Unseasonably warm, I managed to ride yesterday. Ran a few errands, including visiting Omega Motorsports and getting a quote on re-chroming my exhaust, and repainting my tank. I think I can get new exhaust cheaper than I can have mine rechromed. But the tank repainting looks appealing.
Now all I need is money, and time.
I won a CB900 chrome NOS headlight on eBay. My wife says, "Cool, but I thought you already had a headlight for your bike." I said, "Yes, but I think I like this one better. Whichever one I don't like I will sell on eBay."
She was cool about that.
Rock Tavern, NY
Driving to Massachusetts, listening to the radio as I travel I-84 east in Pennsylvania.
Suddenly I hear a local radio commercial promoting Orange County Choppers.
My wife is a huge fan.
Cross the state line into New York. Big old sign says, Welcome to New York. Orange County. How far away can the OCC shops be? I had no idea I'd be passing through their namesake county.
I'm driving alone. I call her up, 800 miles away, to say, "Guess where I am?"
"Scranton?" She asked.
"No. Orange County New York!"
She shrieked with excitement, and helped me plan a side trip to OCC. Only two miles off the interstate, and I had to stop for gas anyway.
Very cool. I was in a dreadful hurry and would've liked to stay more. But I knew how much my wife would want to come, so I know we'll make the journey again, and stay longer when it's the two of us.
Chilly Ride
My commuting might be over for the season, but I ain't given up riding. Met my wife and kids for lunch. My son suited up and rode home with me.
Sitting on the bike, the two of us, in the McDonald's parking lot, I noticed that the rear suspension was bottoming out on the frame. Everybody off the bike. Check the rear suspension air pressure. It's way low. This proves a slow leak -- I pumped it up a month ago. Or is it just that the air shrinks in cold weather?
Pumped it way up, felt a lot better.
My wife: "Does he need a balaklava to keep his neck warm?"
Me: "I don't know, he's got a winter coat on with good protection around his throat."
Decision: "If you get cold, you tap your dad on the shoulder and tell him. He'll stop and he can put the balaklava on you."
My son: "What's a balaklava?"
Smile. And demonstration.
Okay, back on the bike, pull out of the parking lot, to the first stop light.
"Daaaaaaad, I'm cooooooooold."
"Okay, I'll pull over first chance I get."
Pull into the Walmart parking lot, park, get off the bike, off with my gloves, off with his helmet, on with my wife's balaklava, back on with his helmet, back on with my gloves, back onto the bike.
And on down the road. Pulling hard left through an intersection, scraped the two of my left boot as I dug down to grab second gear. Can't upshift in a hard left turn on this bike.
"How are you doing?" I ask at the next stop light.
"Fine. My ankles are the only thing that's cold," said my son.
I look. Tennis shoes and cotton socks. The socks are the only clothing on his entire body that's not double-layered. He has sweats on over his jeans. Long sleeve shirt and two coats. The ankles hang out in the open in the breeze.
Sitting on the bike, the two of us, in the McDonald's parking lot, I noticed that the rear suspension was bottoming out on the frame. Everybody off the bike. Check the rear suspension air pressure. It's way low. This proves a slow leak -- I pumped it up a month ago. Or is it just that the air shrinks in cold weather?
Pumped it way up, felt a lot better.
My wife: "Does he need a balaklava to keep his neck warm?"
Me: "I don't know, he's got a winter coat on with good protection around his throat."
Decision: "If you get cold, you tap your dad on the shoulder and tell him. He'll stop and he can put the balaklava on you."
My son: "What's a balaklava?"
Smile. And demonstration.
Okay, back on the bike, pull out of the parking lot, to the first stop light.
"Daaaaaaad, I'm cooooooooold."
"Okay, I'll pull over first chance I get."
Pull into the Walmart parking lot, park, get off the bike, off with my gloves, off with his helmet, on with my wife's balaklava, back on with his helmet, back on with my gloves, back onto the bike.
And on down the road. Pulling hard left through an intersection, scraped the two of my left boot as I dug down to grab second gear. Can't upshift in a hard left turn on this bike.
"How are you doing?" I ask at the next stop light.
"Fine. My ankles are the only thing that's cold," said my son.
I look. Tennis shoes and cotton socks. The socks are the only clothing on his entire body that's not double-layered. He has sweats on over his jeans. Long sleeve shirt and two coats. The ankles hang out in the open in the breeze.
Motorcycle Safety Public Service Announcements
Here is a motorcycle safety public service announcement.
So far, I haven't seen an effective one in the US ever.
The most powerful one I've seen is this UK public service announcement
So far, I haven't seen an effective one in the US ever.
The most powerful one I've seen is this UK public service announcement
Not over yet
Another week and I had four more days of riding. My predictions of the season's end were premature.
Last year I stopped 11/11. So far this year I haven't ridden beyond that milestone. We'll see. There might still be a day here or there.
Last year I stopped 11/11. So far this year I haven't ridden beyond that milestone. We'll see. There might still be a day here or there.
Ed's Chassis
Fellow Maggot Ed had a brain-dead cager pull in front of him while he was riding his V65 Magna. Frame, forks, and front valve cover were damaged. Driver did not even stop. Ed was fortunate not to have been seriously hurt. He lives out east, but bought a rolling chassis in the midwest, about an hour from me. He asked me to go get it for him and store it until he could arrange to pick it up.
No problem, I said.
After my daughter's fifth birthday party we hitched up the trailer to the Tahoe, and my 7-year-old son and I rode an hour to go get it. Found the place, met the seller's wife. She helped us wheel it from back-yard shed to the trailer parked out front. My son helped me strap it down in the trailer. And off we went.
No problem, I said.
After my daughter's fifth birthday party we hitched up the trailer to the Tahoe, and my 7-year-old son and I rode an hour to go get it. Found the place, met the seller's wife. She helped us wheel it from back-yard shed to the trailer parked out front. My son helped me strap it down in the trailer. And off we went.
Season Ends?
My season of daily rides drew to an end as the temps are often hovering around the freezing mark when I leave for work in the morning. I did ride Monday 10/30 but did not ride the rest of the week. It's interesting because I rode daily through 11/11 last year. This year's frost comes early by comparison.
I cleaned up the brake fluid off the tire, tightened the fittings, and rode it without any leakage. This intermittent leakage business is perplexing. I did buy a used set of brake lines off of eBay for $9.99. (New ones were about $150.00). So if I don't need em I'll hang on to em. Anyway once I get the fairing off the whole front end will be more accessible.
I bought the timing belts at Napa. $30 a piece instead of $80 each at the Honda dealer.
I haven't given up on the riding season totally yet. There might be the occasional odd day with temps above freezing at 7:00 am between now and the end of the year. But they'll be few and far between.
I cleaned up the brake fluid off the tire, tightened the fittings, and rode it without any leakage. This intermittent leakage business is perplexing. I did buy a used set of brake lines off of eBay for $9.99. (New ones were about $150.00). So if I don't need em I'll hang on to em. Anyway once I get the fairing off the whole front end will be more accessible.
I bought the timing belts at Napa. $30 a piece instead of $80 each at the Honda dealer.
I haven't given up on the riding season totally yet. There might be the occasional odd day with temps above freezing at 7:00 am between now and the end of the year. But they'll be few and far between.
Always wear your gearMumbo Jumbo
I refilled my torqulator spindle reservoir and adjusted my flux capacitor until I got equlibrium in my muffler bearings too, but nothing helps.
Pulling an engine
How to pull an engine with no jack, only scraps of lumber, a metric socket set, and only a 7 year old as a helper.
My 7 year old son and I pulled the engine ourselves yesterday afternoon. Our procedures would be a little different, since our plan was to disassemble the engine anyway.
Rear wheel, tank, exhaust, seat, battery, radiator, thermostat, side covers, carburetors were all removed prior to beginning the project.
- Support the engine with a stack of scrap 2x4s.
- Lift the bike by the rear of the frame when inserting that last block of wood, so that the engine.is "up on blocks".
- Remove the engine bolts that mount engine to the frame
- Follow the Honda manual for removing the rear head. This is easier with the engine floating (not connected to frame) because the bolts that secure the head to the block do no clear the frame. You have to tip the engine slightly (or tip the frame) in order to accomplish this.
- Gently tip the bike onto its left side on a scrap of 3/4 plywood. This scrap is the skid that you'll use to move the engine around the garage after it is removed.
- What would have been lifting the engine now becomes simply rotating the engine. Easy work.
- Rotate the engine about 10% counterclockwise.
- Lift the frame off the engine.
- Tip the engine to an upright position.
- Tip the frame to an upright position.
V30 Engine Pull
It's time to pull the engine out of my defunct V30 so that I can disassemble and part it out.
Any tips on pulling the engine? I have read the Honda shop manual, and it has a bare minimum of info. It says to remove the bolts, then remove the engine from the left side.
Anyone have any tips or pointers?
I was originally hoping to lift the frame off the engine while leaving the engine up on blocks. But as I sit and manipulate the engine in 3D in my brain, I don't see how that will work.
Now that I've studied matters, I'm thinking it needs to be:
Surely someone has done this and can offer some tips.
Thanks in advance.
Any tips on pulling the engine? I have read the Honda shop manual, and it has a bare minimum of info. It says to remove the bolts, then remove the engine from the left side.
Anyone have any tips or pointers?
I was originally hoping to lift the frame off the engine while leaving the engine up on blocks. But as I sit and manipulate the engine in 3D in my brain, I don't see how that will work.
Now that I've studied matters, I'm thinking it needs to be:
- remove the bolts
- tip the engine forward
- twist the engine so that the rear of it protrudes to the left of the frame, and lift it out.
Surely someone has done this and can offer some tips.
Thanks in advance.
Motorcycle Haiku
Plentiful Fall Fruits
Walnuts roll in the corners
Puckered my saddle
Lovely Autumn Leaves
So pretty, so slick when wet
Motorcyclists beware
Holiday shoppers
Intent on loved ones gifts
Motorcycles invisible
face to face we fly
insect meets the biker's eye
short life ends in sight
flying down the road
so poignant you splatted, bug
better you than me
highside wreck today
skin graft needed on my back
should have worn leathers
bike went down today
now must spend many dollars
please don't tell the wife
Autumn trees blazing
Mountain roads are delightful
Cool air, new tires, GO!
West Virginia roads
My machine runs perfectly
Pegs scrape, engine's roar
Silly cage, look out
downshift once and let 'er rip
blue-shift in my mirr'r
Cresting hills, front air
We sing in a harmony
thanks God, for the fun
Fulgent maples fire
They're lit as if from within
so lovely I weep
Working late tonight
Riding home in the darkness
Forest rats must die
Rain rain go away
I must go riding today
Blacktop beckons me out
Flicking left and right
My helmet hears my laughter
My heart fills with joy
Good God, what a rush
Strafing, flying, and laughing
Riding makes me high
Walnuts roll in the corners
Puckered my saddle
Lovely Autumn Leaves
So pretty, so slick when wet
Motorcyclists beware
Holiday shoppers
Intent on loved ones gifts
Motorcycles invisible
face to face we fly
insect meets the biker's eye
short life ends in sight
flying down the road
so poignant you splatted, bug
better you than me
highside wreck today
skin graft needed on my back
should have worn leathers
bike went down today
now must spend many dollars
please don't tell the wife
Autumn trees blazing
Mountain roads are delightful
Cool air, new tires, GO!
West Virginia roads
My machine runs perfectly
Pegs scrape, engine's roar
Silly cage, look out
downshift once and let 'er rip
blue-shift in my mirr'r
Cresting hills, front air
We sing in a harmony
thanks God, for the fun
Fulgent maples fire
They're lit as if from within
so lovely I weep
Working late tonight
Riding home in the darkness
Forest rats must die
Rain rain go away
I must go riding today
Blacktop beckons me out
Flicking left and right
My helmet hears my laughter
My heart fills with joy
Good God, what a rush
Strafing, flying, and laughing
Riding makes me high
Brake Fluid On Tire
Okay, I know what DOT 3 brake fluid will do to my paint. It dripped a little from the master cylinder banjo bolt and took the tank paint down to the undercoat.
But, now that my right front caliper is leaking, and I have a front tire and rim streaked with DOT3 I wonder, what will this do to the tire itself? Anything?
What's the best way to get the DOT3 off my Dunlops!
Yes, meanwhile, I am parking the bike and ordering replacement brake lines. Trying to justify some stainless steel brake lines in the process.
But, now that my right front caliper is leaking, and I have a front tire and rim streaked with DOT3 I wonder, what will this do to the tire itself? Anything?
What's the best way to get the DOT3 off my Dunlops!
Yes, meanwhile, I am parking the bike and ordering replacement brake lines. Trying to justify some stainless steel brake lines in the process.
The Cage
Do you know what a biker calls a car?
A cage.
Compared to riding a bike, riding in a car is like being in a cage.
Freedom versus captivity.
Bike versus car.
Do you know what a biker calls a someone who's driving a car, zoned out to the world around them?
BDC. Brain-dead cager.
A cage.
Compared to riding a bike, riding in a car is like being in a cage.
Freedom versus captivity.
Bike versus car.
Do you know what a biker calls a someone who's driving a car, zoned out to the world around them?
BDC. Brain-dead cager.
Feels So Good
Got on the bike after a 5 day hiatus. I skipped my morning commute on Wednesday and Thursday -- Wednesday for the rain, Thursday for the frost. Friday was our famiy trip to Cincinnati. Tonight I met my wife and kids at the McDonalds about 2 miles north of here. It was 50 degrees, plenty warm for me. It felt good to get back on the bike.
As I told my friend Mark, I live by a code. Really, my "riding code" has three parts:
Part 1; If it is raining when I leave my front door, I'll drive my car, otherwise I'll ride my bike. No matter what the forecast. My boss has made fun of me for riding with a 90% chance of thunderstorms. But in two years of daily commutes following this code, I could count the number of times I've gotten wet on one hand. If I'd paid attention to forecasts, I'd have missed dozens of days of riding. Even when the forecast for rain was true, it happened at hours when I wouldn't be commuting anyway.
Part 2; If it is dark and has been below freezing in the past 12 hours, I will drive. If it is light, or has been above freezing for 12 hours, I will ride.
Part 3: If it is 37 or above I will ride. This may be challenged this year, since I have better gear and a fairing, I might be able to push it lower. But the real limiter is not Part 3 of the code, but Part 2.
As I told my friend Mark, I live by a code. Really, my "riding code" has three parts:
Part 1; If it is raining when I leave my front door, I'll drive my car, otherwise I'll ride my bike. No matter what the forecast. My boss has made fun of me for riding with a 90% chance of thunderstorms. But in two years of daily commutes following this code, I could count the number of times I've gotten wet on one hand. If I'd paid attention to forecasts, I'd have missed dozens of days of riding. Even when the forecast for rain was true, it happened at hours when I wouldn't be commuting anyway.
Part 2; If it is dark and has been below freezing in the past 12 hours, I will drive. If it is light, or has been above freezing for 12 hours, I will ride.
Part 3: If it is 37 or above I will ride. This may be challenged this year, since I have better gear and a fairing, I might be able to push it lower. But the real limiter is not Part 3 of the code, but Part 2.
Fairing Crack
I rode my 1982 Goldwing in 40 degree weather, and parked it in the garage overnight.
