82 GL1100 seems to pulse when riding and poor fuel mileage


Information and questions on GL1100 Goldwings (1980-1983)
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TTs82GW
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2024 5:25 pm
Location: New Castle, Colorado, USA
Motorcycle: 1982 GL1100

82 GL1100 seems to pulse when riding and poor fuel mileage

Post by TTs82GW »



I have rebuilt my Dad’s 1982 Gl1100 after 12+ years of setting up. Complete carb rebuild, tune-up, vaccum balance, valve adjust, bearings, brakes and tires.
It cranks perfectly at the touch of the starter, idles smooth at 1000. Tends to increase as the engine warms. Does not return to idle immediately.
Runs great. Accelerates smooth, but as I am riding it seems to lightly surge or pulse. It was recommended to turn the Low Idle down. I did. Some improvement but not “just right”.
I only get about 25 mpg. Any ideas?


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Rambozo
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Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500 Aspencade
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Re: 82 GL1100 seems to pulse when riding and poor fuel mileage

Post by Rambozo »

Sounds like the carbs are not right. Did you replace any jets when you did the carbs?
TTs82GW
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2024 5:25 pm
Location: New Castle, Colorado, USA
Motorcycle: 1982 GL1100

Re: 82 GL1100 seems to pulse when riding and poor fuel mileage

Post by TTs82GW »

I did not replace any jets. Just cleaned
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biguns
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Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2022 3:39 pm
Location: Ardmore Oklahoma
Motorcycle: 1980 Interstate

Re: 82 GL1100 seems to pulse when riding and poor fuel mileage

Post by biguns »

One thing with these flat 4`s is even if you have a weak cylinder they seem to run smooth. spray some brake clean around the intakes at the cylinders and where they attach to the carbs to be sure there are no vacuum leaks but just a tap on the nozzle if your idle speed does not increase then you probably have an issue with one of your cylinders.
Next take your battery cover off and just to the left of the ground are 2 block plugs the first is your pulse wires from the pulse generator using a back probe with thin pins or paper clips check resistance between the corresponding wire on each end of the plug you should have equal and good continuity between each of the 4 wires you can also try wiggling and pushing the wires in while it is idling and see if it clears up or changes the idle speed. and last pull the plug apart and do a visual inspection.
If that fails let the bike cool then pipes cooled then fire it up without revving it more then 2K for 15 seconds then check the pipes for heat right where they exit the head and see if they are equally hot they should all be the same temperature. I do this by hand just a quick touch with my fingers if it is too hot walk away for a few then touch.
Lets see if you can find anything that way.


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