Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

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The Veg
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Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by The Veg »

R65, anybody know what the fairing is?

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No idea what this began life as:

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Coupla' R90Ses and an imposter:

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This looks the biz:

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Somebody clearly loves this bike:

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Mystic with an RS-fairing.

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This belongs to a friend of mine:

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Matt Parkhouse does a seminar:

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Purty toaster:

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Cogito Ergo Moto
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gocytocis
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by gocytocis »

Nice; what was the seminar topic?
'72 R75/5
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by The Veg »

gocytocis wrote: Mon Jul 23, 2018 4:29 pm Nice; what was the seminar topic?
The title of the seminar was 'Airhead Q&A,' but it was mostly Matt going through throttle cable replacement and a list of things he checks on old used airheads. The audience did ask a few questions here and there.

The day before, Matt did a different seminar about health issues while riding. The major areas of focus were hydration and rest, and going through the first aid & medical supplies he carries on long rides.
Cogito Ergo Moto
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gocytocis
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by gocytocis »

The Veg wrote: Thu Jul 26, 2018 10:39 pm it was mostly Matt going through throttle cable replacement
I would've been an interested attendee.

Throttle cable replacement is on my to-do list as I'm finding it's becoming difficult to get my carbs to synch precisely during very slight off-idle throttle opening positions, especially in hot stop-&-go traffic conditions. They're synched fine at idle, and they're great at WOT too, but it's just in the first couple degrees of throttle rotation I'm having the occasional bit of hesitation getting both cylinders to fire evenly.

I'm nervous about being able to get equal play in the new cables once I install them, hence my reluctance to even start the job.

I suppose this post has turned out to be a solicitation for advice(?)...
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Airbear
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by Airbear »

gocytocis wrote: Tue Jul 31, 2018 12:43 pm ...

Throttle cable replacement is on my to-do list as I'm finding it's becoming difficult to get my carbs to synch precisely during very slight off-idle throttle opening positions, especially in hot stop-&-go traffic conditions. They're synched fine at idle, and they're great at WOT too, but it's just in the first couple degrees of throttle rotation I'm having the occasional bit of hesitation getting both cylinders to fire evenly.

I'm nervous about being able to get equal play in the new cables once I install them, hence my reluctance to even start the job.

I suppose this post has turned out to be a solicitation for advice(?)...
I recently installed new throttle cables in my 74 R90. I also had to replace the whole throttle perch (the 74 uses the /5 controls) because everything was so worn and throttle movement was kind of digital, moving in 4 or 5 lumpy steps. The good news is that now the throttle feels really smooth and slick. Getting the carbs synchronised was much easier with the new cables (and throttle) and I reckon it's the best performance mod I've done to my bike.

ps: Start a thread in Post 1970 airheads if you are hesitant ...
Charlie
and Brunhilde - 1974 R90/6
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by enigmaT120 »

gocytocis wrote: Tue Jul 31, 2018 12:43 pm
Throttle cable replacement is on my to-do list as I'm finding it's becoming difficult to get my carbs to synch precisely during very slight off-idle throttle opening positions, especially in hot stop-&-go traffic conditions. They're synched fine at idle, and they're great at WOT too, but it's just in the first couple degrees of throttle rotation I'm having the occasional bit of hesitation getting both cylinders to fire evenly.
Just off-idle is where I always sync mine, using a carb balancer. Cables shouldn't affect idle at all but off-idle is the most sensitive spot for synchronicity....
Ed Miller
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gocytocis
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by gocytocis »

Airbear wrote: Tue Jul 31, 2018 9:29 pmI also had to replace the whole throttle perch (the 74 uses the /5 controls) because everything was so worn and throttle movement was kind of digital, moving in 4 or 5 lumpy steps.
That makes perfect sense. Fortunately I replaced my entire throttle assembly not too long ago because the gears had worn to the point they had begun jumping teeth. I should have just done the cables at the same time... :roll:
Airbear wrote: Tue Jul 31, 2018 9:29 pmGetting the carbs synchronised was much easier with the new cables
enigmaT120 wrote: Wed Aug 01, 2018 1:00 pmCables shouldn't affect idle at all
Thanks gents; that gives me the confidence to replace 'em next time I have the tank off... 8-)
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by The Veg »

I recall Duane suggesting a while back to try it under load in the general RPM range that you usually ride in. Loosen the locknut, get on a long straight road, find that comfiest/most-usual RPM, reach down with your left hand and adjust for smoothness, then pull over and tighten the locknut.
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"A bunch of weirdos with old motorcycles can never be boring." -Doug West
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Blockcrank1
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by Blockcrank1 »

Little question marks in boxes.
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Re: Some cool airheads I saw at the Des Moines rally

Post by Rob »

Blockcrank1 wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 2:25 pm Little question marks in boxes.
That's what I saw, too.
Rob V
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