Next morning there is a 4 inch crack on the inside of the fairing -- not the fairing itself, but the plastic housing on the inside of it.
This original equipment is pushing 25 years old, but I was still surprised to see it crack like this with no warning.
Any suggestions on repair?
Next morning there is a 4 inch crack on the inside of the fairing -- not the fairing itself, but the plastic housing on the inside of it.
This original equipment is pushing 25 years old, but I was still surprised to see it crack like this with no warning.
Any suggestions on repair?
Brown County Trip Report
My wife checked the forecast for the weekend, and monitored during the week. Saturday is our weekend getaway.
The forecast calls for rain, but my wife says, screw it, we're riding anyway. She knew I'd be up for it. Motto: If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride.
My mom arrives to watch the kids. She's giving my wife and me our 17th wedding anniversary present -- a chance to get away.
I checked the air pressure and oil level in the bikes before the trip. My tires are fine, my oil is half a quart low. Ironically, her oil is fine, her tires are 10 pounds low. I pump up her tires and vow to buy a quart of 10W-40 for my bike at our first gas stop.
We picked our way south from Castleton down Fall Creek Road. The sun shone brightly and the color in the trees contrasted with the blue of the autumn sky. Was that a hint of dark clouds to the south?
We rode to the south side of Indy, picked up the key to the lake house. Back on the road, pushed our way south down US 31, about an hour's ride, to Camp Atterbury. On twisty roads up and down, flicking the bike from left to right. The roads were in good shape. We had driven them several times in a cage, but this was our first trip on the bikes.
Vigilant for what might greet us over the top of the next rise or around the next curve. A farm implement? A golden retriever? A white-tailed deer?
My wife led on her V30, and I was impressed with how confidently she flicked the little bike back and forth. It started to rain, just little drops, and we pulled back the pace a little. The first 15 minutes of rain are the most dangerous.
We arrived at the lake house, parked the bikes and pulled our luggage off the bikes -- from my trunk, and her saddlebags -- and into the 3 story 4 bedroom house that sits on a tree covered bank of Lake Sweetwater.
My wife was cold. She made us a pot of coffee and we planned our day.
I put the lining in my coat, she switched to her new winter gloves, and we headed back to the bikes.
It had stopped raining.
.... more to come ....
The forecast calls for rain, but my wife says, screw it, we're riding anyway. She knew I'd be up for it. Motto: If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride.
My mom arrives to watch the kids. She's giving my wife and me our 17th wedding anniversary present -- a chance to get away.
I checked the air pressure and oil level in the bikes before the trip. My tires are fine, my oil is half a quart low. Ironically, her oil is fine, her tires are 10 pounds low. I pump up her tires and vow to buy a quart of 10W-40 for my bike at our first gas stop.
We picked our way south from Castleton down Fall Creek Road. The sun shone brightly and the color in the trees contrasted with the blue of the autumn sky. Was that a hint of dark clouds to the south?
We rode to the south side of Indy, picked up the key to the lake house. Back on the road, pushed our way south down US 31, about an hour's ride, to Camp Atterbury. On twisty roads up and down, flicking the bike from left to right. The roads were in good shape. We had driven them several times in a cage, but this was our first trip on the bikes.
Vigilant for what might greet us over the top of the next rise or around the next curve. A farm implement? A golden retriever? A white-tailed deer?
My wife led on her V30, and I was impressed with how confidently she flicked the little bike back and forth. It started to rain, just little drops, and we pulled back the pace a little. The first 15 minutes of rain are the most dangerous.
We arrived at the lake house, parked the bikes and pulled our luggage off the bikes -- from my trunk, and her saddlebags -- and into the 3 story 4 bedroom house that sits on a tree covered bank of Lake Sweetwater.
My wife was cold. She made us a pot of coffee and we planned our day.
I put the lining in my coat, she switched to her new winter gloves, and we headed back to the bikes.
It had stopped raining.
.... more to come ....
Crappy Mileage Continues
I continue to have bad mileage with my GL1100. I consistently get 30 mpg while pretty much everyone else who has chimed in on the topic gets upper 30's or 40's.
I changed the plugs. I have checked the brakes and they are not dragging. I ran techron through the fuel system. I made sure the tires are properly inflated. They are.
I have plenty of power.
I have original stock exhaust. I have an after market K&N sponge-type filter that the previous owner installed. I'm wondering whether anyone has experienced a drop in fuel efficiency with an air filter like that?
If this isn't it, I guess I'm gonna have to do something to the carbs. Could the fuel mixture be too rich?
I'm gonna balance the carbs as soon as I buy the 4-carb balancing tool from JCWhitney. Could the carbs be so far out of balance that I get crappy mileage?
Or am I looking at opening up the carbs and adjusting them leaner? (That would be my first carb adjustment job. I've swapped carbs before, but not adjusted them. )
I changed the plugs. I have checked the brakes and they are not dragging. I ran techron through the fuel system. I made sure the tires are properly inflated. They are.
I have plenty of power.
I have original stock exhaust. I have an after market K&N sponge-type filter that the previous owner installed. I'm wondering whether anyone has experienced a drop in fuel efficiency with an air filter like that?
If this isn't it, I guess I'm gonna have to do something to the carbs. Could the fuel mixture be too rich?
I'm gonna balance the carbs as soon as I buy the 4-carb balancing tool from JCWhitney. Could the carbs be so far out of balance that I get crappy mileage?
Or am I looking at opening up the carbs and adjusting them leaner? (That would be my first carb adjustment job. I've swapped carbs before, but not adjusted them. )
Honda Advertisements
Honda: Isn't it great when things just work?
There are no computer graphics or digital tricks in the film. Everything You see really happened in real time exactly as you see it. The film took 606 Takes. On the first 605 takes, something, usually very minor, didn't work.
Honda: This is how a Honda sounds
Just another cool ad.
There are no computer graphics or digital tricks in the film. Everything You see really happened in real time exactly as you see it. The film took 606 Takes. On the first 605 takes, something, usually very minor, didn't work.
Honda: This is how a Honda sounds
Just another cool ad.
Devlins Travels
Devlins Travels
One of my fellow sabmaggots is doing the coolest thing I can imagine. I haven't met her, but I am intrigued by her blog. She and her husband are taking off work and traveling the country by motorcycle.
I floated this idea past my wife. She said she'd rather take a month every year to travel by bike -- I think that's a great idea too.
One of my fellow sabmaggots is doing the coolest thing I can imagine. I haven't met her, but I am intrigued by her blog. She and her husband are taking off work and traveling the country by motorcycle.
I floated this idea past my wife. She said she'd rather take a month every year to travel by bike -- I think that's a great idea too.
I'm Alive
Lost in thought on my commute home, I failed to notice the car speeding toward the red light as I lined up to turn left in front of him. I failed to notice that he had no intention of stopping. If I had been fully focused, I would not have been
surprised by the squealing of brakes (his).
Thankfully, he did not swerve. He slowed in a straight line. I swerved to miss him; turning sharp left, sharp right, and sharp left again to snake past him mid intersection. It happened so fast I couldn't even tell you how I did it. He could have as easily swerved in the same direction I did, but he didn't. In a flash it was over, he went on his way, and I went on mine.
I'm lucky.
I gotta get my head in the game.
This is my wakeup call.
surprised by the squealing of brakes (his).
Thankfully, he did not swerve. He slowed in a straight line. I swerved to miss him; turning sharp left, sharp right, and sharp left again to snake past him mid intersection. It happened so fast I couldn't even tell you how I did it. He could have as easily swerved in the same direction I did, but he didn't. In a flash it was over, he went on his way, and I went on mine.
I'm lucky.
I gotta get my head in the game.
This is my wakeup call.
Father-Son Ride
"Can we go for a motorcycle ride, Dad?" he asks.
"Sure," I reply. It doesn't take any persuading to get me out on the bike.
Sunday morning, skipping out on church. Singing hymns while riding past church parking lots packed full of cars. Rolling on the throttle and zooming past. Twisting through the hills, twists and switchbacks, the tree-lined streets of the Fall Creek area.
"Do you like twisty roads?" I ask.
"I ... don't know yet," he replies.
"Fair enough," I shrug.
"Do you like going fast?" I ask.
"I like going as fast as we possibly possibly can," he replies.
"Okay," I reply. Rolling on the throttle and pushing toward the redline. Rapid acceleration is the desired sensation. It matters more than top speed. It doesn't matter to him that I travel the speed limit; it matters that we reach the speed limit in under 3 seconds.
"Are you doing okay back there?" I ask.
"I am doing good," he replies.
"Slug-bug blue!" he yells, pointing at a passing VW Beetle.
"Are you getting hungry," I ask.
"Kinda," he replies.
"Would you like to stop for something to eat?"
"Yes," he replies.
"Would you like to eat our picnic lunch or just a snack," I ask.
"Just a snack," he replies.
Stop at a park, eat our snack. Explore. Find a baseball in the outfield. Play catch.
"Good throw!"
"Thanks, Dad."
Lots of time spent exploring, tossing a ball, exploring some more.
"Ready to go?"
"Yeah"
"Okay, let's gear up," I say. "Do you need help with your helmet?"
"No, I can do it myself," he replies.
Then, after a moment, "Is this right?"
"No, here, look at my fingers when I do it ... see?"
"Okay," he tries again, "How's this?"
"Good job!"
"Thanks, Dad."
"Sure," I reply. It doesn't take any persuading to get me out on the bike.
Sunday morning, skipping out on church. Singing hymns while riding past church parking lots packed full of cars. Rolling on the throttle and zooming past. Twisting through the hills, twists and switchbacks, the tree-lined streets of the Fall Creek area.
"Do you like twisty roads?" I ask.
"I ... don't know yet," he replies.
"Fair enough," I shrug.
"Do you like going fast?" I ask.
"I like going as fast as we possibly possibly can," he replies.
"Okay," I reply. Rolling on the throttle and pushing toward the redline. Rapid acceleration is the desired sensation. It matters more than top speed. It doesn't matter to him that I travel the speed limit; it matters that we reach the speed limit in under 3 seconds.
"Are you doing okay back there?" I ask.
"I am doing good," he replies.
"Slug-bug blue!" he yells, pointing at a passing VW Beetle.
"Are you getting hungry," I ask.
"Kinda," he replies.
"Would you like to stop for something to eat?"
"Yes," he replies.
"Would you like to eat our picnic lunch or just a snack," I ask.
"Just a snack," he replies.
Stop at a park, eat our snack. Explore. Find a baseball in the outfield. Play catch.
"Good throw!"
"Thanks, Dad."
Lots of time spent exploring, tossing a ball, exploring some more.
"Ready to go?"
"Yeah"
"Okay, let's gear up," I say. "Do you need help with your helmet?"
"No, I can do it myself," he replies.
Then, after a moment, "Is this right?"
"No, here, look at my fingers when I do it ... see?"
"Okay," he tries again, "How's this?"
"Good job!"
"Thanks, Dad."
Wussi
Someone at my place of employment has been riding a yellow scooter to and from work. No joke, the brand name is "Wussi".
Don't know where it is made, but the website is in Spanish.
Us biker types at work have been having a field day with it. Just because the name is so fitting; it matches what a biker thinks of a scooter rider.
Today I was thankful to the Wussi rider for saving my parking space. There is a little oblong triangle of parking space in the garage where cars don't really fit, and are not supposed to park. These little triangles are just about perfect for motorcycles. Most of the motorcyclists in the company park their rides in these little triangles. There is one Hummer who parks in the motorcycle spot because he is too special to park where he belongs. He crams his SUV in a spot not designed to hold it. If I am not at work by 8:15 he takes "my" spot. Without fail.
(I am very self-conscious about calling it my spot, cause really, it doesn't have my name on it. But it is at the very least, very specifically not his spot. His pig does not fit. He parks at odd angles, encroaching on the neighboring car's space, making it difficult for everyone else. I would still think he's inconsiderate, even if it wasn't "my spot" where I "normally" park.)
Today I was later than 8:15 but there was no gleaming pig of a Hummer in "my" spot. Instead, there was a Wussi.
Nice thing about motorcycles (and scooters) is you can fit two or even three in the space of one Hummer.
So today I parked next to the Wussi, and was thankful for it.
Don't know where it is made, but the website is in Spanish.
Us biker types at work have been having a field day with it. Just because the name is so fitting; it matches what a biker thinks of a scooter rider.
Today I was thankful to the Wussi rider for saving my parking space. There is a little oblong triangle of parking space in the garage where cars don't really fit, and are not supposed to park. These little triangles are just about perfect for motorcycles. Most of the motorcyclists in the company park their rides in these little triangles. There is one Hummer who parks in the motorcycle spot because he is too special to park where he belongs. He crams his SUV in a spot not designed to hold it. If I am not at work by 8:15 he takes "my" spot. Without fail.
(I am very self-conscious about calling it my spot, cause really, it doesn't have my name on it. But it is at the very least, very specifically not his spot. His pig does not fit. He parks at odd angles, encroaching on the neighboring car's space, making it difficult for everyone else. I would still think he's inconsiderate, even if it wasn't "my spot" where I "normally" park.)
Today I was later than 8:15 but there was no gleaming pig of a Hummer in "my" spot. Instead, there was a Wussi.
Nice thing about motorcycles (and scooters) is you can fit two or even three in the space of one Hummer.
So today I parked next to the Wussi, and was thankful for it.
Stumbling In The Rain
This bike never rides rough, except, twice now, when caught in a downpour, and sitting at a stoplight, it starts to falter and idles rough. Idle drops and it dies.
Any ideas? Plug wires are fine, plugs are new, and symptom only occurs in heavy rain.
Any ideas? Plug wires are fine, plugs are new, and symptom only occurs in heavy rain.
Pish Posh
Larry's borrowing my car again.
"No problem," I say.
"But how will you get to work tomorrow?" He asks.
I point to my GoldWing. "Same as always," I reply.
"What if it rains?" He asks.
"Pish posh!" I say.
He grins.
"If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride," I say.
"No problem," I say.
"But how will you get to work tomorrow?" He asks.
I point to my GoldWing. "Same as always," I reply.
"What if it rains?" He asks.
"Pish posh!" I say.
He grins.
"If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride," I say.
Riding Music
I tried using my MP3 player and some earbuds to listen to music on the way home from work on the bike. First time ever.
I don't like it and probably won't do it again.
In order to hear, I had to crank it to the point of hurting my ears.
I safeguard my hearing as a rule: music means too much to me for me to squander my hearing. I want to be listening to music when I get to be a hundred.
So I had to turn it down, which meant I couldn't hear it except at stoplights.
I did enjoy hearing music at stoplights, with my toes tapping. But even there it didn't sound as good as it does in a car.
I guess music is one plus I can see about driving a car versus riding a bike.
Okay, so that's one.
Not enough. I'm gonna keep riding, and save the tunes for when I arrive.
I don't like it and probably won't do it again.
In order to hear, I had to crank it to the point of hurting my ears.
I safeguard my hearing as a rule: music means too much to me for me to squander my hearing. I want to be listening to music when I get to be a hundred.
So I had to turn it down, which meant I couldn't hear it except at stoplights.
I did enjoy hearing music at stoplights, with my toes tapping. But even there it didn't sound as good as it does in a car.
