I have a 1600 Xflow fitted with bike carbs and it isnt running properly. It back fires thru the carbs also spits flames out of the carbs. It seems to idle fine and performance seems fine.
Also when I switch the ignition off it stays on and tries to restart it self for about 3 seconds. Could these problems be related to timing or do the carbs need to be set up?
Can I cause damage to the engine driving it like this?

Sounds like timings too retarded causing the engine to run too hot, and yes you can damage your engine running like this.

When the ignition timing is TOO ADVANCED,the engine may suffer from spark knock or ping. Whenignition timing is TOO RETARDED, the engine willhave poor fuel economy and power and will be very sluggish during acceleration. If extremely retarded,combustion flames blowing out of the open exhaust valve can overheat the engine and cause the engine to run on.

Cheers

Rich

[Edited on 31/1/10 by RichardK]

As above Richard knows what he is talking about

You did not indicate the RPM when back firing occurred, but it sound like you are at a min of two jets sizes to lean. Fatten up the fuel mixture.

Dave

is the running on thing after turning the ignition off a general xfow thing as think i remember when i pulled out my 1300xfow had a wire connection to the carb as a anti-dieseling thingy which would now be lost with bike carbs

Thank you for the advice guy's
How do I set the timing?