OC to Washington State '79 850

[Rob81]

Hello Friends!

May/June 2010, I am riding my 850 from Orange County to Tillamook, OR, to meet up with my uncle(s) to ride from there to Washington (state). Of course I'm touring on the way!

In my youth, I was surrounded by three Uncles who had garage's filled with motorcycles. Candy to a young boy! BSA, Triumph, and Norton were part of my dictionary due to informational motorcycle books given to me for birthdays and Christmas. The smell of cold stale gasoline and oil, rust, and old rubber fills my childhood memories. Although half the bike's were covered in sheets, the chromed sparkly spokes of the aged rims always poked their heads out, taunting me, "Ride me! Start me! Admire me!", words I shall hear later on from every gal I involve myself with (besides the point). At the age of 2, I made my way through a few locked doors into my garage where my fathers 1980's Honda Magna 1100 Shafty was calling my name. I mounted the bike and started her right up!

(2008) I tell one of my Uncles Im looking for a bike. Flat seat streamline look, dual exhaust, CB550 or CB750, 70's, something to play with. He walks me down to the garage. There sits a poopy looking, old red motorcycle in front of me with a battered rear luggage box, shabby front police looking fairing, oil soaked airbox, and no chrome what so ever. My uncle continues to tell me that the POS sitting in front of me is a top of the line machine. I believe him and go for the challenge, which wasn't bad after all, I mean, the bike started up, horribly, with only two pistons firing, but she started.
--Carb clean
--new points
--new spark plugs
--tires
--some bulbs
--airbox minor clean
--Engine Timing
And the bike purred. Didn't even need a synch (well, not yet).

(2009) I hear about GSR but I don't frequent the site. Rapid Ray got a hold of me about some work I was questioning and took care of me.
--Carb sych
--idle adjust
--valve cover gasket
--breaks
(I think that's all he did). Looking back, Ray did an amazing job due to the fact that the intake boots were pretty shabby.

(2010)
Been riding the bike for two years now and LOVE IT! I know I have a great bike when every compliment is joined with "Man, I had like seven of those bikes growing up". Even Harley biker gangs give me the wave and telling me they've owned a few GS's in their time.

So I'm taking her to Washington. Before I leave I am doing some work.
--Intake bots (done)(partshark.com)
--plugs (done)
--airbox sealing
--new clutch disks(maccycles.com), gasket, and springs(partshark.com)
--carb O-rings (not sure where)
--tach cable(partshark.com)
--timing
--carb synch
--tank bag (thanks Uncle P.)
--soft saddlebags (don't have yet)
--camera mount & cam (go pro HD cam) (thinking about it)
(that all?)

No one around OC wants to hear me blab about my bike so I shall post pictures and tell stories about my prep, trip, stops, and anything else I find amusing.

Feel free to suggest stops on the way, join me in part of the ride along the way, cheers a beer at some really cool pub you know about. I just want to stop typing this long story so we can get to the discussions!
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE LONG RIDE--I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR!!

 

[Rob81]

I came off the freeway today. Sitting at the light I hear a rasply sound, like a plastic bag was being ruffled. I instantly thought, "EXHAUST LEAK...NO!!!!!" So I pull over and check it out.

Holy crap--Theres a bolt missing in my #3 header and its angle'ing at about 1/16". But here is why I am somewhat happy. This explains the gobbly idle, die'ing at the lights, the smell of running too rich, and the idle after a rev takes its time to drop back down to idle ( I HOPE!).

I'm heading tomorrow to grab 8 new header bolts from a parts store and crossing some fingers!

 

[bradleymaynar]

Make sure you get allen heads for the bolts. Too many stories in the tech section about busted exhaust bolts.

How much time do you plan to allow for the trip? What I've done on longer trips is to take breaks at each fuel stop, not just gas and go. Stretch your legs and do some stretching like you're about to go for a jog. Ear plugs can do wonders, as well as an Advil, for preventing fatigue on the body. Make sure to pack some water/sports drinks and some type of snack food. Since you're planning to make this a tour you'll be able grab a quick bite at photo ops and such.

Brad bk

 

[Rob81]

Well, I am about to walk outside and check to make sure that the head of the bolt didn't snap! I am hoping that the bolt came out (wishful thinking).
--As for the allen wrench's, I have been replacing every bolt I've been taking off with stainless steel allen bolts.

