from my memory, it seems that all the brit bikers were looking at options for their sloppy, drippy amals. in fact i had a bro that retro-fit a keihin on his triumph 500. hmmm...
is the grass always greener on the other side?
amal carbs
Amal carbs for a SuperHawkFrom what the Classic Bike article said, and from speaking to a couple of bike mechanics who specialize in Brit iron, the MK1 Concentric is a great carb, but tends to wear out and need service due to the fact that the body and the slide are made of the same material. Chrome slide Amals are available, but their particular chroming treatment causes the slides to become brittle, and could break in the carb itself. As I say, with the particular setup I have (0.25 o/s bore, electronic ignition, 4 ohm coils, standard air filters, TOGA mufflers) these 626's seem to be working out great. But hey, life's for trying new stuff out, so if I've screwed up, then I've screwed up. Plus, I've spent more money on stupider things! And who knows, maybe 5 years down the road I might want to do some weird Japanese-Italian thing....did someone say Dellorto?
Amal carbs for a SuperHawkWell I made it back safe and sound from Mid-Ohio....1000 mile round trip, and did 475 miles yesterday in about 9 hours. Tons of rain going there, and generally good weather coming back. Of course, lots of quizzical looks at the Amals, but they performed really well and only had to adjust the idle screws once. My best run was 117 miles to reserve, going about 65 mph (indicated). I heard a variety of opinions on the Amals, everything from 'Why in the world did you do that?', to 'Those are really nice carbs -- good choice!'. So, time will tell how they will ultimately work out. Richard Backus, editor of 'Motorcycle Classics' Magazine, took particular interest in the bike at the show, and they're going to put something in an upcoming issue of the magazine. Stay tuned!
Update on Amals...
Well it's been about 3,000 miles this year with the 626's and absolutely no problems with them (knocking on many pieces of wood here). Bike starts easy after 'tickling', settles into a solid 1,500 rpm idle, and no leaks! As well, I've surveyed many folks familiar with these carbs, and most agree that it's highly doubtful that they'd give up the ghost after 8,000 miles. One fellow told me about his Triumph Trident that still sports its original MK1 Concentrics and they work just fine. One of the big factors is the using of air filters, and since I use them that should help a bunch. Plus, in case they do eventually wear, there is an outfit in Washington State called Lund Machine that resleeves Amals so they don't wear out again. Stay tuned for the next report....
I've been kicking around the idea of runnin Amals on my race bike because of the wide range of parts and knowledge that are available for tuning them as opposed to the PW26's. But if swame LOADMOUSE has the resources to keep the Keihans a viable choice then I'm all for it.
georGe
Ton Up Club-Florida AHRMA #500 Road Race #G50 Cross Country
I can do it. ......lm
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