Hi Everybody,

I am new to Goldwing ownership - Just purchased a 1987 Aspencade that hasn't run for a bit. It will start immediately with a squirt of throttle body cleaner in the air filter housing so I know my ignition at least works somewhat. I'm assuming carbs plugged but I'd like to know if the fuel pump makes any noise or produces any vibration when running? Any tricks out there without having to pull the carbs?

A little back story on me. I own 2 Harleys (1999 Fatboy and 1998 Sportster Sport) - Figured I'd get that out there and take my jibes from the get go. HOWEVER - I also own a 1978 Honda CB750 SOHC and a 1982 BMW R/65 airhead - so I'm not all bad.

My buddy owns a 1982 Honda GL1100 Standard. I have ridden it and loved the way it rides - hence my purchase of the 87.

Thanks for reading my gibberish and any help or tips in any way with the 87 is greatly appreciated!

-Ralph...

The fuel pump does a little jiggle after each plug fires, it's barely noticeable. Get rid of the old gas and add new and replace the fuel filter then try stuffing the hole under the air filter with a large towel while you're cranking the engine. This will draw fuel and whatever else from the float bowls and make room for the new fuel. If you're lucky it might fire and run as you remove the towel as it sputters to life. Ideally, removal, cleaning and inspection of the carbs would be your best bet because there could be all kinds of horrors inside the carbs. Another way to get it to run is to remove the torch end from a propane torch and dump raw propane into the plenum while you are cranking the engine, the dry propane gas will not foul the plugs. I've been doing this safely for years on cars and bikes and it quite often gets the engine running and it's safer than gasoline because the propane burns almost instantly whereas as liquid gasoline burns slowly and runs to the point where it could burn your bike down. In any case be extremely careful, work outdoors and use good sense.

WOW!

Thanks for the super quick reply! I'll try the things you suggested and see what develops. The ol' girl has a rear brake pedal that bottoms out that I need to address also. The paint is real good (Black and Silver) although dirty. Got some oil leaks to look into also. But we'll get her on the road again. Oh yeah, It's a "California emissions" bike - any big issues with them (I hope not).

BTW - I love the color of your bike - I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota R/T that is Solar Yellow.

-Ralph...

You should completely flush and bleed the old brake fluid out of your system every 2 years for best protection and function, this should take care of your sinking brake pedal, if all the hydraulics are good. Maybe you might need to remove the right floorboard to get enough pedal travel for a good bleed. Thanks for the comment about my bike's color, my wife picked it and really likes it when people give a positive comment.

Welcome to the site sparkdrummer!

Welcome to the Site!!

Hey guys thanks for the warm welcome!

Tried the towel stuffed in the airbox. No dice. Pulled the fuel filter, looked dirty but I could blow thru it fairly easy. Gonna replace it regardless. the fuel in the filter and lines smelled less than stellar. I'll let you know the outcome of this first step. I was pleased to see that the radio/cassette works - first time I tried it was today. I can't get the CB to fire up though. Or the compressor.

I'll try and upload a couple of pics of my new toy.

-Ralph...

Welcome to the site from Baltimore Ontario. I am looking forward to seeing pics of your 87.

Both my 1980 and my 86 required me to remove the carbs and clean them on the bench. There will be alot of dirt sitting in the float bowls for sure. If you liked your friends 82 you will love the 87.

Hi again

I tried to upload pix yesterday but they are too large, gotta resize them. Looks like a lot of plastic has to be removed to get to the carbs, any special tricks? Being a "california" bike, it has more hoses on it than a fire station - especially the carbs. Pretty intimidating.

BTW - Thanks for the courtesy given, it is appreciated.

-Ralph...

Hello again everybody

I stuck 2 pix up in the gallery. The windshield is in the garage. Looks like the carbs are gonna have to come off (shudder).

Ralph...

"I'm running out of life, so I'm going to start living it"

She looks like a nice bike, congrats.

If you're gonna rebuild your carb's, you might want to check out the rebuild kit that Randakk offers plus the video..

http://www.randakks.com/Master%20Price%20Catalog.htm

Hi All,

I've not pulled the carbs yet because I want to test the fuel pump. I don't think the carbs are getting any "pushwater" to them. I've got the lower fairings off and the shelter. Honda manual says the fuel pump relay is up under the coils? I'm not seeing it. Any help? I've also found out that the CB won't turn on and the airpump does nothing with key on and push any of the pump control buttons. Any hotspot places to look at on these accessories?

Oh yeah, HOLY SMOKES theres a lot going on under the plastic! Wiring, hoses,etc. The CB side is a rats nest of stuff!

-Ralph...

The fuel pump relay is under the coils on the right side it is rectangular in shape and hanging in a rubber thingy. Take off the fake tank, take a long screw driver go in by the radiator cap push the relay to the back out of the rubber hanger. Push it over to the left side by the steering head and unhook it.