Author Topic: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Old Blue.  (Read 53218 times)

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Offline Don R

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! back on 87 octane and an ign relay,
« Reply #275 on: October 19, 2021, 07:01:16 PM »
 I rode it today after a short warmup, it ran poorly, I let it sit at the other end of my ride and it was like a different bike coming home. I think it's the heat soak it needs to run well, I guess it wants to idle a few minutes rather than run on choke.
 I stretched the new seat cover over the old seat to give it some time to take the shape. It feels like it will go on easier than the F seat cover.
« Last Edit: February 23, 2022, 08:51:54 PM by Don R »
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Offline Don R

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! back on 87 octane and an ign relay,
« Reply #276 on: December 03, 2021, 09:11:25 PM »
 We rode the gl to our union retirees Christmas party today, it was so warm out my wife didn't even mind. I think it made it up to 60*F. 
   It had been on the side stand and smoked like crazy when it started. Maybe too much choke because it fouled the front left plug, I dried it and swapped it to the back cylinder, it ran great after that.
 The Bosch relay on the dyna really didn't make any difference. I'm running 1500 coils with no ballast resistor so the coils should be happy I'd think.
« Last Edit: December 03, 2021, 09:14:49 PM by Don R »
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
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Offline desertrefugee

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! back on 87 octane and an ign relay,
« Reply #277 on: December 03, 2021, 09:33:39 PM »
We rode the gl to our union retirees Christmas party today, it was so warm out my wife didn't even mind. I think it made it up to 60*F. 
   It had been on the side stand and smoked like crazy when it started. Maybe too much choke because it fouled the front left plug, I dried it and swapped it to the back cylinder, it ran great after that.
 The Bosch relay on the dyna really didn't make any difference. I'm running 1500 coils with no ballast resistor so the coils should be happy I'd think.

4 cylinder Goldwings are notorious for smoking when left on the side stand. They did that from the factory. Depending on where the ring gaps end up oil can flow through the gap into the combustion chambers from the crankcase. Very, very common on the left side.  Park it on the center stand and you won't see it, I'll wager.
'86 Vmax, '83 ZN1300, '78 GL1000, '75 CB750 K5, '78 F4

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! back on 87 octane and an ign relay,
« Reply #278 on: December 03, 2021, 10:04:30 PM »
We rode the gl to our union retirees Christmas party today, it was so warm out my wife didn't even mind. I think it made it up to 60*F. 
   It had been on the side stand and smoked like crazy when it started. Maybe too much choke because it fouled the front left plug, I dried it and swapped it to the back cylinder, it ran great after that.
 The Bosch relay on the dyna really didn't make any difference. I'm running 1500 coils with no ballast resistor so the coils should be happy I'd think.

4 cylinder Goldwings are notorious for smoking when left on the side stand. They did that from the factory. Depending on where the ring gaps end up oil can flow through the gap into the combustion chambers from the crankcase. Very, very common on the left side.  Park it on the center stand and you won't see it, I'll wager.

Same/same with BMW's, particularly "K" series flat fours. My poor old 1989 K100RS SE ABS1 (yes, that's it's actual title, makes Harley nomenclatures look short...) has been on it's sidestand since 2014, so when I eventually fire it up again it'll smoke like a train. ;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 Don R

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! back on 87 octane and an ign relay,
« Reply #279 on: December 15, 2021, 07:57:01 PM »
 Thanks, it usually doesn't smoke but on occasion it does. I wonder if the ring gaps walk around and sometimes line up? It's on the center now, actually easier to center it then most of the cb750's. She's still a cold blooded old girl but like most of us old timers once going it goes pretty good.
 It was in the 70's today, I can't believe I set up a deer feeder, played Santa Claus, worked on a K0 but didn't ride anything. 
« Last Edit: December 15, 2021, 07:59:33 PM by Don R »
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: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #280 on: February 10, 2022, 12:23:39 PM »
 I got an F seat cover and a gl1000 seat cover. I'll hone my skills on the F bikes and when I've gathered all of the tools and products, I'll have a go at the GL seat.

