Reed valves are simply a one way valve. They let air or liquid pass one way and not the other. We usually see them in the intake track of a two stroke engine. When the piston of a two stroke engine goes down it compresses the fuel mixture in the crankcase and this can push some of the mixture back out the carburetor. A reed valve in the carb manifold will let the fuel mixture in but not out. This allows bigger ports be used.
 Cylinder with no Reeds. |
 Reed Valve Cylinder. |
Most reed valves will have four petals but I've seen as few as one ( you've got to have at least one, well duh ! ) and as many as eight. Technically, I suppose there's no limit to the number. Motorcycle engines usually have four or six petals, outboard engines can have eight and small chain saws one. The stock ones are usually made out of steel. High performance ones can be made out of plastic or who knows what. They also have a curved metal plate screwed to the reed cage that limits or stops how far they can open. This prevents the reed from bending too much and breaking off.
If a reed is broken or stuck closed the bike will be very hard to start if it will start at all. They are normally quite reliable... at least I haven't run across very many broken ones.
Some fuel pumps and carburetors also use what is essentially a reed valve to control the fuel through the pump or carb. This reed is usually a rubber one and very thin. Pumper carbs also used these type of valves. You probably will not run into this type of reed valve on motorcycle engines, but you never know !
