No I have been working on other areas of the bike. I changed out my
original pitted forks with a perfect set.

I also changed out the stock handlebars to Nighthwak style bars and
added bar end weights and dampner rods from a Yamaha SR250. I was in a
hurry and didn't put my windshield back on and it appears the
windshield must have been dampening the handlebar vibrations at speed.
Because now I have more vibration than I remember it having in years.
  I hope to get the windshield back on tomorrow night and see if it is
better.

I have ridden the bike about 300 miles the last three weeks.

Then tonight I installed a new clutch kit, 20% stronger than stock
springs, new friction discs and clutch plates.

The clutch has been slipping at times. When I took it apart I found
the friction discs were like new. The bike had been parked for years
before I got it and the longer I have rode (about 40,000 miles) the
more it would slip. I think the problem was weak springs and the
clutch plates were clean, but they had old corrosion on them that I
think worked like little bearings on the surface. It was too late to
try it out when I finished up tonight, but I'm betting it will be much
better.

I also think this might have been limiting my top speed a little,
because some times I could buzz right up to 80 mph and other times it
seemed to struggle to get to 75 mph.

I hope to try the new carb pretty soon, but I want to have a new set
free flowing mufflers when I do.

Terry Sanderson

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Murch" <mgmurch@...> wrote:
>
> Terry,
>
> Any chance you have tested this new carb?
>
> Mike

Terry,

Any chance you have tested this new carb?

Mike


--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
<terry.sanderson@...> wrote:
>
> The carb is a bolt on, but I have not installed it yet.
>
> Terry Sanderson
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Yes I have one
>   To: HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 11:19 PM
>   Subject: [HondaTwinstar] Re: Performance questions and more
>
>
>   --- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
>   <terry.sanderson@> wrote:
>   >
>
>   > I also have a new Mukini 26mm high velocity caburetor and K&N
pod
>   filter to install on the bike.
>
>   Did the new carb make that much of a difference? I'm trying to
>   figure out why I can hit 65 in 3rd gear, but not much more than
that in
>   4th. I know the chain needs to be replaced (which I'll be doing
in
>   about 2 weeks). It just doesn't make any sense that the bike
can't hit
>   the top speed it should. Heck, the bike even weighs less than
stock!
>
>   Do you have any pics of the carb and filter set-up? Did it bolt
>   right on? Thanks for your help and advice!
>
>   --JMH
>   .
>

Terry,

Any chance you have tested this new carb?

Mike


--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
<terry.sanderson@...> wrote:
>
> The carb is a bolt on, but I have not installed it yet.
>
> Terry Sanderson
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Yes I have one
>   To: HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 11:19 PM
>   Subject: [HondaTwinstar] Re: Performance questions and more
>
>
>   --- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
>   <terry.sanderson@> wrote:
>   >
>
>   > I also have a new Mukini 26mm high velocity caburetor and K&N
pod
>   filter to install on the bike.
>
>   Did the new carb make that much of a difference? I'm trying to
>   figure out why I can hit 65 in 3rd gear, but not much more than
that in
>   4th. I know the chain needs to be replaced (which I'll be doing
in
>   about 2 weeks). It just doesn't make any sense that the bike
can't hit
>   the top speed it should. Heck, the bike even weighs less than
stock!
>
>   Do you have any pics of the carb and filter set-up? Did it bolt
>   right on? Thanks for your help and advice!
>
>   --JMH
>   .
>

Thanks for the tip. It is installed correctly.

I should put a kit in it but most likely will buy a new carb like
Terry did.

I have not paid much attention to the problem since I still do not
have a gas tank.  I have been outbid on 5 tanks so far.  Seems that
they always sell for $5 more than I bid.  Just wish I had ridden the
Twinstar so that I would know if I even like it.  Hard to bid a lot
before you bond on a  machine.



--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "dtinklenberg"
<datinklenberg@...> wrote:
>
> ...just a thought...  Have you verified that your carb. float is
not
> installed upsidedown?  I made this mistake when I first had my
carb.
> apart and dealt with a similar situation.
>
> Dan
>
> --- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Yes I have one"
> <a_change_of_plans@> wrote:
> >
> >     There's no o-ring on the float valve, but you may want to
make
> > sure the end of the valve is not damaged.  It sounds like the
> little
> > metal tab which the valve is attached to may be bent too far,
thus
> > causing the float itself to rest at an incorrect level.
> >
> >   You'll need to remove the float bowl from the carb and measure
> the
> > height of the float above the carb body.  If you have a 185
> Twinstar,
> > I think it should be about 14.5mm, a 200 Twinstar should be
around
> > 12.5mm.  You can adjust the float height by carefully bending
the
> > little metal tab which the valve rests on.  Make sure the float
> > assembly is level, too (not twisted or anything).
> >
> >   After making adjustments, I would always blow air through a
> narrow
> > tube into the fuel inlet, and carefully move the float bowl
until
> it
> > shut off the flow of air.  If further adjustments were
necessary,
> I'd
> > make them, then test it again.  It's not exact, but it works
pretty
> > good, and I've never had any issues with it.  Good luck!
> >
> > --JMH
> >
> >
> > --- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Murch" <mgmurch@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Does anyone know if there is a oring at the top of float
valve?
> > > Either I am not getting a good seal there or the float is
> sticking.
> > I
> > > have taken the carb apart three times and everything looks
good.
> > When
> > > I connect the gas it starts over flowing again. I tried
tapping
> the
> > > float bowl to unstick it but I don't think that is the
problem.
> The
> > > sping built into the valve looks good, it is clean, and the
> > passageway
> > > is clean.
> > >
> > > Does it have an oring there?
> > >
> >
>

...just a thought...  Have you verified that your carb. float is not
installed upsidedown?  I made this mistake when I first had my carb.
apart and dealt with a similar situation.

