Recent content by pidjones

Seems that I remember 2 or 3 ohm primaries and 12k ohm secondaries. Only go non-resistor if using resistor plugs. You need 5k at the end (plug OR cap) to reduce radio interference. I think only allowed no resistor on race bikes.

There should be a 5k Ohm resistor in each cap, - OR- a 5k Ohm plug - not both! The resistors in the caps some times fail, often just from corrosion of the resistors or contacts. If you run the resistor plugs (the fancy iridiums are most all resistor), make sure no resistors in the caps (you can...

I would use brass or mild steel. Don't use and abrasive one, or a plaxtic one as most contain abrasives in the plastic. But, even then if you only clean the flat side with it you should be Ok. Clean the stem/seat side on brass or steel. And, you just need to knock the carbon off which should not...

I have experienced this with a rough point cam. Is there any roughness, rust, hardened build-up on yours?

Did you align everything before tightening down to the cross-stays? All plates have to be fully closed before (and after) tightening the carbs to the stays. Otherwise, one closed throttle plate can hold the others open. Then the choke cam should be checked to make sure throttle plates close off...

The original rears should be more than enough to progressively lock up if in proper repair. Depending on the model, dual caliper front ends can "drop in" from such as GL1000. Dual piston setups have also been used. More important is getting the original system optimized (braided lines, well...

Keep your eyes open. I have seen bikes go for $100 at times, and personally bought a '79 CB750F for $250 a couple years ago. Plus, breakers regularly list engine parts.

Don't know if it is the corrrect caliper, but there is a solution to the bleed screw. A kit is available (many parts stores, plus Amazon) with a brass replacement seat and steel bleeder. You dill out and tap the old corrupted hole to 1/8" IPT, clean the swarf out thoroughly, and install the...

Consider buying local. There are South American manufacturers with decent bikes and better local parts availability. One of my students lived in Bogota as a medical equipment service engineer and sad that the bike was the easiest way to get to job sites in their traffic.

Cracked side covers are easily repaired with ABS plumbing cement. If you can't find it locally, Amazon. Reinforce with fiberglass cloth on the inside. Remove paint from the area first. Clear all-purpose cleaner does a good prep, but keep it off paint you want to preserve.

If anyone is near Sevierville, TN, there will be an old motorcycle show and swap "Possum Gathering" April 9 & 10 at the Sevier County Fair Grounds. The Possum Motorcycle Gathering

Great! And thanks for the follow-up. BTW, I removed pinstriper-painted names from the tourpack of a GoldWing SEi with EasyOff oven cleaner and Qtips, then a final polish and buff. These methods work well if the decoration has not been sealed in with clearcoat.

Patience, heat, screwdrivers for wedging and levers. Did I mention patience? And when you get it off, don't bypass cleaning the "spluge" hole - tiny hole in the bottom that releases pressure when you release the lever. Otherwise, the brakes will stay locked. I use a piece of high "E" string from...

You usually need to bleed the MC by itself by holding a gloved thumb over the output until it is pumping fluid well, then quickly hooking up the banjo. Messy, but I've found it often necessary. Lost of protective plastic and paper towels for absorbing. Isopropyl alcohol works well to clean it...

Locking up is usually caused by the tiny hole (some call it spluge hole) in the MC. I clean them with a high "E" electric guitar string chucked in a pin vice. Ancient collapsed lines can also cause it.