Quote:
Quote:
this could explode the air box
REALLY???!?! I never heard that nor did hubby mention it. Yikes! That is scary. Dorky question.........but why does it explode???? ~*~ Painted Lady
my art: http://www.angelfire.com/fl/PaintedLady
Don't let those guys scare you. That makes it sound like something will explode if you don't squeeze the throttle just right. That just isn't normally the case. It's not good to twist the throttle too much, if at all, before you hit the starter. That could flood the motor and cause it to backfire when it does start.
These bikes backfire occasionally, just like any carbureted engine. They are capable of backfiring through the exhaust or through the carburetors. A few guys have found their airbox cracked or broken because of backfiring through the carbs, but I think it's a rare event. I have felt backfires under my seat (through the carbs), but I've never had any damage.
Why does it happen? It's hard to say. It could be improper tuning. I'm guessing it's caused by a rich fuel condition (possibly from a little flooding by twisting the throttle before hitting the starter). There is still gas burning in the cylinder when the intake valve opens. It ignites gas in the intake manifold and causes a backfire through the carburetors. Yes, it could be from twisting the throttle (a bunch) before hitting the starter.
For the first couple years that I had my bike, I gave the throttle a twist or two before hitting the starter. I've never had any problems. Recently I've tried not to do that, but I still do occasionally out of habit.
Think positive. When these bikes are running right, it's like the sweetest music you have ever heard. 
Cody
Last edited by Cody; 01/16/2007 5:37 PM.