Dan

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Yes I have one"
<a_change_of_plans@...> wrote:
>
>     There's no o-ring on the float valve, but you may want to make
> sure the end of the valve is not damaged.  It sounds like the
little
> metal tab which the valve is attached to may be bent too far, thus
> causing the float itself to rest at an incorrect level.
>
>   You'll need to remove the float bowl from the carb and measure
the
> height of the float above the carb body.  If you have a 185
Twinstar,
> I think it should be about 14.5mm, a 200 Twinstar should be around
> 12.5mm.  You can adjust the float height by carefully bending the
> little metal tab which the valve rests on.  Make sure the float
> assembly is level, too (not twisted or anything).
>
>   After making adjustments, I would always blow air through a
narrow
> tube into the fuel inlet, and carefully move the float bowl until
it
> shut off the flow of air.  If further adjustments were necessary,
I'd
> make them, then test it again.  It's not exact, but it works pretty
> good, and I've never had any issues with it.  Good luck!
>
> --JMH
>
>
> --- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Murch" <mgmurch@> wrote:
> >
> > Does anyone know if there is a oring at the top of float valve?
> > Either I am not getting a good seal there or the float is
sticking.
> I
> > have taken the carb apart three times and everything looks good.
> When
> > I connect the gas it starts over flowing again. I tried tapping
the
> > float bowl to unstick it but I don't think that is the problem.
The
> > sping built into the valve looks good, it is clean, and the
> passageway
> > is clean.
> >
> > Does it have an oring there?
> >
>

Mike-
   I still have the used airbox assembly (sans filter and rubber hose)
I bought some time ago on eBay.  Ditto with the original Twinstar
petcock.  Let me know if you're interested in them, man.

--Jim H.

> Interesting that you are using the pod filter, I might have to go
> that way as this bike is missing the curved hose and some of the air
> box parts.

No, it is still not working.  Could be the brass fitting that goes
on the fuel hose is messed up, I can't tell.  Maybe I will get a new
carb like Terry did. I am waiting to hear if his new 26mm works.



--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Yes I have one"
<a_change_of_plans@...> wrote:
>
>   I found my old 15-tooth front sprocket in my toolbox, and since
it
> wasn't worn much at all, I decided to replace the taller 16-tooth
with
> the stock size.  After trimming the chain back down to the stock
size,
> I took it for a little spin.  The bick has a LOT more pick-up
starting
> off, and it can hit 65 relatively quick.  I walked it up to 70
while
> heading to the store (on the highway), and took it up to a hair
under
> 80 on the way back.  I drilled out the stock exhaust rivets
(thanks for
> the suggestion!), so it's not obnoxiously loud (actually quite
> pleasant).  I may eventually replace the mufflers, since I noticed
the
> metal disc at the back of the stock mufflers have a bit of deep
rust on
> them.  :(
>   I found out my nephew had opened up my camera, so the pictures I
took
> a couple months ago are ruined.  But I'll pick up some film later
this
> week and take new ones.
>   To the fellow asking about the float valve o-ring: did you get
it to
> work correctly?
>   Thanks to everyone for their advice!
>
> --JMH
>

I found my old 15-tooth front sprocket in my toolbox, and since it
wasn't worn much at all, I decided to replace the taller 16-tooth with
the stock size.  After trimming the chain back down to the stock size,
I took it for a little spin.  The bick has a LOT more pick-up starting
off, and it can hit 65 relatively quick.  I walked it up to 70 while
heading to the store (on the highway), and took it up to a hair under
80 on the way back.  I drilled out the stock exhaust rivets (thanks for
the suggestion!), so it's not obnoxiously loud (actually quite
pleasant).  I may eventually replace the mufflers, since I noticed the
metal disc at the back of the stock mufflers have a bit of deep rust on
them.  :(
   I found out my nephew had opened up my camera, so the pictures I took
a couple months ago are ruined.  But I'll pick up some film later this
week and take new ones.
   To the fellow asking about the float valve o-ring: did you get it to
work correctly?
   Thanks to everyone for their advice!

--JMH

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
<terry.sanderson@...> wrote:
>
> I am still running the stock sprockets on my CM185, but that is
about to change.

   Well, I found out that my sprocket ratio is to blame for my
decreased top speed.  It seems the little Honda mill can't crank out
enough horses to compensate for the taller gearing.  I'll be going
back to the 15/35 ratio in the next week or two.  My current 16/35
ratio is just too tall, resulting in a top end of about 65-68 max.
Sad, huh?

   On the other hand, you can try dropping one tooth in the rear.
Sprocket Specialists make a 34 tooth rear sprocket for the Twinstar,
so that may help decrease some of the buzziness at top speed.

   As for me, I'll try the stock gearing for awhile, then maybe drop
down a tooth in the rear after I've put a few more miles on the bike
(getting close to 60K now!)

--JMH

----- Original Message -----

From: Mike Murch

To: HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:46 PM

Subject: [HondaTwinstar] Re: 26mm carb

Where did you get the 26mm carb? Was it new or off a parts bike?

.

Where did you get the 26mm carb?  Was it new or off a parts bike?