I guess music is one plus I can see about driving a car versus riding a bike.
Okay, so that's one.
Not enough. I'm gonna keep riding, and save the tunes for when I arrive.
More V30 Parts
My son and I took more parts off the old bike, the V30. I snapped some digital photos of them and I'll try to list these parts on eBay in the next few days.
I had a vision of me having boxfuls of V30 parts hanging around in my garage two years from now, and I don't like that vision. I want to make sure it does not come to pass.
I had a vision of me having boxfuls of V30 parts hanging around in my garage two years from now, and I don't like that vision. I want to make sure it does not come to pass.
Baffles – A Gold Winger’s Haiku
(With apologies to Carl Sandburg, and Honda motorcycles)
Without a sound comes
The quiet Gold Wing Rider
On little cat feet
---
My "fellow motorcycle enthusiast friend" Dennis (it's easier just to say "Biker friend") sent me this poem after he found out I was buying a Gold Wing. I don't think he was familiar with the famous Carl Sandburg poem upon which it is based. But he and I both got a kick out of it.
Without a sound comes
The quiet Gold Wing Rider
On little cat feet
---
My "fellow motorcycle enthusiast friend" Dennis (it's easier just to say "Biker friend") sent me this poem after he found out I was buying a Gold Wing. I don't think he was familiar with the famous Carl Sandburg poem upon which it is based. But he and I both got a kick out of it.
Draggin' -- Part 2
One of the comments on my earlier "Draggin'" post suggested that it had to be the center stand...
Ding ding ding ding! We have a winner.
I happened to notice the other day that the center stand on the right side is ground off and has shiny bits of metal indicating a fresh grind. The grind marks on the header pipes are, by contrast rusty. (This is the work of the previous owner, not me)
Also, just eyeballing the bike, the lowest point is the center stand -- it'll be the first to drag.
Ding ding ding ding! We have a winner.
I happened to notice the other day that the center stand on the right side is ground off and has shiny bits of metal indicating a fresh grind. The grind marks on the header pipes are, by contrast rusty. (This is the work of the previous owner, not me)
Also, just eyeballing the bike, the lowest point is the center stand -- it'll be the first to drag.
What I accomplished yesterday
- Revived a bike that wouldn't start
- Topped off the battery
- Installed Battery Tender cables
- Changed spark plugs
- Change the oil
- Checked the air filter
- Bought a compression tester
- Learned how not to do a compression test
- Adjusted the suspension
- Spent the afternoon with my 7 year old son "working" in the garage. (Some call it work but both of us defined it as fun)
- Took my boy for a ride
- Rode with a (by the end of the ride) wiggly and uncomfortable 7 year old throwing his weight around on the back seat
- Got caught in a downpour on the way home
Twas a good day.
Compression: 90 psi
I did some routine maintenance on the 82 GL1100 today, and did my first ever compression test.
Warmed the bike up, and got readings between 85 and 90 psi on all cylinders.
According to Clymer's manual, readings under 140 mean an engine overhaul is due.
My question is, how bad is 90 psi? How imminent is my overhaul?
I'm assuming from the burning oil at startup that I'll need new rings. I have not checked the valves yet (plan to do that this winter when I replace the valve cover gaskets and timing belts).
I haven't checked compression on my wife's V30 yet. But when I do, should I do it cold or warm? What threshold do you use when considering compression on a V4. What is too low for comfort?
Warmed the bike up, and got readings between 85 and 90 psi on all cylinders.
According to Clymer's manual, readings under 140 mean an engine overhaul is due.
My question is, how bad is 90 psi? How imminent is my overhaul?
I'm assuming from the burning oil at startup that I'll need new rings. I have not checked the valves yet (plan to do that this winter when I replace the valve cover gaskets and timing belts).
I haven't checked compression on my wife's V30 yet. But when I do, should I do it cold or warm? What threshold do you use when considering compression on a V4. What is too low for comfort?
Won't Start
Bought a new filter and oil and was gonna change the oil. Backed the truck out of the garage to make room. Tried to fire up the bike because it's easier to move it around the garage with the engine running than with the engine off. It's a bit of a manatee on land in that regard.
Darn thing wouldn't start. What's up with that?
I know three things are needed for it to run: fuel, spark and compression.
The fuel is a brand new tank of gas; I filled it up yesterday. I suppose the fuel filter could be clogged. I could pull the fuel line at the carbs and see if fuel pumps out when the engine cranks. Of course, I know how to do this on the V30 but have never done it on the Wing.
I had planned to replace the plugs, let me go ahead and change them, and check for spark while I'm at it.
Spark is good. New plugs.
Battery is fine, it is cranking the bike over and over. I did go ahead and pull it out, clean it off and top it off with distilled water. Put it back in.
Pull out the choke and crank the bike again. Vroom it starts right up.
That was strange -- those plugs were fine yesterday, they couldn't have gone bad overnight. I will have to keep an eye on this. I think there might be a bad spot on the kill switch, causing the bike to be in "kill mode" even though the switch is in "run" mode. If so, that'll just need to have the contact points cleaned in that switch.
Darn thing wouldn't start. What's up with that?
I know three things are needed for it to run: fuel, spark and compression.
The fuel is a brand new tank of gas; I filled it up yesterday. I suppose the fuel filter could be clogged. I could pull the fuel line at the carbs and see if fuel pumps out when the engine cranks. Of course, I know how to do this on the V30 but have never done it on the Wing.
I had planned to replace the plugs, let me go ahead and change them, and check for spark while I'm at it.
Spark is good. New plugs.
Battery is fine, it is cranking the bike over and over. I did go ahead and pull it out, clean it off and top it off with distilled water. Put it back in.
Pull out the choke and crank the bike again. Vroom it starts right up.
That was strange -- those plugs were fine yesterday, they couldn't have gone bad overnight. I will have to keep an eye on this. I think there might be a bad spot on the kill switch, causing the bike to be in "kill mode" even though the switch is in "run" mode. If so, that'll just need to have the contact points cleaned in that switch.
Dipstick!
I am having a hard time getting used to the viewport for checking oil on my GL1100. I have to put the bike on the center stand, stand on my head, hold a flashlight with one hand, a screwdriver with the other, squint, and peer into shadow and see if I can see what my oil level is.
My oil doesn't show in the window? Is it too full (above the full line) or too low (below the quart-low line). With a dipstick, I'd be able to tell, but with the window, it is a mystery.
I see in the JCWhitney catalog an aftermarket dipstick assembly that hangs off the front of the bike. I wonder -- has anybody here tried it and how do you like it?
My oil doesn't show in the window? Is it too full (above the full line) or too low (below the quart-low line). With a dipstick, I'd be able to tell, but with the window, it is a mystery.
I see in the JCWhitney catalog an aftermarket dipstick assembly that hangs off the front of the bike. I wonder -- has anybody here tried it and how do you like it?
Things I Want To Do
Replace the plugs
Change the oil
Learn how to lube the drive shaft
Learn how to change the fork oil
Learn how to balance the carbs
Stop the leak (replace the gaskets)
Replace the timing belt
Repaint the right side frame
Re-chrome (or replace) the mufflers
Remove the chrome bag guards
Remove the chrome fender guards
Remove the fairing
Install a headlight
Install fork-mounted turn signals
Eventually:
Repaint the tank
Repaint the lids
Change the oil
Learn how to lube the drive shaft
Learn how to change the fork oil
Learn how to balance the carbs
Stop the leak (replace the gaskets)
Replace the timing belt
Repaint the right side frame
Re-chrome (or replace) the mufflers
Remove the chrome bag guards
Remove the chrome fender guards
Remove the fairing
Install a headlight
Install fork-mounted turn signals
Eventually:
Repaint the tank
Repaint the lids
Draggin'
For the first time ever in my short motorcycle career, I dragged something in a turn today. It was an aggressive right hand turn. I would have thought it was a footpeg, but the peg is unscratched. Eyeballing the right hand side of the bike, I think I'd have to guess that the exhaust headers or crash bars drag before the footpeg.
Experienced parts-scrapers, I wonder: What drags first on a Wing?
One of my buddies told me I should trade in the Wing for a CBR if I'm gonna be dragging parts...
I told Dennis and Brian that I had dragged something on my bike for the first time, and they were impressed.
Then Brian added, "Well, actually, it's not really the first time. Last time you dragged the clutch lever, the mirror, ..."
He was referring to my infamous crash, first time riding my new-to-me bike, back in September of 04. I get teased about that a lot to this day.
I said, you know, it really wasn't that hard to drag something on the wing. In fact, it made me think there was something wrong, with my suspension or something.
Dennis said, "It's not a sport-bike, you know..."
Experienced parts-scrapers, I wonder: What drags first on a Wing?
One of my buddies told me I should trade in the Wing for a CBR if I'm gonna be dragging parts...
I told Dennis and Brian that I had dragged something on my bike for the first time, and they were impressed.
Then Brian added, "Well, actually, it's not really the first time. Last time you dragged the clutch lever, the mirror, ..."
He was referring to my infamous crash, first time riding my new-to-me bike, back in September of 04. I get teased about that a lot to this day.
I said, you know, it really wasn't that hard to drag something on the wing. In fact, it made me think there was something wrong, with my suspension or something.
Dennis said, "It's not a sport-bike, you know..."
Call Me Slick
I'm still trying to track down that strange leak in my GL1100. I had checked the oil after work Wednesday night and found it to be about half-a-quart low. So I added more.
Now, sitting in my garage 4 hours later, I check the oil and discover that I cannot see the oil level in the window. I curse that oil window. Why can't my bike have a dipstick like a normal bike. What was the big idea about having an oil-checking window. It's no more convenient than a dipstick, in fact, it's less convenient. To check the oil I need a screw driver (to twist the wiper blade in the window) a flash light (to see under the frame into the land of constant shadow where the oil window hides). And I need to stand on my head.
Did I overfill it, did I fill it so high that it appears like there's no oil in the window at all? Again, a dipstick wouldn't have had this problem.
I decide to warm the bike up and see if the level in the window changes. I figure it will.
I power up the bike, and let it warm up for about a minute.
My right leg feels warm, what's that?
Oh, crap, I forgot to put the oil filler cap back on the bike. Warm motor oil has been shooting out the oil filler hole for one whole minute. My pant leg from the knee down, my brand new sneaker are covered in oil. A fountain of oil has cascaded over my wife's bike which was parked next to mine. Her engine, tank, side cover and seat all are oily.
My wife comes into the garage.
She sees my predicament. She said, "I was gonna remind you to put back the oil filler cap, but I decided against it."
I said, "Next time, go with your instinct."
She produced a rag and a bucket of soapy water.
"Have fun!" She said, "Please clean off my bike before you clean the floor."
I looked at her dumbstruck. Not that I *expected* her to help me clean up my mess, but still, I guess a guy can hope.
And I was right, I had overfilled the oil. And I was right, running the bike for a few minutes did result in the oil level dropping. But that's what happens when you leave the cap off.
My wife washed my jeans and sneakers until they were clean. It was quite the project.
And, I told my motorcycle friends at work.
"Nice job, Slick," said Mark.
I think I have a new nickname, at least until the next bonehead move earns me another one.
Now, sitting in my garage 4 hours later, I check the oil and discover that I cannot see the oil level in the window. I curse that oil window. Why can't my bike have a dipstick like a normal bike. What was the big idea about having an oil-checking window. It's no more convenient than a dipstick, in fact, it's less convenient. To check the oil I need a screw driver (to twist the wiper blade in the window) a flash light (to see under the frame into the land of constant shadow where the oil window hides). And I need to stand on my head.
Did I overfill it, did I fill it so high that it appears like there's no oil in the window at all? Again, a dipstick wouldn't have had this problem.
I decide to warm the bike up and see if the level in the window changes. I figure it will.
I power up the bike, and let it warm up for about a minute.
My right leg feels warm, what's that?
Oh, crap, I forgot to put the oil filler cap back on the bike. Warm motor oil has been shooting out the oil filler hole for one whole minute. My pant leg from the knee down, my brand new sneaker are covered in oil. A fountain of oil has cascaded over my wife's bike which was parked next to mine. Her engine, tank, side cover and seat all are oily.
My wife comes into the garage.
She sees my predicament. She said, "I was gonna remind you to put back the oil filler cap, but I decided against it."
I said, "Next time, go with your instinct."
She produced a rag and a bucket of soapy water.
"Have fun!" She said, "Please clean off my bike before you clean the floor."
I looked at her dumbstruck. Not that I *expected* her to help me clean up my mess, but still, I guess a guy can hope.
And I was right, I had overfilled the oil. And I was right, running the bike for a few minutes did result in the oil level dropping. But that's what happens when you leave the cap off.
My wife washed my jeans and sneakers until they were clean. It was quite the project.
And, I told my motorcycle friends at work.
"Nice job, Slick," said Mark.
I think I have a new nickname, at least until the next bonehead move earns me another one.
Intermittent Oil Loss
On my 1982 GL1100, I check the oil every tank of gas. Most of the time the oil level is spot on, no loss. But twice now I've lost an entire quart of oil during the tank. Oil is always checked engine cold, bike on centerstand.
I cannot correlate this loss to anything specific in my driving. The first time it had happened was after 700 miles of commuting, I checked the oil, it was fine. I took at 100 mile country drive. Before I turned it toward home (the engine was cold and bike was on the center stand) I checked the oil and holy smokes, I'm a quart low. Must've been something strange in the 100 mile run. Extended run at highway speeds, right?
Well, wrong. It didn't use any oil on the return trip. Even though it was the same distance and same type of ride. Perplexed, I vowed to keep a close eye on the oil level.
I did another 650 mile drive, and drove another 200 miles of commuting traffic, and didn't lose any oil. I checked it after every tank.
Then, this last tank, another one spent in commuting traffic, I lost a quart.
What gives?
I cannot correlate this loss to anything specific in my driving. The first time it had happened was after 700 miles of commuting, I checked the oil, it was fine. I took at 100 mile country drive. Before I turned it toward home (the engine was cold and bike was on the center stand) I checked the oil and holy smokes, I'm a quart low. Must've been something strange in the 100 mile run. Extended run at highway speeds, right?
Well, wrong. It didn't use any oil on the return trip. Even though it was the same distance and same type of ride. Perplexed, I vowed to keep a close eye on the oil level.
I did another 650 mile drive, and drove another 200 miles of commuting traffic, and didn't lose any oil. I checked it after every tank.
Then, this last tank, another one spent in commuting traffic, I lost a quart.
What gives?
Erratic Oil Loss
This is the strangest thing I've come across yet. I have a new-to-me 82 1100I. I check the oil every tank of gas. Most of the time the oil is spot on, no loss. But twice now I've lost an entire quart of oil during the tank.
I cannot correlate this loss to anything specific in my driving. The first time it had happened was after 700 miles of commuting, I checked the oil, it was fine. I took at 100 mile country drive. Before I turned it toward home (the engine was cold!) I checked the oil and holy smokes, I'm a quart low. Must've been something strange in the 100 mile run. Extended run at highway speeds, right?
Well, wrong. It didn't use any oil on the return trip. Even though it was the same distance and same type of ride. Perplexed, I vowed to keep a close eye on the oil level.
