GS450s Build - Scrambler maybe? Let's get it running first.

[Flyboy]

There should be something to locate the unit and stop it from spinning, just look around nicely.
I don't know the 450 that well so I won't guess, but someone will be along shortly to reveal all.

 

[CDC]

It does not appear that there is. It will interfere with the fork tube as it goes around (and maybe the brake caliper once it is installed) but there doesn't seem to be anything other than friction holding it. I suspect I need to take it for a ride and let the lip where the wheel and speedo drive meet wear down a bit. Then maybe the friction from the axle and spacers will be enough to keep it oriented correctly with the cable hooked up.

 

[Flaming Chainsaws]

On my 1980 GS450L, the speedo drive stays in place when you tighten the axle nut. Maybe you're missing a spacer somewhere on the axle?

 

[Flyboy]

I would go along with that, some do just use the process of being clamped betweet the wheel and the fork to stop them rotating, but nt to the point where something has to wear down for it to fit.
Maybe go online to one of the parts fisch's and have a look at the exploded veiw to see if you are not missing a spacer or something there, or that they are in the right order.
You will find a whole list of vendors on Basscliff's site, most have parts fisch's
Also check that the ring with the two tabs that locate in the wheel to turn the drive turns freely without resistance, if not, strip, clean and regrease.

 

[CDC]

No additional spacers in the fiche and the internal ring spins freely. This definitely seems like the speedo drive body contacting the rim of the hub. I'll keep playing with it while I wait for other parts.

 

[Guest]

Ok, went through my photobucket and found the dismantled pic of the speedo gearbox:



From memory, the way it should work is the pressure of the spacer between the left fork leg and the speedo gearbox should prevent it from spinning, and the two tabs on the inner driving disc of the speedo gearbox should locate on the front wheel to ensure it spins with it.

Not sure how much that will help if any, but it may do.

There shouldn't be anything to "wear in" or anything like that, it should just go together and work...

 

[CDC]

There shouldn't be anything to "wear in" or anything like that, it should just go together and work...

You would think, right? Anyway my feeling is that it will work itself out in a couple of miles one way or the other. I just need to keep an eye on it lest it damage something important.

I rode it around the block for the first time last night (!!!) and it wasn't making any horrible noises.

Finally after much waiting around I got some 132.5 main jets installed, shimmed the needles and fired her up. It actually felt about right, which has not been my previous experience with jetting.

However, I do have a very leaky petcock. I really really hate the vac operated fuel valves, and I'm wondering if there is an alternative setup I can run on this bike. A manual valve would be much preferable.

 

[Flaming Chainsaws]

How about a Pingel petcock? There is only an ON/OFF for this one so everytime you turn the bike off, turn the petcock off too! Or else you'll get gas in the oil.

 

[Guest]

You would think, right? Anyway my feeling is that it will work itself out in a couple of miles one way or the other. I just need to keep an eye on it lest it damage something important.

I rode it around the block for the first time last night (!!!) and it wasn't making any horrible noises.

Finally after much waiting around I got some 132.5 main jets installed, shimmed the needles and fired her up. It actually felt about right, which has not been my previous experience with jetting.

However, I do have a very leaky petcock. I really really hate the vac operated fuel valves, and I'm wondering if there is an alternative setup I can run on this bike. A manual valve would be much preferable.

What are the plugs telling you about the mixture with the 132.5 mains? And how many washers did you shim with? And have you had to change the pilot jet?

I want to know so I can try and work out a base point for when I get my exhaust done.... whenever that is

 

[CDC]

Didn't pull the plugs, but it "felt" slightly on the rich side of perfect. I didn't change the pilots but I'm going to play with the fuel screws a bit to see if I can get it to idle a bit steadier.

As for the petcock, I'm frankly considering cutting out the diaphragm and removing the plunger so I still have reserve, but adding a simple inline cutoff valve afterwards.

 

[Guest]

Fair enough, I'm just trying to get a rough idea of what sizes to look for when I get to that point.

 

[CDC]

Also as for shims, I'm not exactly sure what the previous owner did but there were 2 metal shims and a nylon washer in under the needle already, and the needle itself was adjustable. I moved the clip down one to the second lowest position and left the existing shims. It feels about right on the needle, but I still need to get out on the open road to evaluate the mains as I didn't want to do any WOT passes through my neighborhood with no plates on the bike.

