And when I say 'we' I mean not me, haha. Pretty much everyone but me because I'm very much new at this .

As far as cost for a shop to do it...I don't know, I think a typical going rate is around $90/hr. That's where I am in southern CT. It's completely fine to go to a shop but it's really satisfying to learn and then do work like this yourself. A lot cheaper too .

The way people here do it are plug chops. Ride the bike at specific throttle ranges and then pull out the spark plugs and see what color they are. You're looking for tan.

Also, you could put where you live in your profile and maybe a member is close by who's willing to lend a hand for a beer or nine. This forum is vast.

But FIRST, answer Stev-o's questions . And post pictures of your bike and carbs and such.

[JWilde]

[



I know. I own 5 vintage cars. Well familiar with these "old" things. Currently my bike isnt unsafe by any means. Im just figuring out the choke and it runs rich.


I have two kids and my own demanding business. I have ZERO time to dedicate to going through all that to build a bike.


I'll do what I can but anything thats really time consuming I will have to have a mechanic handle.

Yeah did that this morning with 4 new NGK DE8A's. Checked after a ride and they arent black like they used to be. I getting a handle on how my bike likes to run with choke

Williamsburg Brooklyn. Hipsterville lol

[madmtnmotors]

I have ZERO time to dedicate to going through all that to build a bike.

It sounds as though it runs reasonably well at this point. Running with a partial choke just means that it is not running at it's full potential. The fact that it requires partial choke would imply that it is running lean when he choke is fully open, which makes sense since the pod filters draw more (turbulent) air. You can take your time by tuning the carbs with different jet sizes to try and find a "sweet spot". Changing just one variable at a time (jet size in this example) will help narrow down any changes in performance whether it be good or bad. As long as there are no vacuum leaks, I would suggest going up one jet size and see what happens, then proceed from there.

"Professional" mechanics typically don't have the experience nor the training for dealing with vintage carbureted bikes in stock form, let alone something that has been altered from stock. Often times a "professional" mechanic can do more harm than good and leave you with more problems than you started with.

These are some of the simplest machines you will find, just take small steps at a time rather than trying to address too many issues at once.

[JWilde]

I have ZERO time to dedicate to going through all that to build a bike.

It sounds as though it runs reasonably well at this point. Running with a partial choke just means that it is not running at it's full potential. The fact that it requires partial choke would imply that it is running lean when he choke is fully open, which makes sense since the pod filters draw more (turbulent) air. You can take your time by tuning the carbs with different jet sizes to try and find a "sweet spot". Changing just one variable at a time (jet size in this example) will help narrow down any changes in performance whether it be good or bad. As long as there are no vacuum leaks, I would suggest going up one jet size and see what happens, then proceed from there.

"Professional" mechanics typically don't have the experience nor the training for dealing with vintage carbureted bikes in stock form, let alone something that has been altered from stock. Often times a "professional" mechanic can do more harm than good and leave you with more problems than you started with.

These are some of the simplest machines you will find, just take small steps at a time rather than trying to address too many issues at once.

this is one of the most clear, concise and well thought out responses I have seen in this forum, and very helpful.

The guys who did the carb work, specialize in dealing with vintage bikes. But then I was warned that it takes a magician to make airpods work properly. But it works well enough. The torque on this bike is amazing, and when it gets moving it REALLY gets moving!

Thanks so much for your post.

[DaveBarbier]

[



I know. I own 5 vintage cars. Well familiar with these "old" things. Currently my bike isnt unsafe by any means. Im just figuring out the choke and it runs rich.


I have two kids and my own demanding business. I have ZERO time to dedicate to going through all that to build a bike.


I'll do what I can but anything thats really time consuming I will have to have a mechanic handle.

Yeah did that this morning with 4 new NGK DE8A's. Checked after a ride and they arent black like they used to be. I getting a handle on how my bike likes to run with choke

Williamsburg Brooklyn. Hipsterville lol

Nice, I have clients I frequently visit in Dumbo. I thought about riding down but morning traffic on 95 is not something I want to deal with, nor NYC roads where the only reason you don't fall INTO the pot hole is because there's already another car in it.

And yeah, madmtn has the right idea. And I wasn't saying you've got an unsafe bike, but giving my 2¢ on the mind set of wanting an old machine and not wanting to put work into it. Not labeling you...you know what I mean .

[JWilde]

[



I know. I own 5 vintage cars. Well familiar with these "old" things. Currently my bike isnt unsafe by any means. Im just figuring out the choke and it runs rich.


I have two kids and my own demanding business. I have ZERO time to dedicate to going through all that to build a bike.


I'll do what I can but anything thats really time consuming I will have to have a mechanic handle.

Yeah did that this morning with 4 new NGK DE8A's. Checked after a ride and they arent black like they used to be. I getting a handle on how my bike likes to run with choke

Williamsburg Brooklyn. Hipsterville lol

Nice, I have clients I frequently visit in Dumbo. I thought about riding down but morning traffic on 95 is not something I want to deal with, nor NYC roads where the only reason you don't fall INTO the pot hole is because there's already another car in it.