I did another 650 mile drive, and drove another 200 miles of commuting traffic, and didn't lose any oil. I checked it after every tank.
Then, this last tank, all commuting traffic, I lost a quart.
What gives?
I should mention that the head covers do leak a small amount of oil. I plan to replace the head cover gaskets. The previous owner must've bought them fancy new chrome head covers and put them in place with old gaskets. The only evidence I ever see of this leak (unless I lie on the ground under my bike and look up) is a little quarter sized spot of oil on my left boot from tucking it under the head cover while shifting. I know this obvious leak seems like a likely culprit for my oil loss, but it doesn't quite add up. I see the spot of oil on my boot yet I consistently have good oil level for tank after tank. Then, all at once, in one tank, I lose a quart. If it were a consistent loss rate it'd make more sense to me.
I cannot correlate this loss to anything specific in my driving. The first time it had happened was after 700 miles of commuting, I checked the oil, it was fine. I took at 100 mile country drive. Before I turned it toward home (the engine was cold!) I checked the oil and holy smokes, I'm a quart low. Must've been something strange in the 100 mile run. Extended run at highway speeds, right?
Well, wrong. It didn't use any oil on the return trip. Even though it was the same distance and same type of ride. Perplexed, I vowed to keep a close eye on the oil level.
I did another 650 mile drive, and drove another 200 miles of commuting traffic, and didn't lose any oil. I checked it after every tank.
Then, this last tank, all commuting traffic, I lost a quart.
What gives?
I should mention that the head covers do leak a small amount of oil. I plan to replace the head cover gaskets. The previous owner must've bought them fancy new chrome head covers and put them in place with old gaskets. The only evidence I ever see of this leak (unless I lie on the ground under my bike and look up) is a little quarter sized spot of oil on my left boot from tucking it under the head cover while shifting. I know this obvious leak seems like a likely culprit for my oil loss, but it doesn't quite add up. I see the spot of oil on my boot yet I consistently have good oil level for tank after tank. Then, all at once, in one tank, I lose a quart. If it were a consistent loss rate it'd make more sense to me.
Emergency Heat Relief -- Windshield Removal?
I ride a 1982 GL1100I and I love to ride my bike every day to work.
I think this bike is very HOT HOT HOT in the summertime and I'm wondering, can I take the plexiglass windshield off the bike?
I mean, I know how to do it, technically, I just wonder if it'll affect handling or anything, and if it'll make a difference in the comfort level when I'm riding at commuter speeds on city streets?
I eventually plan to ditch the fairing and go naked (http://www.nakedgoldwings.com) but that's a bigger project than I want to do in the summertime.
Just a crazy thought, thanks for your replies...
I think this bike is very HOT HOT HOT in the summertime and I'm wondering, can I take the plexiglass windshield off the bike?
I mean, I know how to do it, technically, I just wonder if it'll affect handling or anything, and if it'll make a difference in the comfort level when I'm riding at commuter speeds on city streets?
I eventually plan to ditch the fairing and go naked (http://www.nakedgoldwings.com) but that's a bigger project than I want to do in the summertime.
Just a crazy thought, thanks for your replies...
Speedometer Cable
My wife and kids were in the Tahoe. The DVD player was playing "High School Musical" to entertain the kids. The trailer behind the Tahoe held my wife's V30. My Wing was in its natural state, and was ready to head out into its element -- the Interstate, for which it is aptly named.
I had to mail something from the post office before I left town. As I pulled into the post office parking lot I heard a horrible squeal from the speedometer cable. I have heard this squeal before, in cold weather, from my own V30's cable. So I knew the sound.
10 minutes later, out on the interstate, I shift into 5th gear and discover my speedometer is reporting 0 mph. Ugh, my speedometer cable has given up the ghost.
Ironic, my wife's did that a few weeks ago. I replaced her cable with a spare from my own derelict V30, and restored hers to operating condition.
Now here I was setting out on a multi-day journey and no speedometer.
I think I remember that at 4000 rpm I'm doing about 65 mph, so I'll use the tachometer in place of a speedometer. Actually, I think I'll just go with the flow.
I stopped for refreshment at a rest stop about an hour from home.
"Is that 100th Anniversary?" a trucker asked me.
I looked at him quizzically. Was he asking me whether my bike was a 100th anniversary edition? Really, when is Honda's 100th anniversary? I'm sure it hasn't happened yet. Harley's, of course, was in 2003.
Then I realized he was asking about my T-shirt, which I purchased when attending Harley's 100th anniversary party in Milwaukee, in 2003.
"Yes," I answered.
"Were you there?" he asked me.
"Yes, I was," I answered. "Were you?"
"Yes, I sure was," he replied.
I'm sure he wondered about a Honda Gold Wing rider wearing a Harley 100th Anniversary T-Shirt. But he did not voice any questions.
He said, "Ride safe. You might wanna get out your rain gear, it's raining up North."
"Really?" I said, "I am heading North."
This, of course, was obvious, since we were at a rest stop where all traffic had exited from and would be returning to I-65 North. The southbound and northbound traffic did not intermix at the rest stop.
Before I left I inspected the speedometer cable.
Checked the bottom first, down by the front axle. Nothing out of place.
Checked the top. Well, would you look at that. The cable has detached itself from the speedometer housing altogether. Sheepishly I screw the cable back into the back of the speedometer housing. I take off down the on ramp back onto the interstate and voila, I have a speedometer again.
I had to mail something from the post office before I left town. As I pulled into the post office parking lot I heard a horrible squeal from the speedometer cable. I have heard this squeal before, in cold weather, from my own V30's cable. So I knew the sound.
10 minutes later, out on the interstate, I shift into 5th gear and discover my speedometer is reporting 0 mph. Ugh, my speedometer cable has given up the ghost.
Ironic, my wife's did that a few weeks ago. I replaced her cable with a spare from my own derelict V30, and restored hers to operating condition.
Now here I was setting out on a multi-day journey and no speedometer.
I think I remember that at 4000 rpm I'm doing about 65 mph, so I'll use the tachometer in place of a speedometer. Actually, I think I'll just go with the flow.
I stopped for refreshment at a rest stop about an hour from home.
"Is that 100th Anniversary?" a trucker asked me.
I looked at him quizzically. Was he asking me whether my bike was a 100th anniversary edition? Really, when is Honda's 100th anniversary? I'm sure it hasn't happened yet. Harley's, of course, was in 2003.
Then I realized he was asking about my T-shirt, which I purchased when attending Harley's 100th anniversary party in Milwaukee, in 2003.
"Yes," I answered.
"Were you there?" he asked me.
"Yes, I was," I answered. "Were you?"
"Yes, I sure was," he replied.
I'm sure he wondered about a Honda Gold Wing rider wearing a Harley 100th Anniversary T-Shirt. But he did not voice any questions.
He said, "Ride safe. You might wanna get out your rain gear, it's raining up North."
"Really?" I said, "I am heading North."
This, of course, was obvious, since we were at a rest stop where all traffic had exited from and would be returning to I-65 North. The southbound and northbound traffic did not intermix at the rest stop.
Before I left I inspected the speedometer cable.
Checked the bottom first, down by the front axle. Nothing out of place.
Checked the top. Well, would you look at that. The cable has detached itself from the speedometer housing altogether. Sheepishly I screw the cable back into the back of the speedometer housing. I take off down the on ramp back onto the interstate and voila, I have a speedometer again.
Just A Little Rain
I moved swiftly and effortlessly up I-65 at interstate speeds. Such a stark contrast to my fateful interstate run on the Raven, on May 5. In that run, I was buffetted by winds and it felt like the turbulence from each passing semi would rip my head off.
Here I glided by, among and between four-wheeled cages and 18-wheelers.
At US-24 I headed west, and before long I was getting wet. Nothing like some of the deluges I've been caught in before. The sky looks patchy to the west, so I'm betting this won't last long. I think I'll continue to ride and not don my rain gear.
By Goodland it was a steady rain, so I pulled off at a filling station (no need for more gas yet) and ducked out of the rain. From the cover of the canopy over the pumps, I called my wife on the cell phone. She was ahead of me; we were making no effort to travel in lock step, each of us were setting our own stops as needed.
She confirmed, the rain was not so bad ahead.
I left off the rain gear. The rain was tapering off, to a light misting. So I threw my leg across the saddle again and pointed the nose west.
Here I glided by, among and between four-wheeled cages and 18-wheelers.
At US-24 I headed west, and before long I was getting wet. Nothing like some of the deluges I've been caught in before. The sky looks patchy to the west, so I'm betting this won't last long. I think I'll continue to ride and not don my rain gear.
By Goodland it was a steady rain, so I pulled off at a filling station (no need for more gas yet) and ducked out of the rain. From the cover of the canopy over the pumps, I called my wife on the cell phone. She was ahead of me; we were making no effort to travel in lock step, each of us were setting our own stops as needed.
She confirmed, the rain was not so bad ahead.
I left off the rain gear. The rain was tapering off, to a light misting. So I threw my leg across the saddle again and pointed the nose west.
Cannot trailer 2
We own a 5x8 trailer with steel squarebar frame and wooden deck and sides. We have trailered on or the other bike before.
This time we hoped to trailer both side by side.
So we could trailer bikes to Grammas house, where would leave the kids for 3 days while we toured the countryside on a rare getaway. Our first ever overnight bike excursion.
I hate getting the Wing up on the trailer, it is so big and heavy. I bought a new ramp just for the purpose (the 2x12's weren't strong enough) but still the bike bottoms out as the oil pan crests the ramp onto the floor of the trailer. I hate when it does that.
But I got both bikes up there, side by side, and both of them strapped down tight with ratcheting tie downs. But grab one and tug on it, and the bed of the trailer flexed enough to make me think -- these bikes will bump into each other not from any flex in their moorings, but from flex in the bed of the trailer.
Our wooden mulch-hauling trailer just would not do for hauling two bikes.
By now it's nearly 9 oclock and we consider our other option to be me riding mine, my wife trailering hers, with kids of course riding with her in the truck.
But I've had about 6 weeks of hell at work, up to and including today, and I'm tired. I don't want to start an incursion into deer country at night, with my body and mind as fatigued as this.
We'll stay another night. We'll make the journey tomorrow.
This time we hoped to trailer both side by side.
So we could trailer bikes to Grammas house, where would leave the kids for 3 days while we toured the countryside on a rare getaway. Our first ever overnight bike excursion.
I hate getting the Wing up on the trailer, it is so big and heavy. I bought a new ramp just for the purpose (the 2x12's weren't strong enough) but still the bike bottoms out as the oil pan crests the ramp onto the floor of the trailer. I hate when it does that.
But I got both bikes up there, side by side, and both of them strapped down tight with ratcheting tie downs. But grab one and tug on it, and the bed of the trailer flexed enough to make me think -- these bikes will bump into each other not from any flex in their moorings, but from flex in the bed of the trailer.
Our wooden mulch-hauling trailer just would not do for hauling two bikes.
By now it's nearly 9 oclock and we consider our other option to be me riding mine, my wife trailering hers, with kids of course riding with her in the truck.
But I've had about 6 weeks of hell at work, up to and including today, and I'm tired. I don't want to start an incursion into deer country at night, with my body and mind as fatigued as this.
We'll stay another night. We'll make the journey tomorrow.
The 82's At Oxford, Ohio
Hueston Woods State Park.
Kawasaki Spectre "Rat". Fuel cutoff valve is a pair of channel lock pliers. Rear shocks are rust. Exhaust is high-heat paint black. Seat has rips revealing yellow foam underneath.
But that sucka will move!
Honda GoldWing Interstate. Front master cylinder leaks. Scratched tank and saddle bags. Valve covers leak. Left exhaust was damaged by battery acid, and sloppily repainted by previous owner. But that sucka will move!
Larry's 82
Kawasaki Spectre "Rat". Fuel cutoff valve is a pair of channel lock pliers. Rear shocks are rust. Exhaust is high-heat paint black. Seat has rips revealing yellow foam underneath.
But that sucka will move!
My 82
Honda GoldWing Interstate. Front master cylinder leaks. Scratched tank and saddle bags. Valve covers leak. Left exhaust was damaged by battery acid, and sloppily repainted by previous owner. But that sucka will move!
The 82's
My brother-in-law Larry suggested that he and I ride from Indianapolis to Heuston Woods state park in Ohio for our family reunion.
He arrived at my house at about 10 am. We fetched his current rat from my screen porch, where he has been keeping it. His current rat, by the way, is a 1982 Kawasaki Spectre 1100cc. It is a rusty critter with blacked out exhaust, crusty carbs, and a leaky fuel valve. It's missing a side cover and has ugly yellow-orange foam hanging out of rips in the seat cover. But that rat can fly!
Despite having the fuel line pinched off with channel-lock pliers, the bike had puddled some fuel and oil on the concrete floor of the screen porch. When he sat the bike up on its center stand, fuel poured out of the airbox where it had accumulated.
"Will we even be able to get it started?" I asked dubiously.
"Sure!" he said, ever optimistic.
Sure enough, he cranked it for about 10 seconds, and VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM the Kawasaki inline 4 with 4-into-1 exhaust roared to life.
He backed it out of the screen porch and we were on our way.
We both needed to gas it up before we hit the road, so we stopped at the local convenient mart for gas. He discovered his wife had his wallet, so I bought gas for both of us.
I put 3 gallons of 87 octane in my 82 GoldWing. He sniffed and requested high octane fuel.
"It's a high compression engine, and my brother told me to put 92 octane in it," he told me.
"Huh," I mused, "My magna was a high-compression engine and it ran on 87 octane. But as you wish." I swiped my card again to pump 2.7 gallons of premium into his tank.
Our route was set. We'd slab it down I-465 then take US-52 west. We didn't really want to do the whole trip on the superslab.
He was without a windshield at interstate speeds and I remember how that felt when I made that trip on May 5, with no shield. I felt like the wind was gonna rip my head right off my shoulders.
"I'll let you lead," he said at the stop light. "I'll stay in your right mirror."
Once on the interstate, when we reached the flying interchange between I-69 and I-465, he couldn't resist flying past me, leaning, and rolling on the throttle. He pulled away from me like I was standing still.
...more to come...
He arrived at my house at about 10 am. We fetched his current rat from my screen porch, where he has been keeping it. His current rat, by the way, is a 1982 Kawasaki Spectre 1100cc. It is a rusty critter with blacked out exhaust, crusty carbs, and a leaky fuel valve. It's missing a side cover and has ugly yellow-orange foam hanging out of rips in the seat cover. But that rat can fly!
Despite having the fuel line pinched off with channel-lock pliers, the bike had puddled some fuel and oil on the concrete floor of the screen porch. When he sat the bike up on its center stand, fuel poured out of the airbox where it had accumulated.
"Will we even be able to get it started?" I asked dubiously.
"Sure!" he said, ever optimistic.
Sure enough, he cranked it for about 10 seconds, and VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM the Kawasaki inline 4 with 4-into-1 exhaust roared to life.
He backed it out of the screen porch and we were on our way.
We both needed to gas it up before we hit the road, so we stopped at the local convenient mart for gas. He discovered his wife had his wallet, so I bought gas for both of us.
I put 3 gallons of 87 octane in my 82 GoldWing. He sniffed and requested high octane fuel.
"It's a high compression engine, and my brother told me to put 92 octane in it," he told me.
