Author Topic: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Old Blue.  (Read 52440 times)

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Offline Don R

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78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Old Blue.
« on: October 18, 2016, 10:48:40 PM »
 


 Parked for 20 years. not yet running. I got the original seat and a box of chrome doo dads and dingle dongs. It just looks so huge from behind. I was thinking of keeping the bags and retiring the trunk. I'm hoping against fate for a non rusty gas tank.
 Edit, that tank haunted me for two years. Don't mess with it, if you get a rusty tank junk it right away!!!
« Last Edit: May 27, 2024, 10:26:52 PM by Don R »
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2016, 12:22:48 AM »
Nice! I was gonna get my ding dong chromed, but that acid bath smarts! ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2016, 07:40:25 AM »
Nice! I was gonna get my ding dong chromed, but that acid bath smarts! ;D

Me too, but then I saw the initial look when the copper was applied and decided that I preferred that to chrome.
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline Don R

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2016, 08:21:16 PM »
 The chrome pizza slice caliper covers came off first. That way I could boot the pistons back into place and make it roll.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
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 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline Don R

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #4 on: October 23, 2016, 07:54:28 PM »
 I cleaned the carbs and the fuel lines and it started today. I rode it a mile, the brakes are next.  Both ends work but drag.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
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 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #5 on: October 25, 2016, 01:12:55 AM »
I'm looking at a cheap GL1500 Don, have you ever ridden one? My mate John offered me a ride on his new GL1800 a couple of years ago, but when I realised that it wasn't insured, I said, "Thanks, but no thanks"............. ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #6 on: October 25, 2016, 11:46:31 AM »
I think OldSchoolisCool's sidecar rig is a 1500.
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline Don R

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #7 on: October 27, 2016, 07:49:43 AM »
 No, I've only ridden on the GL1000's I love the way the 78 turns in, even on the 20 year old tires. I didn't know if it was going to run or run well so I haven't titled it or spent money on tires, timing belts etc. I did change the oil and coolant. Now I'd love to rack up some miles and get the engine loosened up, she smokes for a bit on startup, possibly still  from the oil I put in the cylinders. I'm adding some seafoam to the oil and flushing the gas tank again.
 I did remove the bags and trunk, just so it fits in the shop easier. I'd like to replace the bags with a pair that have no cracks but I have a line on some Samsonite gl1000 luggage.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline bill440cars

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2016, 11:16:41 AM »


        I haven't ridden one either and don't know that I would be comfortable on one that is loaded. I THINK I would like to get one and try to fix it up like my Buddy kghost did, back in the day. I STILL Like the look of that one and I THINK I would enjoy cruising on it as well. Almost had a deal on one, a few years back, but just didn't pan out.  :(
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Offline riverfever

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2016, 07:11:09 PM »
Nice! Those bags are huge! What are your plans for it? Your Windjammer matches I see. Mine's black. Wonder if mine was purchased with the Jammer and bags or added later on? Wish mine was blue (talking about the Windjammer).  :o
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

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Online grcamna2

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2016, 08:11:14 AM »
Nice! Those bags are huge! What are your plans for it? Your Windjammer matches I see. Mine's black. Wonder if mine was purchased with the Jammer and bags or added later on? Wish mine was blue (talking about the Windjammer).  :o

That looks like a 'twin' to your bike.  :)
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Offline riverfever

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #11 on: October 29, 2016, 08:26:49 AM »
Yeah when Don posted it I thought, "That bastard got in my garage?" I really like the matching fairing and that giant top bag.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline riverfever

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #12 on: October 29, 2016, 08:27:49 AM »
Don when you say you cleaned the carbs what did you do? Run stuff through them or actually pull them off?
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline Don R

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #13 on: November 05, 2016, 11:50:10 AM »
 I pulled them off and used a can of spray and my guitar string collection. I didn't break up the mounting and tank them. They appeared clean inside despite the PO claiming he did no prep for storage. I added a pre filter on the fuel line and plan to tie a magnet to it in case any rust comes through.
 The bags and trunk are stored right now, my very own brother has a set of uncracked Vetter bags with the wrong color doors. I'm assuming I can put them on these bags. I removed a lot of chrome doo dads, all the extra weight's and add ons are just not for me. My 79 has a fairly new set of Michelins, I'm considering a wheel swap.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline Don R

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #14 on: November 05, 2016, 11:52:02 AM »
Soon to be mine 76 gl  right now it's my brothers.

No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline dhall57

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #15 on: November 05, 2016, 04:22:18 PM »
What a seat ;)
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #16 on: November 05, 2016, 04:38:10 PM »
Yeah, the original seat isn't that uncomfortable that you need to throw it away and strap your couch on yer ol' wang! ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline Don R

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #17 on: November 06, 2016, 07:28:18 PM »
 When I rode 15 hours in a day on the terrible seat on my 79 I'd have loved to have had one of those. Now that I cut the foam so it's not like sliding down an axe blade it's pretty comfy. That said the original seat on my 78 is really sweet and yes, I'm firmly against the lazy boy seat on the 76.
  Edit, I rode to Sturgis on one of these seats and totally despise it too. Stock is much better. I bought a sheep skin for the return trip, it helped a little.
« Last Edit: March 14, 2019, 07:18:36 PM by Don R »
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #18 on: November 06, 2016, 09:15:11 PM »
Do change out the belts on both before messing with them very much, really bad things happen when they lose a tooth or belt breaks.  Cheap thing to fix and you can change coolant at same time.
That seat will not be so bad after 6-8 hours in the saddle as they were not popular because they were stylish.  They are not so visible when you throw a pair of saddle hard bags on the bike.

Sometimes function is worth the sacrifice in form/looks.  I know heretical on this forum.

David- back in the desert SW!

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #19 on: November 07, 2016, 06:27:37 AM »
That seat does look a lot like a small couch  :D
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  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #20 on: November 07, 2016, 12:52:40 PM »
He's added some embellishments since the last time I saw it.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #21 on: November 08, 2016, 02:44:38 AM »
Yeah, if you really want a seat like that you're better off giving bikes away and buying an old Caddie........... ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline Don R

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #22 on: November 08, 2016, 06:27:32 PM »
 The pinstripes aren't my cup of tea, he decided to keep it for the third time. He had to find a chair in my shop because of his blood pressure.
« Last Edit: April 12, 2017, 10:26:13 PM by Don R »
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #23 on: November 09, 2016, 10:34:07 AM »
Does this seat make my A-- look big?
David- back in the desert SW!

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Re: Another 78 GL1000
« Reply #24 on: November 09, 2016, 02:11:24 PM »
Does this seat make my A-- look big?

LOL  ;D
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.