Can't get over 100mph

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GW Hobo
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Can't get over 100mph

#1

Post by GW Hobo »

Greetings, hope you all are well.

Top speed on my '82 GL1100 Standard (cafe-racer) should be about 120 but I struggle at 100 (don't judge me). I ditched the tachometer sadly so I can't check the ratio. I heard a rumor, possibly started by me, that the '82 and '83 have a higher over all gearing, and run at a lower RPM, than the other GL1100 models - curious if this results in lost hp/speed. I'm giving it a tuneup, new plugs, and re-syncing carbs but I wanted to put this question to the group: any chance the carbs need a cleaning or is it possible to swap in different main jets? It runs great otherwise and I only use marine (non-ethanol) gas. Also, my compression may be a concern since I've taken off the original exhaust and put on shorty mufflers with decibel-killers (you're judging me. I can tell).

Good to be back with you all. Saw Roady passed, sorry to see. These bikes seem to mark the Age; one that seems to be slipping away.
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Rat
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#2

Post by Rat »

On a track day, a hundred years ago, my 81 GL 1100 clocked 126 mph through the traps … the manager of the track said it was a record … for a bike with a sleeping bag on the back …

Gord crossy.gif :lol:
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joecoolsuncle
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#3

Post by joecoolsuncle »

cafe racer = much lighter than stock.
no tachometer = limited ability to tune
altering exhaust = altering tune.
reversion = loss of HP at rpm.
you are headed down the wrong road to performance.
only make one change ata time to prove tune.
good luck.

oh, it doesnt hurt to strap a sleeping bag on .
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Lucien Harpress
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#4

Post by Lucien Harpress »

Yeah, there's some concern there. Both my 1000 and 1200 was able to (briefly) crack 100, the 1200 much easier so, but the 1000 was no slouch.

Exhaust differences shouldn't mean much on these bikes, but I've been wrong before. Exhaust also shouldn't do much for compression- maybe back pressure is what you're thinking of.

Weird tack- how accurate is the speedometer, I wonder? Just spit balling here.
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#5

Post by Rat »

I mighta got 127 without the sleeping bag … :crosso

Gord
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‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
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flyin900
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#6

Post by flyin900 »

Rat wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 6:53 pm I mighta got 127 without the sleeping bag … :crosso

Gord
Also if a jockey was duct taped to the shelter rather than a 7 ft guy piloting the bike… 130 was in reach lolol
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#7

Post by Whiskerfish »

Yea something is out of whack. Should easily pull to at least 115 and if running well closer to 125. what do the plugs say? and do a compression check. How is you daily fuel economy?
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#8

Post by pidjones »

Restricted intake or exhaust is what I would first suspect. Stock jetting (if clean) should provide plenty of fuel. Maybe just check the ignition advance. Also, make sure zero drag from brakes and such - that can rob more than you think.
Last edited by pidjones on Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#9

Post by 5speed »

Rat wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 6:09 pm On a track day, a hundred years ago, my 81 GL 1100 clocked 126 mph through the traps … the manager of the track said it was a record … for a bike with a sleeping bag on the back …

Gord crossy.gif :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#10

Post by Shadowjack »

Ask yourself: "how much restriction would a shorty muffler have compared to the stock one, in order to be at an acceptable sound level?"
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#11

Post by GW Hobo »

Thank you all for taking the time to reply, all good points as I tear into this. And maybe its time to put the saddlebags back on...cheers lads.
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#12

Post by joecoolsuncle »

the most important thing you have learned is to add a sleeping bag. now, if you call it a cafe racer, you wanna roll the bag tight and safety wire it to the frame behnd your left calf. if its a mekkskin blanket, roll it tight and tie it vertically to you back. if its a ..................
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#13

Post by joecoolsuncle »

did i get another red helmet?
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#14

Post by digger »

I agree with checking ignition advance and would also check the timing belts to make sure it isn’t off a tooth, had a friend who replaced his head gaskets (GL 1100) and complained it didn’t have any top end afterwards. He rechecked the belt timing and was off a tooth on each cam gear. Re-indexed them and ran like it used to.
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Re: Can't get over 100mph

#15

Post by GW Hobo »

digger wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 10:59 pm I agree with checking ignition advance and would also check the timing belts to make sure it isn’t off a tooth, had a friend who replaced his head gaskets (GL 1100) and complained it didn’t have any top end afterwards. He rechecked the belt timing and was off a tooth on each cam gear. Re-indexed them and ran like it used to.
Thanks Digger, will do - didn't consider that.
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2020 October BOM
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