Update on my 1979...(also a few questions!)

[ERM83]

So, I still haven't gotten to the smoking situation...I saw a thread with a guy on here having the same problem (white smoke, fouling on cylinder two), and thanks to you guys for the info, cheers to you guys for helping me diagnose it, and here's to hoping it isn't rings, haha. I haven't been able to ride it since my first ride around the block, because I obviously don't want to screw anything up. I just got a pretty damn good bartending job, so i'm going to get it running well, and REALLY start the improvements piece by piece. However, i've been working my ass off lately, and haven't had the time (or a garage to work on it in) to really delve into the main issue. i DID clean the carbs out (PO put pods on, and was running it with just header pipes), and take a guess what the first thing i noticed was: not only were the stock jets still in, but they were looking ROUGH. DAMN IT. i checked the jetting guide on here, and immediately ordered new ones. i planned on get a 4 to 1 for it anyway, and it's the same setup as using headers / pods. i also just looked up the serial number (PO said it was a standard with cruiser bars on it), and turns out...it's a special. i can't STAND those handlebars, though. i'd like straighter bars...similar to the bars on the standards. where's a good place to get new ones?? sounds like a stupid question, but i'd rather ask the experts on here. i've also been trying to hunt down one of the indented tanks...i really dig the dual-color design, and want one for when i get closer to doing the cosmetic stuff. any leads on that would be appreciated!

[donebysunday]

Those pods are the emgo, the ones that need and extension or rubber cut out inside to clear the air jets and vents. Could be they were on there moved back just enough to clear the air jet and vents ?

So, I still haven't gotten to the smoking situation...I saw a thread with a guy on here having the same problem (white smoke, fouling on cylinder two), and thanks to you guys for the info, cheers to you guys for helping me diagnose it, and here's to hoping it isn't rings, haha. I haven't been able to ride it since my first ride around the block, because I obviously don't want to screw anything up. I just got a pretty damn good bartending job, so i'm going to get it running well, and REALLY start the improvements piece by piece. However, i've been working my ass off lately, and haven't had the time (or a garage to work on it in) to really delve into the main issue. i DID clean the carbs out (PO put pods on, and was running it with just header pipes), and take a guess what the first thing i noticed was: not only were the stock jets still in, but they were looking ROUGH. DAMN IT. i checked the jetting guide on here, and immediately ordered new ones. i planned on get a 4 to 1 for it anyway, and it's the same setup as using headers / pods. i also just looked up the serial number (PO said it was a standard with cruiser bars on it), and turns out...it's a special. i can't STAND those handlebars, though. i'd like straighter bars...similar to the bars on the standards. where's a good place to get new ones?? sounds like a stupid question, but i'd rather ask the experts on here. i've also been trying to hunt down one of the indented tanks...i really dig the dual-color design, and want one for when i get closer to doing the cosmetic stuff. any leads on that would be appreciated!

[TopCatGr58]

I read about your POD filters, but didn't click on your photo link. I went to your photobucket page, then clicked on the URL tag for IMG, and then pasted it here but deleted the part that was after the [html ] tag and the end [ /html ] tag so only the [ img ] tags were left and that's how you get the photo to show in the thread/post.



Yep, those filters can cause air flow problems without the mounting mod. You mentioned about getting a 4-1 exhaust system, hope you've found one already and have put away some $$$ because they are no longer supported by ANY of the aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, Kerker, Mac, Jardine, etc! You may still be able to find some NOS stuff but prepare to pay $$$. Your system is a MAC 4-2, you said it was open headers, but I see a muffler on there, or at least an extension of the headers....if there isn't any baffle inside the muffler section!?

T.C.

[Ranger_xs1100]

4 into 1

I read about your POD filters, but didn't click on your photo link. I went to your photobucket page, then clicked on the URL tag for IMG, and then pasted it here but deleted the part that was after the [html ] tag and the end [ /html ] tag so only the [ img ] tags were left and that's how you get the photo to show in the thread/post.



Yep, those filters can cause air flow problems without the mounting mod. You mentioned about getting a 4-1 exhaust system, hope you've found one already and have put away some $$$ because they are no longer supported by ANY of the aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, Kerker, Mac, Jardine, etc! You may still be able to find some NOS stuff but prepare to pay $$$. Your system is a MAC 4-2, you said it was open headers, but I see a muffler on there, or at least an extension of the headers....if there isn't any baffle inside the muffler section!?

