Bummer! Tom crashed twice during practice in Australia and was unable to get the bike sufficiently repaired to make the grid in any of the heats. That’s racing!
Approved Carb Rebuilder Program – While You are Waiting Instructions
Here are some recommended maintenance items you can address while you are awaiting the return of your rebuilt carbs. Most of this is written from the GL1000 perspective, but generally applies to other models as well.
Imperative – all tune-up issues must be in order before you synchronize your freshly serviced carbs. Especially: plugs, plug wires, points and timing! Click here for my “Tech Tips” section for helpful information on setting points and ignition timing properly.
Continue reading “Approved Carb Rebuilder Program – While You are Waiting Instructions”
Removing / Installing Intake Runners
It is very important that the intake runners on your GL1000 provide a leak-free connection between the individual carbs and the cylinder head. During carb rebuilds, I remove the intakes for individual inspection and leak testing. This is also necessary to gain access for inspecting the throttle butterfly plates and retaining screws as well as the idle nozzles.
However, you probably shouldn’t disturb the bonded rubber connection to the carbs any more than necessary. Remember these parts are 25+ years old and the rubber is not as pliable as when new.
Honda GL1000 Carb Removal
Please consult a manual before you begin for additional information on carb removal. Do not attempt removing your carbs if you lack mechanical aptitude, proper tools or general intelligence. While I’m on the topic of manuals, I rely on three: the Official Honda GL1000 Workshop Manual, plus the ones from Clymer’s and Haynes. Generally, the Honda manual is sufficient, but sometimes the others provide helpful cross-reference.
I strongly recommend that you obtain at least one good manual before you delve into any repairs or maintenance. A good source for the Honda manual is: https://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp
My lawyer asks me to remind you that you are advised to heed all recommended safety practices detailed in the manuals listed above and that you assume ALL risks.
Problem with Aftermarket Jet Needles
You might consider this item: Randakk’s GL1000 Carb Rebuild Video
Recently, I’ve discovered some improperly sized jet needles that were provided with aftermarket carb rebuild kits. The needles looked identical to the original but did in fact have a significantly narrower cross section at the mid-point of the tapered section.
Effectively, this made the needles much richer. The brand in question is NAPCO and the kits were for a ’76 which happens to be one of my bikes. The result of these improper needles was the bike in question ran fine near sea level (although a plug check showed it was running slightly rich in the mid-range and the fuel mileage was terrible).
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.
Removing GL1100 Carbs
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.
GL1100 Scuffed CV Slides
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.
Throttle Return Spring Details
You might consider this item: Randakk’s GL1000 Carb Rebuild Video
Recently, a GL1000 owner was in my shop with an odd complaint. He reported that very heavy pressure was required at the throttle twistgrip to increase or maintain engine speed. Suspecting that the throttle cables were worn or damaged, the owner had just replaced both throttle cables, but this offered no improvement.
My test ride verified that indeed there was something amiss. This bike ran great, but after just a few miles the effort required at the throttle made my right forearm ache!
Aftermarket Fuel Filter Mounting Issues
More on the topic of aftermarket fuel filters here
You might consider this item: Randakk’s GL1000 Carb Rebuild Video
I’ve personally had very few problems using aftermarket fuel filters designed specifically for the GL1000 such as the commonly available EMGO model. However, there have been some reported failures with such aftermarket filters. Fuel leaking from a fuel filter is more than a nuisance…it’s a very serious fire hazard.
Here’s a tip to prevent problems with these filters. The probable cause of leaking aftermarket filters is over-tightening of the 2-part bracket that secures the filter to the front of the fuel tank. If the aftermarket fuel filter has a diameter just slightly larger than the OEM spec, tightening of the retainer screw can put to much stress on the plastic filter housing which may cause it to fail eventually.