Newbie with '86

[86commuter]

Hey all,

Was given a "basket case" of sorts from my soon to be father-in-law. It needs a new radio (works but volume goes in and out), new antenna, all fluids changed, carbs cleaned and synced, front brake replaced and master drained/refilled, and other things I probably haven't identified. The jury is still out on the tires, but no obvious dry rot, but it sat for 3-4 years. This bike will be my new commuter as my Harley Softail is only so comfortable for two hours of commuting each day, plus limited on luggage space.

Anyway, I have the carbs out, and am removing all the smog stuff because I prefer things simple and uncluttered. That said, I have come across some obstacles and have a few questions.

1. HOW do you get this smog canister out that sits in front of the tank? Do you have to remove the gas tank? I have spent some time already attempting various ways, one of which involving cutting off the nipples with a pair of dikes, and now I'm a little worried because one shot off somewhere and I HOPE it wasn't into one of the open intakes (I KNOW, I should have had them stuffed with shop rags, just hadn't gotten there yet :( I'll be looking for the piece again tomorrow in hopes that I don't have to cyl. head cover off.

2. Is the article by Bruce Kaufman universal for all years of the 1200? This is a CA model, and while I've read the article by Bruce on carb/smog removal, the article left me with some questions and maybe had some mis-info for my year (my carb does not have 3/8 OD vacuum ports, but maybe the one in the picture did?). I also cannot find the left and right suction valves to cover as Bruce instructs. Any guidance is appreciated.

3. I know for this year a different igniter is recommended, so I've been looking into it. Any other known issues for '86?

4. Are there any modern stereos for car or marine use that will fit without modification?

Thanks and also apologies to all who took the time to read this and answer, I know it's long!

Joe

[cranky]

... for openers, I'd change every drop of every fluid in it and check the
tire date code! I'd trouble shoot the old radio bug before installing a
new one, to find out the bug was still there, or at least make yourself
comfortable that the bug is IN the radio... Very best to Ya in your new
endeavor!!!!!

[ghostler]

Congrats on your new acquisition, 86commuter.

There are AFAIK a few things that you'll find, recommendations to make your 1986 solid, like the igniter issue. Being the first year, it is missing the front fairing flare trim pieces that help direct air and elements away from the rider, a minor nuance. Progressive replacement fork springs are available if your front fork springs are tired. A different set is used for the 1986, as they revised the forks in 1987. (I think they upped the fork diameter for subsequent years.)

You'll find the tire date code near the DOT molded label on your tire. It has four digits, like 1814. (18 = 18th week of the year [weeks from 01 to 52], 14 = 2014). If older than 10 years, I'd replace them.

There's a lot of good info on this site. To help, it is also worth paying $20 per year to be a member, so you have access to all technical publications and member only elements in this forum, although you'll find a lot of good advice in what's available.

Various resources, bits of info are available through this community.

If you need brake pads, someone on Amazon is clearing these out for only $13.50 shipping included for all three pairs, front and back. I bought a set of these and they work great.

https://smile.amazon.com/Caltric-KAWASA ... 00LIT5EN0/