-
@lynx Thanks for the advice guys.
Im hoping I can arrive at a place where the bike runs smooth after a few months. Ill try the fuel mixture settings when out and about and see where I get...
Regarding the valves...that sounds like a big job!?
-
It's easier on a 2 cylinder boxer engine!
You need to remove the timing cover and rotate the engine to different points in the stroke where the valves are fully open, check the gap between valve and tappet, adjust if necessary. It's one of the most basic engine adjustments but a tight or loose tappet will change the amount of time the piston can suck or blow through the valves. So it can change the amount of vacuum you are getting on the inlet port.
It's pretty normal to check the timing at the same time.
As Lynx has said valve clearances are important.
Check the fuel mixture as well. I run mine a bit rich, just enough to crackle on the overrun. I did use a colortune to begin with but after a while I learnt to do it by ear. I carried a small screwdriver and made tiny adjustments to the mixture over the space of a month to arrive at my current settings.
Float height and carb cable condition can be a factor too.
When it all comes together the effect is pretty magical. I've not managed to get a garage to do a decent job of tuning engines, they get in the ballpark but you need to ride it and get a feel for different temperatures before you find a good compromise.