TT 500

[Big 4 stroke]

just replaced points... dealer said set to .016-.018, which I did, still a bear to start. Bike had been sitting for a few years till I got it 2 months ago. Did get it running when I brought it home, but not with out a lot of priming and back firing. Same deal now, any ideas??? Parts sure are pricey for this thing!! Almost $140 for a fuel petcock, set of points and a condenser?

[VAL]

Originally Posted by Big 4 stroke

just replaced points... dealer said set to .016-.018, which I did, still a bear to start. Bike had been sitting for a few years till I got it 2 months ago. Did get it running when I brought it home, but not with out a lot of priming and back firing. Same deal now, any ideas??? Parts sure are pricey for this thing!! Almost $140 for a fuel petcock, set of points and a condenser?

Now that you got your points set, did you check your timing? Is the carb clean and float set?

[Big 4 stroke]

Originally Posted by VAL

Now that you got your points set, did you check your timing? Is the carb clean and float set?

What is the best way to set timing on this one? Any source on this site that will explain the process?

[VAL]

First, if you are going to keep the bike and work on it yourself, I would suggest a manual. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Second, there should be an access point on the flywheel (left) side of the bike. Once opened there should be a "T" and "I" mark on the flywheel. I haven’t work on a TT but this is very common. Once you align the "I" with the marker on the case, you should rotate the point plate to where the points, just begin to open.

[Big 4 stroke]

Thanks, ordered one up yesterday. went and played with it some yesterday, it did start somewhat easily, idled fine, so I took a few laps around the yard with it. Can't wait to see how this beast will run once (if) I get it dialed in! Yet today, I went and could not get it to fire.... carb issues?

[Florida 393]

Your carb isn't the accelerator pump type it is a CV type. Hard starts will be common if you aren't spot on jetting and timing wise. Best of luck with the TT it is a sweet scoot. I have a VMX issue with the Hallman-Aberg 500 granf prix model in a full test.

Bill

[masteroak]

Welcome Big!
I have an 83 TT600. First 4 stroke I have owned. Make sure you adjust your valves regularly and get the timing right. I have a cover on the left side of the engine where you will set the timing. Get a manual and it will tell you the correct specs for your year. What year is it? I gotta tell ya the TT600 is a beast and until I learned how to kick it it was difficult. When I cold start it, I have to kick it gently about 5-10 times and only let the kick lever come up to a point where I hear a distinct click. If I do this and then give it a good kick, it starts right away. Once warm it starts right up.
Have fun and let me know how its going.

[Big 4 stroke]

Mine is an '80. Got the manual yesterday and will try to check / adjust the valves next. compression release was a bit loose, so i tightened that up today, backfires a bit more, but would not start! I can use a conventionial timing light on this correct? just have to have an auxialary battery on hand to power up, correct?

[VAL]

Originally Posted by Big 4 stroke

Thanks, ordered one up yesterday. went and played with it some yesterday, it did start somewhat easily, idled fine, so I took a few laps around the yard with it. Can't wait to see how this beast will run once (if) I get it dialed in! Yet today, I went and could not get it to fire.... carb issues?

I have an 83 XL 600. These bikes have coffee cans for pistons and can flood if not started correctly, especially when warm. If you were able to start it cold and ride around, but then could not start it after it was warm, it might just be your technique. With my XL, I have to be religious with turning off the gas when I turn the bike off. Then when I restart, I turn on the ignition, pull in the compression release and give her four swift kicks. Then I press down on the kick-start lever until I hit TDC, (you will find this when the kick has the greatest resistance). Go just a smig past TDC, then kick straight through with no compression release. If she doesn’t start, I go through the steps again. Once started, then turn on the gas.

[Big 4 stroke]

Dude, you're awesome !! Just went out and figured WTH can't hurt to try it that way. First kick, off she went !! Didn't even use the choke, kinda don't need it when its already 100* out. Let her warm up, shut off fuel till idle speed went up a bit and killed it. Let it sit for 5 minutes, went trhough the 4 kick deal, then no release, started right back up!! Now to get the seat redone and get 'er out in the desert !! So, is that the "recommemded" way to srart these beasts? I always used to start my old Husky be tapping the release when I'd kick it from TDC. Keep the helpful hints coming !!

[VAL]

Originally Posted by Big 4 stroke

Dude, you're awesome !! Just went out and figured WTH can't hurt to try it that way. First kick, off she went !! Didn't even use the choke, kinda don't need it when its already 100* out. Let her warm up, shut off fuel till idle speed went up a bit and killed it. Let it sit for 5 minutes, went trhough the 4 kick deal, then no release, started right back up!! Now to get the seat redone and get 'er out in the desert !! So, is that the "recommemded" way to srart these beasts? I always used to start my old Husky be tapping the release when I'd kick it from TDC. Keep the helpful hints coming !!

I don’t think you will find this technique in the manual. I just developed it after many a bruised arch and strained ankle. As far as turning off the gas, you don’t have to run till the idle picks up, just turn the gas off before you turn off the ignition, that’s all.

[DUDEONAYZ125]

And be careful not to roll the throttle when you are kicking it or it will add to the flooding nightmare. Once you figure out what works, you will not have any problems. I think each bike is just a little different and you have to feel out what works for yours. How bout a pic?

[Big 4 stroke]

I'll see if I can get a few pics this weekend !

[Big 4 stroke]

Pics... finally! Not much to look at yet, but got 'er running pretty good it seems, hopefully have her all ready to do some hard running when (if) it cools off around this place! damn, whats the secret to posting pics on this site !!??

[TT500-in-Japan]

Originally Posted by Big 4 stroke

Pics... finally! Not much to look at yet, but got 'er running pretty good it seems, hopefully have her all ready to do some hard running when (if) it cools off around this place! damn, whats the secret to posting pics on this site !!??

Looking forward to the autumn over here too...

Here's how to post pics (from the FAQ):
All Things Moto! Forums - FAQ