HACK A WEEK

I drove the bike to work a couple times this week and discovered that I still have an issue with the carbs. It won’t rev past 6K rpms! It’s running on the pilot and midrange but it’s not getting fuel from the mains. I pulled the carbs again and found that I had two of the jets switched around from front to rear. The carbs on a V4 Honda have smaller main jets in the front than in the rear. I cleaned everything up one more time, checked the float heights and reinstalled the carbs. It still won’t get into the mains…

I think I know what the problem is. The slides in a CV carburetor depend on a vacuum in the upper chamber to pull them up. There is a small passage from the throttle bore to the upper chamber and I think mine are restricted by crud and or corrosion. So, next episode will be about solving that problem.

Keep on hackin…

It runs!! The tank and tail light are functional and all that’s left is a paint job.

I went to DMV today and got my license plate for the Sabre! No inspection needed! $18 and out the door, plate in hand. I slapped it on the bike after dinner this evening and went for the first real ride on it. Riding position is perfect! Handling feels like a Sabre, not too sporty but decent in the turns. Carbs had a little burble for a half mile then cleared up. Some piece of crud in the main jet that finally cleared itself. I might have to go back in there if it comes back. Power seems OK, brakes work fine.. well as good as one can expect from disc front and drum rear. I’ll ride it to work tomorrow and leave early so I can take the long twisty way. So far, it puts a big fat smile on my face!

Keep on hackin…

I didn’t get done in time for the Bull City Rumble this week, and that was by choice. I decided not to rush this build and do it the way I really want to. I did however dissolve all that foam from the fuel tank and I have the seat mounting hardware installed.

Keep on hackin…

This week I received the Emgo fairing that I ordered and mounted it on the bike. At first I was unsure about it but it’s beginning to grow on me. I think it will all come together when everything gets painted. The project is down to the details now and I’m almost done with the fiberglass work. Next week I’ll be melting out the foam from the tank, installing the fuel petcock and fuel lines then sand, prime and paint the tank and seat. Once painted the seat pad will be made and installed then comes inspection time and a trip to DMV for registration and plates. I hope to be done in time to drive it for a couple days before I take it to the Bull City Rumble in Durham Aug. 30th. That’s the plan anyway…..

Keep on hackin…

I finally took apart the front calipers and did a full rebuild. Things weren’t pretty inside. Lots of gunk and a seized floating pin, which was causing most of the drag. I’ve been adding more fiberglass to both the seat and tank and they’re shaping up great. The battery finally has a new home under the seat and I’ve got some mailbag goodies!

Keep on hackin….