All -
For those that didn't see it - I bought a new to me 1978 Suzuki
GS-1000. Although it isn't a NH - there are many similarities between
the 80s NHs and the GS-1000. The center of gravity is almost identical
- it handles remarkably like my 450 NH - its an air cooled - inline
four cylinder engine with individual Carbs (IE the 5,6 and 750 NHs)
and in general follows the same late 70s early 80s look that almost
all Japanese manufactured bikes had then. On to the stories!
Some clarification:
I don't - in general - have a problem with running SeaFoam, in
fact I've recommended it - what I think I did do is overdose this
tank! The recommended maintenance dosage is 1 oz per gallon - that
would mean roughly 1/4 of a can each fill up - I put in a whole can at
once - I'm waiting to run this tank out and I'll put just straight gas
in and see.
Since this was the first tank on the new bike - I figured I'd
give it a good clean out.
Lesson: If you suspect one spark plug is bad - change them all because
they all probably are.
Story: I found a blackened plug in the #1 cylinder after the bike
started to run weird, vibrate and have no particular amount of power.
I got to my half way point and swapped out the #1 plug - thinking I
got it. A brief ride down the Interstate confirmed that I didn't -
Fourth gear - on a slight hill - with the throttle wide open and I was
still not accelerating.
Lesson: Wait for your engine to cool before attempting to change the
inside plugs on a four cylinder inline motorcycle engine. (ouch!)
Story: When I got to my Dad's house to do an oil change - I attempted
to swap out the spark plugs as the oil was draining. This proved to be
an excercise in almost burning my fingers. The outside plugs - not a
big deal - the inside ones - huge pain. Finally wound up doing it with
a 6 inch extension and a deep socket - just to not have to get my hand
in there.
Lesson: Oil sight glasses are annoying - they give you no feel for how
much oil you have, unless you're within about a half quart of where
you're supposed to be.
Story: Upon checking the oil I discovered a clear glass - nothing
showing in it - thats bad. Unfortunately it doesn't tell you how bad.
I dang near paniced thinking I'd run it dry - turns out the sight
glass only shows you about a 1/2 quart range. I was about 1/2 quart
low. In retrospect, it might not even have been that much as I'm not
certain the bike was quite level at the time. (It wasn't far off, but
maybe enough)
Lesson: Saddle bags are awesome.
Story: I carried - on the bike - a five quart oil jug - four spark
plugs, oil filter, cargo net, chaps, second tool kit, fleece jacket
and a Dell computer all on the bike at the same time. Only the
computer had to be strapped to the sissy bar. Saddle bags are very
very nice!
Lesson: Windshields and fairings - I shall never again make fun of them.
Story: I've never had a bike with a windshield before. I had no idea
how much more enjoyable / less cold one can make motorcycling. Wow.
Lesson learned!
Lesson: Highway pegs are very nice - providing you either have chaps
on or the wind blowing up your pant legs is warm enough.
Story: Never had a bike with Highway pegs before, had in the past
considerable knee pain from not being able to move out of a cramped
riding position. This bike has highway pegs and they are great for
stretching out. Only downside is the strong draft up your legs - so it
had better be a fairly warm draft, or wear chaps to cut down on it.
Lesson: It is impossible to tell by sight or feel which of four
cylinders is misfiring on a motorcycle - you need some other evidence!
Story: Back to that spark plug thing - I was trying to figure out
which cylinder was causing trouble while riding. Don't bother. It
doesn't help!
Lesson: A easy to reach kickstand is underestimated in its importance.
Story: The NH's kickstand is right where you'd want it to be - easy to
reach, easy to flick down etc. The GS1000 kick stand requires groping
around with your heel till you find it, kicking it down until it his
the ground, then leaning the bike over, past the center point, to
allow it to come down fully. In comparison - that stinks. I'm thinking
of extending the part of the kickstand that you hit with your boot to
make it easier. (Requires welding!)
Thats all for the moment!
Ride Safe!
-Joey
On Sun, Apr 10, 2011 at 11:39 PM, Javier Garcia <[email protected]> wrote:
> I think half a can on a tank is plenty. I don't think it is bad, though. You
> just have to be prepared to have the engine running funny for a while.
> Javier.
>
> On Sun, Apr 10, 2011 at 11:25 PM, vadik selo <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> so you don't recoment using seafoam? or maybe use less?
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Apr 10, 2011 at 10:22 PM, Joey Kelley <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hello All,
>>> I've been kinda quiet here for a couple days - enjoying my new
>>> ride!
>>> Some lessons I've learned:
>>> An entire can (16 oz) of SeaFoam in a 4 gallon gas tank makes
>>> your engine run funny
>>> If you suspect one spark plug is bad - change them all because
>>> they all probably are.
>>> Wait for your engine to cool before attempting to change the
>>> inside plugs on a four cylinder inline motorcycle engine. (ouch!)
>>> Oil sight glasses are annoying - they give you no feel for how
>>> much oil you have, unless you're within about a half quart of where
>>> you're supposed to be.
>>> Saddle bags are awesome.
>>> Windshields and fairings - I shall never again make fun of them.
>>> Highway pegs are very nice - providing you either have chaps
>>> on or the wind blowing up your pant legs is warm enough.
>>> It is impossible to tell by sight or feel which of four
>>> cylinders is misfiring on a motorcycle - you need some other evidence!
>>> A easy to reach kickstand is underestimated in its importance.
>>> Off to bed!
>>> -Joey
>>>
>>> --
>>> -Joey Kelley
>>> JoeyKelley.com - My Life Online
>>> JoeyFixesComputers.com - Its What I Do!
>>> JoeyKelleyPhoto.com - Photographing Today, For Tomorrow
>>>
>>> --
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>>>
>>
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--
-Joey Kelley
JoeyKelley.com - My Life Online
JoeyFixesComputers.com - Its What I Do!
JoeyKelleyPhoto.com - Photographing Today, For Tomorrow
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