"Huh," I mused, "My magna was a high-compression engine and it ran on 87 octane. But as you wish." I swiped my card again to pump 2.7 gallons of premium into his tank.
Our route was set. We'd slab it down I-465 then take US-52 west. We didn't really want to do the whole trip on the superslab.
He was without a windshield at interstate speeds and I remember how that felt when I made that trip on May 5, with no shield. I felt like the wind was gonna rip my head right off my shoulders.
"I'll let you lead," he said at the stop light. "I'll stay in your right mirror."
Once on the interstate, when we reached the flying interchange between I-69 and I-465, he couldn't resist flying past me, leaning, and rolling on the throttle. He pulled away from me like I was standing still.
...more to come...
Trip Planning Software or Website
I'm a member of Honda Riders Club -- I might be the oddball in that regard. It seemed like a good idea for me, driving ancient bikes as I do. I have already been rescued once ... on my abortive attempt to reach Burr Oak.
One of the things their glossy brochure promised was a fancy trip-planning website that would let you choose a route based on fastest, most convenient, or scenic.
Reality is their website doesn't measure up to the promises. There is no way to choose a routing, it just always grabs the slab whenever it can.
Do you all have a recommendation for trip planning website or software? I do not own a GPS but would consider one. However, even if I could shake free of the cash I don't think I could choose one and buy it and install it soon enough for my next trips.
Thanks in advance...
One of the things their glossy brochure promised was a fancy trip-planning website that would let you choose a route based on fastest, most convenient, or scenic.
Reality is their website doesn't measure up to the promises. There is no way to choose a routing, it just always grabs the slab whenever it can.
Do you all have a recommendation for trip planning website or software? I do not own a GPS but would consider one. However, even if I could shake free of the cash I don't think I could choose one and buy it and install it soon enough for my next trips.
Thanks in advance...
Reading the Techron Label
I bought a bottle of Techron for the first time.
Now I'm about to ask a handful of really dumb questions. I must be in a particularly anal-retentive mood tonight...
Why do they tell me to pour in the techron first, then fill the tank? Can I add techron to a full tank instead?
The bottle says it treats 12 gallons of fuel. Should I use only half of the bottle for 5.5 gallon tank? It would be maggot-like to make a single use treatment last for *3* tanks.
How often should I do this? I've heard folks say every tank. I've heard folks say once a month. The bottle says every 3000 miles.
Now I'm about to ask a handful of really dumb questions. I must be in a particularly anal-retentive mood tonight...
Why do they tell me to pour in the techron first, then fill the tank? Can I add techron to a full tank instead?
The bottle says it treats 12 gallons of fuel. Should I use only half of the bottle for 5.5 gallon tank? It would be maggot-like to make a single use treatment last for *3* tanks.
How often should I do this? I've heard folks say every tank. I've heard folks say once a month. The bottle says every 3000 miles.
Traversing Chicago By Bike
My wife and I plan to ride from Indiana to Milwaukee. This puts us going through Chicago, or going way the f*** out of our way to go around Chicago.
I'm interested in suggested routes from people who are familiar with the windy city. Also, for those who are not, are there tips and pointers you have for plotting a major metropolitan crossing? I am not sure that big slab is the way we want to do it. I'm sure Chicago's not alone in this distinction, but the driving there is aggressive and stupid fast, even in a cage.
My wife's V30 is without a windshield, and she has expressed a preference to avoid interstate traffic. Maybe a dawn crossing is best, after the drunks are home, before the mad lemmings start their insane commute.
Suggestions welcome.
I'm interested in suggested routes from people who are familiar with the windy city. Also, for those who are not, are there tips and pointers you have for plotting a major metropolitan crossing? I am not sure that big slab is the way we want to do it. I'm sure Chicago's not alone in this distinction, but the driving there is aggressive and stupid fast, even in a cage.
My wife's V30 is without a windshield, and she has expressed a preference to avoid interstate traffic. Maybe a dawn crossing is best, after the drunks are home, before the mad lemmings start their insane commute.
Suggestions welcome.
Incredible Shrinking Bike
Okay, so I've been riding my Wing exclusively since I bought it on June 18.
Today I replaced my wife's V30's speedometer cable and took it for a lap around the block to make sure it was working.
The minute I sat on this bike I started laughing. It felt so small. So much smaller than it did just 3 weeks ago.
Guess I've gotten used to the bigger bike.
My wife took it out for a couple of laps around the lake tonight and commented that the seat hurts her tailbone. She expressed concern about our 500 mile trip to Wisconsin, coming up at the end of this month.
I might look into a custom seat for her, but there's no way to get that ready in 10 days.
Does anyone else have a suggestion? A product out there that would safely add some padding to the seat?
I joked with her that I could buy her one of those fuzzy seat covers like I had seen on Gold Wings when I was shopping for a Wing.
I also thought about strapping a plastic lawn chair to the bike -- since I'm bound to hear that suggestion from the group as well.
But I don't know if there are jelly doughnuts that can strap on the seat, or anything like that. Anyone have any experience with such?
Today I replaced my wife's V30's speedometer cable and took it for a lap around the block to make sure it was working.
The minute I sat on this bike I started laughing. It felt so small. So much smaller than it did just 3 weeks ago.
Guess I've gotten used to the bigger bike.
My wife took it out for a couple of laps around the lake tonight and commented that the seat hurts her tailbone. She expressed concern about our 500 mile trip to Wisconsin, coming up at the end of this month.
I might look into a custom seat for her, but there's no way to get that ready in 10 days.
Does anyone else have a suggestion? A product out there that would safely add some padding to the seat?
I joked with her that I could buy her one of those fuzzy seat covers like I had seen on Gold Wings when I was shopping for a Wing.
I also thought about strapping a plastic lawn chair to the bike -- since I'm bound to hear that suggestion from the group as well.
But I don't know if there are jelly doughnuts that can strap on the seat, or anything like that. Anyone have any experience with such?
Brother In Law's Garage
A respectable sight. An honorable tradition. My brother in law has two 1982 KZ1000 Spectre's in his garage. From them he hopes to make one solid bike.
Crappy Mileage GL1100I
I was disappointed to see that my new-to-me GL1100 is getting only about 30.5 mpg.
I am commuting 13 miles each way, to and from work, stop and go.
I was trying to convince myself that this mileage was to be expected, but the more I read, the more I think that this is low.
Suggestions?
New plugs? Air filter? Anything else?
Bike was overhauled, carbs synced, new filters and everything 1 year ago (previous owner).
I am commuting 13 miles each way, to and from work, stop and go.
I was trying to convince myself that this mileage was to be expected, but the more I read, the more I think that this is low.
Suggestions?
New plugs? Air filter? Anything else?
Bike was overhauled, carbs synced, new filters and everything 1 year ago (previous owner).
Valdez Bikesong
I jokingly told my friends the first day I rode my "new-to-me" GL1100 to work that it had all the handling of an oil barge.
I said I should name it the "Exxon Valdez" after the famous oil tanker that spilled its oil on the Alaskan shore all those years ago.
They all laughed.
I've been riding it for about a week now, and they asked me, "So, how was your ride in today on the Valdez?"
I said, "You know, it doesn't handle so much like an oil barge now that I've gotten used to it."
I'm starting to like it. It took a while to get used to the bigger bike, heavier bike feel.
It took a while to get used to its groans and grunts. To know when it is just singing, and to know when it is complaining. Mostly it sings.
It has an eery, sci-fi song like I've never heard before. It is nothing like my old bike.
My V30 had a fascinating hybrid characteristic: At low RPM it rumbled like a V-Twin Cruiser; at higher RPM it whined like an inline-four Sport Bike. Fascinating to have both characteristics in one motor.
My new bike has a rumbling complaint if you lug it down too low. It sounds downright crabby. It's like, "I'll do what you ask, but you gotta give me something to work with here!"
But give it plenty of throttle and it hums, and the hum climbs up and fades to a shrill whisper. Yes, a whisper. I swear it's quieter at 60 than at 40. Whereas the V30 would whine like a sport bike, this Wing is too refined to whine. It gives a sighing whisper. Sort of like the "Ahhhhhhhh" sound people made in the commercial after they took the Nestea plunge.
It's amazingly solid in corners. It loves the sweepers, but is incredibly nimble, for a 770 lb bike, in the corners.
I said I should name it the "Exxon Valdez" after the famous oil tanker that spilled its oil on the Alaskan shore all those years ago.
They all laughed.
I've been riding it for about a week now, and they asked me, "So, how was your ride in today on the Valdez?"I said, "You know, it doesn't handle so much like an oil barge now that I've gotten used to it."
I'm starting to like it. It took a while to get used to the bigger bike, heavier bike feel.
It took a while to get used to its groans and grunts. To know when it is just singing, and to know when it is complaining. Mostly it sings.
It has an eery, sci-fi song like I've never heard before. It is nothing like my old bike.
My V30 had a fascinating hybrid characteristic: At low RPM it rumbled like a V-Twin Cruiser; at higher RPM it whined like an inline-four Sport Bike. Fascinating to have both characteristics in one motor.
My new bike has a rumbling complaint if you lug it down too low. It sounds downright crabby. It's like, "I'll do what you ask, but you gotta give me something to work with here!"
But give it plenty of throttle and it hums, and the hum climbs up and fades to a shrill whisper. Yes, a whisper. I swear it's quieter at 60 than at 40. Whereas the V30 would whine like a sport bike, this Wing is too refined to whine. It gives a sighing whisper. Sort of like the "Ahhhhhhhh" sound people made in the commercial after they took the Nestea plunge.
It's amazingly solid in corners. It loves the sweepers, but is incredibly nimble, for a 770 lb bike, in the corners.
My Mascot
Seems appropriate that a Gold Wing should have a stuffed teddy bear as a mascot. Stuffed animals and Gold Wings have a long and eclectic history. I do not know why. I suppose it is to emphasize the antithesis of "Bad Biker".
Whatever the reason, even Naked Gold Wings have mascots, courtesy of cafepress.
Stubborn Shifting GL1100
I just bought a 1982 GL1100 and my only complaint is the difficulty in shifting.
The previous owner had the clutch cable all out of whack, so I adjusted that. But I still have a hard time. I now have the honda-recommended free-play in the clutch lever, and yet when down-shifting there is a very solid clunk.
Part of this could be due to my unfamiliarity with the bikes. My previous bike, a Honda Magna, had a hydraulically actuated clutch. It shifted like butter.
But I can't believe that all of this difference is just due to cable-actuation versus hydraulic-actuation.
The clutch plates are new, previous owner replaced < 200 miles ago. The clutch cable is new. Could they just need to "wear in"?
Is the GL1100 just a clunky shifter, and I should just get used to it? Or do I have another problem?
Thanks in advance for your help.
The previous owner had the clutch cable all out of whack, so I adjusted that. But I still have a hard time. I now have the honda-recommended free-play in the clutch lever, and yet when down-shifting there is a very solid clunk.
Part of this could be due to my unfamiliarity with the bikes. My previous bike, a Honda Magna, had a hydraulically actuated clutch. It shifted like butter.
But I can't believe that all of this difference is just due to cable-actuation versus hydraulic-actuation.
The clutch plates are new, previous owner replaced < 200 miles ago. The clutch cable is new. Could they just need to "wear in"?
Is the GL1100 just a clunky shifter, and I should just get used to it? Or do I have another problem?
Thanks in advance for your help.
GL1100 Clutch Finesse
Did you know I bought a 1982 Wing without ever having ridden a Wing of any stripe, any year, any model? I'm wishing I had ridden one that I knew to be in good working order, so I could compare mine to it.
I bought it with a disclosure from the previous owner that there were some shifting problems.
I am longing for my hydraulic clutch right now.
If I adjust it with adequate play in the lever, it is hard to shift.
If I adjust it so that it's easy to shift, it slips when I roll on the throttle in 3rd gear.
Assuming I can't get the right feel by adjusting the clutch cable, is my next logical step to service the clutch -- replace the clutch plates etc? According to previous owner this was done by the stealer in 4/2005. I suppose that if the clutch cable was ridden by the previous owner for 1000 miles with that kind of slippage, that the clutch might need replacing again so soon?
I bought it with a disclosure from the previous owner that there were some shifting problems.
I am longing for my hydraulic clutch right now.
If I adjust it with adequate play in the lever, it is hard to shift.
If I adjust it so that it's easy to shift, it slips when I roll on the throttle in 3rd gear.
Assuming I can't get the right feel by adjusting the clutch cable, is my next logical step to service the clutch -- replace the clutch plates etc? According to previous owner this was done by the stealer in 4/2005. I suppose that if the clutch cable was ridden by the previous owner for 1000 miles with that kind of slippage, that the clutch might need replacing again so soon?
Maggot At Heart
Most of the advice I get from the Wing boards is "take it to a dealer".
Which shows me that while I own a Wing, I'm still a Maggot at heart, and I need some do-it-yerself type of advice.
I appreciate your input, this makes sense to me. I will see how it improves as the clutch wears. The behavior may go away as it gets "broken in".
I did take it out at lunch and fiddle with the clutch adjustment while riding around the neighborhood. I think I got it dialed in pretty well to where it's tolerable.
Some of this is just differences in bikes that I'll just have to get used to.
Again, thanks for your help.
Which shows me that while I own a Wing, I'm still a Maggot at heart, and I need some do-it-yerself type of advice.
I appreciate your input, this makes sense to me. I will see how it improves as the clutch wears. The behavior may go away as it gets "broken in".
I did take it out at lunch and fiddle with the clutch adjustment while riding around the neighborhood. I think I got it dialed in pretty well to where it's tolerable.
Some of this is just differences in bikes that I'll just have to get used to.
Again, thanks for your help.
Repair Bill
Previous owner left repair bill in trunk of GoldWing. Dated 4/8/05.
Install clutch $325
Clean and synchronize carbs $360
Install clutch and throttle cables $65.00
Install starter $65
Repair stator wires, test charging system, adjust rear brake light, $40.00
Total labor $855.00
starter $210
exhaust gasket $8
Connector $4
clutch $250.00
Disk friction A $98
Disk friction B $14
Clutch Plate A $96
Clutch Place B, $48
Washers $2.00
Springs $12.00
O-ring $5.00
Carb Gaskets $144.00
Total parts $795.00
Deposit $500.00
Balance Paid In Full $1211.61
Total Bill $1711.61
FYI, This wasn't a factory-authorized dealer, it was an independent bike repair shop.
Here are the notes on the back side of the repair bill.
Runs poorly
Clutch doesn't disengage
Starter Motor
Throttle cable improperly routed
To Do List:
Get running
Install clutch, clutch cable, throttle cable, starter
Adjust rear brake light
Clean and sync carbs.
And, yes, I paid more than that for the bike, but not much more. Smack me
if you want.
In fact I've seen actual paid prices for GL1100s for as much as $3500 to
$4000, and as low as $500. It all depends upon their condition. My
condition, and my purchase price, was somewhere in between museum piece and
junk.
