Topic: Thoughts on my Sabre

[eigenvector]

Now that I've gotten it on the road, put some miles on it...

1)  It does have some power - first bike I've owned that I've done a burnout on.  A little too much RPM when starting out and it layed down rubber.  Hard on the lower back actually - especially when the tire finally finds traction.  I can't imagine how powerful a v65 is.

2)  All those electronic doo-dads on this bike make it a bit of a worry.  Just replaced the coolant and the hoses - now it's giving me a warning light about coolant levels low.  They aren't, but the sensor thinks it is.  Annoying.  Plus it means the battery is constantly being drained.  This bike needs a battery tender.

3)  It's a big heavy bike - comfy ride on the road and it has an adjustable rear shock.

4)  I thought this bike had a silent exhaust - it does at idle, but at load it positively roars.  It definitely earns it's nickname V4 Muscle bike.

5)  The brakes are terrible, the master cylinder is too large and the lever much too hard to pull.

[bill440cars]

       Always heard those V4s were bad and an experience to ride. Never had the pleasure or opportunity, at least not yet.    Thought I was going to be able to pick one up, off of Craig's List, a couple of years ago, but didn't happen. Oh well. Maybe some day. If not, no problem. 

[grcamna2]

How's it running eigenvector,synch the carbs. too?

[eigenvector]

Well truth be told it's been sitting around.  Weather around here has been uniformly awful, except the last 2 days.

Carbs are running fine, I haven't synced them yet - still struggling to seal the carb boots.  Two of the boots were leaking pretty badly.

Basically I think a new set of intake rubbers and boot clamps is in order.  Beyond that everything appears to be ship-shape.  Once the air leaks have been dealt with I'll sync the carbs.

[grcamna2]

Well truth be told it's been sitting around.  Weather around here has been uniformly awful, except the last 2 days.

Carbs are running fine, I haven't synced them yet - still struggling to seal the carb boots.  Two of the boots were leaking pretty badly.

Basically I think a new set of intake rubbers and boot clamps is in order.  Beyond that everything appears to be ship-shape.  Once the air leaks have been dealt with I'll sync the carbs.

Those boots take a lot of stress when you remove the carbs.. A fresh pr. of oem boots will do wonders for that engine. 

[eigenvector]

Honestly I think the carb rack is cockeyed.  Either that or the boots have a slight curve to them.

I distinctly recall mounting the rack - install one corner and the opposite corner would pop out.  Pop that one back in and another would pop out.  I settled on a less than firm mounting figuring that I would rejigger everything once I determined that the bike even ran.  Well it runs, so now I have to get it right.

[MoMo]

The boots don't age well at all, spring for new ones. I sold a 700 Sabre awhile back and a 750 Interceptor several years ago, both were great bikes, especially the Interceptor...Larry

[grcamna2]

The new boots will make removing and correctly installing those carbs.. Much better,and they will seat-in and seal right.

I use to wipe-on some WD40(I recommend WD40 rather than oil because it will dry quicker and won't foul your plugs) to the rear boots just before I installed the rear most 'bank' of carb. throats;the fronts were easier to get started first and typically didn't need any WD40,etc.I would loosen up all the top clamps(wait until all the carb. throats are in before tightening any upper clamps) as much as possible before installing the carbs. but have all the boots exactly set in place and all 4 clamps tightened on the bottom first.I think it helps to do this while the bike is on a sturdy MC lift w/ the front wheel clamped-down tight as you will be pushing forward hard on the carb. 'rack' to get the 2 rear carbs into their boots.. they designed that alloy lower chamber/airbox strong so you can really push on it. 

[eigenvector]

The cool thing is - I can get them all brand new from Honda still.  They aren't an arm and a leg either.

[grcamna2]

The cool thing is - I can get them all brand new from Honda still.  They aren't an arm and a leg either.

Excellent  I used to own an 86' VFR750(first one w/gear drive cams)and did lot's of work/mods on it and remember how nice it was when I went to get a new set of those boots(even back 15yrs. ago)and how easy it was compared to using the old,hard ones.

[ekpent]

 I bought new one for my V65 Sabre before I even started messing with the carbs. Anything that makes it easier is a good thing with that set-up and those manifolds are in a very harsh environment between the cylinders.