Standard Compression Testing:
Compression readings depend on a number of critical variables and proper testing technique.
Engine Compression Testing
February is Customization Month!
For many of us, our motorcycle is an extension of our personality. A two-wheeled conglomerate of metal and self-expression. This month’s featured products are dedicated to those individuals eager to chop, weld, bend, and customize their bike into a 1-of-1 kind of ride.
To visit some of the custom work of Randakk’s customers, visit our Bike Gallery here.
CBX Handlebar Conversion Kit
Not so “Green,” No-Drop Idle Mixture Adjustment Method
I find the factory recommended idle mixture screw setting specs to be very close to ideal. They are listed here for the Honda GL1000.
I do usually richen them up an extra 1/8 to 1/4 turn (out) to compensate for the leaner modern “gasoline” which is diluted with ethanol in most US markets.
But sometimes, you just need an excuse to do some high performance tuning on your bike! 🙂
Continue reading “Not so “Green,” No-Drop Idle Mixture Adjustment Method”
Motorcycle Petcocks 101
What is a petcock? Why is important to vintage motorcycle owners?
How To Plan A Bike Project
Restoring a vintage bike is a rite of passage for any classic motorcycle enthusiast, but it is one that home mechanics often avoid. There really is no reason to be nervous about taking on a bike project, though. With a little planning and forethought, everything usually goes pretty smoothly.
Flooding Issues on Vintage Hondas
Flooding is a common problem in vintage Hondas – especially on bikes that don’t get run much. Flooding can be just a minor aggravation …like hard starting or poor fuel mileage. But, it can also lead to catastrophic problems such as severe engine damage or even a fire! Flooding issues should not be ignored!
Viton in Vintage Motorcycle Carburetor Components?
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January 2018’s Featured Products
Happy New Year, Goldwing lovers!
Looking back on 2017, you probably put a healthy number of miles on your Honda. You know this is right up the Randakk’s alley when we say that you may be due for a carb cleaning/rebuild.
- Is your motorcycle hard to start?
- Is it running a bit off-kilter?
- When you dial the throttle, are you getting the desired performance?
- Do you ride with the choke on? (this means you have a clogged pilot jet)
- Sluggish acceleration?
- Bad fuel economy?
These are all signs that your bike is in need of some carburetor love. In most scenarios, there’s only really one way to see if your carbs are due for a complete rebuild: pull them off the bike and take a look inside. And since you have them off and dissembled, you might as well do your future self a favor and rebuild them now.
January’s Featured Products are dedicated to those precious carburetors, everything from the all-inclusive Randakk’s Carb Rebuild Kits to the e-clips.
“Insensitive” Idle Mixture Fuel Screws?
I often field this common complaint:
“I’ve noticed that turning the idle mixture screws nets different results on each of the individual carbs on my Honda GL1000:
- #1 will kill the motor if turned all the way in
- #3 has NO EFFECT on engine speed regardless of where it is set
- #2 has what might be considered a “normal” effect
- #4 has only a very slight effect if any at all
What does this mean????? I’m a bit confused? Help please!!!!”
GL1000 Idle Mixture Fuel Screw
“Reversed” Front Brake Calipers on Vintage Hondas?
On some bikes (including the Honda GL1000), the front calipers can actually be installed on the wrong side! Front brake calipers on all bikes must be installed with the bleed screw “up.”
This simple requirement can get corrupted when brake parts are carelessly “mixed-and matched” or installed without care. Whatever the explanation, this error leads to two serious issues:
- Brake hoses will be too short and “kinked” at an odd angle creating a serious safety hazard!
- Air bleed nipples with be rendered worthless, since they are no longer at the top of the caliper where air bubbles rise. The brake system can never be fully “bled” of trapped air.
Caliper “Reversed” – Note Stress on Brake Hose!
Continue reading ““Reversed” Front Brake Calipers on Vintage Hondas?”