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Post by taibhse on Jan 30, 2019 21:53:52 GMT -6
Hello everybody.
My name's Diego, and I'm from SA. Just bought one of these beauties (1986) for a semi-bobber project, and since I'm not that good with mechanics, started googling stuff about it and found this forum.
Don't have any pics yet, but I'm planning on taking some during the weekend, while I change the oil, filters and battery. Only did a few modifications, like a single seat, rear turning lights and fender, and the exhausts.
Never had a chopper before, loved them, but always went sport or street, since I used them to go to work, but since I wanted to take it easy on 2 wheels, I decided to go chopper.At first I didn't understand why everybody loved these bikes. I used to have a XJ6N before, but after driving it around, it became clear why everybody loves them. Fast, agile and darn it looks good.
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Post by actionverb on Feb 1, 2019 22:02:42 GMT -6
Welcome and good luck with the bike. Got questions put them out there and most will do what they can to help
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Post by ba454rva on Feb 3, 2019 11:35:32 GMT -6
Hello all, Representing the state of VA here. Nube here but not a nube to internet forums. Long time rider/biker. Not long ago I picked up a 1986 454ltd with 8000 miles and NO Title. The story goes.. friend of guy I bought it from was bike collector and had this and quite a few old vintage hondas. He dies and leaves all these bike(seen em with my own 2 eyes) to guy I buy it from. They couldn't locate the title for the 454, so he sells it as such. I do the "Vermont" registration loophole, and just got that back from their dmv and now I can go the Va dmv and get a title and register/plates. This thing looks like it's off the showroom floor, no rust, no patina even in the typical places.. The dude I bought it from said it sat in a climate controlled garage for prob 15 years or so. When he got it he cleaned out gas tank and cleaned carbs, put it back together and it fired right up. I live in a rural area between Richmond and Charlottsville and i've taken it out for a few short rides. No problemo.I've put in a full tank of 93 octane fresh gas(it was almost on empty when I got it)with some Seafoam in it.. a good dose.. Anyone care to recommend any immediate advise on operational do's / don'ts. I've started reading posts just a lot to absorb..I'm pretty handy with a wrench and I actually did some wrenching on a 95 Vulcan 750 that I had not long ago. That bike ran awesome when it was right, but it had a few issues with charging the battery(common stator issue on those bikes and other stuff that i was tired of messing with.)I'm probably gonna eventually go to pod type filters for the carbs. One step at a time.. Looking forward to interactions with you all. Butch
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Post by knoizy on Feb 3, 2019 13:40:25 GMT -6
Hi there and standard 454 reply - regular valve clearance adjustments and carb cleaning (rebuild rather than use additives), get the blue kawasaki service manual and see how she goes. Not much different from any jap 500 twin, if you have the emissions kit (octopus sat on top of the cylinder head) that can be removed, the clutch sometimes sticks in gear after being sat for a while and the belt spec is probably slacker than you expect, too tight and it will quickly wear out the front pulley. As for pods I'd warn against it unless you want lots of trial and error with re-jets and airflow mods, and that's just to get performance back to stock. These bikes don't respond well to changes is the factory air intake so if you are ever testing anything put the full air kit back on.
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Post by taibhse on Feb 5, 2019 22:31:57 GMT -6
Thanks for the warm welcome guys! It's really appreciated.
Unfortunately I'm still green on being able to give advice regarding this cycle, other than the usual, oil filter, letting it reach a good temp before going full throttle, or after letting it rest overnight on the side stand.
"That bike ran awesome when it was right, but it had a few issues with charging the battery(common stator issue on those bikes and other stuff that i was tired of messing with.)I'm probably gonna eventually go to pod type filters for the carbs"
Yeah, I was thinking about doing the same, and just had a few issues with the battery. I'm going to get a gel one, but since it's quite more expensive than the regular one, I just want to make sure that it's the battery first, so I left it charging overnight, and haven't had any issues for now. This weekend I'll hit the highway and and do some touring, and see how it goes. If my next post is from my mobile, hehehe, you know what happened!
Safe rides everyone!
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