[elliedog]

Hi, my recently purchased 240 has developed a fascinating little trick, it has 6 reverse gears! Engine starts but runs backwards. I havn't delved into the depths of the igniton system yet as I am waiting for a flywheel puller to come. The only thing I have managed to establish is that its got the later 300 type ignition fitted. Has anyone else come across this problem.

[B40RT]

Dont know if its got points, but Bultaco's did this quite regularly if the timing was out.

[malcra]

yep, the timing is out and is on the wrong side of TDC (top dead centre)

[spud]

B40RT, on Jan 19 2009, 06:03 PM, said:

Dont know if its got points, but Bultaco's did this quite regularly if the timing was out.

I had a Bultaco which had a habbit of going into reverse whilst being ridden up hill i can still remember the fear it used to instill in me.

Back to the orginal post....

I have a 240 its got electronic ignition i've never heard of one going backwards. I would check the stator plate position but best speak with Bill Pye or Chris Stevens first.

[cleanorbust]

I know my, and other, 200 Fantics used to run backwards without warning. Sometimes you wouldn't know until you let the clutch out when entering a section, with some hairy moments ensuing. Oh how we laughed.

[GIZZA5]

Yep Bults used to do that, remember as a kid ready in the queue the start was a bit of a hill climb so gave it a bit of Diesel, let the clutch out..............

and caused carnage behind me, bikes were everywhere

[elliedog]

Might just leave it like is and bolt another pair of bars to the back mudguard, hey presto, front wheel drive!

[2/4]

I recall my 200 coughing then taking me backwards down a steepish waterfall in the Scottish. Unfortunately the observer did not subtract the marks lost whilst in reverse.

[Dan Williams]

Ah I had a CanAm with the Hiro engine used to do that. It never ran quite right and would ping when hot. After changing carbs, cylinders and checking the timing over and over again I finally found something to explain the problem.

While checking the timing with a timing light for the umpteenth time I revved up the engine and noticed the timing was retarding at higher RPM rather than advancing.

Huh??? said I.

The CDI had only two wires coming from the stator so I reversed them. Voila! The bike ran perfectly at which point I promptly sold it. (No I wasn't unloading it because I thought it was defective. I was just p****d off at it.)

So just for giggles throw a timing light on and check it at more then just idle. It's a long shot but worth a look.

[elliedog]

Thanks for the advice guys, retarded the timing a touch today and what did I get? Six forward gears! The old girl sounds quite sweet and pulls well, even with stale petrol. Looks like my 400 sterling was a good investment.