Hello!

I thought I'd introduce myself; I am a long-time motorcycle rider and have several bikes in the garage. They range from a 1946 Norton Model 18, 500 single, to a 1960 BMW R60/2, a 1980 Ducati Pantah and a 1985 Yamaha FJ1100. I try and go on a summer, week-long, trip around BC and was looking for a six-speed, water-cooled sports/tourer to replace the FJ1100.

I knew a friend had a Honda CBR1000F in his garage with low kilometers and after a few months of asking I was finally able to buy the bike. It is in very nice shape, with just 2,450km on the clock. It needed all the usual parts after a long sleep; I replaced the battery and rebuilt the carbs, replacing the needle and seat assemblies and the o ring in the bowls.

I wondered if I could draw on the wisdom of the forum and ask a couple of questions? When I turn on the ignition I hear nothing from the fuel pump. Is this correct? I'd expect a click or a whine at the very least, but I could be wrong. I think the previous owner thought the same thing; he bought, and never fitted, a new pump relay. Swapping the relays did not change anything, however if I shorted the red/black and black wires at the relay plug, the pump bursts into life with a satisfying sucking sound. It sounds very healthy so I am going to assume the pump is fine, its just not coming on when the ignition is switched on. Is there anything I need to check (fuse? plug?) to resolve this, or is this normal?

I have a gas leak from carb 2, but hopefully will be able to fix this. I did have the bike running when I plugged the fuel delivery line into the carb fuel rail and bypassing the pump, it sounded very sweet! Having said that this time, with the fuel pump plugged directly into the carbs to bike failed to start.

So... is there anything special I need to do to the pump? Prime or purge it perhaps?

Many thanks in advance for any advice and assistance.

Andy