Topic: Given a Gold wing

[TwoTired]

I didn't even really ask for it.  I mentioned I was always a bit curious about them.  "You can have it if you want it".
"Really"?
"Sure".
Well.. ok.

1981 Honda Goldwing 1100 Interstate.  79000 miles. Has title.  Ran when parked (outside) 2 years ago. 
I should have taken a picture of where it was enslaved.  But, I had no idea that the ivy had made it part of its clan and captured the wheels and lower hanging bits.  Could roll backwards about a foot and then it was tethered.  Hot day, in the sun, 700 lb bike, no front brake, 5psi in the tires, must move backwards, uneven ground, am working alone, and I'm old.  Fortunately my heart still works.

Pictures below after hacking the ivy and moving it to where it could be washed and spider's homes demolished.

So far, front master cylinder completely overhauled.  New battery. Tires aired.
It runs... on two, sometimes three, cylinders.  Needs carb work.  Drove it home 5 miles, nursing the throttle, choke, and wishing I'd put air in the suspension.  Might have to carry a pump.  What a pig.  Floorboards.  Feet not on controls all the time.  Weird.
Tach isn't working.  Needs paint and some more TLC.  Right bag has hole in the bottom.  Will fiberglass.

Will skin it down to do carb work next, I think.  Borrowed a shop manual.

Looking like I don't have to set up a Cb750F for touring, now.

Cheers,

[scunny]

nice score TT. have a hankering for a wing myself.

[Cheffish]

Congrats on your new acquisition.  I think you'll really enjoy that on long rides. Can't beat the price either.

[srbakker]

I'd love one of those.  Heck, I'd prefer it to a new one - they're too much like driving a small car.   

[Spike]

The 'Wing will make a nice touring rig.  Not as easy for "lane sharing" but it can be done.   You're going to love the torque!

[Xnavylfr]

Some of the BIG WINGS have surprised a bunch of people how quick they can get away. Here's something you find interesting of a GL1800 and SKILL. Search YOUTUBE VIDEOS for GL1800 on Tail of the Dragon. That guy knows how to RIDE cause if you listen real hard ,you'll hear the chase bike scraping on some corners to keep up,, which he can't!!

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)
I have 2 GL1000s (under constuction) a75/a76

[Johnie]

TT with your abilities you will not lose money on that one. Good find for you.

[TwoTired]

Thanks for the comments , so far!
Yes, I've seen the GW on the dragon vid.  Much of riding is rider prowess, on any bike.

I didn't get to work on it yesterday due to conflicting activities.  But, did do a bit of serious eyeballing and some light prodding to it.
It seems to have some radio gear in the fairing, the original Clarion bits.  The control head is missing, and perhaps some other parts.  Did a bit of ebay surfing, to see if parts are available.  And, it seems if I wanted to, I could probably make it all work again.  Question is, is it worth it in terms of the functionality is provides?  Does anyone have any info about it's original features, reliability, usefulness, etc.  I mean, if I get it all electronic bits working  (I'm sure I have the capability), will I just toss it anyway for something more modern?
I mean, I have an iPod, cell phone, GPS Nuvi.  I'd want an intercom, on bike, and perhaps intra bike.  Is CB still of any interest?

After finding ( ) and getting the bike up on the center stand  (wasn't easy with no air in the suspension), there appears to be some, er, bending of ancillary bits, that make the bike look "unbalanced", visually.  I suspect it fell over a time or two.  I don't think there were crashes, but too soon to rule that out entirely.

No doubt the bike has more complication than any of the 550s.   

Toying with the idea of putting the Velorex 700 side car on it.  (It's black, too!)  I figure I should get it road worthy first, though.

New adventures are fun!

Cheers,

[DJ_AX]

very nice

[Old Scrambler]

Nice Score

I would not fool with the outdated radio. CBs are coming back and are now required at a few venues, including landspeed racing.