--What size are the header bolts, I cannot find the specs for the life of me?
--While I'm in there, should i replace the individual header gaskets as well?

~~~UPDATE~~~~

I walked outside after reading up on other header bolt issues. I take a cuetip and slide it into where the header bolt used to be. Sure enough, it doesn't go all the way in. BOOOOO! Well, its a good thing I'm not leaving until May!

 

[Rob81]

oh the comraderie. oh the shared experience. the joy that is gs.

rgds

Yes yes. I cannot be thankful enough for this website! GSR is my health insurance for my little red head.

Welp, More R&R (research & request for more parts).

"bradleymaynar"--Thanks for the tips, I didn't even think about advil or ear plugs. Added to the list.

 

[conrad]

Yes yes. I cannot be thankful enough for this website! GSR is my health insurance for my little red head.

Welp, More R&R (research & request for more parts).

"bradleymaynar"--Thanks for the tips, I didn't even think about advil or ear plugs. Added to the list.

yeah, i meant your problem is one that's been shared by most all gs riders. Licorice threads, dissimilar metals, and bolts where stud should be. Its all good
All the best with the extraction chap. You'll read a number of techniques, most of which are good to know and consider. BTW, don't blame youself as that bolt was probably snapped by the previous owner and gently loctited back in, so as to pass the problem on to you. grr

 

[Rob81]

yeah, i meant your problem is one that's been shared by most all gs riders. Licorice threads, dissimilar metals, and bolts where stud should be. Its all good
All the best with the extraction chap. You'll read a number of techniques, most of which are good to know and consider. BTW, don't blame youself as that bolt was probably snapped by the previous owner and gently loctited back in, so as to pass the problem on to you. grr

I am researching now. I will say this again, boy am I glad I am not leaving until May!

 

[conrad]

I am researching now. I will say this again, boy am I glad I am not leaving until May!

you'll be rockin long before then. You have the right attitude (and the Right bike).

not to state the obvious, but once you've cracked that one, exhume the other seven too (carefully with some heat on hand) and go for 8 lengths instead, so as you can then forget that particular gs 'feature'.

 

[Tom MLC]

On the subject of your trip, let me know what your plans are as the date approaches. I'd be glad to share the road with you as you pass thru the Bay Area.

In fact if touring is in your plans, I have my own desire to ride the PCH north of the Golden Gate Bridge. For a few years now I have been trying to encourage some of the local GS'ers to take the trip with me. I'd rather not go it alone. No fun in that. I started a topic for discussion in the NorCal social group. http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=70

I would have to do this in June. Plans are underway for a trip to Death Valley and Las Vegas in May. So I guess the timing is gonna be determined by you. Let me know if you're interested.

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

Put some studs in the exhaust!! 8x1.25x50mm. Make sure to adjust the valves before you go !!!! That should be the first thing you do for a tuneup. Make sure to lube the points cam.. Check out the stator connections & add a ground wire from the battery - to the reg ground.

 

[Rob81]

Put some studs in the exhaust!! 8x1.25x50mm. Make sure to adjust the valves before you go !!!! That should be the first thing you do for a tuneup. Make sure to lube the points cam.. Check out the stator connections & add a ground wire from the battery - to the reg ground.

I added the ground wire to the battery already. Made a HUGE difference in charging! What did you mean by "studs"? They are bolts on my bike.

Tom MLC--I am stopping off in San Jose then heading north. I would be glad to coordinate a meet to ride the bridge, that's pretty much the route I was thinking anyways (once up in Nor Cal). I am attending a wedding in Washington June 19th, so I'd need to met before then. I will keep you posted!

Conrad--"8 lengths"? I'm not too sure what this means.

--Sorry guys, as I said before, I'm a bit of a green horn to the GS, some lingo I don't understand yet.

 

[850 Combat]

If you don't find them at your local Ace or True Value, this place has them for 30 cents each

http://www.allensfasteners.com/sear...iLevel=1&txtsearchParamTxt=metric+socket+head


Get lock washers too.

I like permatex high temp anti seize. The silver stuff

 

[Rob81]

New Hardware Store opened up within walking distance of my house, just my luck!

 

[Rob81]

Update

Update

The #3 exhaust bolt did not want to move with an easy-out.
A close brother of mine works at hardware shop,
drilled the whole thing out. (Took the #3/4 header off, and right front fork)
Tapped it, coiled it, and the new stainless steel Allen bolts went in beautifully! Used anti-seize on all 8. (They were 8mm x 35mm) The 40's were too long.
Gave me a chance to shine the header's, pipe and get a lot of rust out.
-
I received a tank bag from my uncle and I'm thinking about heading out towards Vegas for a test run before Washington. A friend of mine might just join me on an '03 Gsxr 1000, I wonder how they do it on those tiny little seats.

 

[850 Combat]

I'm proud of you, Robert

Good job

 

[Big T]

I was going to ask him if he is related to you, PB

Rob, your route up is simple - Go to PCH and head north to Leggett, take a left on 101 to Tillamook. Many people dream of riding the length of PCH

I'm sure we can dig up some good alternatives for you on the way back. Plus , there's GSR members up and down the route

 

[850 Combat]

Rob is my nephew.

 

[Rob81]

The PCH route sounds perfect. Kind of long. I hear it adds a few hours once you get into OR with it's back and fourth turns.
--Paul, The tank bag works perfect, I love the easy in easy out clicks. The window for the map is such a life saver.

--News Update:
The bike is bogging, like its not getting enough air. You can smell that its running rich. It has been smoking a bit when I gas the bike on take-off. And the throttle sticks just a tad.
--Im about to re-seal the air box today and throw in the new clutch and some gaskets I had sitting here waiting.
I really want to get the entire throttle setup since it has been giving me issues off and on for the last year. Today, I'll just take it apart and lube it.

How do I lube a throttle cable?

Rob

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

You could take it off and squirt your favorite lubricant inside the cable housing, let it hang somewhere and hope the lube makes it all the way down the length. Or you could just buy a new one. They're not that expensive.

I'm thinking of making a similar trip this summer to see my daughter in Spokane. I don't know when yet but probably later than your trip. Too bad.

Keep us informed.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Rob81]

Vegas test ride

Vegas test ride

The clutch was replaced with ease, the airbox was re-sealed and the bike ran like a champ all the way to Vegas. On the way back she ran even better and stronger!

-The tube that goes from the valve cover to the airbox was shooting a tiny bit of smoke after about the first 80 miles, took a long break and got back on it. I think the head gasket is leaking and maybe needs new piston rings.

This was my first long ride. I loved it, my body is exhausted, my brain is dead, my throttle hand was going in and out of consciousness, it was COLD and windy on the way there but perfect weather on the way back.

Check the photos!

Rob