I was very fortunate to grow up in a neighborhood and farm family full of excellent shade-tree mechanics. Mostly they were short on cash and long on resourcefulness.
I learned quite a lot by pestering these very talented home-gown mechanics.
Honda GL1000 Smokes on Initial Startup?
Catastrophe or Nuisance?
Greg Jones (left) and Al Wransky (right). Photo by Scott Larson
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Engine Compression Testing
Standard Compression Testing:
Compression readings depend on a number of critical variables and proper testing technique.
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”
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!
Internally Collapsed Header on Honda GL1000?
Internally Collapsed Header on Honda GL1000?
Collapsed GL1000 Header
Example courtesy of Steve Seamans of NGWClub Forum
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The Single Most Common Carburetor Problem (Clogged Pilot Jets) and How To Fix – by Ari Henning
I’m happy to share this excellent video tip created by Ari Henning of Motorcyclist Magazine. Ari is a notorious AHRMA road-racer and all-around swell guy!
This is excellent information.
Jump Starting a Vintage Motorcycle?
Warning from Randakk: Controversial Material!
I am not a big fan of “jump starting” a motorcycle. In my view, this procedure should generally be avoided. I believe it’s better to anticipate, prevent, diagnose and fix problems before they degenerate into roadside “no starts.” But – sometimes bad things happen no matter how well prepared you are. Jump starting can be done in an emergency situation with relative safety if you follow these tips by Howard Halasz. I truly hope you will never need this information!
- “Dead” Battery on Left. “Donor” Battery on Right.
Engine Rebuilding for GoldWings?
Unfortunately the economics of engine rebuilding are very poor on these engines. Here’s some advice if you think you need a rebuild.
GL1100 Electrical and Timing Gremlins
You might consider this item: GL1100 Carburetor Repair Manual written by noted GL1100 guru Howard Halasz
This Tech Tip is provided courtesy of Howard Halasz – noted GL1100 Guru. Howard is a frequent contributor of technical columns and other information to GWRRA’s Wing World Magazine.
“A common failure with all GL1100s is the vacuum advance part of the pulse generator assembly. The units for the 1980 models use a higher advance angle than the unit for the 1981-1983 models.