Chapter M-2's Technical Corner

Howard Halasz's July 2009 Technical Article


" T-Tires and Valve Stems "

T-CLOCK PART II - CONTROLS

All licensed aircraft pilots are trained to pre-flight check the aircraft before flying the aircraft. They use a written checklist to cover each item to be inspected. I feel that we need to do a pre-ride inspection on our Gold Wings before venturing out on a cross-country ride. The T-CLOCK inspection is our written "pre-flight" check list.

Last month, we talked about inspecting the tires -- T as in T-CLOCK. This month, we'll talk about the first C part of the T-CLOCK inspection.

C stands for Controls. We start with the levers. Broken, bent, or cracked handlebar levers really need to be replaced for safety's sake. Damaged shift levers and damaged brake pedals should also be replaced or repaired if possible. If the pivot points of the levers or pedals seem sticky or tight, they can be disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, adjusted, and reassembled.

Cables should be checked for fraying and kinking. If the cables are frayed, it's best to replace them. If the cable sheath is bent or kinked, you may be able to straighten it to relieve tightness. Throttle cables should be routed in a way that engine speed doesn't change when turning the handlebar from right to left or left to right. Twist the throttle grip and let go. The throttle should snap closed. If it doesn't, try to adjust the cable adjuster until there is about 1/8" of rotational free play at the twist grip. Fatigued speedometer cables will make your speedometer needle wobble at low speeds. When the speedometer cable breaks, it can damage the speedometer drive gear and/or driven gear. Your turn signals won't self-cancel if the speedometer cable breaks.

The 1983 and earlier Gold Wings have a clutch cable. The cable should be routed in accordance with the manufacturer's service manual. Clutch lever free play should be adjusted so that the clutch safety switch will function and the Gold Wing will shift easily. If the clutch slips when accelerating, your Gold Wing might need a simple clutch cable adjustment.

The 1984 and later Gold Wings have hydraulic cylinder operated clutches. These clutches should disengage and engage smoothly. Any air trapped in the hoses, master cylinder, or slave cylinder can make the clutch inoperative. If you know how to bleed the air out of the clutch hydraulic system, doing so will make the clutch feel normal again.

Check all hoses -- hydraulic brake, hydraulic clutch, fuel, vacuum, and air hoses for signs of leaks, cracking, or dry rotting. There should be no interference or pulling of cables and hoses at the steering head. There should also be no sharp angle bends in any cables or hoses. All hoses and cables need to be routed through the same looms that they were originally routed through at the factory. The only exception to this rule applies to Gold Wings that have been triked or Gold Wings with sidecars.

Howard Halasz, Technical Coordinator

GWRRA Spring, Texas Chapter M-2