Hi, I have recently acquired a 1955 B31 as a project. It has what appears to be a decompressor on the head operated by a cable from the left hand side of the handlebar. I owned a '55 back in 1969 but this had no such attachment. Is it an engine stop or decompressor for starting? Any help would be gratefully accepted. CeeJay
It is both an engine stop AND a decompressor for starting. For starting from cold, tickle the carb 2 or 3 times, push the choke lever forward, if it as one, and retard the magneto a smidgen.Then pull in the valve lifter lever and turn the engine over a couple of time with the kickstart. Release the valve lifter and gently turn the engine until you feel the kickstart come up against compression. Pull in the valve lifter lever again and gently push the kickstart down a few inches. Let go the lever and bring the kickstart up again. Then give it a good kick and if all is well it should start.