Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone.
b52bombardier1:
Yeah, I learned of Limey Bikes while I was shopping around for this Honda. Their name cropped up several times while looking at other bikes - always positive. They specialize in vintage British and Japanese motorcycles. My experience with them was very positive as well.
Not sure if ethanol fuel is available anywhere near me. I looked into that in the past for my other motorcycle, lawnmower, chainsaw, etc… and did not find any gas stations offering it. The only thing I am aware of at present is the canned fuel you can buy at Tractor Supply. I use it for the small engine equipment only (chainsaw and trimmer)… not practical for anything else. Has been a few years though… I should look into that again.
Limey indicated my tank had been lined with 'Creme'... it appeared to be in good condition now, but something to keep an eye on. They said it will likely start coming off at some point and cause all sorts of problems - but that it could be years or more.
Stev-o:
Thank you for the eBay auction link - but they didn’t have my key code. I had also searched eBay before I found Hondakeys and only found the key blank for my bike. I just mailed in my Hondakeys order.
Regarding the carb slop, their feedback was in regards to the linkage. My understanding is that the linkage slop they mentioned makes it more challenging to adjust the carbs properly… I don’t really notice any symptoms while actually riding (and the throttle cables are adjusted properly).
The Kerker exhaust is starting to grow on me a little. I may try to just repair it for now to buy some time… while I contemplate the longer term plan.
Although my address is Austin, I am actually in a rural area outside of Austin. Roughly midway between Dripping Springs and Bee Caves. So not too far from you. But, I am not ready to venture out too far from home with the bike yet. Need to learn a lot more about it, get a good handle on the current state of things, etc. I put a little over 100 miles on it so far, taking progressively longer trips in my area. For the most part, it seems to be running better and better each time I take it out. Previous owner only rode it 300 miles in 1.5 years and his registration had expired last year… so it has been ridden relatively little in the recent history before I purchased it.
Took it about 20 miles away from home this morning to run some errands. That was my longest outing so far. It was really running great until it started acting up on the way back. While cruising at highway speeds, it lost power for a split second - then recovered on its own. Then did it again a little later - but for a few seconds this time. Then it ran fine for several minutes... then did it again… but this time it didn’t recover quickly on its own as before. It would not accelerate or even maintain speed, but it wasn’t dead either… giving it throttle would slow the rate of deceleration. Pulled in the clutch, engine speed fell to idle, stumbled for a second, and then died. I just coasted to a stop on the side of the road. Engine would restart, but would not idle on its own. Had to give it some throttle to keep it idling - and it was rough. So I let it sit for a few minutes while checking ignition cables, wiring connections, fuel / air leak, etc… did not find anything obvious. Oil level was fine... and still looked very clean (PO had oil / filter changed a couple months ago). Then tried starting it again and it fired right up without any throttle assist. Idled on its own, sounded good, good throttle response, pulled strong, etc. Got most the way home, then it did it again maybe a couple miles from home. Eventually made it home under the bikes own power. Based on the way this problem symptom seems to just cut in and out, wondering if it is maybe some type of electrical / ignition issue.
I need to investigate this later when I have some time - I'll make sure to start by searching the forums. But the point of that story is... I don’t I know this bike well enough yet nor is it well sorted enough yet for me to drive it too far from home right now or probably in the near future.
Harvest Classic looks interesting. I was not aware of it previously... but I put it in my calendar and will consider attending.
