The Aspy Project

[Rednaxs60]

Yeah, I guess I was wishful thinking...
Ernest, the 1800 fans I've seen photos of (2001-07 years) don't have any type of shroud. Is that the style you used? I haven't been able to find any pics of the newer units.

You queried a while back. The 1800 rad fan has a shroud but it's integral with the fan blades, rotates with the blades. Picture of 1800 rad fan with shroud:

1800 Rad Fan.jpeg

[Rednaxs60]

Have you ever done an EFI conversion? Thinking I have read some of your posts regarding an EFI conversion.

[Track T 2411]

Yeah, I guess I was wishful thinking...
Ernest, the 1800 fans I've seen photos of (2001-07 years) don't have any type of shroud. Is that the style you used? I haven't been able to find any pics of the newer units.

You queried a while back. The 1800 rad fan has a shroud but it's integral with the fan blades, rotates with the blades. Picture of 1800 rad fan with shroud:
1800 Rad Fan.jpeg

Ah! That photo explains a ton! Unfortunately, I'm way past that point, but if my fan setup proves to be ineffective, I'll have an alternative.
As far as EFI goes, I can understand about 30% of the stuff discussed in the various threads here, but wouldn't really consider trying a conversion unless it was essentially "plug and play." I do try to follow along, though. Maybe some of it will sink in, lol!
Thanks again for all of your input on this project. I'm about at the point of my first road test!

[Rednaxs60]

One of the projects that I am collaborating on is a 1200 ICU replacement project with a Speeduino ECU - ignition only. 3KidsinAustin (on this forum) and I are going to do a retrofit of the OEM ICU. We have all the components.

We have ascertained what is required:

36-1 trigger wheel - can be sourced out of Australia
Crank VR sensor - can use one of the crank pulse generators for this project
IAT sensor that is installed in the air box cover
Coolant temp sensor signal
2-channel coil driver
Speeduino NO2C with an Arduino 2560, or equivalent. This project will be tested with a Speeduino ECU interface board version v.0.4.4 with an Arduino 2560
Free version of Tuner Studio to calibrate the ignition timing table - all engines will be slightly different, and the user's preferences can be accommodated.

We are using a predetermined ignition timing table that will be calibrated as we progress.

Map sensor will be an on board sensor so no need for an external MAP sensor.

I have done a timing pointer mod that is fitted in the timing belt area.

Engine case timing pointer.JPG

Allows for engine timing without using the engine timing port - messy situation. Engine timing is something that most GW riders do not have to concern themselves with. Set the initial timing up as per OEM requirements, "T1" on the crank, cam pulleys with the "UP" indication in the 12 o'clock position, mark the trigger wheel. Install timing pointer and line up with this first mark - engine is now at #1 TDC. Turn the crank (clockwise) just enough to line up "F1" in the engine timing port, mark the trigger wheel, this indicates 11 degrees BTDC which is idle timing for a 1200. The red marks on the trigger wheel represent 5 degree timing increments. Each 5 degrees is approximately 3.2 mm apart.

This timing mod is good for an OEM installation. Have read many posts about concerns of being off a tooth or two regarding timing. This mod would allow the user to determine if this is so.

We are very optimistic that this will work first time, then road trials for tuning.

If this were to get past the project phase, a detailed "How To" would be required with parts list. Starting to think about this.

Cheers

[Rednaxs60]

As far as EFI goes, I can understand about 30% of the stuff discussed in the various threads here, but wouldn't really consider trying a conversion unless it was essentially "plug and play." I do try to follow along, though. Maybe some of it will sink in, lol!

Hear you on the PnP aspect. Most riders want the same thing. It would be much like any mod for an older bike, some installation, but the replacement ICU would be programmed for PnP. Recommended installation locations for the components would be included in this type of mod.

Looking forward to hearing about the road trials. Cheers

[Track T 2411]

Your collaboration sounds interesting. Essentially one would start with the LTD or SEI model (or the EFI components thereof) and modernize the electronics, yes? When I was looking to buy a 1200, I shied away from the fuel injected models after reading about some of the issues with replacement electronics, mainly due to my lack of knowledge/ experience with EFI.

[Rednaxs60]

Good morning. Yes the 1200 FI models do require more insight - not a lot but some. I am a proponent of the 1200 FI models and encourage the purchase of these FI models.

I bought mine as a long term retirement project and I prefer fuel injection (FI). The FI components are relatively bulletproof, except that if the CFI ECU goes south, the bike becomes a lawn ornament, boat anchor or good candidate for an FI to carb conversion. The good part is that the ECU can be replaced with an aftermarket ECU, lots of choice from a budget model such as what I am using to the more extravagant. Still haven't sorted out a replacement for the spark units (coil drivers).

The aftermarket ECU units provide the user with engine tuning software so that when a component change is made, you can recalibrate the engine tune if required. This is in contrast to a 1200 carb model in that changing the carb system to a single carb, or dual weber design cannot be incorporated into a system recalibration. Same with the carb ICU, it's a black box to never be entered into. Good points to both for owning either or. The 1800s are starting to feel the pinch with regards to the FI ECU. No new ECUs available, and no shops to fix, refresh or whatever. I expect the 1500s will be experiencing electronic issues as well going forward.

If it wasn't for some adventurous students at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) playing with jet fuel, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) would probably not exist. The GW community needs innovators and GW "nerds" such as myself, not for any monetary payback, but to keep these bikes on the road.

Cheers