--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
<terry.sanderson@...> wrote:
>
> I have added photos of the 26mm carb and K&N style pod filter to
my photo album in the photos section.
>
>
http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/HondaTwinstar/photos/browse/10
20
>
> Also for anyone interested:
> 1980 Honda 200 Twinstar, 5K miles, $1250 or trade for a van.   580-
928-3235
>
> I have no connection to the bike and I have never seen it.  It is
located in Weatherford, Oklahoma (about 80 miles west of where I
live).  I also think $1250 is a bit high even if is in showroom
condition.  On the other had you spend much more than that trying to
do a show quality restoration.
>
>
> Terry Sanderson
> Classic Motorcycle & Scooter Riders
> http://middelnet.www6.50megs.com/VJMCofOK.htm
> Project Bike & Cheap Rides website
> http://members.cox.net/terry.sanderson/index.shtml
> OKC Family Bike Nites
> http://middelnet.www6.50megs.com/OKCBIKENITES.htm
> Oklahoma Motorcycle Events Calendar
> http://okmcevents.com
> VJMCOK - CMSR Yahoo Group
> http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vjmcok/
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Yes I have one

To: HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 11:19 PM

Subject: [HondaTwinstar] Re: Performance questions and more

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
<terry.sanderson@...> wrote:
>

> I also have a new Mukini 26mm high velocity caburetor and K&N pod
filter to install on the bike. 

Did the new carb make that much of a difference? I'm trying to
figure out why I can hit 65 in 3rd gear, but not much more than that in
4th. I know the chain needs to be replaced (which I'll be doing in
about 2 weeks). It just doesn't make any sense that the bike can't hit
the top speed it should. Heck, the bike even weighs less than stock!

Do you have any pics of the carb and filter set-up? Did it bolt
right on? Thanks for your help and advice!

--JMH

.

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
<terry.sanderson@...> wrote:
>

> I also have a new Mukini 26mm high velocity caburetor and K&N pod
filter to install on the bike.

   Did the new carb make that much of a difference?  I'm trying to
figure out why I can hit 65 in 3rd gear, but not much more than that in
4th.  I know the chain needs to be replaced (which I'll be doing in
about 2 weeks).  It just doesn't make any sense that the bike can't hit
the top speed it should.  Heck, the bike even weighs less than stock!

   Do you have any pics of the carb and filter set-up?  Did it bolt
right on?  Thanks for your help and advice!

--JMH

There's no o-ring on the float valve, but you may want to make
sure the end of the valve is not damaged.  It sounds like the little
metal tab which the valve is attached to may be bent too far, thus
causing the float itself to rest at an incorrect level.

   You'll need to remove the float bowl from the carb and measure the
height of the float above the carb body.  If you have a 185 Twinstar,
I think it should be about 14.5mm, a 200 Twinstar should be around
12.5mm.  You can adjust the float height by carefully bending the
little metal tab which the valve rests on.  Make sure the float
assembly is level, too (not twisted or anything).

   After making adjustments, I would always blow air through a narrow
tube into the fuel inlet, and carefully move the float bowl until it
shut off the flow of air.  If further adjustments were necessary, I'd
make them, then test it again.  It's not exact, but it works pretty
good, and I've never had any issues with it.  Good luck!

--JMH


--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Murch" <mgmurch@...> wrote:
>
> Does anyone know if there is a oring at the top of float valve?
> Either I am not getting a good seal there or the float is sticking.
I
> have taken the carb apart three times and everything looks good.
When
> I connect the gas it starts over flowing again. I tried tapping the
> float bowl to unstick it but I don't think that is the problem.  The
> sping built into the valve looks good, it is clean, and the
passageway
> is clean.
>
> Does it have an oring there?
>

Does anyone know if there is a oring at the top of float valve?
Either I am not getting a good seal there or the float is sticking.  I
have taken the carb apart three times and everything looks good.  When
I connect the gas it starts over flowing again. I tried tapping the
float bowl to unstick it but I don't think that is the problem.  The
sping built into the valve looks good, it is clean, and the passageway
is clean.

Does it have an oring there?

Thanks.  I just don't want to spend over $100 for a tank when I got
the whole bike for $200.  Then they want a cap and a petcock extra.

I bought an XR tank with cap and petcock off ebay for $7.50.  It is
great for starting and testing the twinstar but it is not DOT
approved as it is plastic.

Don't know how long I can wait before I decide to get it out of the
garage.



