My first Harley

[Erolek]

Guys

As mentioned in my "welcome" topic - I was after MT-350. Finally got it today. Previous owner had the carb cleaned and adjusted, rubber tubes in and out of the carb replaced and engine seems to be running smoothly.

Here it is (already nicknamed Jolly Green Giant):


Ex 10 Field Squadron (Air Support) Royal Engineers. Removed from the army in 2005 and was kept in shed ever since. Previous owner got 3 of them as projects and this one covered something like 100 miles since.

I literally just came back home. I rode it back (around 150km trip). No problems with engine, no leaks. Due for servicing (and bit of paintwork) as soon as I get the bits and bobs (filters etc.). Brakes are bit spongy, but new fluid and new pads should do the trich (I hope).

One thing puzzles me though - I only managed to do 80km/h (checked against GPS - v-max of 87km/h). Seems bit slow. My 50cc Piaggio was as fast. It's running on 47t back 15t front sprockets at the moment (both, and chain look look almost brand new). Will changing front sprocket to 16t improve things at all, or should I look elsewhere?

Greetings
Eryk

[Wirralman]

Hi Eryk,
you should be getting 70-ish mph.

Carb, carb rubbers, air filter, fuel supply would be the obvious and easy areas to look at. Exhausts can restrict things but you should get 70-ish with std set up and with std 15/47 sprockets.

Eric

[namtip]

The manual for the MT500 says its top speed is 93mph. I'm not an expert, but I'd say it would struggle to do that. Don't know about MT350s. I rarely ride above 70 on the 500 though because it just doesn't feel right on it. Not really built for speed, built more for reliability when being thrown around fields etc. That's a nice dent in the tank, I wonder what the story was behind that. Adds loads of character!

[Apophis]

if the timeing is out one tooth this will limit you down to 50 MPH-80odd KM
check the timeing and the carb to engine rubber

[morpheus]

The manual for the MT500 says its top speed is 93mph. I'm not an expert, but I'd say it would struggle to do that. Don't know about MT350s. I rarely ride above 70 on the 500 though because it just doesn't feel right on it. Not really built for speed, built more for reliability when being thrown around fields etc. That's a nice dent in the tank, I wonder what the story was behind that. Adds loads of character!

Colin - you have a red one! How can you possibly say that it would struggle to 93 mph???? Clearly you must be riding it around at 70 in 3rd gear.

Morpheus

[Erolek]

if the timeing is out one tooth this will limit you down to 50 MPH-80odd KM
check the timeing and the carb to engine rubber

Thanks for the advice. I'll have this checked ASAP. Carb rubbers are brand new though. I'll bring it to my local workshop as I'm a bit of technical moron. I can change the bulb and oil the chain, and that's about it. But, I'm learning quickly.

By the way - I sent you mail yesterday about getting few consumables, etc.

Regards
Eryk

[imthetourguy]

I can change the bulb and oil the chain, and that's about it.

Show off!

[Apophis]

Thanks for the advice. I'll have this checked ASAP. Carb rubbers are brand new though. I'll bring it to my local workshop as I'm a bit of technical moron. I can change the bulb and oil the chain, and that's about it. But, I'm learning quickly.

why dont you download the cam belt change job card from tutorials section and check it yourself may save you a few Euros

[Erolek]

Simple answer - lack of tools, lack of space.
I have friendly workshop where guys kept working on my and my wife's bikes for past few years. It needs full service anyway. I just want to leave the bike in the morning and collect it in the evening on the way home and leave the job to professionals.

I presume I could do the timing belt, but there's few other things to be done, so better to have it all done in one go. At least that's what I think.

Greetings
Eryk

[namtip]

Colin - you have a red one! How can you possibly say that it would struggle to 93 mph???? Clearly you must be riding it around at 70 in 3rd gear.

Wait, there are 4th and 5th gears??? Wow, cool, I'll try that!