Attn 1999 GL1500SE owners ..... I have a question.

[TwoBye]

After days of chasing down wiring problems, lights that don't work and finding out new things about this trike I did not know I have one more question. Under the right side of the trike on the exhaust there appears to be what I would call a heat exchanger. Is this standard equipment? On mine the heat exchanger seems to work free but it looks like the original "cable" or whatever is broke and/or missing. The previous owner had a "old fashioned choke cable" installed and hooked up to the exchanger.

Does anyone have a clue as to what purpose this serves?

[rhino 2]

After days of chasing down wiring problems, lights that don't work and finding out new things about this trike I did not know I have one more question. Under the right side of the trike on the exhaust there appears to be what I would call a heat exchanger. Is this standard equipment? On mine the heat exchanger seems to work free but it looks like the original "cable" or whatever is broke and/or missing. The previous owner had a "old fashioned choke cable" installed and hooked up to the exchanger.

Does anyone have a clue as to what purpose this serves?

Just towing this out there, Back in the old days carbureted V8's [automobiles] had heat risers on the exhaust manifold and it would restrict exhaust gases till the engine warmed up, But they didn't use a cable 'they worked with a coiled spring and a counter balance when the spring heated up the riser would open...

[Ozarkryder]

Here is a link to a site called Bike Bandit, a handy resource that has exploded parts views of the whole of the original bike. This link is for the muffler section of the 1999 GL1500SE, and you can also see the rest of the bike on that site.

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmot...51413#sch37720

Don't really see a heat exchanger on the OEM parts diagram. Was that put on by the PO? Seems like you are in for an interesting time finding a figuring the modifications made. If you havent got one yet, a factory manual is a great investment. They are about about $70 or so on fleabay, but well worth it, as it covers both the mechanical and electrical systems.

[TwoBye]

What a great resource this place is. Thank you Ozarkryder, that web site is perfect for me. I love my trike .. I love my trike .. I love my trike ..

[cscsonny]

TwoBye,
I believe what you are seeing in the exhaust is a "cut-out"or "dump".At some of the rally's years ago some venders were selling/installing those and the were operated by cable.Was suppose to be a better sound.They were annoying ! Not many sales and the idea soon disapeared into the clouds as a bad idea.
If its closed and you have no exhaust leaks you may be ok.If it starts making noise you may have to replace an exhaust component.
Hope this helps

[TwoBye]

TwoBye,
I believe what you are seeing in the exhaust is a "cut-out"or "dump".At some of the rally's years ago some venders were selling/installing those and the were operated by cable.Was suppose to be a better sound.They were annoying ! Not many sales and the idea soon disapeared into the clouds as a bad idea.
If its closed and you have no exhaust leaks you may be ok.If it starts making noise you may have to replace an exhaust component.
Hope this helps

DUDE!! You guys are just TOO MUCH! I think you have nailed it. Or it certainly appears that way to me. My "cut-out" is still operational but the cable is froze up. I think I will replace the cable and see what happens.

Thanks a ton! Oh, and no exhaust leaks either.

[Ozarkryder]

Interesting idea on the exhaust cut out. Had those on a car in the 70's when we were racing (only on sanctioned tracks, of course.) to change from street to strip mode. Open the exhaust, tweak the jetting of the carb, turn on the bottle and we were ready to race. I am thinking if it is a cut out it would be just to change the sound and not for performance, as TwoBye said it was just on the right manifold. Opening up just one cylinder bank would be bad for power, but might make and interesting noise. I'd like to hear how that would sound.

[TwoBye]

Well guys (and gals), the trike is near ready for spring. All the filters changed (air/oil/fuel), plugs changed, timing belts replaced, cooling system flushed out and new coolant installed. Many wires repaired and/or replaced and all lights now working as they should. New wheels and tires on the rear, brakes all checked out and even the windshield has been washed!

In other works, I can't wait for spring to arrive!!

Winter has been so long and cold and wet. I had an hour long conversation last night with the gentleman that owned my trike when it just had two wheels. He was the one who triked it and he remembered everything about it. It was easy to see how much he loved that trike. I feel so lucky to have that kind of history behind my trike.

Well, guess I'll just sit here and wait for spring.