Topic: First Honda breakdown in 40 years

[MoMo]

I went for a ride on my GL500I Silverwing to look for a  pair of work boots, which I found at the Goodwill Store about 30 miles north of home.  Actually found a brand new pair of Sketcher boots there       However when I came out the bike cranked slow but started.   It was hot that day so I stopped at the local Ritas for chocolate water ice to take home, when I came out the bike was dead.  Walked home(best part is my home is no more than two blocks from Ritas) to get another battery,  took the battery back and started the bike right up and drove home, where I found this





That was the three wires from the alternator.  I think that it was residual crap that I overlooked after cleaning out years of mice crap, pee and nest that had been built up under the seat.  Anyhow, I cut the wires, installed new connectors and was back on the road in less than two hours


No damage done and all systems go...Larry

[BobbyR]

That is a great end to the story. Can you tell me what a chocolate water ice is.

[MoMo]

That is a great end to the story. Can you tell me what a chocolate water ice is.

Yep, and no money spent.

 Bobby, my daughter used to work at Ritas when in high school.   She told me there was a new flavor of water ice-chocolate.  Well, that sounded disgusting but I went over and sampled it, since then I've been hooked on chocolate water ice.  Maybe called something different in NY but it is finely chopped ice with chocolate syrup added.  They have a cappucino flavor that is quite good, cherry is the best when temperature rises...Larry

[RAFster122s]

GL500I is a nice ride, silver or candy muse?
At least it was an easy fix. Changing those connectors is one of the recommended wiring mods from CX/GL forums.  Have you had to replace stator or cam chain and mechanical and water pump seals yet? Easy bike to work on and after plastics are off to drop a motor for major work.

David

[MoMo]

GL500I is a nice ride, silver or candy muse?
At least it was an easy fix. Changing those connectors is one of the recommended wiring mods from CX/GL forums.  Have you had to replace stator or cam chain and mechanical and water pump seals yet? Easy bike to work on and after plastics are off to drop a motor for major work.

David

I was afraid the problem was the stator but relieved to find faulty connectors.  Cam chain good, I got the bike with 6000 miles-I think it had sat since 1986.  Now has 20k, mechanical seal ok, there is an oil leak behind the radiator.   I use the bike as a daily commuter so I will probably ride it till it becomes unrideable.  Plastics were perfect but every part is starting to crack: side covers, rear cowl, fairing, bags.   Have you moved yet David? ...Larry

[ekpent]

Mo - if you ever breakdown here in Michigan along I-94 between Detoit and Chicago which would be Kalamazoo,I promise I will help you fix the bike then make you a good frothy chocolate malted with some real ice cream and milk mixed with that ice a little     Fix you right up---Glad your breakdown was all good---Damn mice---- They will rot exhaust pipes also

[RAFster122s]

GL500I is a nice ride, silver or candy muse?
At least it was an easy fix. Changing those connectors is one of the recommended wiring mods from CX/GL forums.  Have you had to replace stator or cam chain and mechanical and water pump seals yet? Easy bike to work on and after plastics are off to drop a motor for major work.

David

I was afraid the problem was the stator but relieved to find faulty connectors.  Cam chain good, I got the bike with 6000 miles-I think it had sat since 1986.  Now has 20k, mechanical seal ok, there is an oil leak behind the radiator.   I use the bike as a daily commuter so I will probably ride it till it becomes unrideable.  Plastics were perfect but every part is starting to crack: side covers, rear cowl, fairing, bags.   Have you moved yet David? ...Larry

Yes, moved this week, arrived in Kingsport TN at my sisters around 11:30pm Wednesday night. Took a day off to recover after loading. I hate moving.

Tach seal leak or mechanical seal leak in that area.

Unfortunate about the cracking plastics, must have been outside a bit of its life or chemical stripped  oils from plastic (moisture/plasticizer that make them flexible.)  Good bikes but lacking power for 2 up highway cruising at 65-70...
oils from

[MoMo]

David,  did you sell off your collection of bikes or cart them along?  Found work yet?


The Gl is black, wish it were silver and, yes, it is sluggish to say the least, but usually stonecold reliable and economical to operate.  If it is the mechanical seal I should be getting antifreeze  and oil mixed, right? I am looking for a newer similar type bike or  even the650 version of the Silverwing.   Larry

[RAFster122s]

Fellow on cx forum in NC has engineered Mikuni carbs and engine mods that really wake up the bike. 650 is much nicer power and is what they should have built.
yes, mechanical would mix the two, wasn't thinking clearly about it. Tach seal leak is common. Could leak at fan seal be oil source? Need to look.

Vinegar flush of cooling system is good method for cooling every few years. Some guys did a small fountain pump to power flush, worked.

CX and CB were in AZ with me and moved to TN. Other 3 bikes were in storage in TN since 09. S90 and probably CX will be sold in next 3 months.

[BobbyR]

That is a great end to the story. Can you tell me what a chocolate water ice is.

Yep, and no money spent.

 Bobby, my daughter used to work at Ritas when in high school.   She told me there was a new flavor of water ice-chocolate.  Well, that sounded disgusting but I went over and sampled it, since then I've been hooked on chocolate water ice.  Maybe called something different in NY but it is finely chopped ice with chocolate syrup added.  They have a cappucino flavor that is quite good, cherry is the best when temperature rises...Larry

Larry, I found it. It is an Italian Ice which I am fond of. I did find a Rita's not too far away. I will have one in your honor. Chocolate of course.

[RAFster122s]

Larry, keep an eye on the mechanical fan, the hubs crack,  then they will grenade taking the radiator out. Radiators in good shape are hard to find without paying $$ for them. An electric fan from a Duc 7 or 8 series works well when wired to a 80C thermo switch. Both can be had cheaply. Thermo switch for about $5 or less and fan between $20-30 from eBay. Added benefit of freeing up load on motor since it is driven directly off camshaft.

Epoxy 80C thermo to bottom of radiator and 7A fuse power for startup load. Duc fan draws 2.5-3A max normally. Nice upgrade worth doing, very little downsides. Can gind off last 1/4 inch of camshaft fan mounts to or move radiator forward 3/8-1/2 inch for clearance.

[MoMo]

David,   if it ever gets to the point where the GL needs major work it will be gone.  I have so little into it that it won't be that big of a loss to see it go.  I had two and sold the spare for 650 to a fellow forum member.


Bobby,  hope you enjoy the ice, a tribute in my honor?  How touching ....Larry