Topic: As Good As it Gets?

[Jakoba]

Just to wage in on the MPG. 
I got 49.3 mpg on my last fill up. She's a 78K with stock plugs and stock air filter and 17/48 530 chain.

I'm glad I read ths article. Being a new rider and a owner of one of these classic beasts I can't wait to go out today and give that shifting at hight rpm's a try.

Oh by the way.....I asked my mechanic, who has a SOHC 76F, about all the noise in this engine and he said that he too likes the valves set a little loose. He said, "A ticking engine is a happy engine".

Cheers

Jako

[mustangcar]

how is setting the valve gap a little wider good for reliability? I just did the gaps according to the manual,  should I regap .001 wider both ex and int.??

[eldar]

According to hondaman, yes you should.


"Set the intakes at .003" and the exhausts at .004" (I know the manual says .002" and .003", but that's for quiet, not for longevity). Worn lifters both clatter and reduce the lift a lot, as much as .100". Worst case, they also damage the cams. Look inside with a flashlight for score marks."

[Ecosse]

Sorry to butt in again. I'm looking at the same service to my 550 and now wonder if I should follow the same specs for it as being suggested here for the 750.

Debating the purchase of that special tool too over the feeler gauges.

[Klark Kent]

yep the gaps are the same for the 550, and before reading about it here a friend suggested the .003 and .004 gap settings for longevity.  wasn;t sure until i read the same from hondaman, and i still set mine with .002 and .003 feelers, but make sure they are grabbing lightly and that the one size up doesnt really fit.  its like a voodoo ritual really and i wish i knew why- on this one thing- honda engineered for quiet instead of longevity- but i'd rather ride than get to the bottom of that one.

happy tappets

[eldar]

Ecosse, I think sticking the the gauges is fine. I don't know if the "special" tool will make thing easier.

[HairyPotter]

I thought I'd give you guys an update.

I've replaced the points, set the cam chain tension, valve timing, replaced clutch and throttle cables, changed the oil and filter and synced the carbs. I was still having some trouble with getting the idle to calm down under 1200 rpm. The final thing I did was replace the air filter due to a delayed and ultimately cancelled order from Old Bike Barn (should have read the forums!). What a difference in the idle a clean air filter made. There's still a bit of surging, and I've run a couple of cans of Seafoam through it. This has definitely helped. However, all but my #2 plug are covered in soot, but the bike seems to run well. Though I have to confess that I only get about 35 mpg.
I suspect that my carbs are due for cleaning/rebuilding, but I'm hoping I can put that off until the winter. I'm thinking the float levels might be off a bit. I'm also waiting to install Hondaman's ignition system booster.

The biggest difference, however, was learning how to ride her. Now I don't shift before 6000rpms.

What a difference! I really like this bike! Why did I ever ride a v-twin? I see those guys putting around on them now and think.."they don't have a clue as to what real power is!"

Anyway... that's where things stand today.

Thanks again for all of the input and feedback.
HP