Feedback

FEEDBACK

H-D SPRINT, HONDA 500

My first motorcycle, a Harley-Davidson Sprint 350 (street) purchased new in May of 1971 was a completely unenjoyable street mount. After 1500 miles five to ten healthy jumps on the kickstarter lever were required hot or cold. The “startability” deteriorated to a point where, after 3000 miles, bump starting was employed whenever possible. The high level of vibration, which numbed feet, hands, and posterior after 50 miles of continuous highway cruising, made this motorcycle, at best, only useful for in-town jaunts. Although I am only 5 ft. 10 in., passenger space was still so minimal I had to sit uncomfortably all the way forward to provide sufficient room for a passenger.

The fenders offered little protection to the Sprint and driver from the elements. Another main problem, oil leakage, always left my pants and shoes/boots covered with an oil mist which emanated from valve cover seal. I had the seal replaced, then I replaced it myself and finally used Permatex on the seal, all to no avail. At 4100 miles the commutator assembly quit working, leaving me with a dead battery, a long push home, and a $49 bill for a new one.

The gearbox was one of the few mechanisms which worked properly providing me always with smooth, flawless shifts and no false neutrals or hangups. The suspension worked well and the lighting and brakes were adequate. Also, the Harley required only minor periodic maintenance, and gas mileage was excellent for the big Single at 75 to 80 mpg average.

The last intelligent action I made with the Harley-Davidson was selling it nine months after its purchase!

My second motorcycle, which I purchased new in March of 1972 is a Honda 500 Four. It has excellent controls, a very quiet exhaust system, a powerful disc brake and a seat which is comfortable for long trips. The engine is vibration-free, powerful and tractable, and the only maintenance necessary upon the engine has been adjusting the points and plugs.

However, the chain is a hassle to the tourer, requiring adjustment every 250 to 300 miles.

Transmission problems were a sticking shifting arm and false neutrals frequently. The cure was switching to a shifting style wherein the pressure is maintained upon the shift lever until the gear is engaged. The oil filter/cooler is inadequate, producing an operating temperature which is too high.

(Continued on page 32)

Continued from page 31

This Honda is easy to control at all speeds and the engine starts almost immediately after each punch of the electric starter (I have never used the kickstarter). In 5000 miles of driving there has been no repair work except for a high beam idiot light which burned out and was replaced in minutes. Plugs and points are checked periodically and have not yet shown wear. Tires have over half the tread left after 5000 miles. All controls work smoothly and easily, but the headlight is not bright enough for nighttime cruising speeds over 60 mph.

I have been riding motorcycles for only LVi years; but, because of the smoothness, handling, tractability, and quality of the Honda 500 Four, it has proven itself as a dependable enjoyable mount equally at home in town or on the open highway.

Donald J. Barletta Punxsutawney, Penn.

HONDA CL450

My Honda CL450K3 was purchased in May 1971. The only warranty work necessary was a broken resettable trip odometer which entailed a whole new speedometer unit at 3000 miles. The rear tire wore out at 6000 miles and was replaced with a Pirelli which seems to be holding up quite well. The drive chain was replaced at 10,000 miles but both sprockets are still fine. Air cleaners should be replaced at 6000 mile intervals. Save yourself some money by replacing with Filtrons which are less expensive initially and are reusable after cleaning. The engine holds a tune well and I tune it up once a year more out of guilt than necessity. It starts easily and is oil tight. The compression is still up to factory specs after 12,000 miles.

However, high pipes do not a dirt bike make. The CL450 is too heavy, geared too high, and the tires and suspension are not suited for any but the most casual off-road performance. However, if you do most of your riding on the street but enjoy exploring dirt roads and treading very gingerly on easy trails, a CL450 may be a good choice.

John Swieca Sterling, Va.

Preventive Maintenance Is The Answer