Yes, the carbs are a pain but good info is available.......be sure to check the timing-belts......they are to be replaced at 100,000 miles.  I have a book about the South American that rode around the world on his GL1100, including off-road jungle trecks and river crossings without a bridge.  Something about being in the US and thinking Hwy 95 was the speed-limit

[Johnie]

TT...if you have questions about that Wing contact "chickenman" on the board. He is probably the most knowledgeable guy here regarding the Goldwing. He can tell you if there were any real issues with that bike, etc.

[madScientist]

Nice ride man. I have a yellow 76 naked GL1000 that was my dads. He purchased it in 77 and parked it in the barn in 85. It was fun to fire it up for the first time a few months ago.

You'll want to change out the timing belts. They were one of the weak links in the wings. They are generally only good to about 10k miles...after that you're asking for bent valves.

As for the carbs, clean them out, set the float height to 15mm, bench balance and put them back on. I would also replace the air-cutoff valve.

Check out randakk's site here:
www.randakks.com

If you have any questions though let me know.

[TwoTired]

You'll want to change out the timing belts. They were one of the weak links in the wings. They are generally only good to about 10k miles...after that you're asking for bent valves.

Whoa. 10K miles?  I was reading the change was @ 100K intervals....

As for the carbs, clean them out, set the float height to 15mm, bench balance and put them back on. I would also replace the air-cutoff valve.

I've almost got the bike stripped enough to get to the carbs.   I don't usually replace parts unless there is a reason.  I need to replace the air cut-off valve, why?

Check out randakk's site here:
www.randakks.com

I did.  The site is currently crippled.  But, it looks like its pretty GL1000 centric.  Anyway, my goal was to have a touring bike with all the fairing, bags, storage, etc.  I read where he hates those.
I don't want a naked wing.  Well, at least this one.  I was slowly adding stuff to my Cb750 to make into a tourer.  I can keep those naked now, I think.  We'll see.

The electrical was attacked with 2 year old mentality and a bunch of those clamp-on line splicers.  There's fairing damage where JB weld was tossed at it from 5 or 6 feet.  Plastic flexes, JB weld doesn't.   Basically the bike was used until it couldn't take anymore neglect, I think.

It has a front "bumper" over the fender.  I can't figure out it's functional purpose.  Seems to have been a shiny thing with a couple extra lights on it added, just because.  I expect it really impressed the grade school kids.  Maybe the extra lighting helped fit in with the "trucker" population?  idk

I have abandoned the idea of original radio restoration. 

I've got to read up on rear air shock repair.  The rubber accordions are splitting.  And there is oil coating the area.  Not sure yet, if from shock or drive shaft tube.  Shock pressure warning light on all the time, even with known good pressures on the gauge.  Neutral light is on in any gear, too.  Looks like a ground up restoration, I think.

Cheers  all,

[madScientist]

The timing belts were rubber versus chains and are prone to stretching and breaking.

The air-cutoff valve diaphram gets brittle after so many years and will eventually stop breathing. It's not a deal breaker but if you cut out of the throttle you'll notice popping back into the carburetor. The air-cutoff valve compensates for the immediate leaning of the throttle circuit.

Randakk hates on the full dresser wings yes. That's his opinion. Different strokes for different folks i guess. His site is like a practical web version of the hanes manual with even more granular write ups. The nice thing is the GL1100 is basically a bored out GL1000. There was very little changed in the models (except the obvious cosmetic and wiring) because Honda decided to not mess with what works.

The previous owner of your wing looks to have gone to the same bar as the guy who had my KZ1100. It's full dressed, put a light bar AND a trucker horn on it...

[chickenman_26]

Check out randakk's site here:
www.randakks.com

I did.  The site is currently crippled.  But, it looks like its pretty GL1000 centric.

TT,
He'll be back on the 9th and de-cripple the site. Then you'll be able to see the stuff you're looking for. I can vouch for the quality of his carb kits. They contain more parts than OE kits, cost less, and the quality of the rubber stuff is actually better - hard to believe, I know. Yes, you want to replace the air cut valve, because they harden and stop working correctly. His kit includes all that stuff.
 
