So... after getting anew fuel pump sent I couldn’t get a slot at the workshop for a couple of weeks to get a proper diagnosis. But I had to move the car to get the other one out. Started with full choke, it started and idled fine. When i got back from that trip I decided to try staring Bambi again and once again all good; so I’ve done a few short trips with no problems. Dunno whether the air filter did in fact fix the problem and I was just too impatient on the day or if I just needed more choke than I was giving due to our unseasonablr cold... any, car is running perfectly happily. Then.... today I finally have time to take the Bambi load of Barbies I bought weeks ago into a local special school. Zoom into town and feeling very pleased with how the car is running. Until, I come to a stop/ go man and when I go take off I have zero gears. Zip zero nada. On the bus home from the workshop now after a towtruck ride, no idea when they’ll be able to look at. I thnk i’ll just go to sleep for the rest of 2021 andhope for better luck next year View attachment 1580638
I dunno if the OP resolved this and I couldn't handle reading any more of this thread, but I'd agree with what you wrote above. I've had stacks of running issues with my motorbikes over the years, and almost always issues like those described above were due to issues with the carbs. More times than not, flooding issues due to sticky float valves or clogged main jets. Good news is (assuming that's the problem), they're relatively easy fixed. Could also be ignition related, but less likely considering things get better after warming up. I'd go with a carb clean/overhaul.. Can be done in a few hours and a hundred bucks in parts.
I reckon John could be on the money but.. Did you try to bunny hop starting it?...starting in gear with the clutch out. It could well be the clutch (without knowing the drivetrain layout) PS the attachment didn't work....for me.
Booo!! sorry to hear that, awful feeling having no gears been there, hope it’s something uncomplicated