The Superhawk from hell...

[rzgkane]

Yikes. So it appears that a random bending of the springs without engineering behind it is a dangerous game of hit and miss. Bummer. I'm sure you are at your wits end.

After watching your video and what you called "play" in the advance unit I went out to my spare motor (albeit a CA77 motor) and tested it. I also had roughly the same amount (or degrees) of movement before I felt tension in the springs, but I had the benefit of being able to watch the advance weights while moving the points shaft because the top of my spare motor is off. What I saw was immediate movement of the advance weights upon any slight movement of the points shaft. Were you feeling like you were advancing too soon because of what you believed to be slop in the mechanism? Because the springs were not acting early enough as a deterrent to the engines natural desire to want to sling those weights outward? And now, because the springs are too tight, you need more RPM than is correct for the engine timing to advance?

Well, at least someone can learn from me.

I overdid the springs, and it doesnt advance until 5000.

Hits 5000 and take off like crazy.

[Jlovvorn]

Well, I worked on the timing a little and its pretty good, not as fast off the line as before, but maybe that makes sense. If it was advancing at 1500, I assume that would make a difference.

It certainly is advancing late, but more like 4500 than 5000.

A word for those that follow, don't get too aggressive bending those springs.

Too loose and it advances too quickly and won't hold an idle, too tight and it doesnt advance soon enough.

Maybe they will stretch some over time -- at least the next guy with this bike won't have to tighten them :)

I can just drive it like this just fine, but its not a smooth power transition.

If I ever do real engine work on it, I might fix them, but its fine to ride.

Back from a test ride and feeling good about the work - nothing is perfect.

For someone that has never done real mechanic work, the fact that I got the motor out, opened it and worked on it, and back in, seems like an accomplishment.

And all that matters is after 4 months I fixed that *&%$#*% idle!!


Picture 032 by Jrlovvorn, on Flickr

[rzgkane]

Cool beans. I applaud you for your enthusiasm. Not a lot of folks with your mechanical experience (of lack thereof) would have had the guts to tear into things the way you have. Your bike looks great, runs good, and appears to be mechanically sound. And you learned a ton. Go ride.

[Jlovvorn]

Thanks for all the help!

I am headed out now.

[Vince Lupo]

I think I see one thing on your bike in your photo that's likely causing it to not be as fast off the line as you'd like -- the 'wing' on your tank is facing the wrong way!

[Jlovvorn]

Wow. I can't believe I didn't notice that when I got the panels. Thanks.

[rzgkane]

Are the turn signals stock? If not, did you install them? Where'd you get 'em? I'm considering adding some to my Dream to enhance the safety factor.

Wow. I can't believe I didn't notice that when I got the panels. Thanks.