Per Honda, timing belts get replaced "on condition", but most owners freak out about it due to the engine being an interference design. 50,000 miles is about what most owners use. 10,000 miles? If my timing belts couldn't outlast my spark plugs, I'd be looking for better timing belts. Pick up a pair of Gates T274 belts at NAPA, Amazon.com, etc.
One thing you might want to check is the condition of the vacuum advance unit. Use a Mity
Vac or something similar to see if it holds vacuum.

Because of the job I've held for the past 17 years, I have all the service literature and a lot of experience with these bikes. I'd be happy to share any of that with you. Just PM me.

Stu O

 

[78 k550]

I have 60 to 80 on belts. there cogged. The had some bad belts early on and that has been a long time scare. I think it was about every 30 or 35,000. There are plenty of engines and parts are plentiful.

Don't forget about http://www.ngwclub.com/

Have fun with it there great runners.

Paul

[wannabridin]

i'm working on a family friend to sell me his '82 aspencade for cheap one of these days!  if it were me, i'd overhaul the engine (timing belt is a big deal on these) and rebuild the carbs, do a good job sealing things up too if necessary.  you'll probably need a new stator as well as i've heard they crap out quickly.

i would personally strip all the fairings off.  i've heard a lot of bad things about the wiring on those (overloaded circuits and poor routing) and they'll get hot and melt and short out.  i tried to pick up a '77 on craigslist last week, but it was in rough shape and he was asking more than i had at the time ($750 firm).  either way, they're a lot of fun and they're GREAT touring bikes!  that's why i want one: put a nice comfy seat, dial in the suspension and they'll run ALL day in the twisties, on the highway, 2-up, etc. etc.  either way, get it up and running and ride it hard!   

[gregk]

The wiring for the stator is a know problem.  A big plug on the left side of the bike.  Resistence in the plug and there goes the stator.  I had mine start smoking one day but was able to stop the bike before any damage.  The general advise is to cut the plug out and hard wire.

[Ichiban 4]

That's cool Lloyd..

Keep us posted..as you get that Wing fixed up..okay?

Al / Ichi

[Bankerdanny]

Definitely NOT 100k intervals on the timing belts. Fortunately the belts are not expensive and easily available at any auto parts store. Replacing them is also not a difficult job.

In addition to the Randakk site, I highly recomend the Naked Goldwings forum (which happily welcomes non-naked bikes) it is very similar to here in the member's willingness to help one another. www.ngwclub.com/forum.

I had the problem with the stator connector melting too (and it was a new connection I had replaced last Fall). I ended up rmeoving the connector and soldering the wires.

They have a tech section that is excellent.

The biggest issue I have had with my GL is sorting the carbs. They are much harder to get right than I experienced on my CB550.

Let me tell you though, you don't undertand the concept of a smooth engine until you get a GL out on the highway. It is amazing. More than once I have found myself going 85 without even realizing it with crystal clear mirrors.

[78 k550]

Let me tell you though, you don't undertand the concept of a smooth engine until you get a GL out on the highway. It is amazing. More than once I have found myself going 85 without even realizing it with crystal clear mirrors.

I can second that.

Loyd,
You will have no problem with the Wing with your Experience on bikes.

Paul

[TwoTired]

I finally got back to work on it today.  I don't think the bike has been cleaned since 1981.  I'm wishing now that I had taken the pressure washer to it before starting the work.  Everything I take off finds another level of caked on road patina.  Of course, I can't go farther until it is clean, and that delays any mechanical progress.
I found out today that the frame was actually black at one time.  Imagine that!  You can see it if you scrape a layer of grey off it with a lot of rubbing.
Interesting bit.  The fairing has a plug put there my Honda, so you can disconnect it from the bike for servicing.  But, there were wires added to running lights up front with crimped connections.  Must cut wires to remove fairing.  On the other side is a red wire coming out of the fairing and bolted to frame. ?? Red wire?  Inside the fairing the red wire goes to a fuse holder.   I usually like electrical creativity...when it makes sense!   Looks like I'll be reworking all the fairing wiring inside, too.  I think some of the original radio bits are in there.  I'll go through it before I put the fairing back on.

