1989 Goldwing Gl1500 - ideal learners bike

[yoeddynz]

Or his sporty beetle

[yoeddynz]

Wof attained. Clean sheet. Fella was impressed with the condition. 

While I was waiting some random Barry who was leaving the workshop started chatting to me and eventually I 'learned' all about why the imp engine was a failure due to the wrong thermostats being fitted 

Had to pass a motor home and a truck plus trailer on way to town. Jeez the acceleration is addictive. It was so effortless and fun.  I can see how folks get themselves into trouble.

[yoeddynz]

Bike was going really well and I'd been enjoying evening rides learning the ropes.

Then started having a slight hesitation. Like a small flat spot as I tried to accelerate away from 10kph. Nothing, nothing then surge. It didn't feel like ignition but first port of call was Repco for a new set of plugs.

That didn't fix it. I was going to have to dig deeper.  Off with the tuppaware. I timed myself as I was curious to know just how long it actually take to undress a big girl like this..🥸

Turns out its about a half hour.

I discovered a K&N filter..

I also discovered a carb piston that was just ever so slightly sticky. Like a tiny bit of grit. Moved it in and out and it freed off fine.

While I was in there I checked out all the vac lines etc. I needed to remove the filter lower case from the carbs. But 3 screws decided they'd be heros and stay in place..

Easy..

Out. 

The carbs have been out in the past. These 88 and some 89 bikes had a factory 'recall' for the carb jetting due to off idle hesitancy.  Offered were some new pilot and main jets/needles. Most bikes will have been sorted early on but I was fearing that my bike had been missed. I found an X scribed next to the engine number though - close to the location that the service bulletin mentions to put one.  Fingers crossed my issues were just the sticky carb piston.

I found one vac line that had a kink and would have been sucking itself shut. Fixed that, cleaned the engine further and then reassembled. I also painted the stone chipped steel exhaust shroud while it was off. 

Started the bike and it idled better. Warmed it up but could already tell it was smoother when slowly opening the throttle. Cool. Best go for a ride then.

80kms later and it was all good. Back to smooth.

What wasn't so nice was a period of being followed by a Harley and a Harley trike. I felt pressured to go faster than I wanted to. Cocked up one corner which was both potentially dangerous and also embarrassing. The bike is much faster than I need and requires more skill than I currently have to pilot it at those speeds. Its bloody fun trying but scares me to think of what could happen when my perceived 'talent' runs out.

So I have listed it for sale on market place. I have no idea what it might be worth in these funny times so I've started at 6k.  At that its the cheapest 6 cylinder Goldwing on offer. What ever I end up getting can go towards a smaller bike. I'm still keen on a CX500 or a CB custom.  A classic cruiser that I can feel easier about throwing about.

For now I'm going to continue riding the Goldwing because its lush but in the future any bikes that sit up my arse I'll just let pass so I can just cruise.

I'll continue to enjoy seeing it here looking majestic 🦅

[Lord Gruntfuttock]

Never feel pressured by other bikes to exceed your comfort zone. That way lies repair bills and hospitals... 

Look fwd to the next chapter on a smaller steed 

[yoeddynz]

SOLD.   Its gone to a nice new home  -  a local rider who's wife refuses to ride on his Harley (which when he turned up on it at ours was ear bleedingly loud it has to be said) ..

He loves the new steed so I'm stoked its gone to a good place. 

I'm now on the search for a pair of suitable bikes for both me and Hannah. CBs, CXs, XS's etc Ideally four pots but two will do.