--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Yes I have one"
<a_change_of_plans@...> wrote:
>
> --- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Murch" <mgmurch@>
wrote:
> >
> > I am not a Twinstar expert - I just own one (1980) that is some
> > where between a parts bike and a complete 4K miles clean
machine.
> > Don't know yet where to go with it as I have been severely
outbid
> > for a gas tank several times lately on eBay.
>
>   I checked two of my main sources for another fuel tank, but I
wasn't
> able to find anything.  There was another place that I could've
sworn
> had some, but damn if I can't remember the name of it.  I'll check
> around a bit more and let you know what I can find.
>
> >
> > That being said, I noticed that there are three screws at the
back
> > of each exhaust pipe and I know the baffles were not designed to
> > last 30 years.  If your exhaust is excessively restrictive, I
would
> > start performance upgrades with the baffles.
>
>   I recently bought the pipes on ebay, and they're in fantastic
shape
> (part of the reason I'm hesitant about modifying them; it took me
> about a year to find a good, complete set that was within my
budget).
> I noticed that on my pipes, there are four rivets at the rear of
the
> megaphone.  Would drilling these out allow the baffle assembly to
be
> removed from the canister for adjustment or repacking?  They sound
> better than the original pipes I had on the bike years ago, so I
don't
> think the packing has deteriorated to the point of needing to be
> replaced.  If removal of the rivets allows the assembly to slide
out,
> I may do that, and possible replace the stock baffle with a larger
> diameter baffle, if space allows (but still using the original
> canister).
>
> >
> > Interesting that you are using the pod filter, I might have to
go
> > that way as this bike is missing the curved hose and some of the
air
> > box parts.
>
>   The Uni pod filter is just taking the place of the airbox; it's
> attached to the rubber carb inlet tube and rests below the seat.
I
> found a place that has the various airbox assembly parts you may
be
> looking for (two, actually).  One is:
>
> <http://www.cyclepartsnation.com>
>
>   You can see blown-apart diagrams of the various systems, as well
as
> a part listing for the components.  I think the rubber carb inlet
is
> about 17 bucks.
>
>   The other place is:
>
> <http://www.davidsilverspares.com>
>
>   They're located in England, but their service is fantastic, and
they
> stock a wide array of OEM parts.  I purchased intake and exhaust
> valves, exhaust gaskets, and 2 CDI units (in their original
packaging,
> too).  Highly recommended place!
>
>   I may post some pictures of my Twinstar once I get the film
> developed (I'll drop it off tomorrow evening).  A word of warning,
> though: the only stock items on the bike are the wheel rims, hubs,
and
> (most of) the engine.  I've since replaced the intake manifold and
> carb with a similar set-up from a 1980 Twinstar, since mine had a
> warped carb-to-manifold flange and was sucking in air.  I spent
months
> jerking around with exhaust and jetting, trying to find a good
> compromise (hence, my current dilemma).
>
>   If I can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask!
>
> --JMH
>

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Murch" <mgmurch@...> wrote:
>
> I am not a Twinstar expert - I just own one (1980) that is some
> where between a parts bike and a complete 4K miles clean machine.
> Don't know yet where to go with it as I have been severely outbid
> for a gas tank several times lately on eBay.

   I checked two of my main sources for another fuel tank, but I wasn't
able to find anything.  There was another place that I could've sworn
had some, but damn if I can't remember the name of it.  I'll check
around a bit more and let you know what I can find.

>
> That being said, I noticed that there are three screws at the back
> of each exhaust pipe and I know the baffles were not designed to
> last 30 years.  If your exhaust is excessively restrictive, I would
> start performance upgrades with the baffles.

   I recently bought the pipes on ebay, and they're in fantastic shape
(part of the reason I'm hesitant about modifying them; it took me
about a year to find a good, complete set that was within my budget).
I noticed that on my pipes, there are four rivets at the rear of the
megaphone.  Would drilling these out allow the baffle assembly to be
removed from the canister for adjustment or repacking?  They sound
better than the original pipes I had on the bike years ago, so I don't
think the packing has deteriorated to the point of needing to be
replaced.  If removal of the rivets allows the assembly to slide out,
I may do that, and possible replace the stock baffle with a larger
diameter baffle, if space allows (but still using the original
canister).

>
> Interesting that you are using the pod filter, I might have to go
> that way as this bike is missing the curved hose and some of the air
> box parts.

   The Uni pod filter is just taking the place of the airbox; it's
attached to the rubber carb inlet tube and rests below the seat.  I
found a place that has the various airbox assembly parts you may be
looking for (two, actually).  One is:

<http://www.cyclepartsnation.com>

   You can see blown-apart diagrams of the various systems, as well as
a part listing for the components.  I think the rubber carb inlet is
about 17 bucks.

   The other place is:

<http://www.davidsilverspares.com>

   They're located in England, but their service is fantastic, and they
stock a wide array of OEM parts.  I purchased intake and exhaust
valves, exhaust gaskets, and 2 CDI units (in their original packaging,
too).  Highly recommended place!

   I may post some pictures of my Twinstar once I get the film
developed (I'll drop it off tomorrow evening).  A word of warning,
though: the only stock items on the bike are the wheel rims, hubs, and
(most of) the engine.  I've since replaced the intake manifold and
carb with a similar set-up from a 1980 Twinstar, since mine had a
warped carb-to-manifold flange and was sucking in air.  I spent months
jerking around with exhaust and jetting, trying to find a good
compromise (hence, my current dilemma).

   If I can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask!

--JMH

I am not a Twinstar expert - I just own one (1980) that is some
where between a parts bike and a complete 4K miles clean machine.
Don't know yet where to go with it as I have been severely outbid
for a gas tank several times lately on eBay.

That being said, I noticed that there are three screws at the back
of each exhaust pipe and I know the baffles were not designed to
last 30 years.  If your exhaust is excessively restrictive, I would
start performance upgrades with the baffles.

Interesting that you are using the pod filter, I might have to go
that way as this bike is missing the curved hose and some of the air
box parts.

