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Main Area => Projects / Builds, Racing and Tech => Topic started by: Kahlua85 on July 05, 2013, 04:21:28 PM

Title: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on July 05, 2013, 04:21:28 PM
Hey guys  O0 I just wanted to share my lil' project with the rest of the gs twin world. Well I guess I'll start from the beginning. This is my first motorcycle it's a 97' GS 500e. I got her for $300 and she needed a little bit of love but did run. So I took it upon myself to change the oil, spark plugs, clean the carbs, chain etc. to get her running smoother. I found this site and its been a big help with anything I didn't know about. I also started the process of painting her. I'm about half way done with everything and she's running really well in comparison to when I first got her. I have pix but I can't upload them as they are too big so ill have them up when I get a chance to shrink em. I am having a few issues with the petcock valve and may need some help from you guys.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: jdoorn14 on July 05, 2013, 06:37:58 PM
For the pics, you can always upload to a free photobucket account or similar, then post the URL in between the IMG tags. (Click on little icon that looks like the Mona Lisa to get them.) This method also allows you to set a specific width for embedding into the thread, but letting people click on the images to see in full glory.

Would look something like this (remove the space immediately after each left bracket and modify with the link to your pic.):

[ IMG width=300]direct.link.to.your.image[ /IMG]


Oh, and welcome!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Snake2715 on July 05, 2013, 09:13:29 PM
Yeah welcome, lets see the progress so far.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on July 05, 2013, 11:37:51 PM
These are just a few pix. I need rear plastics and gauges still but it's coming along.
Before
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a612/Kahlua85/null_zps7082f3a9.jpg)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a612/Kahlua85/null_zps967b1a2f.jpg)

Currently
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a612/Kahlua85/null_zpsb1ec4881.jpg)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a612/Kahlua85/null_zps26d407c3.jpg)
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: jacob92icu on July 06, 2013, 01:19:46 PM
I like the white and black, looks pretty cool. What are you planning on doing to it? just restoring it?
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on July 06, 2013, 05:02:30 PM
Quote from: jacob92icu on July 06, 2013, 01:19:46 PM
I like the white and black, looks pretty cool. What are you planning on doing to it? just restoring it?
In the end I want her to be white and blue. I guess you can call it a restoration. But I'm thinking about adding LED the signals and aftermarket mirrors to modernize it.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on July 06, 2013, 05:13:29 PM
Oh and as far as the fueling issues. When I have the petcock switch on prime I can keep fuel in the line. However in the on position she just burns that fuel and doesn't pull anymore through. I'm wondering if there is a vacuum problem or if it is common for clogs to occur. If not then how do I fix it?
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Snake2715 on July 06, 2013, 08:32:30 PM
Check this out.

Left carb has a vacuum port and goes to the 4th connector on the frame petcock..

I just pulled a 91 apart I bought today and it was all wrong.. same issue you are having.

Probably a hose is routed incorrectly.

http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Main.HoseRouting
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on July 08, 2013, 10:35:39 AM
Quote from: Snake2715 on July 06, 2013, 08:32:30 PM
Check this out.

Left carb has a vacuum port and goes to the 4th connector on the frame petcock..

I just pulled a 91 apart I bought today and it was all wrong.. same issue you are having.

Probably a hose is routed incorrectly.

http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Main.HoseRouting
All of the hoses appear to be in their respective places.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Snake2715 on July 08, 2013, 11:17:06 AM
Spray the carb boots to see if there is a leak there. Carb cleaner or starter fluid is sometimes recommended. You will hear an immediate increase in RPM if so.

* looks like WD40 is the safer bet to spray on the boots. *

Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Bscanlon64 on July 20, 2013, 08:17:58 PM
What bars are those? It looks pretty cafe and I like it! Or maybe it's stock and lack of mirrors make it look different?
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on July 21, 2013, 08:28:54 AM
Quote from: Snake2715 on July 08, 2013, 11:17:06 AM
Spray the carb boots to see if there is a leak there. Carb cleaner or starter fluid is sometimes recommended. You will hear an immediate increase in RPM if so.

