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Technical Questions and Answers about Gold Wings and ValkyriesAnswers to the technical questions in this month’s “Workbench” were provided byStu Oltman, Wing World’s Senior Technical Editor. Please submit your technical questionsabout Gold Wings or Valkyries by e-mail to workbench@gwrra.org or by mail to“Workbench,” GWRRA, 21423 North 11th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Please includeyour full name, city, state and GWRRA membership number.your bike’s jet needles to shim them a bit richer.And be sure to check your carburetors’ pistondiaphragms for perforations. Some claimthat a timing advancer known as “The TriggerWheel” solves these issues, but advancing thebike’s initial timing will have the net effect ofmaking the bike behave as if it were even leaner.So I recommend the carburetion approach.Stu1988 Gold Wing Flat SpotI recently purchased a 1988 Gold Wingwith 105,000 miles that appears to have beenwell-maintained, with copies of many servicerecords.When I started to look for a 1500 toupgrade from my 1200 Aspencade, mymechanic (he is a former Honda mechanicwho now has his own shop) told me to watchout for the 1988 1500s because there was aproblem with a “flat spot” when you went toaccelerate. He related that this was such aproblem that Honda came out with a “performancepackage” that they provided for freeto owners who complained. This fixed theproblem and was already installed on subsequentyears.When I tested the bike in Durango,Colorado, it seemed to run and accelerate fine.After bringing it to Denver, however, I noticedthat after warming up and shutting down, itdoes indeed “cough” at low RPM when accelerating.Could this be an altitude problem(7,000 feet down to 5,000 feet)? Have youheard of this “performance package” hereferred to? Is it still available if I need it?Thanks.Rod GottulaGWRRA #275418Denver, ColoradoRod, I believe your mechanic used the term“watch out” as a euphemism for “stay awayfrom,” and that may have been good advice.Honda Service Bulletin GL1500 #2, revisedJuly, 1988 addressed the symptoms you’reexperiencing. On affected 1988 models, theTSB instructed to install Honda part #16020-MN5-315, which was a kit consisting of #55slow jets, new vacuum pistons with jet needles,a new Ignition Control Unit (part# 30410-MT2-003), and a new Carb Control Unit(part# 30430-MY2-003). The TSB containedinstructions for installation, and free replacementwas limited to the normal warranty period.I have no idea whether these update partsare still available - check with your dealer. Ifnot, try installing an additional washer underLoud MufflersHi Stu, in July I have a 2005 GL1800 CSCTrike conversation and, as you probablyalready know, it has glass pack mufflers. Theyhave an annoying droning sound when goingdown the interstate highway.What I would like to know is: If I put bafflesin the mufflers, would this cause problemswith the engine, like overheating, etc.?I thank you for any information you cangive me.Alton MiddletonGWRRA #33126Nichols, New YorkAlton, anything that alters the back pressurein the exhaust system is likely to cause theengine management system to receive corruptedinformation from the Manifold AbsolutePressure (MAP) sensor. It’s the same principlesome experience on Mischief Night after someneighborhood scoundrel stuffs a potato intothe exhaust pipe. Increased exhaust restrictionwill increase manifold pressure (reduced vac-From $198 to $259 plus shipping and handling.Many sizes and styles available for men and women.DON’T LET THE LETHAL GOOD LOOKS FOOL YOU!• Waterproof Guaranteed• Premium Full Grain Leather• Gripping Nitrile Elastomer Outsole• Super Wicking Lining• Incredibly Comfortable Insole System• Ballistic Ankle Armor Protection• Shock and Vibration AbsorbingFiberboard Footbed• Molded Reinforced Toe Box• Built to provide maximum comforton and off the bike32 Wing World