Perhaps the cure for this moto lust is a test drive.
Showing posts with label Honda Gold Wing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Honda Gold Wing. Show all posts
Moto Lust: Honda CB919
The Honda CB919 also known as the "Hornet" also known as the CB900F, remains the object of my moto lust.
Perhaps the cure for this moto lust is a test drive.
Perhaps the cure for this moto lust is a test drive.
No bike for me
I took a 150 mile trip to Valparaiso, IN today to look at the GL1100 Standard I "bought" on eBay. Took it for a spin around the block. No pick up ... roll on the throttle and it thinks about moving for a while, then finally eases its way forward.
It was a lot rougher than the seller had described in the auction listing. It had obviously sat outside .. rust on the frame and on the engine and chrome. I had expected some scratches and dents, but hadn't expected rust.
The dash lights didn't work, one of the turn signals didn't work, there was a puddle of oil on the right valve cover, there was some funky looking after market wiring for the headlight and horn. There were cracks in the engine block ... might've just been cracks in the paint, might've been worse. The exhaust pipes were rusty. The tires were dry rotted.
Not the bike for me. Lots of problems, maybe minor, but not worth what I "bid" on it.
But bottom line is, even if it was perfect, the bike didn't perform like I wanted. I'm surprised that even though it was 200 lbs lighter than the GL1100 Interstate, it was just a lackadaisical about getting off the line. Whether this is true of all naked wings, or just this one, doesn't matter.
I turned around and went home. I walked away from the deal. Came home without the bike.
So my stated objective was to "get the naked goldwing out of my system." I think I accomplished that, without ever owning one. Now I'm thinking about what my next bike will be.
It was a lot rougher than the seller had described in the auction listing. It had obviously sat outside .. rust on the frame and on the engine and chrome. I had expected some scratches and dents, but hadn't expected rust.
The dash lights didn't work, one of the turn signals didn't work, there was a puddle of oil on the right valve cover, there was some funky looking after market wiring for the headlight and horn. There were cracks in the engine block ... might've just been cracks in the paint, might've been worse. The exhaust pipes were rusty. The tires were dry rotted.
Not the bike for me. Lots of problems, maybe minor, but not worth what I "bid" on it.
But bottom line is, even if it was perfect, the bike didn't perform like I wanted. I'm surprised that even though it was 200 lbs lighter than the GL1100 Interstate, it was just a lackadaisical about getting off the line. Whether this is true of all naked wings, or just this one, doesn't matter.
I turned around and went home. I walked away from the deal. Came home without the bike.
So my stated objective was to "get the naked goldwing out of my system." I think I accomplished that, without ever owning one. Now I'm thinking about what my next bike will be.
Billy Joel's Goldwing
Billy Joel has an extensive collection of motorcycles ... one of which is a classic Goldwing Standard.
Birthday Bike
Bought another bike on eBay.
As I mentioned last week, my wife cracked her little V30. This week I bought a 1982 Gold Wing Standard on eBay - just in time for my birthday.
This is my second time trying a GL1100 -- this time it's the unfaired version.
I was after a GL1100 Standard when I bought the GL1100 Interstate last time. My goal was to strip it down to a Naked Standard. But, I decided that the fully faired versions lose a lot of their value when they are stripped. Since I wasn't sure if I would like the handling/performance of the end result, I was reluctant to make alterations to it. I sold it after a year without having stripped it down.
This time I figured I'd buy one that was already a standard. Been watching for one for a while.
My wife was supportive. She gets the better end of the deal from her perspective ... she'll be riding my 1994 V45 while I am riding the 1982 GL1100. I'll get this whole "naked gold wing" thing out of my system. I'll get to see if I like it or not. If not, I can probably turn it around and sell it for at least what I paid for it, maybe more. Long as I don't crack it up.
As I mentioned last week, my wife cracked her little V30. This week I bought a 1982 Gold Wing Standard on eBay - just in time for my birthday.
This is my second time trying a GL1100 -- this time it's the unfaired version.
I was after a GL1100 Standard when I bought the GL1100 Interstate last time. My goal was to strip it down to a Naked Standard. But, I decided that the fully faired versions lose a lot of their value when they are stripped. Since I wasn't sure if I would like the handling/performance of the end result, I was reluctant to make alterations to it. I sold it after a year without having stripped it down.
This time I figured I'd buy one that was already a standard. Been watching for one for a while.
My wife was supportive. She gets the better end of the deal from her perspective ... she'll be riding my 1994 V45 while I am riding the 1982 GL1100. I'll get this whole "naked gold wing" thing out of my system. I'll get to see if I like it or not. If not, I can probably turn it around and sell it for at least what I paid for it, maybe more. Long as I don't crack it up.
Cycle Recycle
I broke the clutch lever on Black Betty on her "last hurrah", the trip to Hunstville. Knocked her over in the driveway before I even left.
I bought an aftermarket part on eBay that did not fit.
I pulled Black Betty out, rode her to Cycle Recycle. For me it's a 10 mile trip.
Took the broken lever off, walked into the store.
Guy sees me and sizes me up. What year Goldwing do you have, 1981 or 82. I don't think he saw me pull up but maybe he did. I parked across the street and out of sight.
Pulls the part off the shelf and hands it to me.
$7.80.
You gotta love it. Yeah, cheaper maybe at some online place, but I'd already tried once and got the wrong part, even though it was supposed to fit a 1982 GL1100I.