* looks like WD40 is the safer bet to spray on the boots. *
I will give this a shot and see what happens.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on July 21, 2013, 08:32:26 AM
Quote from: Bscanlon64 on July 20, 2013, 08:17:58 PM
What bars are those? It looks pretty cafe and I like it! Or maybe it's stock and lack of mirrors make it look different?
They were already on there when I purchased the bike. However, I believe they are drag bars and not stock. At some point I plan on putting bar end mirrors on and getting rid of the one I stole off my friends honda rebel.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on August 15, 2013, 02:46:43 PM
Ok so ive been really busy with work recently and havent had much time to work on Leela. I have however run into a series of issues since ive last posted.  >:( for one I've been unable to ride the bike for any sort of distance because I'm having no luck idling. My friend think i my have a bad rectifier seeing as how i just got a new battery, and we recently cleaned the carbs. Im not entirely sure but i think i may also need to clean and seal the gas tank because im fairly certain there is rust in there. With those problems ive been getting absolutely no riding in and im about ready to lose it :2guns: however on a lighter and completely cosmetic note I've installed bar end mirrors and new turn signals.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: adidasguy on August 15, 2013, 04:04:32 PM
You can check you electrical system with your trusty volt meter.

For now to deal with rust, you can put an in-line filter on the lone from frame petcock to the carbs. However, if the gas in the tank looks OK then rust in the tank is no issue. Even if gas is a little cloudy, it may not be an issue.

So can you refresh us on the idle issue? Maybe a short video? Videos are a great way for us to really get a handle on your problem.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on August 15, 2013, 06:43:54 PM
Quote from: adidasguy on August 15, 2013, 04:04:32 PM
You can check you electrical system with your trusty volt meter.

For now to deal with rust, you can put an in-line filter on the lone from frame petcock to the carbs. However, if the gas in the tank looks OK then rust in the tank is no issue. Even if gas is a little cloudy, it may not be an issue.

So can you refresh us on the idle issue? Maybe a short video? Videos are a great way for us to really get a handle on your problem.

I plan on checking the voltage as soon as I get home. The gas doesn't look cloudy so I guess I'm in the clear on that. Also I'm having a hard time uploading the video I have onto photobucket. Ill keep trying, I may have to shorten it.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on August 15, 2013, 07:07:12 PM
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a612/Kahlua85/37414045-062C-46D4-B767-7D664DDC831D-10874-000010494FBE16D5_zps68cddf94.mp4)
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Janx101 on August 15, 2013, 09:48:05 PM
vid link not work for me but i copy and paste it then watched...

im not an 'engine opener upper'.... yet ... but that sounds like 1 cylinder is misfiring at low revs when you start to wind on the throttle... then as the engine speed picks up it mostly cuts back into 2 cylinders working again...

which .. from my 'theory viewpoint' .. could mean... 1 carb is much richer/leaner than the other and stutters to begin with.. until the throttle position gets to a point where the fuel/air mix is 'right' again and away it goes.. so ...carb balance? .. 1 dirty/mis-set/blocked jet carb?

or ... you have 1 coil with a loose connection on the coil end maybe? ... low revs its gapping and sparking intermittently over the loose end .. but as the revs and 'current?' increase the jump across is less noticeable cos its a stronger flow? ... (thats a real bad attempt at explaining what i mean but i cant think of the right phrase) ..

