docc

So, are these relays available in the USA? Everything in my web search says "UK" and "back ordered" . . . I see this United Arab Emirates site with the exchange rate about $4 per relay, but no idea about the shipping/extra costs . . . https://ae.rsdelivers.com/product/durakool/dg82-2011-36-1012-dr/durakool-plug-in-automotive-relay-12v-dc-coil-40a/9156641

Looking forward to your riding impressions/ V11 comparisons, @Steve S. . .

HÄNGETITTEN . . . some German words require no translation!

Thanks, @V11_RM_RG! That data sheet is, indeed, impressive! Silver alloy contacts rated for continuous current of 40 amps on the normally open contact and 30 amps on the normally closed with a strong 1.8 watt coil on the resistor-equipped 5-pin relay. I did not find this relay in the US at either Digikey or OnLineComponenets, but others have been more successful at this. Anyone see a US or Europe supplier?

Let's tell the Perky-boys I'm goin' flat . . . then, see just what they sez . . .

My browser advised me "it might be nasty " and prompted me to certify I am nasty enough to watch it. I tried, but failed to make the grade . . .

I hope it makes you feel even better that I thought, "Hey! 30 degrees here, too!" But Fahrenheit.... (what's that, minus 4C? Sitting down to a Danzig Baltic Porter after a full day in AWD transiting a sudden winter blow in 70 mph (110 kph) heavy "interstate" highway traffic. Pool? I hope mine has not frozen over while I was away.

Right?!?

All the parts and tools have finally arrived. It's down to equal parts time and Zen . . . .

Yes, RFVH. I will call them cousins, but don't expect to see my GB in The Smithsonian. Maybe on the road, again, mehopes . . .

Thanks, man! Fortunately, I sourced a cam (from Israel!) and all the other top end parts (mostly from CMS/The Netherlands). The challenge with the re-rebuild was getting a GB500 head gasket. This is, apparently, a one-off not interchangeable with the XR or the FT motors. And the GB cam has a special double decompression system that is a special extra gumption-trap challenge. Just adding order to the universe, here . . .

Fair question. Yet, fair warning: long answer . . . My older brother, who got me into motorcycles through his Yamaha SR500 "thumper" (led me to my first bike, at age 35: the Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy), gave me a copy of this book in college. I'm not sure I made it halfway, but put it down and read Tolkien's Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy instead. Later on, I tackled the (challenging) Pirsig philosophy writings for what they were, and discovered a recognition of some of my innate "values." First, that a drive to put things right ( "quality ?") is just, and desirable. And respectable, and important. Also, that not everyone "has it." And, further, that this drive extends to things mechanical. Which bolstered my natural tendency, and lifelong intent, to fix things and push back against entropy with good repair and maintenance practices, adding order to the universe. One of Pirsig's concepts (coming around to the "why" question) delves into what he called the "Gumption Trap ." I have not read his presentation of this concept in quite some time, but we all know it. That project stalled in the shed. That missing part made of unobtanium. The failed repair that failed again. Evidently, the Zen escaped my motorcycle maintenance and the GB was damaged by a mistake I made installing the oil filter. Ten years (!) later, the mistake was revealed and a top end rebuild was made. Two years later, the head bolts pulled out of the cylinder and the head gasket failed. Because of "life", it had to sit leaking oil (very un-Honda-like!) for fourteen months while a Major Gumption Trap set in. For the last three months, I have endeavored to gather parts, and special tools, from the U.S., The Netherlands, and a Japanese gasket set from Germany. I am lucky to have some really supportive and understanding friends that have encouraged me through this Gumption Trap. Revisiting Pirsig's writing, I saw this latest article about The Smithsonian exhibit that includes his SuperHawk. That the author never revealed the motorcycle he rode has always been an enticing mystery. That his motorcycle is now in The Smithsonian is testimony that these machines, these very personal machines, are more than just nuts and bolts and gaskets. They are emblematic of the devotion and care that is the fabric our lives. I feel better about moving forward and making my first motorcycle roadworthy again; ready to bust-out of this gumption trap ! That same brother once drew a cartoon of me in a struggle with this GB500 that really says "Gumption Trap " . . . Pretty revealing that my GB looks EXACTLY like that cartoon on the lift right now . . .

Another article from The Smithsonian with more references and photos, including this amazing period photo of Pirsig with his son on the SuperHawk . . . https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/zen-motorcycle-still-inspires-philosophical-road-trippers-50-years-later-180984143/

I did not. I bought the tool to take the core samples, but have not been back in there. I has simply cleaned it all and applied a silicone grease to the pucks. If I knew then what I know now (IIKTWIKN ) I would have use Shin Etsu grease on the rubber.

Those driveshaft yokes are nefarious for getting the bolts lined back up and torqued right. "I had a bad experience." At the very least, add witness marks (paint lines along the bolt head across the yoke) and monitor after each ride for a bolt backing out.

Ha, not at all. We love to share and be reminded where all the little hidden bits go!

https://www.amazon.com/IPC-Emulsion-Temporary-Assembly-Lubricant/dp/B008AYUQVG

That is not a Honda part in AUS? They did not sell the "Del Sol" there?

Regarding rubber chemistry preservation, consider what many consider the very best product available: https://www.amazon.com/Honda-Genuine-Shin-Etsu-Grease/dp/B006Z9TZ9M

Glad to see this topic. Looking forward to following the progress and sharing the joy of the outcome!

Is she getting a new battery, @LangleyMalc? A careful application of Caig DeOxit® to the connectors and connections while the tank is off is good medicine. Just don;t get it on the AMP connector seals (remove them for the application, wipe out the recesses and replace dry). A good time to clean and service the main ground connection behind the seat latch and service the connections to the starter motor/solenoid. What's under the seat for relays?

No tricycle! That would be suicide on these Tennessee hills . . .

My first "real" (serious) tractor was a (somewhat) refurb'd IH. Pulled a five foot "BushHog" (flail-blade mower) and a five foot box blade. Lifted a boom. Tried to kill me several times and taught me to hate (hate) groundhogs for the holes they hid for the front tire to drop in (to try and kill me. several times). I got even with them, eventually . . . I have a really good buddy whose entire family came from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and deep traditions with IH, Scout, and TravelAll. VeeWee wants to hold up this electric "Scout". Something about as International Harvester as my toaster oven. I ain't feelin' it. Jus' sayin" . . .