ZG1200 Experience 99

[Nails]

So it runs swell without the second airbox, and crappy with it, with or without the filter in the first airbox? If that's true, then I'd have to suspect that the airbox is physically getting in the way of something like fuel lines. I don't remember how all that goes together, but I do know it's tight back there.

In a related matter, a PO pinched my coolant return line to the reservoir. Totally blocked between the airbox and frame, IIRC.

I slide the carbs between the boots (from the left), airbox already installed. Yes, it bends the hell out of the boots. And did I mention that I enjoy doing this about as much as getting a sharp stick in my eye?

I have to use choke any time I'm first starting the bike, even in hot weather. You'll want to fix that ... and maybe it's the whole problem.

[cbrfxr67]

"And did I mention that I enjoy doing this about as much as getting a sharp stick in my eye?" -Nails


Kind of sat back from bike for awhile. Did some other stuff on other bikes and back at it this past weeekend. Found it running ok but really rich and high idle. I'm thinking wth. This is with full airbox on.

https://youtu.be/wlDnDB3mliA

So, next day I go out and jet it for the pods; figure why not. Start up and same, high idle. Checking throttle cable and it's way too tight. I thought I'd fixed this two times already but ok. Readjust and runs great. Barely rode it but seems pretty good.

Will put colortune back on and see how it looks set up for the pods. I'm not crazy about the pods either but they do make it easier to get around the carbs. If I keep them I want to get some better foam pods.

[Nails]

Here's something I've wanted to do on a carbureted bike for a long time -- mostly thinking of a thumper d/s:

I replaced O2 sensors in a '94 Range Rover. They're a legacy design, and modern sensors won't work this way. But you can give these pups 12 volts and then measure the sensor output, which works with an old-fashioned vue meter. I mean:

1) screw the sensor into the exhaust somewhere,
2) make a bracket and special plug on the handlebars so that when you put the vue meter on it, it gives 12v to the right sensor wire and hooks another sensor wire to the meter. Plus a ground for the meter.
3) If the meter reads "balanced", then you got 14% O2 like you want. And it'll tell you which way and about how far off you are otherwise.

Viola! an on-board exhaust gas analyzer. I'll call it "semi-closed loop fueling".

(The sensor has three wires -- the third one is to heat it so that it'll work when cold. I'll just wait until everything is warmed up. The Rover manual has the color code.)

Maybe I'll finally get this off the ground with the KLR I'm building for d/s touring. I'm thinking of using a dial-a-jet on it for big elevation changes, then using the O2 meter to monitor it all.

Anybody got a spare tape deck that I could rape the vue meters from? Eight-track preferred.

[cbrfxr67]

That's one thing I'd planned on doing too nails! I even ordered one and something happened with the seller, had to file a claim to get $ back. Forgot about it since then so thanks for the reminder! Ima start looking again.

I read about the idea on some 'so you want to be a carb guru eh?' article.

Good tips as always nails!

[itlives+]

Thanks for making this thread!
I just got a '94 for $1500 . It runs most excellent, so I'm just replacing wear items and gonna run it till don't. Then, part it out and get another.
I really like it but am not prone spending my time doing so much work.
Now that I've "found" the Voyager, Im sure i will always have one. I cant believe the deals on these fantastic bike!

What sold me more than anything (beyond price) is hydraulic valves and drive shaft.
Also, she's a good looking road couch. This is the first cruiser ive ever owned. Im an adventure type rider and have a Vstrom also.

Kudos to you and your tenacity!

[cbrfxr67]

Appreciate the kind words itlives! These are great bikes and super fun too as now I know. Previously I never would have wanted one and it's grown on me a lot.

Update,...




Sorry haven't been on. Bunch of bs took up my time and blah blah blah.

Anyways, need to clear the bag covers and do a good clean up/shine. I need a few random parts installed and I think I'll turn it over to my buddy. Pods seem ok. Takes a little longer to warm up in the cold weather, but when it's ready, it's ready. Took out Sunday and thrashed on it, trying to make an issue arise and it seemed like I didn't do anything. Really feels like a SOLID bike. I love how it sounds, kind of whiny with a roar underneath. It's big and fast and too much fun in the turns. Good stuff. So that's where I'm at. I'd be lying if I said that I don't want to keep it

[Nails]

If the suspension is sorted, try pushing it into some curves. Mine had the usual problems, and it totally sucked. But with tightening the steering head, Progressive fronts, dumping the air forks, dumping the Dunlop 404s, and replacing the shock oil ... lordy, what a difference. I just love the feedback from suspension getting a good workout.
I had a '75 Wing, which I also loved for the same best thing: they can hustle on a twisty road. I won't even qualify that with "for a piggly touring bike".
It's a crying shame they spend so much time on the superslab -- even if they do that well, too.

