GS1100E needs TLC

[Anonymous]

Hi there,
I have some of issues I need help with:

1. I am getting really bad gas milage, around 20 per gal, is this a common situation? Or could it be the 4to1 headers the original owner put on?

2. I need a new (used origina) Handle bar

I recently ordered the multi-carb tuner so I'll be able to work that angle of the mileage issue soon.
Any comments would be helpfull.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a bit more history on the bike? A 4 into 1 header isn't going to drop your gas mileage that much, and synching the carbs isn't going to increase it that much either. Are there any other symptoms? i.e. White smoke, Black smoke, maybe gasoline in the oil, or oil overfilling? I get right at 40-42 MPG from my 1980 GS1100.

[Anonymous]

Bad mileage

well it seem to be running super lean.. I get a fine black residue on the end of the Pipe, and sometimes black smoke. ~shrug~ I really dunno. It just eats gas. I don't burn Oil. The tranny rattles a bit (Ok a lot ) but I can't see that causing this low MPG. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Black soot at the tailpipe and bad gas mileage, sounds like it's running too rich. The guy who put the 4 into 1 on it probably richened the jetting. I would suggest checking the jetting. Start with stock size jets and see how it runs. The engine rattle could be the clutch basket ready to self destruct or the starter clutch coming loose. I had both problems with my '82 model. Fix it quick before it becomes expensive.
Axel

[Anonymous]

Any recomendations on where to pick up stock Jets? Thanks for the Heads up on the rattle, I'm sure it's the tranny basket. It's been very consistant, meaning it's not getting worse. So I'll get it rebuilt in the next few months.

[Anonymous]

Carb Jets

I did some carb work on my 79 GS750L last year, and the parts department at the local dealer in Santa Cruz was very helpful. They had a box full of jets of different sizes. I think that they cost about $4 each. They told me to try them out, and if they weren't the correct size, I could exchange them, as long as I didn't damage them. They recommended using a NEW screwdriver of the CORRECT SIZE, and to not over-tighten them.

I also noticed that you can order jet kits for Mikuni Carburetors from Dennis Kirk ( www.denniskirk.com ), but I would only go to them if the dealer lets you down. I don't know what their exchange policy is on jets, but even if they do take them back, you'll have to wait while parts are shipped back and forth.

I'm not sure what your original jet size was, but a Clymer shop manual ought to tell you. If not, a dealer should be able to tell you too.

Hope this helps.

Brian

[Anonymous]

If you tell me what year your 1100 is I can look up the correct jet sizes. Regarding that clutch, I would fix it as soon as possible. When it goes it could do serious damage to your engine. I had Falicon in Florida reinforce my stock basket and was very satisfied.
Axel

[Anonymous]

It's a 82' GS1100. The clutch rattle is beyond my ability ($$$) to repair right now. It's first on my list on my list of things to do. For now, I shift it easy and treat it with great care. I am currently looking for good shops locally for when the time comes.

[Anonymous]

'82 GS1100E carb jets.
Main jet: #110
Needle Jet: X1
Jet Needle: 5D58
Pilot jet: #45

I doubt that the Needle JET has been changed. If the jet NEEDLE has several grooves at the top it isn't stock but you may have enough adjustment to re-use it. I'm surprised you're having trouble getting this info from your dealer, it should be listed on their fiche cards and I would thing they could still order these parts.
Axel