 

[Guest]

Interesting! Sounds like they already did something with the needles for sure.

I haven't double checked mine yet, but I believe they're non-adjustable.

I'm thinking about this though:

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/6sigmajetkit/m.html

If they're as good as they look, that would be perfect...

And I must agree with the WOT with no plates thing, that wouldn't be wise

 

[CDC]

Interesting! Sounds like they already did something with the needles for sure.

I haven't double checked mine yet, but I believe they're non-adjustable.

I'm thinking about this though:

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/6sigmajetkit/m.html

If they're as good as they look, that would be perfect...

And I must agree with the WOT with no plates thing, that wouldn't be wise

As for the 6sigma guy, I have mixed reviews. The kit had lots of useless stuff in it, and he sent it with the wrong type of mikuni mains. Then, when he sent jets back, I got 4 of the same jet instead of 2 and 2. I'm a bit miffed all in all.

 

[Guest]

As for the 6sigma guy, I have mixed reviews. The kit had lots of useless stuff in it, and he sent it with the wrong type of mikuni mains. Then, when he sent jets back, I got 4 of the same jet instead of 2 and 2. I'm a bit miffed all in all.

Hmmmm I see...

I'm weighing up the cost of jets plus finding suitable washers vs. the price of that kit. Jets here will be something like $8.50 each for me and I believe I'll need a minimum of 4... a pilot and main for each carb, but I'd really like to get a couple of mains to choose from.

I have my carbs partially apart ready for paint, so I guess if I was to order one I could shoot him pic's of my jets and things to make sure I get the right stuff.

In that situation do you reckon you'd buy from him again or try to hunt things down separately?

Extra useless stuff in there doesn't bother me considering it'll be a good price vs. the cost of me buying jets alone...

 

[CDC]

Hmmmm I see...

I'm weighing up the cost of jets plus finding suitable washers vs. the price of that kit. Jets here will be something like $8.50 each for me and I believe I'll need a minimum of 4... a pilot and main for each carb, but I'd really like to get a couple of mains to choose from.

I have my carbs partially apart ready for paint, so I guess if I was to order one I could shoot him pic's of my jets and things to make sure I get the right stuff.

In that situation do you reckon you'd buy from him again or try to hunt things down separately?

Extra useless stuff in there doesn't bother me considering it'll be a good price vs. the cost of me buying jets alone...

Would definitely buy separately. The jets should be about $10 for a set of 4 (check chapparal). I was just hoping to save time by getting everything I needed to jet it in hand all at once, but of course it backfired. Shipping was quick, I will give him that.

 

[CDC]

Hmmmm I see...

I'm weighing up the cost of jets plus finding suitable washers vs. the price of that kit. Jets here will be something like $8.50 each for me and I believe I'll need a minimum of 4... a pilot and main for each carb, but I'd really like to get a couple of mains to choose from.

I have my carbs partially apart ready for paint, so I guess if I was to order one I could shoot him pic's of my jets and things to make sure I get the right stuff.

In that situation do you reckon you'd buy from him again or try to hunt things down separately?

Extra useless stuff in there doesn't bother me considering it'll be a good price vs. the cost of me buying jets alone...

The jets should be about $10 for a set of 4 (check chapparal). I was just hoping to save time by getting everything I needed to jet it in hand all at once, but of course it backfired. Shipping was quick and he has been working with me to make it right, I will give him that.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the tips.

I spent about an hour and half down there tonight getting the needles out (ugh) and trying to take half decent pic's (yeah right, don't give up ya day job!!), but as it turns out my needles are adjustable as well. Nylon type washer on top and one metal one underneath the adjusting circlip.

So, guess that means I don't need to worry about washers either unless it's still lean right on the bottom one.

I'll havta research chapparal for jets...

Anyways, enough of this thread jacking... let you get back to your build stuff now, after all it's your thread... ooops...

 

[CDC]

Current struggle is finding a decent set of shocks to put on back. I just changed the oil forks and they already feel much better.

The current shocks have some strange blue dual springs and I think they're aftermarket but unfortunately the shafts are pretty pitted and I don't think there's any way to salvage them unless I do something crazy involving a welder and a lathe. Any ideas for an affordable upgrade replacement?

 

[Guest]

Apparently MDI brand are a reasonable shock for a reasonable price but can be a bit harsh going by reports on here. Not sure where to get them though...

I'm hoping to end up with Ikons on mine pending budget.