Continued shortish runs, near to home, of my 73 Triumph Tiger 750, all to build a bit of confidence that it's not going to let me down miles from home. Except today I got a bit braver and went off piste. About a 16 mile round trip. About half way around it started the odd cough, and hiccup. Turned for home. But coming back into the village it was backfiring, clearly unhappy, and I wasn't at all sure I'd get home. But I did.
On inspection, it was clearly a bit hot. Misfire. Must be the ignition timing that I'd set on Friday with my new strobe. It's known that the magnet plate that triggers the coils can move in the end of the camshaft and I hadn't checked the tightness of the bolt. Did that first. Tight. Hmm. OK.. Back to basics, check magnet position relative to TDC. Bang on at 38 degrees before. Nothing's moved. So why the unhappy motorcycle? What's changed? The electronic ignition unit is known to be a bit sensitive to low voltage. Is the alternator working? Out with the meter. 16V at revs. That's a bit high but OK. Battery showing 13V. So, not the ignition unit. Presumably.
What does an internal combustion engine need? Compression (check), spark (check, and at the right time), fuel.. Ah, hang on. I'd put a gallon and a bit in when I first got it on the road 3 weeks ago, and I've done 60 miles since then. And I went out today with just the main tap on, not the reserve.
Turned the reserve on and the carb filled. Went out for another 6 miles, not a hint of a misfire. Nothing, zilch. Ran quite sweetly, for a 1937-designed British parallel twin.
Must get some petrol tomorrow....
Muppet.