And yeah, madmtn has the right idea. And I wasn't saying you've got an unsafe bike, but giving my 2¢ on the mind set of wanting an old machine and not wanting to put work into it. Not labeling you...you know what I mean .

I agree NYC traffic is INSANE and drivers are unforgiving. I was in it this morning in BK and HATED it. NO ONE has patience. I mean ppl will speed up JUST TO GET TO A RED LIGHT!!!!  WTF!

I laughed out loud at your pothole comments. Thats why Im going to keep my steel rims, though I was considering aluminum.

And yep, I know I have to be diligent to keep this bike up to snuff. I will!

[strynboen]

try to tape 1/3 of the pod filter off..and take a ride.
.this vill indikate/do the job that the choke do now...the bike vill run fine.
.but you vill Loose some pontentiel of full power
but a easy and qvik vay to test..

[trenchgrinder750]

[



I know. I own 5 vintage cars. Well familiar with these "old" things. Currently my bike isnt unsafe by any means. Im just figuring out the choke and it runs rich.


I have two kids and my own demanding business. I have ZERO time to dedicate to going through all that to build a bike.


I'll do what I can but anything thats really time consuming I will have to have a mechanic handle.

Yeah did that this morning with 4 new NGK DE8A's. Checked after a ride and they arent black like they used to be. I getting a handle on how my bike likes to run with choke

Williamsburg Brooklyn. Hipsterville lol

Nice, I have clients I frequently visit in Dumbo. I thought about riding down but morning traffic on 95 is not something I want to deal with, nor NYC roads where the only reason you don't fall INTO the pot hole is because there's already another car in it.

And yeah, madmtn has the right idea. And I wasn't saying you've got an unsafe bike, but giving my 2¢ on the mind set of wanting an old machine and not wanting to put work into it. Not labeling you...you know what I mean .

I agree NYC traffic is INSANE and drivers are unforgiving. I was in it this morning in BK and HATED it. NO ONE has patience. I mean ppl will speed up JUST TO GET TO A RED LIGHT!!!!  WTF!

I laughed out loud at your pothole comments. Thats why Im going to keep my steel rims, though I was considering aluminum.

And yep, I know I have to be diligent to keep this bike up to snuff. I will!

hurry up and wait.  that is every driver in NYC.  and never seeing motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.  along with pot holes are the giant slippery steel plates that covering roadwork.  oh and cement truck spillover caked on the road. 

[flybox1]

who rejetted your carbs?
what size jets did they use?
what brand did they use?
have you looked inside your carbs, or did you take their word it was completed correctly?

[slikwilli420]

who rejetted your carbs?
what size jets did they use?
what brand did they use?
have you looked inside your carbs, or did you take their word it was completed correctly?

He doesn't know answers to any of your questions. He keeps changing his handle, which is childish and confusing to those trying to help. If he has built as many cars as he has claimed he wouldn't be asking a lot of these questions. Carbs are carbs. Running with choke on is an indicator of poorly tuned carbs. Get a manual and fix it.

[flybox1]

who rejetted your carbs?
what size jets did they use?
what brand did they use?
have you looked inside your carbs, or did you take their word it was completed correctly?

He doesn't know answers to any of your questions. He keeps changing his handle, which is childish and confusing to those trying to help. If he has built as many cars as he has claimed he wouldn't be asking a lot of these questions. Carbs are carbs. Running with choke on is an indicator of poorly tuned carbs. Get a manual and fix it.

Yeah, i know he keeps changing his handle 
W, JJW, JWilde....take this bike back to the shop that 'built' it, and have them fix it till its right.  These bikes are quite easy to tune.
I dont think youre quite ready to get your hands dirty.

[JWilde]

who rejetted your carbs?
what size jets did they use?
what brand did they use?
have you looked inside your carbs, or did you take their word it was completed correctly?

He doesn't know answers to any of your questions. He keeps changing his handle, which is childish and confusing to those trying to help. If he has built as many cars as he has claimed he wouldn't be asking a lot of these questions. Carbs are carbs. Running with choke on is an indicator of poorly tuned carbs. Get a manual and fix it.

Dude I have two kids and a wife and I hardly have any time and certainly cant hang out in this forum all day NOR can i, at the drop of a hat, call up the guy who built the bike, and ask him a zillion questions about what jets he used, etc. I'll see him at some point but obviously i dont know what kind of jets, etc, because I didnt do the work.

I appreciate the help from ppl in the forum.
Thanks!

[Stev-o]

Lets just try to help him.

So, a few of us believe your bike is running lean due to the pods.  Jets are labeled with a number that correlates to the size of the hole.  I dont know 350Fs but the main jet size is around 75[?].
So, you will need to find out what is in there and increase the size by 5 or 10.

It's not magic, but does take time and effort.  Buy a box of spark plugs to do the chops, once the plugs are burning a nice tan color and the bike is running good, you're golden.

One more thing - does the muffler have a baffle in it?  If no, consider adding one, these bike like back pressure.