Install clutch $325
Clean and synchronize carbs $360
Install clutch and throttle cables $65.00
Install starter $65
Repair stator wires, test charging system, adjust rear brake light, $40.00
Total labor $855.00
starter $210
exhaust gasket $8
Connector $4
clutch $250.00
Disk friction A $98
Disk friction B $14
Clutch Plate A $96
Clutch Place B, $48
Washers $2.00
Springs $12.00
O-ring $5.00
Carb Gaskets $144.00
Total parts $795.00
Deposit $500.00
Balance Paid In Full $1211.61
Total Bill $1711.61
FYI, This wasn't a factory-authorized dealer, it was an independent bike repair shop.
Here are the notes on the back side of the repair bill.
Runs poorly
Clutch doesn't disengage
Starter Motor
Throttle cable improperly routed
To Do List:
Get running
Install clutch, clutch cable, throttle cable, starter
Adjust rear brake light
Clean and sync carbs.
And, yes, I paid more than that for the bike, but not much more. Smack me
if you want.
In fact I've seen actual paid prices for GL1100s for as much as $3500 to
$4000, and as low as $500. It all depends upon their condition. My
condition, and my purchase price, was somewhere in between museum piece and
junk.
My GL1100
Bought the 1982 Gold Wing Interstate on eBay, drove Tahoe and trailer up to Detroit from Indianapolis on Saturday. Seller bought me lunch. Took it for a test drive. Didn't like the shifting but liked everything else. Figgered I'd fiddle with clutch cable adjustment.
Bike wasn't as nice as it looked in the pictures, and there were blemishes that I personally would've mentioned in the listing if it were my listing. Whaddaya expect for a 24 year old bike?
But all told I still tought it was a fair price. Not as sweet a deal as I originally thought. But not bad.
Today I fiddled with the clutch cable adjustment. Too loose and it won't shift into neutral, too tight and it will slip when it's in gear under a heavy load. I'm gonna monkey with it some more. Gee my hydraulic clutch was easier to work with.
Oil on my shifting toe after riding it around all afternoon. Looks like oil's leaking out of the left head. Head gasket, or valve cover gasket? I'll have to look closer...
Neutral Problem
I've got a line on a Wing with a neutral problem.
It will shift into neutral when the bike is not running, but not when the bike is running.
I've never run across this and was wondering if y'all would be willing to speculate on what it might be. Any thoughts?
Much appreciated.
I'm 39 and I'm buying a Gold Wing and I don't care!
It will shift into neutral when the bike is not running, but not when the bike is running.
I've never run across this and was wondering if y'all would be willing to speculate on what it might be. Any thoughts?
Much appreciated.
I'm 39 and I'm buying a Gold Wing and I don't care!
Gold Wing?
I don't know how I started thinking along these lines, but I've heard really good things about Gold Wings.
They are supposed to be really good and solid. They'll run forever.
Let's review my wish list for a bike:
Shaft drive
Not a Harley look-a-like
750cc at least
1300cc at most
Easy to maintain
Mechanically reliable
Capable of carrying a passenger
Upright seating position
Made in sufficient quantities to ensure availability of parts.
Available for under $3000
What fits this bill?
Not the latest shadows, they are feet-out-in-front seating position and Harley-look-a-likes.
Not a 90's era Magna. Even though they have a distinctive look and great power, their V4 power-train makes me leery. I remember how hard it was to check the valves and change the carbs on the V30. Heck it was a PITA just to change the plugs. There has to be a more maintainable bike than a V4.
The Suzuki Marauder has a chain, but otherwise has great looks and meets everything else I want. They weren't made prior to the late 90's, so I won't find one in my price range.
The Suzuki Intruder didn't really impress me with its power. I bet a twin is way easier to work on than a V4 though.
The KZ750 with its inline 4 just didn't impress me either. I'm sure four-in-a-row is easier to maintain than V4, but I just don't like the feel of it. I like something a bit more torquey.
What about a Gold Wing? What is it that put this in my head? I must've seen a picture of a Gold Wing standard without fairing or trunks, and decided that it looked pretty cool. It would have plenty of power, meet all the criteria I mentioned. It sure wouldn't look like it thought it was a Harley.
I'll have to check into that more...
They are supposed to be really good and solid. They'll run forever.
Let's review my wish list for a bike:
Shaft drive
Not a Harley look-a-like
750cc at least
1300cc at most
Easy to maintain
Mechanically reliable
Capable of carrying a passenger
Upright seating position
Made in sufficient quantities to ensure availability of parts.
Available for under $3000
What fits this bill?
Not the latest shadows, they are feet-out-in-front seating position and Harley-look-a-likes.
Not a 90's era Magna. Even though they have a distinctive look and great power, their V4 power-train makes me leery. I remember how hard it was to check the valves and change the carbs on the V30. Heck it was a PITA just to change the plugs. There has to be a more maintainable bike than a V4.
The Suzuki Marauder has a chain, but otherwise has great looks and meets everything else I want. They weren't made prior to the late 90's, so I won't find one in my price range.
The Suzuki Intruder didn't really impress me with its power. I bet a twin is way easier to work on than a V4 though.
The KZ750 with its inline 4 just didn't impress me either. I'm sure four-in-a-row is easier to maintain than V4, but I just don't like the feel of it. I like something a bit more torquey.
What about a Gold Wing? What is it that put this in my head? I must've seen a picture of a Gold Wing standard without fairing or trunks, and decided that it looked pretty cool. It would have plenty of power, meet all the criteria I mentioned. It sure wouldn't look like it thought it was a Harley.
I'll have to check into that more...
Somewhere In Time
I took the entire Saturday and rode around on my wife's bike, visiting various dealers looking for a good used bike.
I was looking for a Suzuki Marauder, Suzuki Intruder, or Honda Shadow.
I also stopped by the Triumph dealer to eye the gorgeous Bonnevilles and Americas.
The Triumph dealer is also a Victory dealer, but the Victories did nothing for me. Nice bikes, but not for me.
If I could afford a new bike it'd be a new Triumph America or a Suzuki M50.
But what am I gonna do since I can't afford a new one?
I don't really like the Harley-clones that Honda and Suzuki and Kawazaki and Yamaha are turning out these days. I don't want a cruiser that looks like it thinks it a Harley.
Somewhere along the road Honda Shadows started being blatant copies of Harley. They used to have their own look, now they copy everything. Same with Kawasaki Vulcans. Cheap imitations with no style of their own.
I'm gonna go a different direction with this, I think.
I was looking for a Suzuki Marauder, Suzuki Intruder, or Honda Shadow.
I also stopped by the Triumph dealer to eye the gorgeous Bonnevilles and Americas.
The Triumph dealer is also a Victory dealer, but the Victories did nothing for me. Nice bikes, but not for me.
If I could afford a new bike it'd be a new Triumph America or a Suzuki M50.
But what am I gonna do since I can't afford a new one?
I don't really like the Harley-clones that Honda and Suzuki and Kawazaki and Yamaha are turning out these days. I don't want a cruiser that looks like it thinks it a Harley.
Somewhere along the road Honda Shadows started being blatant copies of Harley. They used to have their own look, now they copy everything. Same with Kawasaki Vulcans. Cheap imitations with no style of their own.
I'm gonna go a different direction with this, I think.
What does my motorcycle mean to me?
I am having trouble answering that very simple question.
Maybe I'm aiming too high. Maybe I should start by answering a smaller question.
Why do I like motorcycles?
I enjoy being on two wheels. I enjoy the sense of freedom that I have, being out in the open.
Motorcyclists refer to automobiles as "cages". I never thought of it that way until I became a motorcyclist myself. In a car you are cut off, sealed in, isolated.
....
But I feel like I am repeating what others have said. I am quoting others, not really describing how I feel.
In a way, talking about motorcycles is like dancing about architecture. To be understood, it has to be experienced. Words are inadequate to the task of expressing the feeling.
It's fun.
It's exhilarating.
It feels good.
It's a challenge. It's not easy to do. To do it well, and to survive in a sea of idiots who can't look up from their mocah latte and their cell phones to pay attention to traffic, requires real skill.
In a very real way, it is death defying.
I do it because it ruffles some feathers. It's impolite. It is greeted with fear and respect.
I enjoy the fact that it scares the shit out of my boss.
I enjoy the fact that not everyone can do it. That there are more people who wish they could than people who actually can.
I enjoy the fact that children wave. That young girls turn their heads. That young men look admiringly. That old men look wistfully as I zoom past.
I am doing what they wish they could do.
remember the feeling that came over me the first time I straddled a motorcycle and moved it around. It felt good. I liked its heft. It wasn't even running, and I barely knew how to move it around. It was my late father-in-law's Harley Davidson 250cc. We sold it to Larry, and were unloading it out of the trailer. The feel of that bike was eery, like the call of the sea. It stirred something in my heart. I felt it calling to me. I have never experienced anything like it.
Carolyn looked at me with a puzzled expression. She was mystified by the look on my face, and in her heart of hearts, dared to hope that I would embrace motorcycling. She grew up with bikes, and I had had a bad experience in 1989, and was turned off of bikes for 10 whole years after that.
A few years later Carolyn visited a Honda dealer, and tried out a few bikes, and decided that the Honda Rebel would be a good starter bike. She came home and informed me of that. I was shocked. She was a Harley Davidson loyalist, and wanted nothing to do with japanese bikes. But despite her fierce brand-loyalty, the economic reality won: Hondas were cheap, and available in smaller sizes than Harleys. She still wanted a Harley eventually, but needed to learn somewhere, and the best place to learn was on a cheaper "starter bike".
I told her I was interested in that too. She was surprised. We looked at brochures together, did some financial figuring, and decided it was a nice dream that wouldn't happen for years and years.
Maybe I'm aiming too high. Maybe I should start by answering a smaller question.
Why do I like motorcycles?
I enjoy being on two wheels. I enjoy the sense of freedom that I have, being out in the open.
Motorcyclists refer to automobiles as "cages". I never thought of it that way until I became a motorcyclist myself. In a car you are cut off, sealed in, isolated.
....
But I feel like I am repeating what others have said. I am quoting others, not really describing how I feel.
In a way, talking about motorcycles is like dancing about architecture. To be understood, it has to be experienced. Words are inadequate to the task of expressing the feeling.
It's fun.
It's exhilarating.
It feels good.
It's a challenge. It's not easy to do. To do it well, and to survive in a sea of idiots who can't look up from their mocah latte and their cell phones to pay attention to traffic, requires real skill.
In a very real way, it is death defying.
I do it because it ruffles some feathers. It's impolite. It is greeted with fear and respect.
I enjoy the fact that it scares the shit out of my boss.
I enjoy the fact that not everyone can do it. That there are more people who wish they could than people who actually can.
I enjoy the fact that children wave. That young girls turn their heads. That young men look admiringly. That old men look wistfully as I zoom past.
I am doing what they wish they could do.
remember the feeling that came over me the first time I straddled a motorcycle and moved it around. It felt good. I liked its heft. It wasn't even running, and I barely knew how to move it around. It was my late father-in-law's Harley Davidson 250cc. We sold it to Larry, and were unloading it out of the trailer. The feel of that bike was eery, like the call of the sea. It stirred something in my heart. I felt it calling to me. I have never experienced anything like it.
Carolyn looked at me with a puzzled expression. She was mystified by the look on my face, and in her heart of hearts, dared to hope that I would embrace motorcycling. She grew up with bikes, and I had had a bad experience in 1989, and was turned off of bikes for 10 whole years after that.
A few years later Carolyn visited a Honda dealer, and tried out a few bikes, and decided that the Honda Rebel would be a good starter bike. She came home and informed me of that. I was shocked. She was a Harley Davidson loyalist, and wanted nothing to do with japanese bikes. But despite her fierce brand-loyalty, the economic reality won: Hondas were cheap, and available in smaller sizes than Harleys. She still wanted a Harley eventually, but needed to learn somewhere, and the best place to learn was on a cheaper "starter bike".
I told her I was interested in that too. She was surprised. We looked at brochures together, did some financial figuring, and decided it was a nice dream that wouldn't happen for years and years.
Kawasaki KZ750
I test drove my brother-in-law’s new (to him) Kawasaki KZ750. I was very interested to test ride it because I was curious how an inline-four powerplant felt. I am kind of partial to the power of the V4, and am a little leery of the V-Twin. So the inline four was an intriguing idea.
It had an impressive growl to the exhaust. A four-into-one exhaust. The PO had removed the airbox and installed aftermarket air filters on each carb air intake.
The bike is older than mine. There wasn’t nearly the torque that mine has, but it did have a high redline and plenty of power that just seemed to be waking up at about 6000 rpm.
I would have to get used to a new shifting pattern. I imagine that I would get used to it after a day or two.
I decided that a toodle around the neighborhood wasn’t enough of a test.
Unfortunately the rear tire was original 1981 dunlop rubber, dry rotted and worn down to the cords. So I didn’t feel I could really put the bike through its paces.
I have a brand new Kenda Challenger 130/90-16 that will fit the rear tire of his bike. We’ll have to work out a deal.
I did notice how much easier the carbs would be to work on than on my V4. At least they’re all in a straight line. And all the plugs are easy to reach. Not so on the V4.
Somehow my brother-in-law mistook my interest in test-driving the bike for an interest in owning the bike. It was a misunderstanding. I think he was disappointed I didn’t want to buy it for myself. I told him it was a nice bike and all, but I was looking for something a little newer. I don’t know what I want, I’m gonna keep looking. I thought he was gonna put new tires on it and ride it to work.
It had an impressive growl to the exhaust. A four-into-one exhaust. The PO had removed the airbox and installed aftermarket air filters on each carb air intake.
The bike is older than mine. There wasn’t nearly the torque that mine has, but it did have a high redline and plenty of power that just seemed to be waking up at about 6000 rpm.
I would have to get used to a new shifting pattern. I imagine that I would get used to it after a day or two.
I decided that a toodle around the neighborhood wasn’t enough of a test.
Unfortunately the rear tire was original 1981 dunlop rubber, dry rotted and worn down to the cords. So I didn’t feel I could really put the bike through its paces.
I have a brand new Kenda Challenger 130/90-16 that will fit the rear tire of his bike. We’ll have to work out a deal.
I did notice how much easier the carbs would be to work on than on my V4. At least they’re all in a straight line. And all the plugs are easy to reach. Not so on the V4.
Somehow my brother-in-law mistook my interest in test-driving the bike for an interest in owning the bike. It was a misunderstanding. I think he was disappointed I didn’t want to buy it for myself. I told him it was a nice bike and all, but I was looking for something a little newer. I don’t know what I want, I’m gonna keep looking. I thought he was gonna put new tires on it and ride it to work.
The Carbs Are On
With my brother-in-law's help, we got the good carbs on my wife's V30 and ...
she has a brand new bike. It runs better than ever.
I have some thoughts as I sit back in the afterglow...
1. What you've read is right. It may be hard to get, but once you get it in, there's no other feeling like it in the world.
2. Tie-down straps are not required. If you are forcing it, you are overlooking something that is not lined up properly. Once they are lined up, it snaps in with very little persuasion.
3. A good lube job is required.
4. Read *everything* you can get your hands on before you start. Recognize that what works for them may not work for you. Have at your disposal an arsenal of tricks to try. If one doesn't work, move to the next technique.
