Idle speed

[mwsxj1100j]

I was wondering about this subject about my 82 xj1100. It came to mind while watching an episode of Wheeler Dealers on Velocity. Ed China was tuning the carb on a 79 Honda cvcc and it got me wondering if my idle speed is to high. It hovers around 1000-1100 rpm is this right? Also I was wondering is it sometimes normal to have that slap through the driveline especially when dropping into gear? There are no odd noises or anything out of the norm it is just very annoying the bike runs great for 34 year old machine. Thanks

[cajun31]

both of what you describe are correct for idle speed and these transmissions are very noisy when operating normally.

[mack]

That slap

is called snatch and the primary gear shaft is designed for that, don't worry, it's supposed to be there. The second thing is these bikes use gear pumps to deliver oil. The crankshaft is sort of floating on bearing shells and these shells are filled with oil from a pressurized gallery . The faster the motor is turning , obviously more oil pressure is generated. The idle rpm recommended is to ensure that the required amount of oil is delivered to the crankshaft and connecting rods while sitting idling at lights etc. This is a very simplistic description, the crankshaft really isn't floating but rather held in place by the crank end seals but the lubrication aspect is correct.

[Bartman]

When cold I let it idle while getting my shoes and gear on and then I push in the enrichment to drop the idle down to the 1100 rpm.

I then try and let off the brakes a moment before putting it into first gear.

That helps with the bang and jerk.

[mack]

Ya

some of the younger riders use the other option of letting it idle with enrichment circuit engaged at start up then turn down the idle to let it lope at 800 rpm and revving it frequently to lube the crank shaft at lights. However If you've ridden long enough, you'd know that danger comes from the rear as much as from the sides and front, so us dinosaurs keep our machines in gear so we can pull to either side if a collision looks eminent. You don't have time to shift into first. The primary is specifically designed to handle first gear snatch, and all the power shifting you can handle. The conical springs do the worrying, you don't need too.
BE SAFE!