New Bike - 1977 GL1000 K2

[Whiskerfish]

http://www.randakksblog.com/removing-st ... #more-1173

[heli_madken]

Just reporting back on my front suspension issue.

I drained off the existing oil and replaced with some 5W.

I measured what came out as 185ml and it was considerably thicker than the 5W I put back, I used 175l in each leg.

Went for a very enjoyable ride and the difference is chalk and cheese, ride is much more compliant, very comfortable compared to what it was. So I think the existing oil was both too thick and possibly a little overfilled.

The bike is still bedding in after the rebuild but I could feel today that she is getting nicer and nicer, particularly the clutch.

I did a quick burst of 6000rpm and the engine sounds glorious, will it really rev to 8,500?

One thing I could do with some help on is the clutch lever, it operates ok but seems a little short, see the picture below, is this the correct lever?

20190221_174619_001.jpg (94.56 KiB) Viewed 290 times

[low-side]

I wouldn't spend all day there, but it will do 8500 rpm. It does seem like my clutch lever is longer than that.

[Gowing]

Found this pic to compare.

[calif wingnut]

American levers are 8" long...not sure about euro specs ?

[wingandaprayer]

My original UK spec lever is also 8"; yours is surely for a smaller bike.
Also it doesn't seem to quite match the clamp (perch?).
At least they are cheap.
Cheers,
Pete

[calif wingnut]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-GL-1000- ... 2537543622

[heli_madken]

Thanks for your help everyone.

My lever was just 6.5" long so I looked up the OEM part number for a Euro spec bike which is 53178-369-700 and ordered one.

Arrived today and guess what - its 6.5" long!

I think I know whats going on, looking at the part diagram Euro spec bikes have the clutch mounting pivot integrated within the lower casting of the switch-gear unit, US spec bikes have a separate housing for the clutch lever which puts the pivot point further away from the end of the handlebar. You can see this in Gowing's post picture.

So my bike has been fitted with the US spec setup, possibly the original switch-gear had failed and no luck was had finding a Euro replacement. Then the previous owner has simply replaced the original lever.

All I need then is a US spec clutch lever, I am hoping that the one in the link from calif wingnut's post is US spec, I would imagine it is.

Thanks again, Ken

[ferndo]

Awesome Bike!

For lifting on the center stand, my donor GL1000 bike happen to have this handy device called the EZ-Lift which adds leverage, just step on it with your right foot. I've done plenty of long rides loaded with gear and the last thing I want to do is lift this machine. The EZ-Lift just makes lifting the bike effortless.

Not sure how readily this aftermarket part might be but check ebay or ask around in the forum.

On the center stand.

IMG_5833.JPG (118.19 KiB) Viewed 200 times

Stows in this positions when riding.

IMG_5835.JPG (114.07 KiB) Viewed 200 times

Flip over and press down with right foot.

IMG_5836.JPG (114.37 KiB) Viewed 200 times

[heli_madken]

That looks like a great idea, havent managed to find a product yet but it might be something I can fabricate.

I am using a 1" board under the rear tyre at the moment and the bike goes up easily but it can be a bit of a pain to then get the board out from under the tyre.

Unfortunately I then have the opposite problem, trying to get the bike off the centre stand on the slippery floor of my garage is something else and I have to get my poor wife to give me a shove to help

[robin1731]

snip...…….
Unfortunately I then have the opposite problem, trying to get the bike off the centre stand on the slippery floor of my garage is something else and I have to get my poor wife to give me a shove to help

You aren't sitting on the bike trying to get it off of the center stand are you?

.

[heli_madken]

Yes in general I am, I have tried being astride the bike and pushing the bars but didnt have any luck although I am a little scared of the bike getting away from me to the right and going down.

What technique do you use?

Thanks for your help, Ken

[ericheath]

If you haven’t looked yet, check the underside centerstand and where it is attached to the bike. Unfortunately some bikes develop rust on either the stand or the cross tube. When they go up on the centerstand, they eventually tear the tubing enough so the bike starts to sit a little too low, or crooked and they become difficult to get off the centerstand as a result. They will just get worse.

[Whiskerfish]

https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic ... 871#p98871

[robin1731]

Yes in general I am, I have tried being astride the bike and pushing the bars but didnt have any luck although I am a little scared of the bike getting away from me to the right and going down.

What technique do you use?

Thanks for your help, Ken

Stand off to the side. Side stand down. That way if you think it is going to go just pull towards you and the side stand will catch it. Have your hand on the front brake too to stop it soon as the rear tire touches the ground. Both hands on the handle bars just like when riding.

.