Forum bmwbike.com

I am slowly getting used to my R26 which seems to have belonged to a gorilla at some time who hated using the correct tools!
When I start up I first give the carb a good tickling and it starts first kick. After about one minutes running it begins to slow down and nearly stop so I tickle it again and it picks up, runs OK, warms up and then runs normally.
As I do not have a manual or guide of any kind is there a choke hidden away I am not aware of?
Thanks.
Alan

No, the bike doesn't have a choke. Weird problem - it sounds like you have a fuel-delivery problem while warming up but it's OK when fully warm. I don't know what could cause that. I wonder if you have a vacuum leak that's causing it to run lean when cold but lets it run OK when warmed up; a small vacuum leak could seal up when the engine heats up. Let us know what you figure out.

Regarding your manual inquiry, also try the Internet BMW Riders Marketplace at ibmwr.org/market. If this URL doesn't print, e-mail me. The original owner's manual is very good and contains almost everything you'll need to know. The shop manual is much more thorough if you're getting into major mechanical work.

Dear Dave,
Thanks for suggestion. I've noticed there are no jubilee type clips on the intake rubber hose from air filter to carb. Should there be any?
None were present on buying the bike, perhaps this could a leak area.
Thanks
Alan

That really wouldn't affect it. You're looking for vacuum leaks on the carb itself or on either side of the intake manifold. It's a long shot anyway. Wish I could think of something else!

Alan,

Perhaps when you start it cold the needle valve tends to bind in the closed position which would cause one of your carbs to starve or perhaps both. When warmed up with all the vibs the needle shut off valve probably starts functioning properly...just a guess!

Pierre

What you describe may be normal. My R27 is like that, except that it needs its second tickle about 1/2 minute after starting. Its carb was rebuilt by Bing and I consider it to start and run perfectly.

Tickling raises the float level and richens the mixture for starting. After the motor runs for a short time, the extra gas has been drawn out of the bowl, and the float is at its normal running level. But the motor has not warmed up enough to run that lean, so it wants one more tickle.