How many bikes are too many?

[desertrefugee]

Lol. Yeah, Terry. You need to find a good mechanic. Or lose the lemon. Some are just jinxed.

[CYBORG]

When I look at a bike like that I don't see a problem......I see a challenge. And perhaps a learning opportunity.

[tlbranth]

Unfortunately I'm stuck with me as the mechanic

[CYBORG]

Unfortunately I'm stuck with me as the mechanic

I've never met you, that I remember. But you do not seem to be, to me, the kind of person that gives up very easy. But I also realize that at some point the money it takes to do some thing . makes doing it stupid. But at some point you have to say enough is enough. Or deep dive to make a point. I have a 78 that I have had since 1980. C5 ignition, nitros, custom body work, custom front end, and on and on. I built it for "time on the Dragon", because I was told that a Goldwing could not do it. So I proved my point. (this was the early 80's). So when It comes to my 78, I will spent stupid money. But I do understand a bike that just cries out to be set on fire. I guess it comes down how determined a person is not to be beaten by a machine, or to make a point. Go with your heart, and not your head

[tlbranth]

When I was younger I loved tinkering - went out of my way to do so. I still take stuff apart to see how it works. I'm 75 now and in constant pain from rheumatism and would like to reap some reward from all the work I've put in instead of constantly re-doing what I've already done. Had the 1000 running perfectly albeit with poor mileage. Took it out the other day and the smooth low-speed rollout was gone. Jerky. Yes I did the off-idle fix. The bike runs rich and I don't know why. I'd lower the needles if I could. That fixed things on my CB. The needles and jets they stick into wear out and enrich the mixture. The bike runs great cold and then worse as it warms. I've thought of lowering the fuel level a couple of mm but that means pulling the carbs again for more guesswork. I don't mind fixing something. Coming from poverty I learned to fix pretty much anything except electronics. But it's annoying to have to keep re-fixing. I love riding the 1000....but not when it's not running right. I'll keep it and mess with it some more when I don't have so much else to do.

[CYBORG]

Sometimes when you walk away for a short time, an d then return with fresh eyes, things come together. Hang in there.

[desertrefugee]

I do feel your pain, Terry. Let me tell you about bikes that are needy. If you think carburetors on a GL are finicky, carburetors on a CBX are worse.

Please don't ask me to go to detail. It would be a far worse rant than the one you just made...

[CYBORG]

I agree. I had problems with my CBX until I sorted it out.

[desertrefugee]

Unfortunately I'm stuck with me as the mechanic

I was actually joking. You have posted technical tidbits on here for long enough and I've seen your rewire schematic. Either one is enough to convince me that you don't need a mechanic...

Except for the part about the Vanagon. All they need is a little love. Okay maybe more than just a little...

[Whiskerfish]

I am sure you have checked but when you mention getting bad once warmed up the first thing that comes to mind is an air leak at the rubber boot clamps. Make sure those are tightened up at full temp when the rubber is most pliable.

[Chainman]

Hey Y'all, I got to five bikes today.

I bought these two for $20 a piece! My daughter was chatting with an old friend and mentioned my interest in vintage bikes and the next day I'm helping her clean out garage.
1972 sc5

IMG_20200305_171223.jpg (134.9 KiB) Viewed 415 times

And then this thing also; package deal...nice rack though.

[desertrefugee]

20 apiece! Outstanding score. And yes, you have it too. MBS. It’s afflicts motorcyclists worldwide. Comparable to the coronavirus. Spreads quickly and is easily transmitted from one human to another. There is no cure. At least it’s not fatal…

[Paola Zago]

I do feel your pain, Terry. Let me tell you about bikes that are needy. If you think carburetors on a GL are finicky, carburetors on a CBX are worse.

Please don't ask me to go to detail. It would be a far worse rant than the one you just made...

after my husband had been stolen from his CBX for 22 years, my husband bought another one, always gray and always from 78 from Canada, he was only 2300 km long, he was impeccable, but stopped for 11 years. it was the biggest motorcycle mistake of his life. The carburetors have been disassembled and washed with ultrasound 9 times, and each time a new kit of O-rings, before the motorcycle started to work well, spent a madness, every intervention on the carburetors, disassembly, washing, overhaul, balance and reassembly, it cost from 250 to 350 euros, spent a fortune and lost 8 months. When they saw him on that motorcycle, they all went to hide at the Honda dealership because they no longer knew what to do. a Honda Inspector came specifically to view the CBX, but without solving the problem. It went on with 5 cylinders, usually the first cylinder on the left didn't work, only when it had warmed up very well did it start to go. At other times he ran out of fuel from the third carburettor from the right, at other times he did not rev up. Now peer luck works very well and flies like a plane.
Paola

[pidjones]

I do feel your pain, Terry. Let me tell you about bikes that are needy. If you think carburetors on a GL are finicky, carburetors on a CBX are worse.

Please don't ask me to go to detail. It would be a far worse rant than the one you just made...

after my husband had been stolen from his CBX for 22 years, my husband bought another one, always gray and always from 78 from Canada, he was only 2300 km long, he was impeccable, but stopped for 11 years. it was the biggest motorcycle mistake of his life. The carburetors have been disassembled and washed with ultrasound 9 times, and each time a new kit of O-rings, before the motorcycle started to work well, spent a madness, every intervention on the carburetors, disassembly, washing, overhaul, balance and reassembly, it cost from 250 to 350 euros, spent a fortune and lost 8 months. When they saw him on that motorcycle, they all went to hide at the Honda dealership because they no longer knew what to do. a Honda Inspector came specifically to view the CBX, but without solving the problem. It went on with 5 cylinders, usually the first cylinder on the left didn't work, only when it had warmed up very well did it start to go. At other times he ran out of fuel from the third carburettor from the right, at other times he did not rev up. Now peer luck works very well and flies like a plane.
Paola

Although I am fairly comfortable working on GoldWing carburetors, if I had a CBX they would go to J.R. Luksik (CBX-tras) for rebuild. I have met him, and seen the quality of his work.

[77Gowing]

My brother tells me the VTX 1300R he sold me has been on lay up for 6 months.
He said he had a new battery put in it and it started once or twice. He also said the carbs appear to be leaking and now it won't start. I'm leaving for Laguna Vista on Tuesday to go pick it up, its 600 miles away. So, I guess I will address all this when I get it home after Wed.
Jim is still quite week as he continues to take intravenous antibiotics. He's on his feet though and able to ambulate a little till his strength is sapped. The Drs say he will continue to be week until he finishes his antibiotics. But, slowly he is getting his spring back in his step. He still has a dour outlook though. I hope I can work out the bugs and sell him back a good running bike. He as of now professes that he won't be coming back to the fully living. I just laugh and shake my head. I hear it in his voice he's getting stronger every day.
Paolo, you sound very knowledgable about MCs. Good for you.

Blessings to all.