5. Don't get frustrated.
6. Feeler gauge will fit between the boot and the ports to make a handy guide.
7. Anyone who says they can do it in 30 seconds is full of it.
8. Loosen all the bands.
9. Two heads are better than one. Better to have one on each side of the bike, so one can hold the position on one side while the other checks
10. Pay attention to the alignment of the boots. I used OLD BOOTS and noticed that they were canted to one side. Whether this is a design feature of the original boot, or whether this is something that happened to the rubber from having been held in that position for 20 years ... I don't know. But subtle changes in the position of the boots can make ALL the difference. For example, I noticed that with the front carb inserted, the rear was cheated about 3/16 of an inch high (toward the rear of the bike). By rearranging the boots to take advantage of their natural cant, I was able to cheat the boot opening in the same direction, and make insertion possible.
(This is a technique my brother in law used, and I had not seen it mentioned anywhere in print or online. This technique was the single biggest factor in our success, I think)
YMMV
Thanks to *all* who contributed ideas. Even if they didn't work for me, they helped me get my brain into the problem, and ultimately influenced the final solution. In many ways the final solution was an amalgam of several techniques.
she has a brand new bike. It runs better than ever.
I have some thoughts as I sit back in the afterglow...
1. What you've read is right. It may be hard to get, but once you get it in, there's no other feeling like it in the world.
2. Tie-down straps are not required. If you are forcing it, you are overlooking something that is not lined up properly. Once they are lined up, it snaps in with very little persuasion.
3. A good lube job is required.
4. Read *everything* you can get your hands on before you start. Recognize that what works for them may not work for you. Have at your disposal an arsenal of tricks to try. If one doesn't work, move to the next technique.
5. Don't get frustrated.
6. Feeler gauge will fit between the boot and the ports to make a handy guide.
7. Anyone who says they can do it in 30 seconds is full of it.
8. Loosen all the bands.
9. Two heads are better than one. Better to have one on each side of the bike, so one can hold the position on one side while the other checks
10. Pay attention to the alignment of the boots. I used OLD BOOTS and noticed that they were canted to one side. Whether this is a design feature of the original boot, or whether this is something that happened to the rubber from having been held in that position for 20 years ... I don't know. But subtle changes in the position of the boots can make ALL the difference. For example, I noticed that with the front carb inserted, the rear was cheated about 3/16 of an inch high (toward the rear of the bike). By rearranging the boots to take advantage of their natural cant, I was able to cheat the boot opening in the same direction, and make insertion possible.
(This is a technique my brother in law used, and I had not seen it mentioned anywhere in print or online. This technique was the single biggest factor in our success, I think)
YMMV
Thanks to *all* who contributed ideas. Even if they didn't work for me, they helped me get my brain into the problem, and ultimately influenced the final solution. In many ways the final solution was an amalgam of several techniques.
These Carbs Are Awful!
Having not successfully restarted my wife's V30, I have decided to do a carb swap. Her carbs are notoriously bad, and mine from my newly decommissioned V30 are wonderful. So, why not swap carbs?!?
I read every detail I could find about reinstalling the carbs on a Honda V4. I was fortunate to have all the emails from the recent "Carbs Off Okay, Carbs On ..... Ungggh" thread to fuel my need for information about the procedure.
I have decided that:
God did not intend for four carbeurators to sit in the neck of a V. It is just a violation of natural law.
And anyone who tries to do it is cursed and afflicted.
I tried everything I could to do it. Vegetable oil. Warming the boots. Strapping the carbs using a tie-down. Cursing and swearing.
When the carbs came off the bike so easy, I was all excited, like "Hey, this is going to go quicker than I thought." I had both pairs of carbs off within 90 minutes.
Well, I didn't realize just how true the statement is: "Getting them off is the easy part."
I put in about 4 hours on the bike after work tonight. Tomorrow night after work my brother-in-law, a former professional motorcycle racer, has graciously agreed to give me a hand. He used to race in the dirt, though he has seen a lot of motorcycles, I don't know that he's experienced a V4 carb. He too may curse the V4 gods tomorrow.
I know it's heresy to utter those words in this crowd of witnesses. I hope that you'll forgive me!
I'm open to suggestions. Thanks to all who reply.
I read every detail I could find about reinstalling the carbs on a Honda V4. I was fortunate to have all the emails from the recent "Carbs Off Okay, Carbs On ..... Ungggh" thread to fuel my need for information about the procedure.
I have decided that:
God did not intend for four carbeurators to sit in the neck of a V. It is just a violation of natural law.
And anyone who tries to do it is cursed and afflicted.
I tried everything I could to do it. Vegetable oil. Warming the boots. Strapping the carbs using a tie-down. Cursing and swearing.
When the carbs came off the bike so easy, I was all excited, like "Hey, this is going to go quicker than I thought." I had both pairs of carbs off within 90 minutes.
Well, I didn't realize just how true the statement is: "Getting them off is the easy part."
I put in about 4 hours on the bike after work tonight. Tomorrow night after work my brother-in-law, a former professional motorcycle racer, has graciously agreed to give me a hand. He used to race in the dirt, though he has seen a lot of motorcycles, I don't know that he's experienced a V4 carb. He too may curse the V4 gods tomorrow.
I know it's heresy to utter those words in this crowd of witnesses. I hope that you'll forgive me!
I'm open to suggestions. Thanks to all who reply.
Raven Decommissioned
Thanks to all who offered condolences, advice or technical guidance.
I am officially decommissioning Raven, my 1984 Black V30.
As I mentioned in other threads today, I determined that it had fully functional valves and heads. I now believe the noise is not valves, but something deeper. Crankshaft bearing or something. The oil had 300 miles on it and was filthy black. Worse than the year-old oil that I had taken out a month earlier.
I am not going to be digging any deeper. If I had more money invested in the bike, or more time, or felt it was worth more, I might dig deeper. But I feel that giving up and moving on is the quickest, most economical way to get back on a bike of my own.
This is a personal decision that was not easy to reach.
I moved to my wife's bike the rear fender, backrest, side covers, and tank. Now her bike is black, and has a pure unobtanium V30 backrest. Her Katie looks spiffy and shiny in her new black tins, donated from my Raven.
She already had the better of almost all other parts, excep the carbs and choke cable. I will probably transfer my carbs and choke cable to hers at a later date.
The rest of mine will be parted out on eBay starting tonight. Judging from recent selling prices of V30 parts, the bike is worth more in pieces than what I paid for it 18 months ago, when it was in working condition.
Meanwhile, in my heart I'm still a maggot. (Once a maggot always a maggot?) I still have one Magna in my garage, and I still have the budget commensurate with the maggot title. I consider myself a maggot despite the fact that my next bike may not be a V4. It may not even be a Honda.
Thanks,
Regards,
The Atgatt Rat
(Mine) 1984 V30 Black -- Raven -- decommissioned
(Hers) 1984 V30 Black -- Katie -- same girl underneath, wearing new clothes.
I am officially decommissioning Raven, my 1984 Black V30.
As I mentioned in other threads today, I determined that it had fully functional valves and heads. I now believe the noise is not valves, but something deeper. Crankshaft bearing or something. The oil had 300 miles on it and was filthy black. Worse than the year-old oil that I had taken out a month earlier.
I am not going to be digging any deeper. If I had more money invested in the bike, or more time, or felt it was worth more, I might dig deeper. But I feel that giving up and moving on is the quickest, most economical way to get back on a bike of my own.
This is a personal decision that was not easy to reach.
I moved to my wife's bike the rear fender, backrest, side covers, and tank. Now her bike is black, and has a pure unobtanium V30 backrest. Her Katie looks spiffy and shiny in her new black tins, donated from my Raven.
She already had the better of almost all other parts, excep the carbs and choke cable. I will probably transfer my carbs and choke cable to hers at a later date.
The rest of mine will be parted out on eBay starting tonight. Judging from recent selling prices of V30 parts, the bike is worth more in pieces than what I paid for it 18 months ago, when it was in working condition.
Meanwhile, in my heart I'm still a maggot. (Once a maggot always a maggot?) I still have one Magna in my garage, and I still have the budget commensurate with the maggot title. I consider myself a maggot despite the fact that my next bike may not be a V4. It may not even be a Honda.
Thanks,
Regards,
The Atgatt Rat
(Mine) 1984 V30 Black -- Raven -- decommissioned
(Hers) 1984 V30 Black -- Katie -- same girl underneath, wearing new clothes.
Fire it up?
Can I fire up my V30 without a radiator for long enough to check the so-called "valve noise"?
I don't know if running the engine without a radiator will damage the engine or cooling system? I just want to see if what I've done so far has fixed the problem?
I don't want to have to refill, try it, drain it again if there's more problems.
Obviously I wouldn't run it long enough to get hot.
What are your thoughts?
I don't know if running the engine without a radiator will damage the engine or cooling system? I just want to see if what I've done so far has fixed the problem?
I don't want to have to refill, try it, drain it again if there's more problems.
Obviously I wouldn't run it long enough to get hot.
What are your thoughts?
Metal Shavings
I will go back and check compression on the rear two cylinders -- that's something i skipped earlier. And I will drain the oil and look for shavings.And I will replace the damaged spark plug wire to left rear spark plug. And I will reassemble, refill, and fire it up. And I will see what I see.
Re: The Plot Thickens
You are right to question my wrenching skills. This is the first time I've ever done anything like this. I make no bones about it; I'm very new to this.
The noise may very well be something other than the heads.
The Honda mechanic in Dayton told me that it was the heads based on what he was hearing, but I don't know whether to believe him. He also told me that V30's were notorious for cam lobe problems, and I said bullshit! Never heard of a V30 with a cam lobe problem like the ones that got so much bad press for the V45 and V65.
The noise may very well be something other than the heads.
The Honda mechanic in Dayton told me that it was the heads based on what he was hearing, but I don't know whether to believe him. He also told me that V30's were notorious for cam lobe problems, and I said bullshit! Never heard of a V30 with a cam lobe problem like the ones that got so much bad press for the V45 and V65.
The Plot Thickens
My V30 has loud valve noise, and so far I have taken off front and rear head covers and found nothing.
Not that I know what I'm looking for.
I will post digital pics of front cams tomorrow. I inspected. One is slightly pitted on the nose. The pits are very small, like smaller than .004".
My eyes did detect a single iron filing in the head. About the size of a fingernail clipping from my smallest finger. Dont' know where that came from. I went over the whole rest of it and found not one other thing out of place.
And I have good compression, not by any scientific measure but by the simple finger fart method.
All four plugs look fine.
I checked the valve clearance while I was in there. All were good, at about .005.
Assuming I am doing it right. It's hard to tell from the Honda Service Manual.
Now that I have the fooking thing apart, this far, I'm surprised how little time it took.
How many more hours and I could just swap out the fooking motor and be back on the road?!?
Thoughts?
Trade it for a sportster?!?!?!
Not that I know what I'm looking for.
I will post digital pics of front cams tomorrow. I inspected. One is slightly pitted on the nose. The pits are very small, like smaller than .004".
My eyes did detect a single iron filing in the head. About the size of a fingernail clipping from my smallest finger. Dont' know where that came from. I went over the whole rest of it and found not one other thing out of place.
And I have good compression, not by any scientific measure but by the simple finger fart method.
All four plugs look fine.
I checked the valve clearance while I was in there. All were good, at about .005.
Assuming I am doing it right. It's hard to tell from the Honda Service Manual.
Now that I have the fooking thing apart, this far, I'm surprised how little time it took.
How many more hours and I could just swap out the fooking motor and be back on the road?!?
Thoughts?
Trade it for a sportster?!?!?!
Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Photos of the rear head with cover removed have been posted at:
http://home.comcast.net/~atgattrat/maggots/heads.html
I don't see anything wrong with it. The moving parts seemed to move without problems. No bolts or screws were missing. No chunks o' broken metal.
The cam lobes didn't look anything like the pitted lobes I've seen in pictures.
It seemed hard to crank. I don't know if that's normal or not. I put a shorthandled wrench on the crank, and it wasn't easy to turn around.
Does this look right to you?
Thanks in advance.
http://home.comcast.net/~atgattrat/maggots/heads.html
I don't see anything wrong with it. The moving parts seemed to move without problems. No bolts or screws were missing. No chunks o' broken metal.
The cam lobes didn't look anything like the pitted lobes I've seen in pictures.
It seemed hard to crank. I don't know if that's normal or not. I put a shorthandled wrench on the crank, and it wasn't easy to turn around.
Does this look right to you?
Thanks in advance.
Would Help If I Knew What I Was Looking For
V30 with "valve" noise.
I will post pictures in a bit, so that I can get group concensus. But me, with my ignorant eyes, I took the rear head off, and saw nothing nothing out of place. All the lock nuts and adjusters were in place.
I did hear faint wooshing sounds as I slowly turned the crank. I assume, remember this is my first time, I assume that these wooshing sounds are normal, but I had never heard any mention given of these noises so I was a little surprised.
I do not have a valve guage or I'd have adjusted the valves while I was in there.
I did manage to sever the Left Rear plug wire. It was just dangling, making doubtful, questionable, maybe no contact at all. It came off in my hand.
Could an absent spark from one cylinder be mistaken for valve noise of the decibel level I described?
Seems doubtful to me but I've had some people tell me to check the plugs before I did anything else. Seem like wishful thinking.
I'm gonna have to find a new plug wire.
Meanwhile, I guess I'll take the radiator off, and do the front head cover next. Probably some night this week. Maybe I'll take a day off work and get my hands dirty again.
I will post pictures in a bit, so that I can get group concensus. But me, with my ignorant eyes, I took the rear head off, and saw nothing nothing out of place. All the lock nuts and adjusters were in place.
I did hear faint wooshing sounds as I slowly turned the crank. I assume, remember this is my first time, I assume that these wooshing sounds are normal, but I had never heard any mention given of these noises so I was a little surprised.
I do not have a valve guage or I'd have adjusted the valves while I was in there.
I did manage to sever the Left Rear plug wire. It was just dangling, making doubtful, questionable, maybe no contact at all. It came off in my hand.
Could an absent spark from one cylinder be mistaken for valve noise of the decibel level I described?
Seems doubtful to me but I've had some people tell me to check the plugs before I did anything else. Seem like wishful thinking.
I'm gonna have to find a new plug wire.
Meanwhile, I guess I'll take the radiator off, and do the front head cover next. Probably some night this week. Maybe I'll take a day off work and get my hands dirty again.
Re: Raven's Last Flight
By the way, on my V30, WFO carrying me and my bedroll, is about 85 mph. And it's only about 6500 rpm. In overdrive, the top half of the tachometer is inaccessible. If I want to hit the top half of the tach I have to be in a lower gear.
Last year, my only other interstate jaunt, WFO was about 92 mph. That was without a bedroll riding behind me, so I imagine that wind resistance accounts for the difference between last years top speed and this years.
Friend of mine had a parallel twin Kawasaki Vulcan 500 with a top speed of over 100. I can't decide whether that was because he weighs 80 pounds less than me (which is my theory), or if the Kawi parallel twin is so much better than Big Red's V4 (which is his theory). This is a hypothesis I'd happily test, except he sold his bike and bought a new Lifan.
Last year, my only other interstate jaunt, WFO was about 92 mph. That was without a bedroll riding behind me, so I imagine that wind resistance accounts for the difference between last years top speed and this years.
