!00GS PD and Mikuni carbs

[Roger Chatterton]

Just got back from a great trip to Romania and Bulgaria again, and my 100GS PD was brilliant on some of the most appalling roads, particularly on the south side of the Trans Fagaras, and my little bike took it all in its stride -just grateful I have Ohlins and upgraded front suspension etc.
However, after very heavy rain in both Poland and Slovakia, and then even heavier monsoon whilst crossing Greece, I got water in the carbs.
Caused the Mikunis to behave as if the throttle cables were frayed, as it revved at high revs, and wouldn't throttle back. Eventually disappeared, after a break in the rain, and longish bursts at 70 - 80 mph.
So, does anyone here have experience of the Mikunis, and are they prone to allowing water in - seems could be two possible culprits ;
1 - water trickling down the air-intake pipes and into carbs,
and
2. down the throttle cable , which feeds directly into the carb top, underneath which is the piston/needle valve. This is not protected as it is on the DelOrto carbs ( via a curved tube that holds the throttle cable).

Any suggestions please ?

Finally, I think I might well revert to the original Bing Carbs which I was given when I bought the bike ( it had the Mikunis fitted). I see that Richie Moore services Bings, and also improves the airflow to the carbs as well - any comments ?

Final question - are Mikunis known to be more thirsty than the Bings?

 

[MickDB1]

I recon its down yer throttle cables Roger
Had even muddy scum down my delorto's once - it jammed the slide

 

[BigyellowGS]

Evening Roger,
Glad to hear the trip went well!
A friend of mine had mikuni's on his old guzzi cafe racer and I remember he used to put vasaline around/under the rubber cover where the cables go into the top of the carbs to help keep water out, I always thought he was being a little OTT but maybe it actually had a purpose!
Anyway.. if you feel like a gentle bimble out sometime.. or fancy dropping in for a cuppa give me a shout.
J

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Thanks James -yes trip was great, with the roads in Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria as bad as ever ....but fascinating countries, with some great rides.
Photos are here if you fancy a look -
http://picasaweb.google.com/100435345356605456213/RomaniaTrip22010#

See you soon, and, re the carbs, I think I'm going to put the Bings back on, after I've had them refurbed and cleaned- one less problem to worry about. There's a lot to be said for standard bits, especially a long way from home.
How's the Bitza coming along ?