CB550 starting but won’t tick over

[beardylondon]

I’ve been having an issue where the bike fires and will rev up, and stay running if given throttle, but it will not tick over on its own, it just stalls.

Any ideas?

[Siloxious]

Sounds like there is something wrong with your idle speed or idle circuit in the carbs.

1) Have you tried turning the thumb screw on the set of carburators to increase the idle speed? Perhaps it was too low.

2) This could also be due to a clogged idle circuit in your carbs. Have you cleaned them already? The obstruction could be in your slow jet or the circuit itself (in this case, ultrasonic cleaning is a great solution)

[beardylondon]

Thanks.

I’m not very up to speed tbh, I bought this bike to learn, however I bought a house shortly after and got too busy to give it much attention.

I did have the carb all cleaned and reset 18 months ago, by an independent specialist who I was recommended, and it did run fine back then, and last summer. but it sat in the garage not being used at all over winter.

Hence I’m going try and investigate this issue myself with help from my dad, so thanks for the tips!

[K2-K6]

Given the history ... carbs cleaned, running ok then stored .... it would suggest the idle circuits are impaired just enough to give this type of problem.

It could be worthwhile to use something like Stabil fuel stabilizer or Reddex fuel treatment to dose it, then fingers crossed and run it more to see if it'll get going again with that method.

Less intervention and may just get you back on track rather than having to dismantle anything just yet.

[Bryanj]

Also points surfaces corrode when not used and pivots sieze up

[beardylondon]

Thank you