Motorcycle Maintenance Blog & Q&A Hub – The Carb Shack

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Motorcycle Maintenance Blog & Q&A Hub

Explore our complete collection of motorcycle maintenance tips, carburettor cleaning guides, brake caliper rebuild tutorials, and answers to the most common rider questions. This is your one-stop destination for every blog post, how-to guide, and expert insight we’ve ever published — all in one place for easy browsing. Whether you’re chasing performance gains, fixing a problem, or just learning the ropes, you’ll find it here.

Have a Question For Our Q&A Hub ?

Why does my bike bog down when I open the throttle?

Bike bogs down on throttle? Dirty jets, worn diaphragms or poor float levels could be the cause. Book expert carb cleaning & rebuild to restore power.

Why does my bike hesitate or surge at steady throttle?

Bike surging or hesitating at steady throttle? Dirty jets and leaks are common causes. Book expert carb cleaning & rebuild for smooth cruising.

Why does my bike smell strongly of petrol?

Bike smells of petrol? Leaking floats, worn jets or bad seals are common causes. Get carb cleaning & rebuild services to fix fuel smells safely.

Why won’t my bike idle properly after being stored?

Motorbike won’t idle after storage? Dirty carbs are usually to blame. Get expert carburettor cleaning and rebuild services to restore smooth idle today.

Why are my carburettors backfiring or popping?

Bike backfiring or popping? Lean mixtures and blocked jets are common causes. Book carb cleaning & rebuild to fix backfires and restore smooth running.

Why does my bike only run with the choke on?

Bike only runs with choke on? Blocked pilot jets are the cause. Book professional carb cleaning and rebuild services for smooth running without choke.

How to Remove a Seized Mixture Screw (Without Ruining Your Carburettor)

A stuck or snapped mixture screw is one of the most common issues found in older Mikuni, Keihin or CV carburettors. Bandits, CB series, SRADs and anything previously tinkered with are especially prone to it. The screws seize due to corrosion and heat cycles, and when they’re forced with a screwdriver the slot rounds off or the thin neck snaps.

Why Your Bike Will Not Idle And How A Proper Carb Clean Fixes It

Common Symptoms Of Idle Problems

If your motorcycle refuses to idle smoothly or keeps cutting out at junctions you are not alone. Thousands of riders search phrases like “bike will not idle” or “motorcycle idle problem” every month. The cause is very rarely spark plugs or valve clearance. In most cases the real issue is blocked pilot jets or restricted mixture passages inside the carburettors.

How Often Should Motorcycle Carburettors Be Cleaned for Optimal Performance?

How often should you clean your motorcycle carburettors? Learn when to schedule carb cleaning & rebuilds to prevent flooding, poor idle & starting issues.

How to Clean Motorcycle Carbs: DIY vs Professional Service

Motorcycle carburettors are the heart of your engine’s fuel delivery, and keeping them clean is essential for smooth running. Many riders search “how to clean carbs” or “carb clean near me” when their bike starts running rough. The truth is, while basic cleaning is possible at home, a full and effective carb clean requires more than just spraying cleaner into the intake.

Bike Won’t Start? How Carb Issues Could Be the Real Problem

Bike won’t start or idle? Learn how carb flooding, float height, and dirty carbs cause issues. Expert tips for Mikuni, Keihin, Bandit, and Yamaha carb rebuilds.

The Best Way to Set Float Heights and Prevent Carburetor Flooding

Fix carb flooding by setting the right float height for your motorcycle. Learn how to adjust float heights and clean your Mikuni or Keihin carbs with expert carb repair services. Get professional carb rebuilds and cleaning in Kent and London.

Common Carburetor Issues: How to Fix a Bike That Won’t Idle or Start

If your bike won’t idle or refuses to start, the issue could be your carburetor. There are several reasons why your carburetor might cause idling issues, from clogged jets to improperly set float heights. But don't worry—most of these problems are easy to fix with the right tools and expertise.

Should You Rebuild or Replace Your Motorcycle Carbs?

When your bike is having carburetor issues, you’re often faced with the decision of whether to rebuild your existing carbs or replace them entirely. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your bike’s condition and your goals.

Why Your Motorcycle Carbs Are Flooding (And How to Fix It)

Is your bike having trouble starting, or are you noticing excess fuel in your carburetors? If so, you might be dealing with carb flooding. This common issue happens when your carb doesn’t regulate the fuel flow properly, often caused by incorrect float height, dirty jets, or a faulty float valve. If you’ve ever wonder why your carbs are flooding, it’s likely one of these reasons.

How do I know when my carburettor needs cleaning?

If your bike, mower, or classic car isn’t running quite like it used to, your carburettor might be quietly crying out for help. The carb (short for carburettor) is a beautifully simple yet surprisingly fussy piece of engineering — and when it gets dirty, your engine knows about it.

But here’s the tricky bit: how do you know when your carburettor needs cleaning?

Can I Clean the Carburettor Without Removing It?

If your engine’s running rough, idling poorly, or refusing to start, the carburettor is often the first suspect. That leads to a common question:

Can you clean the carburettor without actually taking it off?

Why is my carburettor flooding/overflowing fuel?

Learn the causes of a carburettor flooding and how a professional carb rebuild service can fix it fast.

Why does my bike only run on choke?

Bike only runs with choke on? Find out why dirty or blocked carburettor jets are the problem and how a carb rebuild service can help.

Why does my carburettor leak petrol from the overflow pipe?

Carb leaking fuel from the overflow? Discover the common causes and how carburettor repair services can fix it.

Why won’t my engine idle smoothly after a carb rebuild?

Engine won’t idle after a carb rebuild? Learn the common mistakes and why a professional carb tuning service fixes it.

Why does my engine bog down when I open the throttle?

Engine bogs or hesitates on throttle? Learn the common carburettor problems behind it and how a professional carburettor rebuild and tuning service can solve it for smooth acceleration.