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "Yes I have one"
<a_change_of_plans@...> wrote:
>
>   Hey there!  I had a few questions I wanted to ask regarding
> performance increases.  I'll lay out the basics first, I reckon.
>
>   I have a 1982 CM200T, with a fairly stock engine configuration.
> I've made various changes in the past, in an effort to increase
> performance and/or economy.  At one end of the spectrum, I was
able
> to gain the most fuel economy (125 mpg) by using a restrictive air
> filter and jetting the carb down to an 87.5 main jet.  The
downside
> was, I had practically no torque.  At the performance end, I had
> modified the exhaust (1.75 inch headers which each expanded into
2.25
> inch by 7 inch long resonators, with a 7/16 hole drilled through
one
> side of the resonator) which provided a very noticeable boost in
top-
> end power.  While doing 60, I could crank the throttle and the
bike
> would surge ahead to 70-75 mph (it didn't "walk up to speed" like
the
> stock exhaust allowed).  The bike topped out at 83-85 mph, and
there
> was a reduction in engine rpms as well.  The downside was, it was
> ungodly loud.
>
>   I'm currently running a stock exhaust system (I like the
quietness
> of it compared to previous versions), a 110 main jet, a Uni pod
> filter (in place of the stock airbox), and a 16/35 sprocket ratio
> (stock is 15/35).  With the current setup, the bike hauls in the
> first three gears (third gear now tops out at 65 mph), and fourth
is
> essentially used as an overdrive.  Unfortunately, the bike seems
to
> top out at 65-68 mph now.  Is it because of the taller gearing?  I
> realize the engine may not be able to reach it's powerband with
the
> current gearing setup, so I'm thinking of dropping to a 15/34
ratio
> instead.
>
>   What about intake?  Has anyone ever tried modifying a Powerwing
(a
> cylindrical structure with a metal divider down the center which
> helps increase airflow in the carb for off-road bikes)?  I really
> like the exhaust sound with the stock system, even though it's
> probably restrictive as hell.  Any way to increase the efficiency
of
> that without sacrificing the quieter exhaust note?  What about
adding
> something like an FMF "Powerbomb" in the headpipe?  Any advice
would
> be most welcome!  Sorry for the long post- hope to hear some ideas
> and feedback on this!  Thanks!
>
> --JMH
>

Hey there!  I had a few questions I wanted to ask regarding
performance increases.  I'll lay out the basics first, I reckon.

   I have a 1982 CM200T, with a fairly stock engine configuration.
I've made various changes in the past, in an effort to increase
performance and/or economy.  At one end of the spectrum, I was able
to gain the most fuel economy (125 mpg) by using a restrictive air
filter and jetting the carb down to an 87.5 main jet.  The downside
was, I had practically no torque.  At the performance end, I had
modified the exhaust (1.75 inch headers which each expanded into 2.25
inch by 7 inch long resonators, with a 7/16 hole drilled through one
side of the resonator) which provided a very noticeable boost in top-
end power.  While doing 60, I could crank the throttle and the bike
would surge ahead to 70-75 mph (it didn't "walk up to speed" like the
stock exhaust allowed).  The bike topped out at 83-85 mph, and there
was a reduction in engine rpms as well.  The downside was, it was
ungodly loud.

   I'm currently running a stock exhaust system (I like the quietness
of it compared to previous versions), a 110 main jet, a Uni pod
filter (in place of the stock airbox), and a 16/35 sprocket ratio
(stock is 15/35).  With the current setup, the bike hauls in the
first three gears (third gear now tops out at 65 mph), and fourth is
essentially used as an overdrive.  Unfortunately, the bike seems to
top out at 65-68 mph now.  Is it because of the taller gearing?  I
realize the engine may not be able to reach it's powerband with the
current gearing setup, so I'm thinking of dropping to a 15/34 ratio
instead.

   What about intake?  Has anyone ever tried modifying a Powerwing (a
cylindrical structure with a metal divider down the center which
helps increase airflow in the carb for off-road bikes)?  I really
like the exhaust sound with the stock system, even though it's
probably restrictive as hell.  Any way to increase the efficiency of
that without sacrificing the quieter exhaust note?  What about adding
something like an FMF "Powerbomb" in the headpipe?  Any advice would
be most welcome!  Sorry for the long post- hope to hear some ideas
and feedback on this!  Thanks!

--JMH

----- Original Message -----

From: Yes I have one

To: HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 12:09 AM

Subject: [HondaTwinstar] Re: Welcome

Hey all-
First of all, thanks for letting me join the group! I've owned a
1982 CM200T for a little over 12 years, and have completely customized
it twice. It's a great little bike, and I use it daily, even though
I've also got a 1995 Shadow 600. I used to have a Kawasaki ZX6R, but
I sold that about a year ago. You just can't beat the little bikes
for gas mileage!
I can upload a few pictures later on, if folks are cool with that.
I've rebuilt the bike twice from the ground up, so I've had quite a
bit of experience with it. Looking forward to sharing information and
tips with other members!
Thanks also for starting this group up!

--JMH

.

Hey all-
   First of all, thanks for letting me join the group!  I've owned a
1982 CM200T for a little over 12 years, and have completely customized
it twice.  It's a great little bike, and I use it daily, even though
I've also got a 1995 Shadow 600.  I used to have a Kawasaki ZX6R, but
I sold that about a year ago.  You just can't beat the little bikes
for gas mileage!
   I can upload a few pictures later on, if folks are cool with that.
I've rebuilt the bike twice from the ground up, so I've had quite a
bit of experience with it.  Looking forward to sharing information and
tips with other members!
   Thanks also for starting this group up!

--JMH

Josh,

I got the email, I've just been really busy. Monday is the only day of
the week I can ship anything. I'll try to get it sent to you next week.

Terry

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, Josh Johnson <joshua_41@...> wrote:
>
>    Terry ,
>      Did you get my last email that I sent?  Yes, I will take you up
on your offer on the headlight.  Just let me know what the shipping
cost is.  Thanks!
>
>   Gayle_._,___
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> You snooze, you lose. Get messages ASAP with AutoCheck
>  in the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.
>

 Terry ,

   Did you get my last email that I sent?  Yes, I will take you up on your offer on the headlight.  Just let me know what the shipping cost is.  Thanks!

