Mikuni

[Zombie Master]

I keep hearing that the Bings while reliable, are not competition for Mikunis. Who knows?

[vanzen]

I've used Mikuni carbs on a number of applications, but not an air-head – yet.
I have found Mikuni VM carbs easy to tune, reliable, with all parts and a wide range of jets available

Conversely, I have never had any serious problems with Bings,
and for a touring or traveling bike, I will say that they may be the better choice.
Constant Velocity design is a cool feature on a trip as they are not as altitude sensitive as a slide carb.
For me on my travels, the Bing CV carb made carrying a pocket full of jets unnecessary –
although I have seen a few mountain passes where the rich condition could be felt ...

oLDCRo, on the other hand, will not be a touring bike.
Improved throttle response of a slide carb will be both a primary consideration and a welcome improvement.
Emissions and perhaps fuel economy will take a back-seat, here ...
My past experiences with Mikuni bolstered my decision to fit Mikuni TM carbs on the CRo (vs Dellorto PHM).

~ 2¢ worth

[dougie]

What Vanzen said.
I only used them once on Kawasaki twin. Easy to work with and good performance.
Don't know about them on an airhead.
Are you thinking of Rocky Point Cycle?
http://www.rockypointcycle.com/Merchant ... y_Code=B12

[Zombie Master]

What I've been told, is that the Bings really don't mix air a gas nearly as accurately as the Mikunis do. So you can expect much better throttle response. I've been running Bings since 1971 with very little problems. Have I been missing something?

[Major Softie]

What I've been told, is that the Bings really don't mix air a gas nearly as accurately as the Mikunis do. So you can expect much better throttle response.

I think that's an oversimplification. CV's were better at meeting emissions standards, and that requires accurate mixtures.

Someone (maybe Vanzen) just posted an explanation of the difference a few days ago that I thought did an excellent job. But, the points he just made were the key ones: Conventional Slides - more responsive, CV's - better for touring with elevation changes.

Another difference is that you can bog conventionals at lower rpms by whacking the throttle to full-open, while the CV's just compensate for you to maintain velocity through the throats.

[dougie]

When they are well dialed in, response in instant. No waiting for the slide to react to air pressure as it is connected directly to the throttle cable.
That said, M.S. is correct - they do not compensate for being ham-fisted, or for altitude/pressure variations. CV carbs take the rough edges off things like that, they are a bit friendlier when things aren't just so.
Unless you are performance-obsessed, I think Bings are better for day-to-day riding.
Not meaning to deter you ZM. When I used them, I noticed a difference in performance, but an R100 with Bings ain't slow, and you can just forget about them and enjoy the ride.

P.S. Classic mistake made with Mikunis is choosing units that are too big.

[vanzen]

... an R100 with Bings ain't slow ...

Within the larger context of motorcycle technology, engineering, and product –
an R100 with Bings IS slow.
Even swhen compared to a few choice contemporaries.
(because I owned one, the Moto Guzzi LM-I immediately comes to mind, but there were others)
However, an R100 with Mikuni carbs will still be a tad-bit quicker off the line
than an R100 with a comparable engine and Bings ...

The "classic mistake" of choosing too large a carb is all too common.
Carb size choice should be a function of intake valve size, port efficiency,
and then tailored to suit the application (rpm, torque or HP peak).

[dougie]

... an R100 with Bings ain't slow ...

Within the larger context of motorcycle technology, engineering, and product –
an R100 with Bings IS slow.

Maybe it is because my racebike experience was with an RD350, FZR400, Ninja500, and a 125GP. (All less than 60hp).
Yes an R100 can move like a glacier, but if you use the rpm and gearbox you will leave some faster bikes behind on a twisty road.
My riding buddies have - Suzuki 1200 Bandit, Honda VFR, Kawasaki GPZ, BMW GS1150. They make me work hard, but they don't have to stop and wait for me.
Now if I did get those Mikunis, hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.................

[vanzen]

... Maybe it is because my racebike experience was with an RD350, FZR400, Ninja500, and a 125GP. (All less than 60hp).

Back in the '70s, the race-prepped Yam 250s & 350s slam-closed the racing doors
for virtually every 2-cyl, 4-stroke, large displacement motorcycle –
to the point where a separate class, the BOTT, was formulated
just so that the old two-lung four-bangers could have the opportunity to be competitive (with each other).

... My riding buddies have - Suzuki 1200 Bandit, Honda VFR, Kawasaki GPZ, BMW GS1150. They make me work hard, but they don't have to stop and wait for me ...

To say that an R100 can be ridden quickly is certainly true.
To claim that an R100 can accelerate, brake, or handle more quickly
than any of the machines mentioned above ?

Well now !

Will we be talking about the performance capabilities of machines ?
... the ability of certain riders to exploit them ?
... or a line of smack to use at the local beer hall ?

[dougie]

... Maybe it is because my racebike experience was with an RD350, FZR400, Ninja500, and a 125GP. (All less than 60hp).

Back in the '70s, the race-prepped Yam 250s & 350s slam-closed the racing doors
for virtually every 2-cyl, 4-stroke, large displacement motorcycle –
to the point where a separate class, the BOTT, was formulated
just so that the old two-lung four-bangers could have the opportunity to be competitive (with each other).

To say that an R100 can be ridden quickly is certainly true.
To claim that an R100 can accelerate, brake, or handle more quickly
than any of the machines mentioned above ?

Well now !

Will we be talking about the performance capabilities of machines ?
... the ability of certain riders to exploit them ?
... or a line of smack to use at the local beer hall ?

I don't disagree at all. BOTT was where I raced my EX500 (Ninja500). In Friday practice 125GP bikes would absolutely smoke all of us on BOTT bikes. Next season I bought an '89 Honda 125GP.

A while ago I rode an R6 - WOW! I can see how MOTO2 can replace 250GP.
The speed, handling, and braking of my R100 is definately "dated". All I'm saying is that if you use what it has well, you can definitely surprise some people.