[Nails]

I bought one in much better shape than this, but I could've done much, much better to wait for one in better shape. The plastics alone would cost a ton to replace. This is a parts bike, IMHO.

And good that you don't take advice from that idiot.

[voyagernation]

Thanks again Nails and Dave too! I found that air dealio tucked in there along with the air lines. Nice,... Hopefully I can scrounge up some progressive springs after reading all the good about them.

Yesterday, pulled the airbox to find,...


The plug looks like it's been that way for awhile too. Also the wire to #3 was pulled out of the boot.



I blew out about an inch of crud and then sprayed lube to soak overnight. Hopefully today it comes right out. fun fun

On another note,...I found

and the guy said that he'd take $340 for it. This would give me everything I need instead of piecemealing ebay/yard parts together. No paperwork, no key and he doesn't know what's wrong with it. It's a 96. Thinking about it!

I would love that shirt windscreen if u still have it

[cbrfxr67]

Yes it's great in the curves Nails! Loving it! And, it was good advice that it was a parts bike. Was a real turd but I like to save them if I can. Isn't all about flipping or trying to profit. I enjoy bringing bikes back that were doomed.

voyagernation I'm using it on the bike. PO simply cut it down and painted it. I'd replace it for a short screen w a vent if I was keeping the bike but that's for my buddy to decide later. I like the shorty look for sure. It still does its job at speed.

[voyagernation]

Yes it's great in the curves Nails! Loving it! And, it was good advice that it was a parts bike. Was a real turd but I like to save them if I can. Isn't all about flipping or trying to profit. I enjoy bringing bikes back that were doomed.

voyagernation I'm using it on the bike. PO simply cut it down and painted it. I'd replace it for a short screen w a vent if I was keeping the bike but that's for my buddy to decide later. I like the shorty look for sure. It still does its job at speed.

thanks, yea i like the shorty look myself

[Nails]

Yo, tambien.

I got mine from Mr. Jensee, who was going to throw it away because it was all scratched up. I still have a taller one but might not ever use it again.

I kinda like the idea of painting it. Lord knows I don't look through it, and the black would would look good on my bike. (I've been carrying spare helmet face shields in a cloth sleeve, wedged between the dash and windshield.)

That thing in the cowling above the headlight is a vent. It comes out where the radio used to be. Don't need no radio.

[cbrfxr67]

That white is rocking Nails! ALways liked your bike!

[voyagernation]

Here is my Voyager

[cranky]

Like the color / chrome work!!! Enjoy!!!!

[cbrfxr67]

voyagernation that's rocking. What color is it? Looks like flat gray sort of? Really like your bars. I was thinking of doing similar.

[voyagernation]

voyagernation that's rocking. What color is it? Looks like flat gray sort of? Really like your bars. I was thinking of doing similar.

Thanks brother, it’s a Lime Rock Grey, color comes on the newer BMW’s.

[cbrfxr67]

First ride into work today,... Running good but back brake seems a little sticky. Hopefully it'll 'brake' in,...

My clutch had progressively been feeling crappy and I'm surprised it even worked at all,....

tried to clean it out and couldn't get it operational so pulled spare out of parts bin and much better.

[cranky]

... remembered something on the tech tips...

Sticking or Dragging Brakes
(Will work for Front or Rear Brakes)
By Gary Schill

Problem: You are noticing that your brakes, either front or rear, are starting to drag and/or what could be called moaning. It could also be felt as a minor but noticeable vibration while the moaning is taking place. It may or may not emit a squeal, which more likely may be a out-of-service limit brake pad, but if your brake pads are within service limits and you still hear a squeal or one of the before mentioned symptoms, or you feel your pads are prematurely wearing out, then read on.
Solution: The problem may be either a sticking caliper piston, or dry caliper holder shafts and holder holes. Refer to the diagram below (although it shows the rear brake set-up, this will work for both front and rear brake).

Image

Look at the main page, tech forum.... Best to Ya!!!!!

[voyagernation]

Latest update: New Handgrips, Mirrors are on and windscreen on.