 

Gayle_._,___

I have posted a few photos of the headlight and muffler in the photos
section.

The headlight is for the European model of the '78-'79 CM185. I don't
have a part number handy, but I'll try to find it.  I do have a
connection in Australia, but I'd rather not run the risk of straining
our friendship having him pick up parts and shipping them here. He had
to drive quite a ways to do this for me.

The mufflers are not quite the same size, you need an adapter, I
bought several from http://www.jcwhitney.com but I have since found
them at Pep Boys.  I'll try to post a photo of the adapter when I get
a chance. I used a pair of Custom Chrome one piece HD muffler clamps,
but just about any muffler clamp the right size will do.  I also
smeared some Permatex high temp copper sealant inside and out of the
adapters before assembly. BTW the reason I chose Sportster mufflers
is, you can pick up brand new ones for next to nothing, the ones I
used appeared to be removed before the bike was ever started and I
paid all of $20 for the pair including shipping. If you live near a HD
dealer they usually have piles of them they throw away. I just don't
have the time to waste running around town, if I can't get it at the
shop I work at or one of my friends shops, I go to eBay.

As you can see from the photos my CM185 is no show bike, I ride it a
lot and I experiment on it quite a bit. I have a near showroom perfect
72 Honda CB100 with 1,185 miles for shows and special events.

Chains are cheap, any motorcycle dealer has them it's just a common
428x120 chain. Sprockets can be found on eBay cheap or from places
like www.denniskirk.com or http://www.jcwhitney.com

Tires are cheap as well Cheng Shin makes quality original looking
replacement tires, should be about $35-45 from places
www.denniskirk.com or http://www.jcwhitney.com or eBay

Terry


--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "dtinklenberg"
<datinklenberg@...> wrote:
>
> I am in the same boat ~ my '78 needs a headlight along with misc.
> other items (tires, chain & sprockets, exhaust, etc.)...  Can you
> tell me more about the European headlight (is it an OEM headlight
> from another bike, an aftermarket headlight or???)?  Do you have a
> part number or source for the European headlight?  I have a few work
> associates coming in from both Europe and Australia in the next few
> weeks and may have one of them bring one to the U.S. for me.
>
> If Gayle does not take you up on your OEM headlight offer, I would be
> interested.
>
> I'd also be interested in a closeup photo of how you grafted the HD
> sportster mufflers on to your header pipes.  Were the pipe diameters
> similar?
>
> Another good site for Honda Twinstar info. is at the following link:
>
> http://pages.prodigy.net/klricks/Twinstar.html
>
> This site contains a scanned service manual & wiring diagram.
>
> Thanks for setting up this group, I appreciate it!
>
> Dan
> Current motorcycles:
> '73 Honda CB 350G
> '86 Yamaha Fazer
> '90 Honda Pacific Coast
> '78 Honda Twinstar

I am in the same boat ~ my '78 needs a headlight along with misc.
other items (tires, chain & sprockets, exhaust, etc.)...  Can you
tell me more about the European headlight (is it an OEM headlight
from another bike, an aftermarket headlight or???)?  Do you have a
part number or source for the European headlight?  I have a few work
associates coming in from both Europe and Australia in the next few
weeks and may have one of them bring one to the U.S. for me.

If Gayle does not take you up on your OEM headlight offer, I would be
interested.

I'd also be interested in a closeup photo of how you grafted the HD
sportster mufflers on to your header pipes.  Were the pipe diameters
similar?

Another good site for Honda Twinstar info. is at the following link:

http://pages.prodigy.net/klricks/Twinstar.html

This site contains a scanned service manual & wiring diagram.

Thanks for setting up this group, I appreciate it!

Dan
Current motorcycles:
'73 Honda CB 350G
'86 Yamaha Fazer
'90 Honda Pacific Coast
'78 Honda Twinstar

