First 100 miles on R80GS first observations

[Tango]

So now completed over 100 miles on my 93 paralever GS. No big deal but would appreciate some feedback on the following observations.

1) Vibration felt through knees on tank and hand grips. Occurs throughout the rev range in all gears.

2) Gear changes clunky, I am used to this on my oilhead RT, but on this bike they seem a little more severe.

3) Transmission wine when accelerating in higher gears at relatively lower revs.

4)Front suspension a little spongy/soft under breaking.

Just for info 70 MPH indicated at around 4700 RPM sound normal ?

Maybe all the above are normal, and i'm just not used to it?

Overall, love riding the beast, more enjoyable than the RT, and pleased with the purchase.

thanks for any feedback

 

[Rob Farmer]

It sounds like your carbs need balancing

Do a search on millichamp cocktail. It's a mix of fork oils that work well

 

[ChasF]

I'm no expert but I think that vibrations, whining noises and clunky gearchanges are all normal for an airhead and probably perceived differently by every owner.

Front suspension can be improved by fitting different springs and oil, again mostly subjective, but the forks are basically sound unlike the earlier G/S version.

Speedos almost always overread. Mine is about 5 mph fast compared to the GPS at 75mph.

 

[solidstate100]

So now completed over 100 miles on my 93 paralever GS. No big deal but would appreciate some feedback on the following observations.

1) Vibration felt through knees on tank and hand grips. Occurs throughout the rev range in all gears.

2) Gear changes clunky, I am used to this on my oilhead RT, but on this bike they seem a little more severe.

3) Transmission wine when accelerating in higher gears at relatively lower revs.

4)Front suspension a little spongy/soft under breaking.

Just for info 70 MPH indicated at around 4700 RPM sound normal ?

Maybe all the above are normal, and i'm just not used to it?

Overall, love riding the beast, more enjoyable than the RT, and pleased with the purchase.

thanks for any feedback

1. Carb balancing/synchronisation
2. Check clutch adjustment and change oil. Out of balance engine (see above) can have an effect on this if out of tune enough)
3. Normal to a greater or lesser degree, but change oil. Make sure GL5 spec as a minimum.
4. Front suspension not its strongest feature (but way better than the preceeding G/S but as Rob Farmer says - try the Millichip fork oil cocktail)
Yes they are a tad lower geared than "normal" bikes.

Enjoy fettling, its all part of the *ahem* ownership experience..... (mostly in a good way!)

I now ONLY ride airheads as they "do it" for me....

 

[Tango]

Thanks for your quick responses, I will take appropriate action and report back.

And Solidstate,

"I now ONLY ride airheads as they "do it" for me...."


That's also my plan.

 

[MickDB1]

If the brakes work well it will be a cheap chinese copy
Mine has always been abit clunky change but if yer ease the lever just as yer shut the revs down it drops in better, its no worse after 15k later.
I did add a gearbox addative on last change which seems to have done didddly squat.
You will hear rattle noises when warm, yet other folks bikes dont rattle when yer listen to theirs - mostly clutch
good ear plugs cure most of above and I have fitted grip puppies to the bars so help with the small grips and they sorted a little bit of the vibes but when it gets balanced its better.
Good Luck and see yer about

 

[solidstate100]

Thanks for your quick responses, I will take appropriate action and report back.

And Solidstate,

"I now ONLY ride airheads as they "do it" for me...."


That's also my plan.

Sound lad!

 

[ChasF]

I have the Millichip mix in mine and it's fine although I do have some strange much longer springs fitted with no spacers.

Like Solidstate I change the g/box and final drive often always using a GL5 oil. The vibations and sticky gearchange can often be improved by lubricating splines - input and shaft.

 

[Captain Black]

Well I have to say my lads basic ( 98k km ) is as smooth as a babies bum in all areas , clutch , engine noise, gearbox, with clutch less slick moves up through the box . A joy !
Probably blow up next week now

I

 

[solidstate100]

Well I have to say my lads basic ( 98k km ) is as smooth as a babies bum in all areas , clutch , engine noise, gearbox, with clutch less slick moves up through the box . A joy !
Probably blow up next week now

I

Thats cos its just about run in at 98k km now....

 

[Captain Black]

Thats cos its just about run in at 98k km now....

Dunno , its 60 k miles ! Thought things like valves / guides would be about due, top end stuff . Sadly neither myself or Florence ( previous owner ) know nothing of past remedial work carried out. There's a bit of damage , cosmetic that can be corrected to the rear of the gearbox closure , so someone's been in there. I'm working along the lines of if it ain't broke it doesn't need fixing though. I'm leaning towards a cosmetic tidy up and the replace / refurb of certain parts , but fancy I'll leave the engine and box / main frame / wiring etc as is and concentrate on other areas .
I'll do some pics and start a thread soon, maybe see what the thoughts of others are re my plans for the bike . It was great to ride with my lad on two basics at the weekend , he's made up and enjoys it more than his 1150 GSA .

Old school !!

 

[Florence]

Well I have to say my lads basic ( 98k km ) is as smooth as a babies bum in all areas , clutch , engine noise, gearbox, with clutch less slick moves up through the box . A joy !
Probably blow up next week now

I

j

Hey Steve, don't forget it comes with a GP warranty for complete peace of mind