... I have wanted an old bike for a while. I have a Honda VTX and a GL1200A. Both are fantastic bikes, but both are over 800 lbs (over 360kg). Over the last few months, I have searched the advertisements for a kicker. My last kickstart bike was 30 years ago, a GP100, which always started the first time. Last Saturday, I found this on the Facebook marketplace. When I showed the listing to the wife, it turned out it was one of her friends, so we agreed this was life kicking us and stating I should buy it. 1979 T140D, American with peanut and high bars), came with some customizations and additions. OMG, I love it; one day, I will manage to start it. Yes, the seller showed me, and I didn't pay much attention. (I will start another thread asking for help) Glad to be here... BONNEVILLE... there can be only one. Rob from Oregon, 55 years old, original Brit, now moved to the US ofA. Started riding in my early 20's, then took a break to raise two kidlings. Now, back to motorbikes. This may be rusty and a little old, but I can still ride. I have more rust than the bike does.
She's a beauty. Welcome btw. Is that an MG lurking in the background ? Oh, and how I wish I had that much garage space.
@FoolWithaVTX Welcome to the family. Lovely bike. Starting is easy just turn the bike over with the kickstart till it is on compression then whack it again. You will get used to it and its a smile a mile bike.
wonderful machine. the rita electronic ignition is a plus-- no points or AAU to mess with from that year on, and negative ground too. the cast wheels were also a first, as was the 2-into-1 exhaust. that one looks to be in very good shape. im no expert in the amal mk2 carbs, but they are very similar to VM mikunis. make sure your battery is good and charged up. put in new plugs. turn on the fuel and ignition, free the clutch in neutral, and engage the enrichener circuit on the carbs. put the kickstart lever about 3/4 of the way up and take up the free play with your foot. like joe says, if you can feel the top of a compression stroke that s the best place to put it. hold the throttle3/4 open or so, and sweep the kickstart lever down firmly through its stroke. i dont know whether the rita needs an initial kick to set the ignition module. some EIs do. ^^^thats an approximate technique for starting from cold, but every machine is a bit different. if it wont start after a few kicks, hold the throttle wide open to clear the fuel from the combustion chambers and kick it again.
the PO put allens on the covers. what else did he do? is that a derale oil cooler? you wont need it in oregon.