I found some mystery goo dripped on the frame under the "tank", up by some electrical modules, none of which appear to be leaking.    I hope there isn't another nasty surprise linked to that!
I've cleared the work bench to take the carb assembly.  I think it's next to investigate.  Getting it to run on all four should be inspiring enough to renew some enthusiasm.  I must say after getting deeper into it, I was having regrets taking the project on.  Got kinda hot in the garage, which is fatiguing.  Brakes drag, and moving the beast around isn't much fun.

I guess I'm still in the discovery phase, and past the initial point where I see the bike for what it can be rather than what it is.  There's a lot to do to make it right.  One step at a time, I guess.

One thing for sure.  550's are easier to resurrect/restore.

Cheers,

[KB02]

I guess I'm still in the discovery phase, and past the initial point where I see the bike for what it can be rather than what it is.  There's a lot to do to make it right.  One step at a time, I guess.

Yeah, I get caught in that, too, when working on a project.     One step at a time is certainly the key.

[Peterbylt]

I've had an 81 1100 for about 5 years now, sat for 9 years before I got it.
Once I got it restored it's been one of the best bikes I've ever owned. The wife and I have comfortably done many touring rides of 2,000 to 4,000 miles without any issues.

The timing belts will last 100,000 miles easily, but if they do break it is an interference engine and will bend the valves at the least. If you don't know the history I would replace them, Napa has them for under $20 a piece NAPA 250274 or Gates T274 two required.

The best site on the net for Goldwings (in my opinion) Is the Steve Saunders Goldwing Forum. Lots of very knowledgeable people and excellent information. http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/

The rear Shocks are easily rebuildable a very good tutorial for that is here : http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/forum9/14189.html  The tutorial is for the 1200 but the 1100 shock for rebuild purposes is identical.

I would also take the advice of the earlier post and remove the connector and solder the three yellow wires from the stator if it hasn't already been done.

Like your bike when I restored mine I removed what seemed like miles of creative wiring from previous owners. I stripped it down to the original harness and then repaired that and rewired any of the aftermarket stuff deemed worthy to remain.
I agree with replacing the original radio with newer aftermarket, but before you toss the original components if any of them are serviceable they are selling for a premium price on ebay.




Peter

[TwoTired]

A gold Goldwing.  Seems so...right...    It's all Vetterized, too!
The guy I got mine from has an 82 GW too, with the Vetter up front and the the Hondaline luggage and trunk that are like suitcases.  Unlock and & bring 'em into the motel.  Only my top box comes off with keylocks.  But, I swear it will swallow two full size helmets.  I'll have to make bag inserts, I suppose.  Oh boy, another project!

Everything on my bike needs paint, except the frame itself...and the seat.    Who knew "grey patina" could serve as paint preservative?

I've got the carbs on the bench now.  Only two of them had any gas for the run home.  I had guessed only two cylinders were working.  What with the gas fumes and the carb cleaner, I had to get out of the shop for a while.  Feeling loopy.
I'll probably order the complete carb gasket set from Randakk on Monday.

I found out where the "goo" on the frame under the faux tank came from.  The spark units have melted and leaked/drained something tarry-like out of them.
The Shop manual shows the 81 having a single unit driving both coils, and the 82 having two spark units and a resistor inline with coil power.
I have two spark units and have yet to find a resistor, but I don't know where to look exactly.  I'll poke around with a meter later on.  But, I'm thinking there was a swap in it's history and the resistor wasn't added along with the spark unit "upgrade", making the spark unit overheat and melt out it's potting compound.
If a unit has failed, it could be yet another reason why only two cylinders were barking on the way home.

I did check out the yellow wire connector,  looked okay.  I'll take it apart and check the crimps for oxidation.  I'm fairly good with electrical bits.

I see an "electrical" box deep inside the fairing  The control head is definitely missing.  I doubt I'll restore it, unless more parts show up cheap. 

Been checking out the goldwingfacts forum.  Haven't registered yet, though.

The garage should be aired out now...
...later,