[dvjoiner]

The saga continues I have a 1987 gl1200 that backfires thru the exhaust here ALL of the things I did to it,
1st had a water pump go bad and burn a head gasket,replace both along with new timing belts and cleaned carbs using spray carbs cleaner
2nd had a bad power wire to the coils and cdi ,No spark, Did a coil mod.se attachment still no spark, Thought it was a bad pulse generator,replace them no luck so replace cdi with a used one still no luck then found bad wire, replace it and it runs
3rd now that it runs I had a bad backfire pulled carbs off and the air cutoff valve was bad could see light trough it order Randakk's Cycle Shakk Honda GL1200 Carb Overhaul Master Kit http://randakks.com/products/randakks-own-gl1200-master-carb-overhaul-kit
4th clean everything old school with pan of hot 100% lemon juice now run only with the choke on
could it be the slow jets HELP

 

[redwing52]

I'm sure you realize what you describe is an indication of a lean condition. It is a fairly common issue especially in bikes that sat for a long period of time. The procedure to get the carbs really clean is very difficult as some of the passages are so small even a needle won't fit in them. I'm sure someone will chime in soon but another possibility is a diaphragm or stuck slide issue. I doubt that as you had them apart though.

 

[organgrinder777]

My 1985 needs to have the choke on a little for around town here at sea level. I purchased it as a high altitude (above 4,000 ft.) machine.It didn't have that issue at altitude. It will sputter a bit but when at altitude it runs without those issues. No choke needed. at highway speed I don't need a choke.

More of a minor annoyance than a problem for me. I get 48 mpg on the highway solo and 43 with a passenger.

 

[mrtwowheel]

Check for vacuum leaks, use Seafoam.

Scott

 

[mrtwowheel]

Edit, this post was realized to be inacurate.
Scott

 

[dvjoiner]

Fixed

Don't trust Clymer Manual it tell you one coil fires 1&3 Cylinder other fires 2&4 WRONG One fires 1&2 other Fires 3&4 only way a found out went to a shop and they had a 86 gl1200 and it was wired the right way change mine and DA DA it run right, Got carbs synce run like a Rape Ape now
Thanks to everone who help me with everthing:claps:

 

[vmsguy]

Cylinder #1 is right front, #2 is left front, #3 is right rear, #4 is left rear (as you sit on bike).

One coil for the front to plugs, the other coil for the rear plugs.

 

[dvjoiner]

yea now I know went by what Clymer told me was wrong