This place has thousands of parts for old bikes. I saw Maggie May's side cover there, I think.
http://crc2onlinecatalog.com/
Worth a stop if you're passing through Indiana.
I bought an aftermarket part on eBay that did not fit.
I pulled Black Betty out, rode her to Cycle Recycle. For me it's a 10 mile trip.
Took the broken lever off, walked into the store.
Guy sees me and sizes me up. What year Goldwing do you have, 1981 or 82. I don't think he saw me pull up but maybe he did. I parked across the street and out of sight.
Pulls the part off the shelf and hands it to me.
$7.80.
You gotta love it. Yeah, cheaper maybe at some online place, but I'd already tried once and got the wrong part, even though it was supposed to fit a 1982 GL1100I.
This place has thousands of parts for old bikes. I saw Maggie May's side cover there, I think.
http://crc2onlinecatalog.com/
Worth a stop if you're passing through Indiana.
Three is a crowd
I'm gonna get rid of the Wing now that I have the Magna up and running, more or less.
Ordered Carb Gaskets
I paid Mother Honda $140 for four sets of carb gaskets and o-rings. The dealer said I should have them by Yuesday next.
Riding the Wing in the meantime.
Had a grey-haired gent stop me in the parking lot. He had just dismounted from his ancient Wing, and sauntered over to me, about to mount up on mine.
"Nice bike," he said.
"Thanks, you too."
"What year?" he asked.
"82"
"Mine too", he said.
Pause.
"Looks like yours has been well cared for" he said.
"Pretty much," I said. "I bought it last June. The previous owner had had it restored after sitting for a number of years..."
"Oh," he said.
"These things'll run forever," I said.
"Yep" he said.
Riding the Wing in the meantime.
Had a grey-haired gent stop me in the parking lot. He had just dismounted from his ancient Wing, and sauntered over to me, about to mount up on mine.
"Nice bike," he said.
"Thanks, you too."
"What year?" he asked.
"82"
"Mine too", he said.
Pause.
"Looks like yours has been well cared for" he said.
"Pretty much," I said. "I bought it last June. The previous owner had had it restored after sitting for a number of years..."
"Oh," he said.
"These things'll run forever," I said.
"Yep" he said.
Back On The Wing
My Magna is running lean, I've parked it while I figure out how I'll get the carbs cleaned.
Meanwhile, I'm back on the Wing. I rode yesterday and today (100% chance of rain in the forecast) but managed so far not to get wet.
The local Honda dealer wanted $400 to clean and adjust the carbs.
There's a respective Honda V4 specialist that will do them for $350 ... but he's 700 miles away. (Road trip?!?!)
At least I have two bikes for the time being. Although I'm wishing I'd pulled the fairing off the Wing last winter.
Meanwhile, I'm back on the Wing. I rode yesterday and today (100% chance of rain in the forecast) but managed so far not to get wet.
The local Honda dealer wanted $400 to clean and adjust the carbs.
There's a respective Honda V4 specialist that will do them for $350 ... but he's 700 miles away. (Road trip?!?!)
At least I have two bikes for the time being. Although I'm wishing I'd pulled the fairing off the Wing last winter.
GL1100 Seats
| Corbin | Best Name, Backrest $400.00 | http://www.corbin.com |
|---|---|---|
| Travelcade | saddleman, JCWhitney | www.saddlemen.com |
| Russell | Ugly | www.day-long.com |
| Mustang | none for GL1100 | www.mustangseats.com |
| Hartco | completely custom | www.hartcoseats.com |
GL1100 Dipstick
From my JCwhitney catalog page 137 chrome plated oil dipstick 75-83 $19.99
part number AGU062202
part number AGU062202
GL1100 Headlights
When it was shipped to me I discovered the housing is plastic.
Plastic headlight
(HLU7BLK)
At first I was disappointed, but then I thought, how noticeable would this really be? At least it won't rust.
I'm going to buy the universal fork ears.
HLB7CH
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience or tips. I will have to find some sort of bushings to go inside the mount points, where the headlight mounts to the fork ears.
---------
Here's a link for 7" headlights that are steel and chromed if you are interested. Pretty cheap at $66 and they mount properly...from the side not the bottom.
Chrome Headlights
Also there are brackets that fit 35 mm tubes... I can't remember the diameter off the top of my head for your bike. Might be helpful..if yours a a shade bigger you could hone them out a mite.
Plastic headlight
(HLU7BLK)
At first I was disappointed, but then I thought, how noticeable would this really be? At least it won't rust.
I'm going to buy the universal fork ears.
HLB7CH
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience or tips. I will have to find some sort of bushings to go inside the mount points, where the headlight mounts to the fork ears.
---------
Here's a link for 7" headlights that are steel and chromed if you are interested. Pretty cheap at $66 and they mount properly...from the side not the bottom.
Chrome Headlights
Also there are brackets that fit 35 mm tubes... I can't remember the diameter off the top of my head for your bike. Might be helpful..if yours a a shade bigger you could hone them out a mite.
Best Sites For Older Goldwing Owners
Randakk's Cycle Shakk www.randakks.com
Gold Wing Facts www.goldwingfacts.com
Naked Gold Wings www.nakedgoldwings.com
Gold Wing Facts www.goldwingfacts.com
Naked Gold Wings www.nakedgoldwings.com
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.
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?
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. )
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.
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.
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?
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