Catastrophe or Nuisance?
Greg Jones (left) and Al Wransky (right). Photo by Scott Larson
Continue reading “Honda GL1000 Smokes on Initial Startup?”
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! 🙂
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Motorcycle Petcocks 101
What is a petcock? Why is important to vintage motorcycle owners?
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!
One in a Million! Allan Zahrt’s Million Mile GL1000
How many million mile motorcycles are there? Answer below. Read on!
Allan Zahrt with his Million Mile GL1000!
In the early seventies Honda launched without fanfare an ambitious project. Internally, Honda had a bold plan: to build the world’s best motorcycle. Not just the best Japanese motorcycle – the best motorcycle available anywhere in the world. Period! The eventual result of this project was revealed to the world at the Cologne, Germany International Motorcycle Show (INTERMOT) in October, 1974 as the GL1000.
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“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!
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JIS Screwdrivers for Vintage Japanese Motorcycles
Did you know?
Every ‘cross-point” screw on every Japanese designed motorcycle from the 1950s right up to the newest bikes in the showroom today were manufactured with a unique JIS screw head design we don’t see on products made here in North America. JIS stands for Japanese Industrial Standard.
Continue reading “JIS Screwdrivers for Vintage Japanese Motorcycles”
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.