--- In HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com, "terry.sanderson"
<terry.sanderson@...> wrote:
>
> Gayle,
>
> The problem is that is a special headlight unit and they really are
expensive.  There is no universal replacement for it.  But help is on
the way I switched to a European headlight with a replaceable bulb.
So I have a good original light I don't need. You can have it for the
cost of shipping. Send me your address (off list) and I'll try to get
it to you as soon as possible.
>
> Just an FYI about the European headlight, even though it is just 35
watts, it puts out more light, it has a replaceable bulb that cost
about $6 and it also has an amber parking light. There are also
halogen replacement bulbs that are brighter that cost about $25. The
down side is the complete unit cost me about $75 with shipping from
Australia. A friend down under sent it to me.
>
> It sounds like you need to take your carburetor apart and clean it
and check the float, float needle and seat.
>
> Terry Sanderson
> Classic Motorcycle & Scooter Riders
> http://middelnet.www6.50megs.com/VJMCofOK.htm
> VJMCOK - CMSR Yahoo Group
> http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vjmcok/
> Project Bike & Cheap Rides website
> http://members.cox.net/terry.sanderson/index.shtml
> OKC Family Bike Nites
> http://middelnet.www6.50megs.com/OKCBIKENITES.htm
> Oklahoma Motorcycle Events Calendar
> http://okmcevents.com
>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Josh Johnson
>   To: HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 9:43 AM
>   Subject: Re: [HondaTwinstar] Welcome
>
>
>
>   Thanks for the welcome!  I'm having trouble of my own with my 78
CM185 Twinstar, it starts easy but to keep it running you have to
keep the throddle wide open, alot smoke comes out the exhaust.  I
also need to find a headlight, seems the dealers want over $60 for
one.  Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
>
>   Gayle Stuthman
>
>
>   Terry Sanderson <terry.sanderson@...> wrote:
>     Welcome to all who have joined, when you get a chance introduce
>     yourself and tell us a little about you and your bike.
>
>     I've had my 1979 CM185 Twinstar (on the home page) for about 4
years
>     now. Although I have several bikes it is one of my favorites.
It has
>     about 50,000 miles on it with no major repairs. I have had
speedometer
>     problems, I'm on my 3rd right now and it's a combination of
parts from
>     three speedometers.
>
>     When I got the bike it would barely run 45 mph down a step
hill. It
>     also got terrible gas mileage, about 30 mpg. When I took the
>     carburetor apart I found that someone had decided if a little
bigger
>     jet was good, a lot bigger would be great. They had drilled out
the
>     jet and the hole was so large I'm amazed the little bike would
start,
>     much less run. Now with the proper jet it will easily hit 75
mph. The
>     original exhaust was rusted out the bottom when I got the bike
and I
>     have tried several sets of pipes on it. First I put a set of 19"
>     chrome turned out mufflers on it, although it ran great (80+
mph),
>     even my Harley friends would complain about it being too loud.
Next I
>     found a set of CM200 exhaust in decent condition, but it didn't
run as
>     good, right now I have a pair of Harley Sportster mufflers on
it.
>     Still feels a little restricted from the turned out mufflers,
but at
>     least it's pretty quiet.
>
>     I can highly recommend replacing the rubber grommets that hold
the
>     side covers on, I lost two right side covers, before I got new
>     grommets. They are available from your local Honda dealer, if
not let
>     me know I work for Oklahoma Honda Suzuki in Del City and I can
get
>     them for you or give you the part number so your local Honda
dealer
>     can order them. There are a lot of parts still available from
Honda
>     for the Twinstars, some parts are still used on current bikes.
>
>     My seat split open a couple of years ago, so I had a friend
>     reupholster it in the same style, but with velour inserts and a
gel
>     pad. I think he may need to go back and install some firmer
foam, but
>     the seat is much more comfortable than original.
>
>     I use the bike to ride to our local club's bike nites and for
rides of
>     100 miles or less, but I have ridden as far as 300 miles in a
day a
>     few times.
>
>     Some of our (my wife and I) other bikes include:
>     06 Suzuki SV650 - mine
>     02 Suzuki SV650 - my wife
>     89 Honda XR250R
>     82 Kawasaki KZ750e
>     81 Suzuki GS550t
>     77 Honda Gold Wing
>     76 Honda CJ360t
>     76 Kawasaki KE175
>     72 Honda CB100 (1,100 miles and all original)
>     72 Honda CL100 cafe racer
>     and several others (misc. Sears, MZ, Hodaka, Yamaha, etc.)
>
>     Looking forward to exchanging information with you.
>
>     Safe riding!
>
>     Terry Sanderson
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>   Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from
someone who knows.
>   Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Josh Johnson

To: HondaTwinstar@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 9:43 AM

Subject: Re: [HondaTwinstar] Welcome

Thanks for the welcome!  I'm having trouble of my own with my 78 CM185 Twinstar, it starts easy but to keep it running you have to keep the throddle wide open, alot smoke comes out the exhaust.  I also need to find a headlight, seems the dealers want over $60 for one.  Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Gayle Stuthman

Terry Sanderson <terry.sanderson@cox.net> wrote:

Welcome to all who have joined, when you get a chance introduce
yourself and tell us a little about you and your bike.

I've had my 1979 CM185 Twinstar (on the home page) for about 4 years
now. Although I have several bikes it is one of my favorites. It has
about 50,000 miles on it with no major repairs. I have had speedometer
problems, I'm on my 3rd right now and it's a combination of parts from
three speedometers.

When I got the bike it would barely run 45 mph down a step hill. It
also got terrible gas mileage, about 30 mpg. When I took the
carburetor apart I found that someone had decided if a little bigger
jet was good, a lot bigger would be great. They had drilled out the
jet and the hole was so large I'm amazed the little bike would start,
much less run. Now with the proper jet it will easily hit 75 mph. The
original exhaust was rusted out the bottom when I got the bike and I
have tried several sets of pipes on it. First I put a set of 19"
chrome turned out mufflers on it, although it ran great (80+ mph),
even my Harley friends would complain about it being too loud. Next I
found a set of CM200 exhaust in decent condition, but it didn't run as
good, right now I have a pair of Harley Sportster mufflers on it.
Still feels a little restricted from the turned out mufflers, but at
least it's pretty quiet.

I can highly recommend replacing the rubber grommets that hold the
side covers on, I lost two right side covers, before I got new
grommets. They are available from your local Honda dealer, if not let
me know I work for Oklahoma Honda Suzuki in Del City and I can get
them for you or give you the part number so your local Honda dealer
can order them. There are a lot of parts still available from Honda
for the Twinstars, some parts are still used on current bikes.

My seat split open a couple of years ago, so I had a friend
reupholster it in the same style, but with velour inserts and a gel
pad. I think he may need to go back and install some firmer foam, but
the seat is much more comfortable than original.

I use the bike to ride to our local club's bike nites and for rides of
100 miles or less, but I have ridden as far as 300 miles in a day a
few times.

