Without a visual on the MC to see what has been done/condition it is and not knowing the history of repairs or added devices. It sounds like you have something mis-wired or a low grade/intermittent short/path to ground or faulty supply/relay voltage. You need to identify the particular circuit invol...

The confusion may stem from the fact that within the idle fuel circuit a tiny amount of air is mixed in via an air bleed so there is a mixture of both that the needle of screw acts upon.

All those vacuum hoses attached around the upper perimeter of the carbs are air bleeds for the circuits (idle&main) within the carburetor to meet emission requirements of the day. They will lean out mixtures via the air jet controllers. There is also an altitude compensation system among those hoses...

Yes the fuel mixture screw meters fuel just like every other carburetor ever made, out for more (richen) and in for less.

The 1500 fuel pump dies a slow death with symptoms of reduced fuel pressure. Easiest way to confirm this intermittent problem which only happens at road speeds is to tee a fuel pressure gauge into the fuel line and tape to the shelter where it can be seen. This will allow you to monitor the fuel pre...

Your machine is twenty years old and the couple dollars price for a clutch master rebuild kit I always recommend doing both at the same time when down and opened for another twenty plus trouble free years with that system.

The auto petcocks primary function is a safety device to prevent fuel flow in the event of tip-over. A carburetor motorcycle when tipped over either through vehicle accident or unattended when parked is a much greater likelihood than a float valve failure. The petcock works in conjunction with the b...

Some will tell you it is normal because they too have a gas stinking ride on their 20 or 30 yr. old machine. It takes diligence starting at tank, pump cover gasket, fuel cap, filter, petcock, hoses and connections right up to carburetors themselves to track down the cause of the fuel/vapor leak.

This engine will start and run, correct? You sure it is a 1990 with original wiring? '88 & '89 years had some additional wiring spliced off the yel/blu coil trigger wire which just happens to be for the center 3-4 coil.

Over in my neck of the woods I would call it an asset tag and likely the last six of VIN.

The shot air system (yellow coded vacuum hoses) is a driveability feature that aids in slowing very fast RPM drops while underway. If during shifting or slowing the engine RPM seems to drop like a rock or is tossing your body weight forward during these times it is likely not working as intended and...

More of the same Chinlee junk??

this calculates out to 28.36 MPG, which seems low to me. I know I have been having a difficult time getting the idle to rest at 800 RPMs when the engine is warm, she idles at around 1200 or so. I'l get it adjusted for a day or two but then it jumps back up. I can't imagine this high idle is chewing...

This is with the engine running?

Starter motor spins in one direction for both reverse and engine start and uses intermediate gears.

The Interstate models have no air compressor and use an air hose in the saddlebag that takes an air chuck fitting to pump the air shock up which is all you need. http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com/cyclemax/showmodel.asp?Type=13&make=hondamc&a=257&b=59&c=0&d=1996%20GL1500I%20GOLD%20WING%20INTERS...

The large 3 wire connector would have been for the reverse resistor assembly.

Possible yes probable no. Surging is a classic case lean condition in an engine which can be easily verified with the addition of a spritz of carb clean spray into the carb intake air stream. If RPM rises and smooths out it is lean.

Use your '94 starter, alternator and carbs. Intake manifolds will need to be swapped because of changes in vacuum line ports. Water pump will have to be changed due to bypass hose changes and the gear sensor behind front cover will also need to be installed off the '94 into the '88 engine.

There is no clear cut easy answer 90% of the time when trying to track down a driveability concern on the 1500. For a successful repair one needs to diagnose the condition to a particular component or system as to the cause. For starters one should always do a compression test on an engine especiall...

The plenum where the carbs attach carries fuel in passages and needs to be looked at as a leak point.

My primary responsibility is to dis-spell these fantasies that appear on the Internet from a guy that might be a WalMart basket collector, follow my drift?

I have the same problem on my 97, though not to the extent that you do. If mine sits for (rarely) 3 weeks, I have to repeatedly attemp starting. It became apparent to me that the fuel in the carbs was evaporating, causing a need to refill the carbs. Since the bike doesn't have a fuel pump ON functi...

To the evaporating gas theorists, no way. The 1500 is an emission controlled EPA and CARB certified MC that would have had to be SHED emission tested during the production run and as such there would be no evaporating gas from the machine skewing the results. Internet Myth. One vocal guy who thinks ...

I installed a new E4 on my buddy's 2000 se and when driving behind him i can hear the tire humming. I checked the tire and there are no marks or and signs of rubbing. The sound changes when driving over different surfaces from a loud drone to nothing. I just replaced my 99se rear with a new E4 and ...