.. but .....seeing as you did a carb clean i would aim more towards a fuel/air issue?
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: steezin_and_wheezin on August 16, 2013, 08:51:11 AM
Good work so far! I'll be following along with this one
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on August 16, 2013, 12:45:48 PM
Quote from: steezin_and_wheezin on August 16, 2013, 08:51:11 AM
Good work so far! I'll be following along with this one
thank you. I'm trying to do as much work as i can around my chaotic schedule so be patient with me  :thumb:
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on August 19, 2013, 03:29:57 PM
Ok so i went out saturday morning to check the voltage and start eliminating possible issue. I turn the key on hit the start button and the bike fires right up with no hesitation or fuss  :icon_eek: and without choke! Then to my astonishment continued to run... with no problems!!!  :confused: I went a head and checked the voltage and everything was in order. Honestly the only thing i can think of at this moment is that there may have been a blockage in a jet or something that maybe with the help of the sea foam went away. oh and on a side note im still going to have to comb through my wiring harness. the previous owner(s) has it all messed up exposed wires and such. found that out when i was attempting to install the turn signals. key word attempted.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Gorilla on August 19, 2013, 10:44:02 PM
that sounds great brotha! i hope you keep getting good luck
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Zookmang on August 20, 2013, 02:16:40 AM
cool project man, bit of attention and she'll be a ripper.  :)
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Gorilla on August 20, 2013, 12:15:09 PM
hey what color what did you use. its hard to tell in the pics if its glossy or matte. I think im leaning towards dong the same thing
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on August 20, 2013, 12:50:19 PM
Quote from: Gorilla on August 20, 2013, 12:15:09 PM
hey what color what did you use. its hard to tell in the pics if its glossy or matte. I think im leaning towards dong the same thing
It's duplicolor car paint "Champion White" or something like that. It's almost satin when u first lay it. The clear coat is glossy.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on August 27, 2013, 09:29:25 AM
Hey guys i have a quick question. I was wondering how after market brake levers and universal master cylinders work and if i could use them on Leela. It seems that they usually for more modern sport bikes. Maybe someone could shine some light on this subject for me. Also is there a particular type of brake pads
anyone would suggest?

As far as update news: I have a new integrated tail light coming in the mail ill upload the images as soon as i get it mounted :)
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: jacob92icu on August 28, 2013, 02:02:41 PM
Your probably looking at the universal ones from China which are like 130 bucks on ebay correct? To my knowledge, as long as the resevoirs are the same size you should have no problem. But be wary because some master cylinders are made for a dual disk braking system which could make a difference.

On the other hand, although those look cool, most people would talk badly of them because they are cheap. In my past I have had no problems with cheap chinese stuff. So, you should try them out and tell of your tale :)
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on December 13, 2014, 04:54:05 PM
Can anyone tell me how i can hide the electronics at the rear of the bike? I dont plan on replacing the rear plastics because i like the look but I would like to clean it up some. I just don't know where to start.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: J_Walker on December 14, 2014, 06:33:19 AM
Quote from: Kahlua85 on December 13, 2014, 04:54:05 PM
Can anyone tell me how i can hide the electronics at the rear of the bike? I dont plan on replacing the rear plastics because i like the look but I would like to clean it up some. I just don't know where to start.

if you're keeping the rear without fairings, get a lag bolt and find a place to mount it in the rear where it goes all the way through, get some hard plastic longboard wheels [the ones meant for downhill racing/sliding] and find a way to make a "frame" slider for the back end. they come in many colors... and if you drop it, or have a low slide. it keeps the rear of the bike high enough off the ground that it wouldn't pinch your legs between the ground and your bikes, it has some "hold onto" space.. all my bike's i've always made sure to have this. because I knew a guy who was riding a "street fighter" style bike and low-sided and his leg got caught under the bike, and the mass of the bike pulled him down the street... wasn't pretty.
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: Kahlua85 on December 16, 2014, 10:10:17 AM
hmmm good looking out. :cheers:
Title: Re: Project Leela
Post by: J_Walker on December 16, 2014, 10:19:44 AM
as for hiding the electronic stuff..

look for some of the stuff the PC [computer] guys use to fancy up their cases and tidy up the wiring. I've used it before in the past, if you can, try to look for the covers that have some sort of heat-rating. because bikes get a bit hotter then computer bits and pieces.

and they also come in many colors/styles/patterns. some are even reflective!

sometimes when you want to hide something, its better to hide it in plain sight then tucked away!  :cheers: