Topic: K8 is alive

[Maurice]

Hello,

another one soon to be back on the road:



It lives. Wired it quick and dirty to see how the engine spun, and what the heck let's wire the ignition as well. Surprised to hear it roar to life. Dirty old plugs, points gaps were a bit off, idled on 3 cylinders but starts "au quart de tour" and sounds great.

I have some questions. What the hell are these?





Also, when kicking there's a sounds like a freewheel turning when the engine stops. I assume it's the starter clutch. Is that noise normal?

Thanks, I'll post updates as I get it on the road again.

[Wobbly]

I have some questions. What the hell are these?

The brackets are for the original 4in4 exhaust. This is apparently from the last generation that was used on the Japanese Specs model with rear disc brake--thus the guide for the brake line.

[madmtnmotors]

I have some questions. What the hell are these?

Those are brackets for the stock 4-into-4 exhaust, set them aside (store them or give them to someone that needs them, just don't toss them). The stock exhaust also has the stops built in for the centerstand to keep it from rubbing the chain. You will need to add a stop for the centerstand, usually just an "L" bracket off the back of the left rear footpeg.

The "guide" tube is for either an overflow tube (battery or fuel) or for the crankcase breather discharge tube (most likely).

[Maurice]

Oh I see. For some reason I missed them on the fiche picture.

I'm actually eyeing a set of k8 pipes on CL, seem in good shape. Very tempted. Although I like this here setup, F2 headers and what appears to be a MAC muffler. What to do?

[Wobbly]

The "guide" tube is for either an overflow tube (battery or fuel) or for the crankcase breather discharge tube (most likely).

That would make sense, but I don't see a different part number for the K8 tube vs. the K7 tube--which isn't long enough to be fed through the guide. That is why I guessed it is for the brake line. Of course, I have never seen the late K Model with rear disc brake in real life, only on pictures. And, actually, the ones I saw looked like the K7 (flat seat) with rear disc brake. But those had a guide for the brake line. CMS in the Netherlands does not list any Japanese specs models, so I am guessing. But the guide seems to be on the right side of the bike--which is were the brake is. You would think the discharge would be on the left side where the chain runs.

[Wobbly]

Oh I see. For some reason I missed them on the fiche picture.

I'm actually eyeing a set of k8 pipes on CL, seem in good shape. Very tempted. Although I like this here setup, F2 headers and what appears to be a MAC muffler. What to do?

I have a set of genuine Honda mufflers (405 Sankei) in excellent (!) condition with both brackets and all four pipe joints, and all eight pipe collars. I would sell for $ 350, non negotiable.  However, shipping would have to be by domestic USPS mail from 09180 which isn't cheap, most likely two boxes (each muffler would normally have its own box but that would make four boxes to ship). I also have a complete  tank and side covers in near mint condition, and a K8 seat that is like new. Just saying
No doubt, however, a four-in-one sounds a lot better than the late 4-in-4 exhaust--and is much cheaper (and weighs less).
Anyway, good to see another one saved and back on the road soon. Keep us updated, please.

[Maurice]

Thanks for the offers, we'll see first I'll get it in "commuter" mode.

I had a bit of a head scratcher moment when the taillight wouldn't come on with the ignition at "ON". Until I figure I had to bridge harness blue-yellow to headlight black... Duh...

Here's a bit of progress:



I don't like how these headlight ears sit.

Needs new tires, I guess I did ride around the block make sure nothing rattles off, was not confidence inspiring although it rode better than I expected.

I fitted cheap-o LED turn signals with an EP34 relay I had laying around, it's plug-and-play with the extra ground wire by the old relay.

Tires, front fender (I have one) and a vacuum carb sync and I'm on the road. Oh, and paperwork. NJ loves its paperwork. Costs twice more not to carry it than to blow through a red light...

[Maurice]

Finally, legal issues are settled. They can be a PITA at the DMV...

New tires, shinko 712. I have those on the 550 and like them. Decent grip in all conditions, round, and at least on the 550 didn't require balancing.

Rode to work today, first size-able ride. It went ok despite the fog and drizzle, not a single hitch. By the end of the ride the idle and throttle response was better than on short test-rides. Sometimes all it takes is a few miles of gas passing through carbs to get them in top shape inside.

This is a different animal than a 550. Heavy but more powerful and more torque. You can cruise around in 5th and I find myself looking for a 6th...

I don't like the drag bars, I will switch to euro ones. Will post pics when the sun comes out.