Some of our (my wife and I) other bikes include:
06 Suzuki SV650 - mine
02 Suzuki SV650 - my wife
89 Honda XR250R
82 Kawasaki KZ750e
81 Suzuki GS550t
77 Honda Gold Wing
76 Honda CJ360t
76 Kawasaki KE175
72 Honda CB100 (1,100 miles and all original)
72 Honda CL100 cafe racer
and several others (misc. Sears, MZ, Hodaka, Yamaha, etc.)

Looking forward to exchanging information with you.

Safe riding!

Terry Sanderson

---

Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows.
Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

Welcome to all who have joined, when you get a chance introduce
yourself and tell us a little about you and your bike.

I've had my 1979 CM185 Twinstar (on the home page) for about 4 years
now. Although I have several bikes it is one of my favorites. It has
about 50,000 miles on it with no major repairs. I have had speedometer
problems, I'm on my 3rd right now and it's a combination of parts from
three speedometers.

When I got the bike it would barely run 45 mph down a step hill. It
also got terrible gas mileage, about 30 mpg. When I took the
carburetor apart I found that someone had decided if a little bigger
jet was good, a lot bigger would be great. They had drilled out the
jet and the hole was so large I'm amazed the little bike would start,
much less run. Now with the proper jet it will easily hit 75 mph. The
original exhaust was rusted out the bottom when I got the bike and I
have tried several sets of pipes on it. First I put a set of 19"
chrome turned out mufflers on it, although it ran great (80+ mph),
even my Harley friends would complain about it being too loud. Next I
found a set of CM200 exhaust in decent condition, but it didn't run as
good, right now I have a pair of Harley Sportster mufflers on it.
Still feels a little restricted from the turned out mufflers, but at
least it's pretty quiet.

I can highly recommend replacing the rubber grommets that hold the
side covers on, I lost two right side covers, before I got new
grommets. They are available from your local Honda dealer, if not let
me know I work for Oklahoma Honda Suzuki in Del City and I can get
them for you or give you the part number so your local Honda dealer
can order them. There are a lot of parts still available from Honda
for the Twinstars, some parts are still used on current bikes.

My seat split open a couple of years ago, so I had a friend
reupholster it in the same style, but with velour inserts and a gel
pad. I think he may need to go back and install some firmer foam, but
the seat is much more comfortable than original.

I use the bike to ride to our local club's bike nites and for rides of
100 miles or less, but I have ridden as far as 300 miles in a day a
few times.

Some of our (my wife and I) other bikes include:
06 Suzuki SV650 - mine
02 Suzuki SV650 - my wife
89 Honda XR250R
82 Kawasaki KZ750e
81 Suzuki GS550t
77 Honda Gold Wing
76 Honda CJ360t
76 Kawasaki KE175
72 Honda CB100 (1,100 miles and all original)
72 Honda CL100 cafe racer
and several others (misc. Sears, MZ, Hodaka, Yamaha, etc.)

Looking forward to exchanging information with you.

Safe riding!

Terry Sanderson

Welcome to all who have joined, when you get a chance introduce
yourself and tell us a little about you and your bike.

I've had my 1979 CM185 Twinstar (on the home page) for about 4 years
now. Although I have several bikes it is one of my favorites. It has
about 50,000 miles on it with no major repairs. I have had speedometer
problems, I'm on my 3rd right now and it's a combination of parts from
three speedometers.

When I got the bike it would barely run 45 mph down a step hill.  It
also got terrible gas mileage, about 30 mpg. When I took the
carburetor apart I found that someone had decided if a little bigger
jet was good, a lot bigger would be great. They had drilled out the
jet and the hole was so large I'm amazed the little bike would start,
much less run. Now with the proper jet it will easily hit 75 mph.  The
original exhaust was rusted out the bottom when I got the bike and I
have tried several sets of pipes on it. First I put a set of 19"
chrome turned out mufflers on it, although it ran great (80+ mph),
even my Harley friends would complain about it being too loud. Next I
found a set of CM200 exhaust in decent condition, but it didn't run as
good, right now I have a pair of Harley Sportster mufflers on it.
Still feels a little restricted from the turned out mufflers, but at
least it's pretty quiet.

I can highly recommend replacing the rubber grommets that hold the
side covers on, I lost two right side covers, before I got new
grommets. They are available from your local Honda dealer, if not let
me know I work for Oklahoma Honda Suzuki in Del City and I can get
them for you or give you the part number so your local Honda dealer
can order them.  There are a lot of parts still available from Honda
for the Twinstars, some parts are still used on current bikes.

My seat split open a couple of years ago, so I had a friend
reupholster it in the same style, but with velour inserts and a gel
pad. I think he may need to go back and install some firmer foam, but
the seat is much more comfortable than original.

I use the bike to ride to our local club's bike nites and for rides of
100 miles or less, but I have ridden as far as 300 miles in a day a
few times.

Some of our (my wife and I) other bikes include:
06 Suzuki SV650 - mine
02 Suzuki SV650 - my wife
89 Honda XR250R
82 Kawasaki KZ750e
81 Suzuki GS550t
77 Honda Gold Wing
76 Honda CJ360t
76 Kawasaki KE175
72 Honda CB100 (1,100 miles and all original)
72 Honda CL100 cafe racer
and several others (misc. Sears, MZ, Hodaka, Yamaha, etc.)

Looking forward to exchanging information with you.

Safe riding!

Terry Sanderson