(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.
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...
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