T.C.

I have a brand new chrome 4 into 1 MAC (header only, no muffler)...
PM me if you're looking for one! Thanks.

[ERM83]

ahhhh, i forgot to mention a few things. i put the mufflers back on for lack of space to put them in my little living space. i honestly didn't even know what kind of pods they were...that was one thing i spaced on looking up. so, would i be better off changing the pods? i'm sure there's a section here on the mod, and i'll try to look it up in a second, but ANY input is appreciated! you guys are awesome...thanks!

[ERM83]

Those pods are the emgo, the ones that need and extension or rubber cut out inside to clear the air jets and vents. Could be they were on there moved back just enough to clear the air jet and vents ?

yeah, it DEFINITELY doesn't have the mod. i didn't know about that at all, and it was a BITCH to get those things to clamp back on after cleaning the carbs...

[ERM83]

I read about your POD filters, but didn't click on your photo link. I went to your photobucket page, then clicked on the URL tag for IMG, and then pasted it here but deleted the part that was after the [html ] tag and the end [ /html ] tag so only the [ img ] tags were left and that's how you get the photo to show in the thread/post.



Yep, those filters can cause air flow problems without the mounting mod. You mentioned about getting a 4-1 exhaust system, hope you've found one already and have put away some $$$ because they are no longer supported by ANY of the aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, Kerker, Mac, Jardine, etc! You may still be able to find some NOS stuff but prepare to pay $$$. Your system is a MAC 4-2, you said it was open headers, but I see a muffler on there, or at least an extension of the headers....if there isn't any baffle inside the muffler section!?

T.C.

i'm probably better off sticking with 4-2, then? i don't mind cutting a loss on the main jets if so. i'm just wondering if you what you're saying is based on if i keep those type of pods on...

[ERM83]

damn...now i'm thinking about just using headers, being that the jets will probably be here this week. when i got it, the PO started it up, and man...it sounds BRUTAL with just those headers. however with where i live, the complex is mostly old people, with some "young professionals" scattered here and there. my roomate and i stick out like sore thumbs, and i have a feeling that some of the neighbors would complain if i came home at 6am from work on that beast. may indeed need to muffle it.

i've been riding for a while and have only had two cx500's, but never have done any mods to those. i always kept it simple. i want this special to be friggin' SPECIAL, and i hate sounding like an idiot on here, haha.

[mack]

bars

Honda still has an assortment of 7/8 " bars. You can actually sit on a few bkes and see what set you like best.

[bikerphil]

Here's some pics of handlebars, look for the 7/8" bars.....
Scroll down towards the bottom of the page.

https://www.denniskirk.com/handlebar...ontFit/100.ipp

[DiverRay]

Think mufflers! the bike will NOT tune properly unless it has some back pressure. There are one or two experts who have been able to make it "run" with open pipes, but I think it's digital, full throttle or idle, and not really happy mid-range. I hope you DID get genuine Mikuni jets, as the K&L are NOT sized correctly and will make it VERY hard to tune. Remember, for every two sizes you change the mains, you will need to change the pilot one size.

[ERM83]

yeah, I've been looking at various slip-ons...talked to my pops about it, and he said the same exact thing (back pressure) thanks for the handle bar links! also, jets: mikuni genuine ALWAYS, but I thought it was every three main, go up one pilot?? oh, and any help on that pod-mod is appreciated! I know the pods are 54mm...I just need to know what size tubing to get to match the factory stacks, or somewhere to order new ones!

[ERM83]

I think i'll actually be ok with a 45 pilot being that i'm going to keep it 4-2...just need to send back the mains, and drop down to 145's, yeah? thanks for all the help for real, guys.

[DiverRay]

You have 54mm pods, and that's about 2". See if you can get some 2" rubber connections for PVC pipe. You should be able to work with that. other way to do it is take one pod with you to the local hardware store, and see what you can get that will fit. I can check and see if I have any stack left, as I AM trying to get the pile of spares down.

[ERM83]

Ahhh hell yeah, thanks ray!! I just ordered valve stem seals, the keeper tool, a plug wrench, and inline fuel filters. I can't friggin' wait for all of this stuff to get here...