Topic: '75 Wing Resto-mod

[slikwilli420]

I just picked up a '75 wing from my uncle last week. He had it for about a year, started it a couple of times (with old belts) and decided that he didn't have time to fix her up. I was the first person in line and I snatched it up for the princely sum of $350. It is, as far as I can tell, all but complete. The big ticket items are the K/Q seat that needs to be switched out for stock and the exhaust, which, while complete looks like it may be toward the end of its useful life. If it can be saved, it will be refinished and stored. Regarding the seat, what are the best options for stock? I see DSS sells one for $200 but shipping might kill me. I intend to ride with my wife, so both stock looks and comfort are key. It was also missing the kickstart arm, which I managed to pick up this weekend at a local swap meet for $8!

My plan is to walk a line between restoration and modification. For instance, I will keep stock fenders but if I cannot find nice replacement items, these will be powdercoated silver or painted body color. I do not want to disrupt the original design with anything wild. I will refresh the wheels with SS spokes and likely polish or powder the hubs. Stock front end with new internals and fresh brake components, as well as new rear shocks, probably Hagons or Ikons, built for the bike and its intended use.

First up is to replace the timing belts and possibly tension rollers with fresh units. I know it runs since I have heard it but I don't want to risk any damage until that is done. After the belts, I will tackle the carbs which sounds like a bit of a chore but I have rebuilt 4 cylinder carbs from my CB750 before so I at least have the mindset of being detailed. I will probably go with the Randaak's kit unless someone has another suggestion.

I read Randaak's article on bringing a bike out of long term storage and will follow that procedure after the belt/carb refresh before riding. Fuel and water pumps will eventually get attention before trying to ride, but I want it to run nicely first.

Here is a picture of the bike in my shed. The bodywork is there but not installed, along with the K/Q seat.

[grcamna2]

Yes ! pics please

[slikwilli420]

Thought I added it to the first post. This is the only one I have for now.

My plan is to collect parts through the next 6 months or so and get moving on the essentials like belts/pulleys, rad flush/hose change/thermostat/water pump, carb rebuild and tank flush. That should get the engine systems going. If its good at that point, I can justify other systems like brakes and cosmetics.

[Jeffro93]

Subscribed. 


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[grcamna2]

Yes ! pics please

Your pic must not have uploaded..

[70CB750]

Following.

[Bankerdanny]

The belts are an easy replacement.

If you haven't already joined I cannot recommend the naked Goldwing forum enough http://ngwclub.com/forum/index.php.

It is almost as good as SOHC4, and in terms of tech tips and general restoration instruction is actually better. They have a fantastic tech tips section with walk throughs for all the various routine repair projects like timing belt replacements as well as a section covering the GL parts that you can get via auto parts stores, like the timing belts and water hoses.

I'm a member there as are a number of other SOHC4 guys.

[slikwilli420]

I joined last week! I agree, they are extremely knowledgeable and there are a ton of tutorials on everything needed to maintain an early wing. I will be combing that site before anything gets done. There is even a great write-up on how to get the fuel tank out.

[ekpent]

How many miles is the old girl showing ?

[slikwilli420]

How many miles is the old girl showing ?

Hair over 66k. If it's like any other honda is just getting started. Getting a new lease on life once I'm done with  it.

[dhall57]

These early naked Wings are great bikes slik. The first year models like yours were only a step behind the Z1 900 Kaw as the fastest bikes of the day I've got a 1977 black naked Wang myself and I love it. The combination of smoothness, quietness, and power is hard to beat. Looks like yours has a lot of life left in it and just needs TLC. Randaaks carb kit is the way to go. Its top notch and a video is available also that takes you through the rebuild step by step. So the factory pipes are toast

[slikwilli420]

Factory pipes look pretty sad but won't really know until I get into them. I'll probably go with a Delkevic system instead.

[grcamna2]

Factory pipes look pretty sad but won't really know until I get into them. I'll probably go with a Delkevic system instead.

The factory exhaust could be fixed and then high-heat powder coated.

[Lucien Harpress]

Definitely get the entire Randaak set for the carbs, video included.  The carbs on the 1000 are some of the worst I have ever dealt with- lots of jets, lots of o-rings, very, VERY touchy.  Comparing them to early CB750 isn't fair.  From what I have seen they are pretty much opposite end of the difficulty spectrum.

That being said, when you dial them in the GL1000s are very good.  Smooth, and much faster than people give them credit for.  Peaky engines, so you have to stay above 5k RPM to get the most out of them, but they love to rev.  The 75 had the hottest engine setup, so you're good there.

Definitely check out the NGW site.  I'm a proud member over there of about 5 years.  Lots of good info, lots of good people.  Best of luck!