Search found 332 matches

by Mainerider
Sun Sep 21, 2014 4:32 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: fork seal replacement
Replies: 7
Views: 7664

Re: fork seal replacement

51490-KBH-305 is, I believe, the most recent part number for the Honda OEM seals. Given the condition of your fork tubes I would stay with the Honda seals as opposed to the MotionPro or other after market seals. And those Honda seals should only be about $14 or so each, maybe less if you can find a ...
by Mainerider
Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:11 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: fork seal replacement
Replies: 7
Views: 7664

Re: fork seal replacement

First thing: you have a substantial amount of pitting on those fork tubes; If you can't get them cleaned up sufficiently, don't be surprised if you still have leaky forks after you finally get new seals installed; round seals have a tough time holding oil in around a tube that is pitted and not perf...
by Mainerider
Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:17 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: fork seal replacement
Replies: 7
Views: 7664

Re: fork seal replacement

Those are not the correct size; what is the bike? Also, make sure the side with the small writing/markings is facing upward; They look upside-down to me but I can't tell definitively from the photos, the visual difference between the two sides of fork seals is relatively minor...
by Mainerider
Thu Sep 18, 2014 8:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: fork seal replacement
Replies: 7
Views: 7664

Re: fork seal replacement

I would double-check to make sure you have the correct size seals; I've done many dozens of fork seals and never had that issue. A pic would be helpful.
by Mainerider
Fri Sep 12, 2014 9:56 pm
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: 81 Custom Bogging at highway speed | Difficult to start
Replies: 11
Views: 7961

Re: 81 Custom Bogging at highway speed | Difficult to start

When you say the carbs were cleaned very well, how did you clean them? If they were truly clean, I don't think you would be having the hard start issues. I do professional ultrasonic carb cleaning ( the real deal, not the Harbor Freight jewelry cleaner garbage) and a lot of the times it makes all th...
by Mainerider
Fri Sep 12, 2014 3:42 pm
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: 81 Custom Bogging at highway speed | Difficult to start
Replies: 11
Views: 7961

Re: 81 Custom Bogging at highway speed | Difficult to start

It's possible you are experiencing fuel starvation due to partial failure in the fuel shut off diaphragm. This item is prone to failure. If you still have it on, I would by-pass it and run a direct fuel line and see if that helps. Also, some people have found that removing the air filter cover (it's...
by Mainerider
Wed Sep 10, 2014 6:15 pm
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: carburetor differance
Replies: 7
Views: 8819

Re: carburetor differance

If you are going to be delving into the carbs on these older bikes, I would highly recommend this book by John Robinson: Haynes Motorcycle Fuel Systems TechBook It is about $35 through Amazon and it is worth every single penny and then some. He explains the history and evolution of motorcycle carbs ...
by Mainerider
Tue Sep 09, 2014 1:28 pm
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: carburetor differance
Replies: 7
Views: 8819

Re: carburetor differance

Actually, that is true only at higher engine speeds; that ties back to my point about flowing more air due to less obstruction in the carb throat. Mechanical slide carbs were often preferred in racing applications due to the added air flow capability at WOT. For real world applications... One of the...
by Mainerider
Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:55 am
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: carburetor differance
Replies: 7
Views: 8819

Re: carburetor differance

Do you have that backwards? Did you mean an '82 Night Hawk and an '80 Custom? The head on the '81 and '82 SOHC 650 with CV carbs is different than the head on the '79 and '80 mechanical slide carb model; the intake spacing is different so without a lot of modification and headache the carbs are not ...
by Mainerider
Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:20 pm
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: Hard-brake handlebar shake
Replies: 1
Views: 2455

Re: Hard-brake handlebar shake

Have you checked the steering head bearings? Is the front tire balanced? If spoke wheels, are any spokes loose or missing? Is the wheel bent? Are the axle nut and both sets of fork axle cradle nuts tight? Are the cradles installed correctly ( arrow facing forward)? These are the among the possible c...
by Mainerider
Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:28 am
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: Need Gearing Advice
Replies: 30
Views: 44304

Re: Need Gearing Advice

http://www.gearingcommander.com This site explains how gearing works and it also has a gearing calculator where you can plug your own bike's current gearing in and you can then substitute gearing combinations to see how it affects your particular bike. A very handy website... Also keep in mind that ...
by Mainerider
Sat Aug 02, 2014 6:47 am
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: Anyone have a clue where to start?
Replies: 12
Views: 8355

Re: Anyone have a clue where to start?

I'm curious; what test procedure did you use and how did you determine the magnetic solenoid switch was inoperable? They can be a little tricky to bench test definitively. I want you to be sure that it is the solenoid switch and not the handlebar starter circuit, which supplies voltage to the soleno...
by Mainerider
Fri Aug 01, 2014 7:40 pm
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: Anyone have a clue where to start?
Replies: 12
Views: 8355

Re: Anyone have a clue where to start?

The charging circuit would not have any effect on your starting circuit; that is, if you have a full charge battery it should still crank the bike over. A faulty charging system would fail to charge the battery but would not keep a charged battery from cranking. So, If you have lights and a healthy,...
by Mainerider
Fri Jul 25, 2014 1:15 pm
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: Battery question
Replies: 5
Views: 4000

Re: Battery question

I have had very good experience with the TruGel batteries; They hold a charge for an incredible amount of time. They are Chinese-made but other than a short run of defective batteries about 2 years ago their track record has been excellent. I have them in both of my current bikes and I also have a t...
by Mainerider
Sat Aug 10, 2013 9:36 am
Forum: Technical Discussion
Topic: A rebuild is looming; EDIT: Maybe not....bad carb synch?
Replies: 31
Views: 25159

Re: A rebuild is looming; which one? CB650 or CB550?

The first thing you should do is drain the crankcase and see how much oil you actually have in there. If it does turn out to be grossly overfilled that can cause all sorts of hopefully temporary issues. Obviously, the crankcase blow-by. Also, though, too much oil will cause the oil to become frothed...

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