Motorcycle Repair: Breather?, engine valve adjustment, proper synchronization

Question
Hi,
My husband has a 1985 Honda Rebel(1500 miles)
Yesterday my husband took the breather off on the motorcycle.  Whenever he put his hand on the back where the hole was and covered it, the bike would rev up and run like it's supposed to.  when he took it off, it dies.  He just put a new air filter on it last week.  Any ideas?

Brandi

Answer
Hi Brandi.
 Check the intake manifolds.  The are probably leaking air.  Either they are dry-rotted, loose on the engine or loose on the carbs.

Reassemble the breather assembly and start the bike.  Then spray some automotive starter fluid onto the intake manifolds.  If the revs go up, then they are leaking.  If not then the problem could be in the carbs themselves (need cleaning and/or proper synchronization) or in the engine (valve adjustment, etc.).

Good luck.
FALCON