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Post by akais on Apr 6, 2017 7:43:50 GMT -5
That is great news! The brake dragging and indicator should be just a cable adjustment. That brake indicator is for the parking brake to let you know to release it.
You should keep at least one of the carbs. The carburetors themselves are not that special but I know from experience, the bystarter (starting enrichment valve) will go bad and if Honda is no longer making them, they can be very hard to find.
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Post by maxtera on Apr 6, 2017 8:37:20 GMT -5
Yes it is. I'd like to thank all you guys for your advice, uplifting comments, parts source information & links to repair "how to's" & repair manuals. You've all been very helpful in my efforts to get my 2 bikes up & running & I appreciate all your knowledge & assistance. Thanks again. |
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Post by bandito2 on Apr 7, 2017 9:48:40 GMT -5
Well, I'm really very, very sorry and feel bad I didn't catch this thread when it first started because I could have guided the OP and had him avoid all the hassles that he put himself through.
I recognized it for what it was immediately as I had a similar situation on a Reflex that I bought. The PO of that bike had attempted repairs and apparently did the accidental vacuum hose/carb heater hose swap and couldn't keep it running. It took me a little bit to figure it out back then, but I fixed it... and have learned from that.
Something you should check is the air box and air filter. In the case of the bike I bought, with coolant being introduced into the carb, much of it drained down into the air box. That quite possibly allowed coolant to flow back into the crankcase through the vent from the engine that goes to the air box and that is how coolant made its way into the crankcase.
Just as a reminder;
It is best to keep record of what is being done to the bike so that all those things that were done can be checked if problems continue. It really is not uncommon for other problems to be inadvertently created while attempting to fix another. And that can be minimized to some degree by doing only one repair or modification at a time (when practical) and making sure it works as it should before going on to another fix/mod.
maxtera: if you ever need help with your Reflex again, don't be shy about hitting me up for advice or guidance. I have 4 Reflex scooters, so you might say I have some experience and familiarity with them. It is a very good idea to get a service manual for your Reflex to help you do most of the repairs & maintenance yourself... or at the very least arming yourself with some knowledge about what is really going on before taking it to a shop to do the work you know needs to be done, but that you can't do yourself. (maybe because you don't have the skill, time, space or tools to do it yourself)
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Post by maxtera on Apr 7, 2017 14:23:43 GMT -5
Bandito, You are 100% correct, the PO did have work done on it and whoever did it messed up the hose connections. I took a picture whenever I removed anything to make sure I put every hose and screw back in the right place.
So, within a week of getting these scooters I had located and printed out all 401 pages of the 2001-2007 Honda service manual. And thanks to some of the guys here I have the service guide for rebuilding the water pump, should mine ever fail.
I am not afraid to attempt any job, big or small, unfortunately I'm dealing with a "phantom" back problem that first hit me in mid Dec. The problem is that it only shows up after I do manual labor such as changing my oil or rotating my tires, and no amount of pills, physical therapy, or chiropractic manipulation seems to keep it away for good.
So, you best believe I will be hitting you all up for your advice, knowledge and wisdom.
Wish me luck as I take the MSF course this weekend, Maxtera out!! |
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Post by bandito2 on Apr 7, 2017 17:56:29 GMT -5
OK great, glad to help out whenever I can. Sorry to hear about the nagging back troubles. I have heard of some thing they do using laser to treat spinal disc problems... you might investigate that. Another source of Reflex info can be found on the Yahoo groups hondareflexowners forum/list or whatever you want to call it. I'm an active member over there as bandito_two often putting in my 2 cents. You could try signing up there to get help and info more specific to the Reflex. hondareflexowners-subscribe@yahoogroups.comgroups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/hondareflexowners/infoGood luck with the MSF course. |
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Post by maxtera on Apr 9, 2017 21:00:35 GMT -5
Thanks Bandito for the forum information. Well, I'm sore as all get out but I passed the MSF course, we had a total of 10 students and on a technicality we lost 2. The wife dropped her bike on day 2 and again on day 3 hurting her ankle so the husband took her to the hospital. I came home motivated but tired so after I got a quick hour of sleep I tried riding both scooters.
The Jonway, on a short road got to 45 while the Honda made it to 25, 30 max. My used engine arrives on Tuesday and I've already made arrangements to have it compression checked so I know the exact numbers as compared to my current engine. If everything checks out I figure I'll have to spend another $500 to $600 bucks to have a 60 to 70 mph fully operational scooter.
I'll have them go over it completely, as the front brakes are noticeably rubbing and I still don't know if the brake lights are blown or if there's something wrong with the brake switch. I'll keep you posted.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Apr 9, 2017 23:03:57 GMT -5
Sounds like you're gonna be OK after all... Some days you're the DOG, and some days you're the HYDRANT... LOL! Looks like you're the lucky dog this time!
Ride safe, and enjoy that vintage Honda! I just lucked out with a vintage Honda myself for a good price, but it's a car... An '04 Accord in genuinely NEW condition! Love them Hondas...
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Post by bandito2 on Apr 10, 2017 14:41:00 GMT -5
About those front brakes:
The Reflex is another of those bikes that has the Honda combined braking system. The right brake lever operates the front brake only. However, the rear brake engages the rear brake and after a short delay activates only one piston of the front brakes in a proportional manner. That is; grab the rear brake lightly and the front brakes gets only a little braking action, grab the rear brake fast and hard and the front brake comes on more firmly.
