Topic: Head slap

[Killer Canary]

I bought a '72 CB350K a few years ago and cafed it; I've always liked the engine with the one problem being that it could be difficult to start when cold. I'd tried everything you would normally try in such a situation but yesterday I hauled the carbs out to check over(again) and noticed that those secondary flap thingies on the choke plates were free to open. I checked all of my 350 carbs and the little spring on every last one was broken so I JB welded the damn things shut. Now split second starting! It would have been a horrible injustice if I'd sold it thinking it was a lemon when I was actually cold starting it essentially without a choke! It never once refused to start, it would just take a while.
So does anyone know the purpose of having those little flaps?

[TwoTired]

The flaps are choke bypass channels, the springs keep the relief pressure equal among carbs.

Without the bypass channels it is possible to suck enough raw gas into the chambers to hydrolock the cylinder, blowing head gaskets, mashing pistons, bending rods, etc., as well as contaminating the oil supply with raw gas.

Essentially, they are protectors against unaware operators to keep the engine from damage.

[Killer Canary]

Thanks Lloyd!