The International CBX Owners Association

Yes, I think it's time to ride and enjoy it. If the engine runs and sounds fine, I wouldn't worry too much about the puffing. Just keep it in the back of your mind as you ride it more and maybe something will eventually click.

Dave

EMS wrote:Did you do all that with the exhaust installed, or did you take it off?

I was able to spread the exhaust joint apart with various screwdrivers and pick the old gasket out (it broke up easily) and repack the joint by only removing the clamp. Took about 1 hour, but I took my time and made sure the joint was solid. Grinding down the clamps inside ears so it can be fully tightened is a must.

I did a search on "gas smell" but got nothing, so I have another question.

The bike runs and starts well, but I keep smelling gas, on start up only (both when the engine is cold and when warm after it sits for a while). I do not smell it when riding or after riding when idling. I cannot see a leak anywhere and my mpg's are good. The carb boots and fuel lines are new and I have a K&N air filter (if that matters). Any ideas or is that normal with 6 carbs? The smell never seems to be there when the engine is hot.

Also, I took the wife for a ride and with the extra weight I could really feel a squirm from the rear. I can't feel any slop in the swingarm, so that rear shock probably needs to go.

No doubt your tank has been removed a bunch of times with all the work you have done.
Have you checked around the fuel line and petcock for dampness?

steve murdoch icoa #5322 wrote:No doubt your tank has been removed a bunch of times with all the work you have done.
Have you checked around the fuel line and petcock for dampness?

Did a complete inspection from the petcock to the carb boots and can't see any seepage anywhere. The smell goes away after the engine runs for just a short time - about a minute or 2. I've removed the tank several times myself (Honda made doing that easy!).

The bowl vents (should) exit at the top of the center air chamber, directly under your nose as you sit on the bike. These carbs evaporate gas like no other and I think your gas smell is normal - most of us have either gotten used to it or don't notice it at all. When the bike is parked in a garage after riding, for several hours there will be a gas smell from evaporation due to the warm engine and 6 carbs full of gas.

You already know what I think of the stock rear shock. Pump it up to 70psi and pull the knob all the way out. Run it that way no matter how you're loaded - it's the best it will do.

Dave

Dave, once again a perfect explanation. Your responses are priceless. THX!

Just had to add another post to the end of my thread -

Bike runs very strong, puffing is still there but no worse. There is one thing I can't put my finger on though. What is it about this bike that makes me want to keep riding it? I have other more capable bikes in the garage, but every time I take this one for a ride I always want to keep on riding and not bring it back and park it. I don't feel that way on any of my other bikes - weird I guess?

That's simply being afflicted with great 'six appeal'. Most folk on here have it.

Yes, they're a labour of love, but when do they 'put out', its REALLY worth waiting for and always Oh so enjoyable!

Just got her started for the season and she's runnin good. THX Dave for the start up procedure. I blew through the little hose twice and she fired right up. I can't believe it but the OEM suspension held air pressure all during storage. The tach is still a little jumpy over 4K, but I can live with that. I'm glad I bought this bike .