Ironhead Mikuni VM38-9 on Kickstart Bike?

[Doc308]

The 38mm Mikuni VM -9 's are good starting carbs. They have an enrichener system which works like choke. When you kick with it on, you don't give it any throttle at all. I've run them on a few panheads, a '59 CH, a'77 shivelhead, and my current '69 XLH. All of my bikes have performed great with them installed.

[sungod]

I have 2 Sportsters (70 xlch 73xlh)with vm38 carbs.They are set up identically.The xlch is a 4 kick start(2 kicks key off and 2 key on enrichener on).The 73 xlh enrichener on key on 1 push engine starts.I feel the difference comes down to vaccum created when turning over the engine. Both engines are dialed in and have fresh rebuilds so everything is fairly even.Without an accelerator pump the mikuni requires a strong kick.The carb itself is excellent.Once running the carbs are responsive in all throttle ranges.The issue I have relate to fitment. I wanted to run a turtle tank on the 70 but the top throttle cable interferes with the tank in the stock position. My tillotson fits perfectly.I tried a longer intake manifold but honestly at my age I was killing myself (no need for a gym). Lastly the 70 tach cable rubs the float bowl so it doesn't line up as straight as I would like.

[mikethebike61]

Originally Posted by leon bee

Well, thanks a lot, that's interesting. It doesn't really compute in my mind, but I believe you. New carbs for these bikes, I'm seeing: S&S for $500, Bendix for $400, or Mic for $100.

A NEW S&S for $500? Ones I've seen are closer to $700 with shipping/tax

I have one with the S&S jet kit complete and CLEAN I'll let go for half of new price

[mikethebike61]

Originally Posted by sungod

I have 2 Sportsters (70 xlch 73xlh)with vm38 carbs.They are set up identically.The xlch is a 4 kick start(2 kicks key off and 2 key on enrichener on).The 73 xlh enrichener on key on 1 push engine starts.I feel the difference comes down to vaccum created when turning over the engine. Both engines are dialed in and have fresh rebuilds so everything is fairly even.Without an accelerator pump the mikuni requires a strong kick.The carb itself is excellent.Once running the carbs are responsive in all throttle ranges.The issue I have relate to fitment. I wanted to run a turtle tank on the 70 but the top throttle cable interferes with the tank in the stock position. My tillotson fits perfectly.I tried a longer intake manifold but honestly at my age I was killing myself (no need for a gym). Lastly the 70 tach cable rubs the float bowl so it doesn't line up as straight as I would like.

Want to lose the Turtle?

[sungod]

Sorry I have tillotsons and a boatail project.

[GA_Ironhead]

Kinda off-track, but... I'm seeing prices for the Super E ranging from $350 - 430 (USD), including shipping and tax. Carb only... How many you want at $700, Mike? I take visa/mc/paypal and of course cash. Free shipping to upstate SC.

I don't see where CH is defined here. If it's a mag CH, it may be a bit harder to kick-start than one with battery ignition. Never seen any bad reviews on a VM38-9.

[45Brit]

Originally Posted by sungod

I have 2 Sportsters (70 xlch 73xlh)with vm38 carbs.They are set up identically.The xlch is a 4 kick start(2 kicks key off and 2 key on enrichener on).The 73 xlh enrichener on key on 1 push engine starts.I feel the difference comes down to vaccum created when turning over the engine. Both engines are dialed in and have fresh rebuilds so everything is fairly even.Without an accelerator pump the mikuni requires a strong kick.The carb itself is excellent.Once running the carbs are responsive in all throttle ranges.The issue I have relate to fitment. I wanted to run a turtle tank on the 70 but the top throttle cable interferes with the tank in the stock position. My tillotson fits perfectly.I tried a longer intake manifold but honestly at my age I was killing myself (no need for a gym). Lastly the 70 tach cable rubs the float bowl so it doesn't line up as straight as I would like.

I fitted a Mikuni conversion to my 1978 XLCH. There is an offset manifold which lowers the carb so it doesn’t foul the underside of the tank, this was a Mikuni part but now very difficult to find. Sudco list them occasionally.

https://www.mikunioz.com/shop/mikuni...v=79cba1185463

[sungod]

That looks interesting.