Fresh Harris Matchless owner with carb questions..

mcampy · Post by **mcampy** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:45 pm

Greetings,

First, I'd like to thank the curators of this forum and all of the members that keep it alive. Without this forum I would be at the mercy of my limited mechanical aptitude, and that frightens me. So, I will possibly have a long list of questions and can only hope that your patience doesn't wear thin.

OK. I am the new owner of a 1988 Harris G80 with ~1000 mi. The seller claims that it was uncrated and assembled last December. It's in beautiful shape, and after spending an entire afternoon sweating, swearing and kicking, I was finally able to start it. Next is to learn to kick it while seated, at a traffic light, which leads me to my issue: I'm having carb problems (the stock Dellorto).

The engine seems to have a hard time running at low rpms, bogs down and dies easily, unless constantly blipping the throttle. I've adjusted the idle a little high to compensate, but setting it at 2K rpm is not the answer. The prior owner had installed a VM32, but removed and sold it prior to my purchase. He claimed that this cured the starting and running issues. That's all fine, but I'd like to think that this Dellorto should be up to the task, with the proper setup.

So, can anyone share their experience/settings regarding the stock carb? I came across a document with the stock jetting/settings so I'll open it up this weekend to compare. Or, should I just spill out cash for a Mikuni? 32 or 34mm?

Cheers,

mark

G15 Roy · Post by **G15 Roy** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:43 pm

I had very similar problems some years ago and was advised to fit a Mikuni.

Don Madden · Post by **Don Madden** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 2:42 am

Roy probably know better than I but it would be a good idea to run some carburetor cleaner through the fuel system. Seafoam & the Yamaha cleaner are both good. Also, when made in the UK alcohol was not used in their fuel so some parts may not be resistant to it's effects. Inspect any plastic parts & lines. Cheers, Don. Edited by - Don Madden on 17 Sep 2011 01:43:30 AM

ianselva · Post by **ianselva** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 10:39 am

There was an article in Real Classic on these and their guy fitted a 32mm mikuni and when I bought one I had similar problems and ended up doing the same . However I know another member Jonhal still has the original on his - perhaps a Private Message might get you some info

Ian

rex.webb · Post by **rex.webb** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 10:42 am

All "Harris Matchless" have Carburetter Troubles ?.
But there is an answer,i will contact our section members that have them.There is lots of
KNOW HOW ! they have .
The other trouble is the Flywheel,s are not as "HEAVEY" as a standard AMC one.
You will enjoy it when you get use to it i am sure.
RIDE with CARE and LIVE LONG to ENJOY ypour BIKES and Scooter,s.
Insured with Peter James (In the UK)

rex.webb · Post by **rex.webb** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 10:57 pm

Well here we are again.
One of our section members has
Two Harris Matchless.
Both still have the Originall Carbs fitted.
When set up correctly he says he has no trouble.
When starting you need to
get the indicator mark showing in the CENTRE " of the WINDOW.
THEN KICK giving the Kick Starter a GOOD KICK .
STARTING with it "RIGHT AT THE TOP OF IT,s TRAVEL..
RIDE with CARE and LIVE LONG ENJOYING your BIKES and Scooters.

PS The HARRIS G80 Has Light Flywheels !!
It will not "TICK OVER as SLOW as the ORIGINA AMS bikes would.L

wilko · Post by **wilko** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 1:00 am

Must be disconserting speaking to you Rex Sometimes you're yelling, sometimes exclaming, sometimes a pussycat!!

wilko · Post by **wilko** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 1:00 am

What the...? Can't i say pussycat?