Bike running rough

[DragonRdr]

This post isn't about my Valkyrie, it's about my 94 Gold Wing, but they share a lot of the same problems and I know some of you may have experience with Gold Wings.

I was out riding the Gold Wing yesterday and it was running great. I went over a bump at about 5 mph (enough of a bump that it shifted all the stuff in the trunk) and the bike started running rough and died when I stopped . I was able to get it started again but I had to leave the choke on or the engine would shut off. I decided to ride it home since I was close and try to figure out what's going on? I thought maybe a plug wire came loose, but they're on pretty tight. Then I started thinking maybe the bump knocked a vacuum line loose or maybe I knocked something loose that's blocking the fuel in one of the carbs? Anyway the local Honda dealer doesn't work on GL1500s anymore. Anyway any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Chrisj CMA]

If you have plenty of fuel I think I agree with you, my first thought is electrical. Check battery connections and ground strap and all fuses. After that I dunno 

[DragonRdr]

If you have plenty of fuel I think I agree with you, my first thought is electrical. Check battery connections and ground strap and all fuses. After that I dunno 

Thanks Chris. I was able to start it this morning and it's idling at about 500 rpm after I shut off the choke and still running rough, but it's not dying now. The exhaust on the right side sounds funny like it's not running on all cylinders, so maybe it is a plug wire. I'll let you know how things go. Wish me luck.

[Hook#3287]

Get a thermometer and check the exhaust headers after running it.  This will help to nail down which cylinder(s) are the issue.

It's a start, then you can get into why.

[Timbo1]

I don't know much about GW's but in my mind if the choke helps to keep it running that makes me think fuel issue.  The choke doesn't alter the electric system it affects the fuel / air.  IDK if the GW has an enricher or actual choke but regardless they both alter the Air/Fuel mixture by increasing fuel and decreasing air.   If I recall the GW has only 2 carbs one for each bank of cylinders that disperse fuel through a intake manifold.  If only one side seems to not be running correctly I'd suspect that side carb.  Maybe stuck float needle, maybe debri in the jets?  I'd try lightly tapping on the float bowl of the offending carb and add a dose of fuel cleaner to the tank.  I think the GW also has a fuel pump & inline filter, I'd make sure they are clean and pumping adequately.  Of course make sure all vacuum lines are good and connected.

[DragonRdr]

Thanks everyone for the tips. I've narrowed it down to the right side.  After I check the carb, vacuum lines and fuel filter I'm going to get some Berryman's B-12 and run it through the fuel system. I'm also wondering if it could be the exhaust that's blocked up? The right side is definitely cooler than the left and the exhaust pressure seems lower? The bike is 31 years old and still has the original exhaust.

Thanks again everyone, I'll keep you posted.

[Hook#3287]

I've had mice convert exhaust systems into condos.

Worth checking.

[Jims99]

There are a few vacuum lines under the carbs (under rubber cover) that dry out and crack. They are a pain to get to, but that could be your problem. I can’t seem to find the diagram I had that showed exactly where. If you don’t find a problem with electrical, I would check them next. Try spraying starting fluid around the vacuum lines and see if rpm changes.