Friend of mine had a parallel twin Kawasaki Vulcan 500 with a top speed of over 100. I can't decide whether that was because he weighs 80 pounds less than me (which is my theory), or if the Kawi parallel twin is so much better than Big Red's V4 (which is his theory). This is a hypothesis I'd happily test, except he sold his bike and bought a new Lifan.
Too Few Bikes, Too Little Time
As I posted last weekend, my Black V30 "Raven" developed engine troubles en route to Burr Oak and I ended up trailering it home.
My life is too busy. I need a bike to ride, not to wrench.
My wife graciously loaned me use of her Red V30 in the mean time, for my daily commute, while I tried to decide what to do.
This is a cause for soul searching on my part.
Part of me thinks I should try and fix the head on the V30. I know I gotta at least get in there and diagnose the problem before I know what I'm gonna do; and by that I mean, do I fix it or buy another one. If it were bigger, say a V65, I think it'd be worth fixing. But how many of you would sink a lotta hours into fixing up a V30, I mean really?
The reality is, I didn't have time to do simple projects on the bikes over the last winter. I was gonna de-rust her tank, replace her choke cable. As it was all I managed to do was change the oil and bleed the brakes.
If I couldn't do a simple choke cable over the winter, how the hell am I gonna fit in an engine overhaul in the summertime? If I had more bikes, I could afford the time to work on one while riding another. But I gotta ride, so I gotta have a bike that runs.
Meanwhile I sat on a new Suzuki Boulevard S50 and liked it. The seating position was just like the magna, hands were in the right spot. Not that I'd ever get spousal approval for that kind of expenditure. A used Intruder maybe.
At the risk of being ridiculed, my list of wants for the next bike:
Shaft drive.
No valve adjustments would be nice
750cc or greater. I'd love 1100cc but am also price conscious.
This puts me into Honda Shadow or Suzuki Intruder territory. I don't know if that alienates me from Maggot community or not. I suppose I could look at a 90's era Magna VF750C but I'm leaning away from it.
The emphasis is on low maintenance. My riding style is commuting; that's the reality of it right now. Inexpensive and reliable is what fits my lifestyle right now.
All of that said, when I get a spare minute (maybe next weekend?) I'm gonna tear into my V30 and see what I see. If what I'm taking for major problems turn out to be minor, this may all be moot.
My life is too busy. I need a bike to ride, not to wrench.
My wife graciously loaned me use of her Red V30 in the mean time, for my daily commute, while I tried to decide what to do.
This is a cause for soul searching on my part.
Part of me thinks I should try and fix the head on the V30. I know I gotta at least get in there and diagnose the problem before I know what I'm gonna do; and by that I mean, do I fix it or buy another one. If it were bigger, say a V65, I think it'd be worth fixing. But how many of you would sink a lotta hours into fixing up a V30, I mean really?
The reality is, I didn't have time to do simple projects on the bikes over the last winter. I was gonna de-rust her tank, replace her choke cable. As it was all I managed to do was change the oil and bleed the brakes.
If I couldn't do a simple choke cable over the winter, how the hell am I gonna fit in an engine overhaul in the summertime? If I had more bikes, I could afford the time to work on one while riding another. But I gotta ride, so I gotta have a bike that runs.
Meanwhile I sat on a new Suzuki Boulevard S50 and liked it. The seating position was just like the magna, hands were in the right spot. Not that I'd ever get spousal approval for that kind of expenditure. A used Intruder maybe.
At the risk of being ridiculed, my list of wants for the next bike:
Shaft drive.
No valve adjustments would be nice
750cc or greater. I'd love 1100cc but am also price conscious.
This puts me into Honda Shadow or Suzuki Intruder territory. I don't know if that alienates me from Maggot community or not. I suppose I could look at a 90's era Magna VF750C but I'm leaning away from it.
The emphasis is on low maintenance. My riding style is commuting; that's the reality of it right now. Inexpensive and reliable is what fits my lifestyle right now.
All of that said, when I get a spare minute (maybe next weekend?) I'm gonna tear into my V30 and see what I see. If what I'm taking for major problems turn out to be minor, this may all be moot.
Korean VROD?
Check out this made-in-Korea knock-off of the Harley-Davidson V-Rod:
http://www.rt1automile.com/hyosung/GV650.html
http://www.cycle-analyst.com/HyosungGV650.htm
Somebody’s riding impression:
http://korider.com/PHP-Nuke/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=775
http://www.rt1automile.com/hyosung/GV650.html
http://www.cycle-analyst.com/HyosungGV650.htm
Somebody’s riding impression:
http://korider.com/PHP-Nuke/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=775
Raven's Last Flight
My V30 developed a severe rattle and obvious valve trouble en route to Burr Oak. It sounded like a chain saw, like one particular old, rusted out chain saw of my dad's with no muffler.
I had no stethoscope but I believe the knocking sound, banging sound, was coming from left rear head. The rattling was so loud it echoed off the walls of the buildings I was passing.
The head gaskets have never leaked since I owned the bike, but there are rivulets of oil from the heads on the back two cylinders.
No really sure what went wrong. WFO for 2 hours on I-70 between Indy and Dayton? It was the hardest I'd ever ridden the bike, for any length of time. (Keep in mind I'm new and this was my first out-of-town trip.) But it was nothing I wouldn't expect it to be able to handle.
I aborted the trip in Dayton, OH, and called my wife to trailer me home.
I got home about an hour ago. I will write a better description when I am over the shock of it. I will have to decide what to do.
I feel sick.
Goin' For B'rrOak
Burr Oak looks like my closest maggot gathering. I mentioned it to my wife and before I finished the sentence she said, "I think you should go."
So, I'm coming. She's staying home with the kids. God bless her!
Plan is to ride in on Saturday from Dayton, OH. I'll bring my cousin from Dayton, just for a riding companion en route. Plan is to arrive before noon. I don't know his riding ethic, or even the route we'll take, so expect me when you see me.
He has to work sunday am so he will ride back saturday afternoon or evening. Depending how I'm feeling, and the availability of a spare bed or porch, I'll stay the night Saturday night.
This will be my first ever gathering... not quite sure what to expect, but I'm up for an adventure.
I welcome advice on best routes to ride in on, best eateries on the way, when to arrive, when not to arrive, what to expect, whatever you want to share.
Thanks, and hope to see you there.
So, I'm coming. She's staying home with the kids. God bless her!
Plan is to ride in on Saturday from Dayton, OH. I'll bring my cousin from Dayton, just for a riding companion en route. Plan is to arrive before noon. I don't know his riding ethic, or even the route we'll take, so expect me when you see me.
He has to work sunday am so he will ride back saturday afternoon or evening. Depending how I'm feeling, and the availability of a spare bed or porch, I'll stay the night Saturday night.
This will be my first ever gathering... not quite sure what to expect, but I'm up for an adventure.
I welcome advice on best routes to ride in on, best eateries on the way, when to arrive, when not to arrive, what to expect, whatever you want to share.
Thanks, and hope to see you there.
Happy Trails
I found out that my internet buddies, who call themselves the "Maggots" after the Honda Magnas that they ride, are meeting in Glouster, OH at Burr Oak State Park this weekend, May 6. This annual gathering at Burr Oak was something I wanted to attend since I began my Honda Magna ownership in August/September of 2004, and discovered the "Maggots" shortly thereafter. These are the guys who have provided technical support to me via email when I couldn't afford to have the bikes repaired at the Honda dealer. I got my hands dirty and they coached me through it. I've formed some real friendships with some of them, though I've not met any of them face to face.
However, I was oblivious to the timing of this gathering until today, whenone of the maggots brought it to my attention.
"Are you coming to Burr Oak, Ted? It's the Maggot gathering that's closest to you," said Ed.
"Oh, it would take a miracle for me to be able to attend. When is it again?" I asked.
"This weekend."
I mentioned to Carolyn tonight at dinner that it was coming up, and before I finished the sentence she said, "I think you should go."
My next step was to call cousin Brian.
"I have a crazy idea."
"Okay..."
"I'm riding to Burr Oak State Park in Ohio on Saturday -- do you want to ride with me?"
"Um, sure. Okay."
"Really? You don't have to work? Don't you work three jobs?"
"No, I'm down to two jobs. I don't have to work Saturday."
So now the plan is, I'm riding to Brian's Friday night after work, staying the night in Dayton, and he and I will ride three more hours one way on Saturday to Burr Oak to hang out with a bunch of fellow old farts that we've never met. Ride back to Dayton, crash (that is to say, sleep) in Dayton Saturday night, and then I'll ride home on Sunday morning.
Brian doesn't ride a Magna, but he rides a 78 Honda Goldwing, so he'll fitright in. Old Hondas have the Maggot seal of approval.
However, I was oblivious to the timing of this gathering until today, whenone of the maggots brought it to my attention.
"Are you coming to Burr Oak, Ted? It's the Maggot gathering that's closest to you," said Ed.
"Oh, it would take a miracle for me to be able to attend. When is it again?" I asked.
"This weekend."
I mentioned to Carolyn tonight at dinner that it was coming up, and before I finished the sentence she said, "I think you should go."
My next step was to call cousin Brian.
"I have a crazy idea."
"Okay..."
"I'm riding to Burr Oak State Park in Ohio on Saturday -- do you want to ride with me?"
"Um, sure. Okay."
"Really? You don't have to work? Don't you work three jobs?"
"No, I'm down to two jobs. I don't have to work Saturday."
So now the plan is, I'm riding to Brian's Friday night after work, staying the night in Dayton, and he and I will ride three more hours one way on Saturday to Burr Oak to hang out with a bunch of fellow old farts that we've never met. Ride back to Dayton, crash (that is to say, sleep) in Dayton Saturday night, and then I'll ride home on Sunday morning.
Brian doesn't ride a Magna, but he rides a 78 Honda Goldwing, so he'll fitright in. Old Hondas have the Maggot seal of approval.
So Long, Grodsky
Motorcycle Saftey Expert and Rider magazine columnist Dave Grodsky died in a collision with a deer this week.
In the November 2005 issue, he listed changes he had seen since he began riding in 1970. Number 5 was Deer:
"Unbelievable as this may sound, nearly one of every 200 vehicles in the United States will collide with a deer this year! In 2005 they roam the neighborhood the way dogs did in the days before leash laws. Unlike inattentive drivers, who invade our space from well-known coordinates, deer explode at full gallop out of anything vaguely green. It's a game of chance, but the odds are markedly better for the who manage their speed and who understand where and when deer are most active."
We *will* miss him, indeed. I've always enjoyed his articles in Rider and I took his death to heart. My wife and I were out in the fields and forests for a ride at dusk just last night, and I thought, "What the hell am I doing out here in deer country at this time of day?" We pulled up to a stop light at the next town, and I leaned over to ask my wife how she was doing. She said she was fine, but she was thinking about Grodsky through that last stretch. I told her her head was in the right place, dialing it down and watching for deer. I suppose as I continue to ride I will collect these little momentos, these little memory triggers. Like I think of target fixation every time I pass that spot I fixated on a patch of gravel and set it down. And now I'll dial it down and watch for deer, in memory of Grodsky, when I ride in deer country or in the deer hours.
In the November 2005 issue, he listed changes he had seen since he began riding in 1970. Number 5 was Deer:
"Unbelievable as this may sound, nearly one of every 200 vehicles in the United States will collide with a deer this year! In 2005 they roam the neighborhood the way dogs did in the days before leash laws. Unlike inattentive drivers, who invade our space from well-known coordinates, deer explode at full gallop out of anything vaguely green. It's a game of chance, but the odds are markedly better for the who manage their speed and who understand where and when deer are most active."
We *will* miss him, indeed. I've always enjoyed his articles in Rider and I took his death to heart. My wife and I were out in the fields and forests for a ride at dusk just last night, and I thought, "What the hell am I doing out here in deer country at this time of day?" We pulled up to a stop light at the next town, and I leaned over to ask my wife how she was doing. She said she was fine, but she was thinking about Grodsky through that last stretch. I told her her head was in the right place, dialing it down and watching for deer. I suppose as I continue to ride I will collect these little momentos, these little memory triggers. Like I think of target fixation every time I pass that spot I fixated on a patch of gravel and set it down. And now I'll dial it down and watch for deer, in memory of Grodsky, when I ride in deer country or in the deer hours.
Flaccid Brakes
I am not happy with the feel of my front brake on the V30. It works, but the lever travels farther than it seems like it should. My wife's V30, by contrast, has a very solid response when squeezing the front brake lever. Her brake lever travels less than mine before reaching a "really tight squeeze".
I noticed my front brake was flaccid when I resumed my daily-commuting schedule this month. I did not notice it during my shorter New Years Day ride, or any of the half a dozen short rides I squoze in during the first three months of the year.
I just rebuilt my caliper and master cylinder a year ago this month. I bled my brakes again this morning, at the banjo bolts and the bleeder valve, and got nothing, no change in brake feel. The brake fluid looked fresh and clean -- unlike what I took out of it a year ago, which looked like Guiness.
I have not noticed any fading. The brake feels the same whether they are hot or cold, whether I've applied them twice or 14 times.
I rode 30 miles to my brother-in-law's for Easter Sunday dinner. While there I asked him -- he used to race bikes professionally -- and he said it felt fine.
My brother-in-law thought I could just be feeling the difference in the rotors or pads between my V30 and my wife's. I will measure them to see if there is a significant difference. Somehow that doesn't seem right to me; I thought the hydraulic brakes would self adjust for wearing of the pads and rotors -- isn't that the whole idea?
Could I just be feeling the need to replace the brake lines? Could mine be swelling and her brake lines not?
What are your thoughts? (Meanwhile, I'll continue to research it...)
ATGATT...Daily Rider - I love my V30
1984 VF500C V30 Black "Raven" (my own)1984 VF500C V30 Red "Katie" (my wife's)
I noticed my front brake was flaccid when I resumed my daily-commuting schedule this month. I did not notice it during my shorter New Years Day ride, or any of the half a dozen short rides I squoze in during the first three months of the year.
I just rebuilt my caliper and master cylinder a year ago this month. I bled my brakes again this morning, at the banjo bolts and the bleeder valve, and got nothing, no change in brake feel. The brake fluid looked fresh and clean -- unlike what I took out of it a year ago, which looked like Guiness.
I have not noticed any fading. The brake feels the same whether they are hot or cold, whether I've applied them twice or 14 times.
I rode 30 miles to my brother-in-law's for Easter Sunday dinner. While there I asked him -- he used to race bikes professionally -- and he said it felt fine.
My brother-in-law thought I could just be feeling the difference in the rotors or pads between my V30 and my wife's. I will measure them to see if there is a significant difference. Somehow that doesn't seem right to me; I thought the hydraulic brakes would self adjust for wearing of the pads and rotors -- isn't that the whole idea?
Could I just be feeling the need to replace the brake lines? Could mine be swelling and her brake lines not?
What are your thoughts? (Meanwhile, I'll continue to research it...)
ATGATT...Daily Rider - I love my V30
1984 VF500C V30 Black "Raven" (my own)1984 VF500C V30 Red "Katie" (my wife's)
Daily Rider
37 degrees, 7:30 am Wednesday, April 5, 2006.
I ride to work when it's over 35 degrees, and once the trip can be done in daylight. I don't want to be riding to work in the dark on black ice. It's a little nippy in the morning, but the afternoon trips home are heaven.
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