Newly acquired Honda VT250 SPADA.. Being a bit lazy just picking members brains before I hook onto front cylinder.( necessitating radiator removal) Have cleaned out carbs/set float heights. Removed rear cam chain tensioner and cleaned out,(which solved the horrendous cam chain rattle emanating from the rear cylinder). Replaced both spark plugs. Cleaned out crud from fuel tank, installed fuel filter and filled with fresh fuel. Presently bike starts on the button with full choke, then within a second or two the front cylinder dies and the bike idles beautifully only on the rear cylinder until the throttle is blipped then the front jumps into life. As soon as the bike is ridden a kilometre or more and warms up the motor runs and idles perfectly. I’m guessing front valves out of adjustment. Does any one have any other ideas ?
I would start by cleaning the front idle circuit and adjusting the mixture when warm. Check the synch too.
Yep, already did that twice previously. That’s the most logical solution. Funny, after putting up this post just went and started it and the problem is gone.. for the moment…. I know Spadas were magical but ,,,,,,,,
Yep, it’s job number one on the list. The fact it comes good once a little bit of heat gets into it does suggest it’s valve related to me
Yes, I checked the spark situation by hooking up an inductive timing light. Spark seemed to be perfect. Checked valves and they were all a little out of spec.. sadly once back together the front cylinder still refused to fire when the motor was cold… Decided to re check the carb synchronisation with vacuum gauges and the balance was noticeably out.. got the balance pretty much spot on, let the motor cool down, started the motor and the problem was resolved.
It’s very interesting the response a bit of polish and paint can generate : ) The bike is bog stock except for the staintune stainless steel muffler, came to me with the painted frame n wheels and massive cam chain rattle that responded amazingly well to the tensioners being removed and cleaned out. Luckily I was able to make contact with the mechanical engineer that did the original engineers report on importation and obtain a new engineers certificate. It’s always a lottery purchasing old non runners.