About front brake noise:
After using the front brake or often the rear brake firmly, (which does activate the front brake some) the front brake will make a sort of swishing light rubbing sound. This is because the brake pistons do not retract after letting off the brake but rather just stop pushing on the pads... so they sometimes just lightly touch. It causes virtually no wear and is a completely normal thing for the Reflex. Sometimes when very near to stopping, I'll quickly grab and release the front brake and sometimes after a try or 2, but not always, the noise will stop.
If you put the bike on the center stand and put enough weight on the passenger seat you can get the front wheel to lift and be able to freely turn. Give it a spin. You may or may not hear much, but the thing is that it should spin freely. If it does make noise, give it a good spin and grab the front brake. (you could even try the rear brake and see that the front does get some braking force applied and the wheel will slow and stop) The sound may go away or get a little worse... do it a few times and you should see that sometimes you can get the noise to go way down if not completely free of brake pad rubbing noise.
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Post by maxtera on Apr 11, 2017 21:55:06 GMT -5
About those front brakes: The Reflex is another of those bikes that has the Honda combined braking system. The right brake lever operates the front brake only. However, the rear brake engages the rear brake and after a short delay activates only one piston of the front brakes in a proportional manner. That is; grab the rear brake lightly and the front brakes gets only a little braking action, grab the rear brake fast and hard and the front brake comes on more firmly. Bandito, what I'm hearing is a loud rubbing noise. When I was backing the bike up it was minimal at best, but when I was riding it and applying the brakes it was expected. But then when I released the brakes and was turning it was very pronounced and sounded like a car that has a warped rotor. FWIW, my used motor arrived today and I loaded the bike and motor onto my truck and took them to the repair shop. I did the math tonight and aside from the $350 purchase price, this Honda has cost me $1487.71 and it will probably take another $700 to $800 to get it totally right. I'm talking replace the engine, new tires, new belt, brake work, check all hoses and replace as needed. In other words I told them to give the bike a 100 point inspection, I want to be able to ride it like I stole it when they finish with it. |
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Post by spandi on Apr 12, 2017 7:11:44 GMT -5
Bandito, You are 100% correct, the PO did have work done on it and whoever did it messed up the hose connections. I took a picture whenever I removed anything to make sure I put every hose and screw back in the right place.
So, within a week of getting these scooters I had located and printed out all 401 pages of the 2001-2007 Honda service manual. And thanks to some of the guys here I have the service guide for rebuilding the water pump, should mine ever fail.
I am not afraid to attempt any job, big or small, unfortunately I'm dealing with a "phantom" back problem that first hit me in mid Dec. The problem is that it only shows up after I do manual labor such as changing my oil or rotating my tires, and no amount of pills, physical therapy, or chiropractic manipulation seems to keep it away for good.
So, you best believe I will be hitting you all up for your advice, knowledge and wisdom.
Wish me luck as I take the MSF course this weekend, Maxtera out!! Something you might also wish to consider in addition to the service manual and pictures and that is a notebook, I use them to make simplified drawings of what work I've done, in addition to writing down the sequencial steps I used To get there. (and the names and websites of any suppliers of parts or special tools I might have needed for that particular repair.) |
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Post by akais on Apr 12, 2017 7:29:32 GMT -5
Bandito, what I'm hearing is a loud rubbing noise. When I was backing the bike up it was minimal at best, but when I was riding it and applying the brakes it was expected. But then when I released the brakes and was turning it was very pronounced and sounded like a car that has a warped rotor. FWIW, my used motor arrived today and I loaded the bike and motor onto my truck and took them to the repair shop. I did the math tonight and aside from the $350 purchase price, this Honda has cost me $1487.71 and it will probably take another $700 to $800 to get it totally right. I'm talking replace the engine, new tires, new belt, brake work, check all hoses and replace as needed. In other words I told them to give the bike a 100 point inspection, I want to be able to ride it like I stole it when they finish with it. Maxtera, I am glad you are finally getting your Reflex sorted out, but sorry it is costing you so much to do it. I am amazed that the PO could do so much damage in less than 4000 miles. I guess even though Honda makes a great machine, it is not immune to someone's lack of maintenance or in this case maybe abuse. Hopefully the new engine will be in great shape and you will be able to put many miles on your new scooter. As far as the brakes go, they may work themselves out as it sounds like you may have a sticky caliper piston. If the seal was broken or cracked, they may find some rust in there and that may cost you more if they have to replace the piston. If they start talking about replacing the caliper then I would look on EBay for a good used one. How does the brake fluid look in the reservoir window? Is it clear or cloudy looking? If both front and back brakes are sticking it may be the balancing valve that Honda uses to do the combined braking. Hopefully as time goes on and you learn more about the bike and how it works, you can start doing some of the maintenance yourself and I am sure you are finding out, even a good dealer is expensive to have some of this stuff done. |
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Post by maxtera on Apr 12, 2017 22:10:21 GMT -5
Thanks akais,
I have a 69 Mercury Cougar that I bought in 2008 for $11,500. In the 9 yrs I've owned it I've spent 2x's that amount in repairs and go fast parts, and it still "needs" a paint job and conversion to fuel injection and maybe re-instate the a/c. While my situation isn't unique, I'm thankful that I'm blessed to be able to pay the money to keep my toys on the road. In the meantime, I'm having fun practicing what I learned in the MSF course while putting miles on the Jonway. Once I get it truly running right I'll post some pictures.
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