Topic: Went to the grey side ;)

[clarkjh]

It's Alive!!!!!!!

I had to bump start it but it started right up .  A little noisy with the old exhaust and I didn't put in new copper donuts.  Now to fix that damn O-ring so I can stop that leak.  I may just get a ride this weekend after all.

James

[edbikerii]

Woo Hoo!!!!  Great work!  Have fun riding this weekend.

It's Alive!!!!!!!

I had to bump start it but it started right up .  A little noisy with the old exhaust and I didn't put in new copper donuts.  Now to fix that damn O-ring so I can stop that leak.  I may just get a ride this weekend after all.

James

[Peterbylt]

I have an 81 GL1100 and love it, me and the wife have put thousands of enjoyable miles on it. I did many of the same things you did and many more getting her in shape. One of things that I did to cure the finicky starter clutch was drain the oil down by one quart and fill it up with MMO (Marvel Mystery oil) and run it for about 200 miles then change the oil. That cured mine. I have been running Castrol syntec oil in it made things a lot quieter.

Peter

[clarkjh]

Well, I think I have the coolant leak fixed.  I won't know for sure till I can run the bike up to temp to pressurize the system.  Going to try some SeaFoam in the oil and see if that helps the starter clutch, but I'm not hopeful.  Starter is now just spinning and the clutch will not engage at all, but maybe some klicks on it will help.

Before I put all the tupperware back on I need to find a spot to put the Flamm air horns I bought.  Going to rewire all the extra lights to a new toggle switch as well as the driving lights to a new switch.  I am thinking of putting relay on each switch that won't have power unless the key is on, that way I can't forget any lights on.

Ride Safe
James

[edbikerii]

Just be careful about too much auxiliary lighting.  The 1200s are known to have stator issues, which seem to be more common when overloaded.  The stator, I believe, is the same design as the earlier bikes.

[clarkjh]

Don't plan on putting anymore lighting on it then already has, I might see if I can get LED bulbs for them though.  I can always get the stator re-wound at the local electric motor shop, he has done quite a few wings.

James

[clarkjh]

WOOT!!!!!

Just had the first ride since the new gaskets.  Wow, whole different feel then the little 550.  Still have a litte itty bitty leak in the X-over.  I also have to rebuild the front shocks, won't take air and it acts like the right seal is shot.  I need to put some highway pegs or boards on, 32" inseam, just too tight to leave my feet on the main pegs all the time.  I rode about 45KM and Samson never went over half way in the normal range on the temp gage.  Need to put some more air in the back shocks and tire, still feels a little mushy back there, I like a very firm ride.  I had to bump start it before my ride, starter clutch wouldn't engage, tried it after the ride and noise, then, varoom.  The carbs need synced but am going to wait for the new exhaust to come in.

SWMBO really wants to got for a ride, but I want to get at least a week of riding in before I go 2-up.  Need to find out all of Samson's quirks.

Safe Rides
James "Ginning ear to ear"

[clarkjh]

Couldn't resist, Crys and I went for a ride.  Man I need to tune the suspension, the 550 rides 2-up better.
Photos
http://cryscom.nb.ca/images/1980%20GL1100/1980%20GL1100%20InterState%20003.jpg
http://cryscom.nb.ca/images/1980%20GL1100/1980%20GL1100%20InterState%20002.jpg
http://cryscom.nb.ca/images/1980%20GL1100/1980%20GL1100%20InterState%20001.jpg

James

[edbikerii]

Beautiful bike!

You know the seat is adjustable for different inseams?  It looks like you've got yours all the way back.  Maybe sliding her forward an inch or two willl elminate your need for boards?

On these bikes the motor & tranny have to come out to change the stator.  Worth avoiding this repair by going with LEDs ASAP, I think.

So, you think the starter motor/clutch has improved from riding?  More frequent riding will only make it even better!

Have fun!

[clarkjh]

Getting a steady 15V on the gage as I drive, hardly ever see it drop below that.  I had to put the seat back, I kept stepping on the engine.  Might give it a try on the middle setting.  The starter clutch is improving with riding.  Put a couple hundred miles on it this weekend.  Need to change the rad cleaner out and put 50/50 in, plus fix the damn leak in the cross over on top, I have put 3 O-rings in there so far and still have the leak.  I ordered in the parts to rebuild the back shocks, I hope that will fix the sudden stop when we hit a big bump.

I'm really surprised on how well it handles.  Once I get use to the size I should be able to drag the pegs very easily.  He also handles much better in the wind then the 550 with it's fairing.  I do need to track down a windscreen vent from a newer wing, gets damn hot when in full gear.  I'm hoping that the new exhaust comes in this week, but with the holiday in the US I can see it being next week, shipped from Il on Thursday last week.

Ride Safe
James