Wing Ding 30 Official Program - Wing World Magazine Archives

Technical Questions and Answers about Gold Wings and ValkyriesHyperpro & All Balls Bearings,Heated Grip - QuestionsStu, thank you for your endless supply ofarticles and suggestions. You are truly amazing.After reading your article on the HyperproKit, I have placed my order for my 2001 GoldWing (25,000 loving miles). The kit is on backorder and will take 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.Although I am quite mechanical, I am going tohave my local Honda Dealer install the kit.My first question: Would you recommendme replacing my All Balls Bearings when thedealer breaks down the front end? I installedmy current set almost three years ago.Question #2: My Honda Heated Gripsstopped working. I checked the fuse, connectionsand so forth. Additionally, I tested andconfirmed that I have power in the wiring tothe switch. After speaking with Honda theyagreed (finally) to send me a new replacementHeater control switch. The grips still do notwork. Any suggestions?Thank you in advance.A.J. DobbsGWRRA #164819Dobbs Ferry, New YorkHey there A.J. Yes, I understand that yougood folks out there have run Hyperpro out ofinventory— a high-classed problem for them.Whoever installs that kit for you must followthe installation instructions to the letter!Otherwise, you may not realize the full benefitof the springs. I assume that your current AllBalls kit was installed sometime after the bikewas new. In that case, there should be no reasonto replace it again. Maybe a clean-up andadjustment, but that’s all. Of course, if theraces are notched, replace the bearings.Heated grips— you have power to theswitch. Have you confirmed that power leavesthe switch when it’s turned on? Check forpower at the grips. If you find none, trace thewiring to find the break or short circuit.StuAnswers to the technical questions in this month’s “Workbench” were provided byStu Oltman, Wing World’s Senior Technical Editor. Please submit your technical questionsabout Gold Wings or Valkyries by e-mail to workbench@gwrra.org or by mail to“Workbench,” GWRRA, 21423 North 11th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Please includeyour full name, city, state and GWRRA membership number.Anything Needed BesidesCarb Rebuild?I have a 1992 GL1500, 29K miles, whichsmokes when first started. It is a white to graysmoke, not black. It can last for 2-3 minutesafter cranking. I have to do a full choke tocrank the bike. It has also developed a lowspeedhesitation.I have been told the smoking issue is notuncommon on the GL1500 but do not know ifthis is true. I have owned the bike for approximatelysix months and assume the bike sat forextended periods of time without being ridden.I am guessing a carb rebuild would addressboth issues, so I will be taking it to the dealer.Given what little information I have givenabove, do you feel I am on the correct path? Inaddition, is there any specific items I shouldkey on for a bike that has been resting forsometime?Elden RobisonOrlando, FloridaHi Elden, the “smoke” is likely the result ofa lot of unburned fuel from excessive choking.It sounds to me as though you’re on the rightpath—overhaul the carbs and get them correctlyadjusted. As for other items to addressfor a long-idle bike, I’d recommend addressingeach and every item listed on the routine maintenanceschedule shown in the service manual.StuUpper Radiator Hose Leak(s)Stu, I have both your GL1500 maintenancevideos, but this subject didn’t get covered ineither of them and I haven’t seen it mentionedin any of the Workbench columns.I have a 1997 GL1500 SE. Question is whatall (Tupperware and etc.) do I need to removein order to get access room to clean that “tape”off the bosses and tighten the hose clamps?Haven’t seen the procedure set forth anywhere.My bike is parked in a “cycle shelter”on the carport, so I need a couple of warmdays so as not to snap any tabs or prongs inremoving plastic.Guidance/procedure would be appreciated.Bud HartGWRRA #124006Hi Bud, you may have noticed on thosevideos that I repeatedly suggest obtaining andreferring to the service manual for your particularyear model bike. Our intention in producingthe videos was to create a visual aid tosupplement the service manual, not to replaceit. The service manual section on body panelsaddresses removal and installation of all bodypanels. Remove the front lower cowl, the fairingcenter section, and both fairing side panelsto provide access to the coolant hoses andclamps. Then refer to the cooling system sectionof the manual for the inspection process. Ialso recommend inspecting the coolant hosesthat attach to the carburetor assembly. Theclamps on those hoses are spring devices andcan’t be tightened, but inspect for signs ofseepage. The carb assembly coolant hosesshould be visible using a flashlight. If not, thealternative is to remove the top shelter andcomplete air cleaner assembly for a lookdown from the top.StuBrake Pads Recalled?Hi Stu, I read your column often and get alot of good maintenance tips. Thanks.Right now I own a 2006 Honda ShadowAero Trike with a Motor Trike conversionbuilt at the factory in Troup, Texas. Recently,someone asked me about a recall on the brakepads. They saw information in your column inWing World.Have you any information on such arecall? Should I upgrade/replace these brakepads? I have not ridden much and it only has1,300 miles on it. Thanks for your time.Noel LindsayGWRRA #179109Noel, I’ve not come across any informationregarding a recall on the Shadow Aerobrake pads. Then again I don’t normally checkinformation not related to Gold Wings. Checkwith your Honda dealer to be sure.Stu34 Wing World