'85 1200 won't turn over by hand.

[John Schmidt]

Take a look for a K/P front cover kit it comes with all the O-rings a gasket
and the shaft seal that you need for the water pump to the oil pump
Rod

Found that kit on Ebay for $29 so might go for it, sure can't seem to spot it on any of the Honda parts breakdown unless I'm looking at the wrong illustration. Sure wouldn't be the first time.

UPDATE: Found it on Amazon for $22+s/h, same kit. Should be here midweek out of Texas. Next step, trying to find some decent headers without having to mortgage the house.

[John Schmidt]

SNIP.....Next step, trying to find some decent headers without having to mortgage the house.

Having trouble locating decent headers for a 1200, not interested in the mufflers. However, 1100 pipes seem to be more plentiful so.....will 1100 pipes fit a 1200?. I won't be using the mufflers but I figure I can cut that off and adapt a set of Harleys. I'd love to get a set of aftermarket headers but we're back to excess $$ for those.

[robin1731]

snip..........
Having trouble locating decent headers for a 1200, not interested in the mufflers. However, 1100 pipes seem to be more plentiful so.....will 1100 pipes fit a 1200?. I won't be using the mufflers but I figure I can cut that off and adapt a set of Harleys. I'd love to get a set of aftermarket headers but we're back to excess $$ for those.

Can't say if the 1100's will fit a 1200 but if they do that means 1000 will fit. Which means you could get 1000 headers. Cheaper that way with shipping. And there are two options. Some years come out straight and some are upswept a little. I can never remember which is which though.

[alwing17]

'78-'79 headers are upswept more than the early models.

[CYBORG]

If he is adding Harley mufflers, it might not matter

[alwing17]

I'm pretty sure the 1000 headers will bolt right up. Cyborg I think has done it.

[CYBORG]

Ya, I think the headers I used where from a 1000. And I used the harley mufflers

[alwing17]

And there you go!

[John Schmidt]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161276826979?ru ... 900wt_1191
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Just picked these headers up off Ebay. I checked with the manufacturer and found out the first 12" of the headers are double walled. That should help with bluing, but wondering if anyone on here has any experience with this outfit. For $199 w/free shipping I didn't feel I could pass it up. Usually sold by Niche Cycle Supply, be interested in any feedback. I believe they're made by Mac Performance or something like that. This particular set came from a tool liquidation vendor.

[robin1731]

In the inline four world Mac has always been a low end header manufacturer. Can't say if it is true in the flat four world.

[CYBORG]

I've always heard the chrome was not very good. Did not hold up over time. But I have never had any MAC stuff, so its only what I have heard

[John Schmidt]

I've always heard the chrome was not very good. Did not hold up over time. But I have never had any MAC stuff, so its only what I have heard

I'm OK with that. Once I get it up and running, put some miles on it and get any bugs worked out, etc., I plan to sell the bike and look around for another project. However I will honor my honey's request, her health ended her driving days about two years ago and she's finally selling her little Lexus to her son. That leaves a large empty spot in the garage(and in her life) and she has asked that I don't fill it with a bunch of motorcycle projects right away. So, once this project is gone, it may be a while before I dive into another one.

One bright spot is in the works when needed. If you have looked at the leather work on my Valkyrie, my friend that did it has offered to make a "killer" seat for the 1200....even if I don't keep it. I buy the material is all he asks...and that's not cheap. Since it will be a true naked Wing, I've been tossing around the idea of making something called a Smugglers Trunk. It's mounted on the rear fender behind the rider, and build up the seat in back enough to rest snugly up against it. I think it would look great and give the rider a place to put small items rather than carry them in a pocket or whatever. Those are a bit pricey so considering making one, time will tell how I approach it.

[John Schmidt]

Well nuts, frustration has set in again. I'm trying to install the rear cover and having a heck of a time. I replaced the output shaft seal and it appears that's where the hangup is. The shaft goes in to the point where the end is even with the outer suface of the seal, but I'll be darned if I can get it to move any farther. I tried using a rubber mallet on the case in that area but it just won't move. Is there any tricks to installing the cover with the output shaft in mind, or is it just a matter of keep working at it....kinda like the ant and the rubber tree plant.

UPDATE: Got it....after remembering an old trick for getting metal and rubber(or similar) to slide easily against each other. Spray it with plain old rubbing alcohol. Makes the surface of both real slippery and evaporates quickly without leaving any residue. So, I simply sprayed both the shaft and the inside circumference of the seal and only needed to give it a couple thumps with the heel of my hand and it slipped right through. As for the alcohol trick, been using it for years, especially if I want to thread wires through a plastic or rubber tubing being used as insulation against vibration or abrasion. Squirt some down the tube, a little on the wire(s), and shove it through. You want to replace the intake runners back into the rubber collars? Just spray a little alky on both parts and it slips right in.

[chewy999]

I know a few tricks involving alcohol!!! Wouldn't waste rubbing alcohol on that, (whatever rubbing alcohol is), I normally use a little washing up liquid, may leave a little residue, but smells nice and keeps your hands soft, and ............... Oh lord, what am I am on about now!!

[terry_208]

I tried alcohol method on the cooling tube o-rings on top of the engine. They slid right togetger without any problems, almost too easy.