   I have an aftermarket seat that I'm not a fan of, I just cut a double saddle seat down for the n'F or Fn'K project and maybe I'll attempt a cut down for the gl also. I don't really need a lowered or modified seat but I'd keep the nos one just in case.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
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Offline desertrefugee

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #281 on: February 10, 2022, 06:53:52 PM »
Lol.  We won't talk about iseats on a GL1000.  My 78 was a 10-year sleeper also with the full Vetter treatment.  I went down the cafe path with it for some crazy reason. I'm good for maybe 200 mi on this thing before my derriere starts screaming.  Not the most comfortable seat I've ridden on.  But I like it and it's the right tool for the job sometimes.

'86 Vmax, '83 ZN1300, '78 GL1000, '75 CB750 K5, '78 F4

Offline Don R

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #282 on: February 10, 2022, 08:51:49 PM »
 I had those Harley mufflers on my 79 wing. I loved them at anything above an idle.
   I did 15 hours on a seat that nearly neutered me so I can sympathize. I modded the seat when I got to Sturgis and fixed the seat but the damage was already done. I was sore for a week after I got home. 
  When my 79 went naked people were in awe not knowing what it was. I told one guy it was the old Porsche motorcycle they made for a couple years in the late 70's.
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 desertrefugee

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #283 on: February 11, 2022, 03:03:54 PM »
Yeah, if it's not badged, a lot of people have no clue what it is. I get that a lot. Just to be cruel, I have since blacked out the Honda emblems on my valve covers. People have even less of a clue now.

 8)
'86 Vmax, '83 ZN1300, '78 GL1000, '75 CB750 K5, '78 F4

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #284 on: February 11, 2022, 05:20:50 PM »
Lol.  We won't talk about iseats on a GL1000.  My 78 was a 10-year sleeper also with the full Vetter treatment.  I went down the cafe path with it for some crazy reason. I'm good for maybe 200 mi on this thing before my derriere starts screaming.  Not the most comfortable seat I've ridden on.  But I like it and it's the right tool for the job sometimes.

Where'd you buy the tracker seat Darrell? I need one for my son's Yamaha XS650 "Tracker" build. ;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)

Online Kelly E

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #285 on: February 11, 2022, 06:44:07 PM »
Yeah, if it's not badged, a lot of people have no clue what it is. I get that a lot. Just to be cruel, I have since blacked out the Honda emblems on my valve covers. People have even less of a clue now.

 8)

I debadged my 94' Kawasaki Concours ZG1000 and people guess all kinds of brands trying to figure it out. ;D
Never Give Up - Never Surrender

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1974 Honda CB 550 K0                                            1971 MGB/GT
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport                          1972 MGB/GT
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD                                   1985 GMC S15
1978 Kawasaki KL 250
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
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1984 Honda VF 700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF 1000F Interceptor
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Offline desertrefugee

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #286 on: February 11, 2022, 09:07:47 PM »
Lol.  We won't talk about iseats on a GL1000.  My 78 was a 10-year sleeper also with the full Vetter treatment.  I went down the cafe path with it for some crazy reason. I'm good for maybe 200 mi on this thing before my derriere starts screaming.  Not the most comfortable seat I've ridden on.  But I like it and it's the right tool for the job sometimes.

Where'd you buy the tracker seat Darrell? I need one for my son's Yamaha XS650 "Tracker" build. ;D

A guy named Dave in Florida was running a business called Hot Wing Glass.  He at one time had a full line of fiberglass items.  I bought mine in 2013.  I believe he's now cut back dramatically and may even have pulled the plug.   The last known good address I have for him is: 

1hotwing@bellsouth.net

Good luck.  His stuff was really first rate.
'86 Vmax, '83 ZN1300, '78 GL1000, '75 CB750 K5, '78 F4

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #287 on: February 11, 2022, 11:03:35 PM »
Lol.  We won't talk about iseats on a GL1000.  My 78 was a 10-year sleeper also with the full Vetter treatment.  I went down the cafe path with it for some crazy reason. I'm good for maybe 200 mi on this thing before my derriere starts screaming.  Not the most comfortable seat I've ridden on.  But I like it and it's the right tool for the job sometimes.

Where'd you buy the tracker seat Darrell? I need one for my son's Yamaha XS650 "Tracker" build. ;D

A guy named Dave in Florida was running a business called Hot Wing Glass.  He at one time had a full line of fiberglass items.  I bought mine in 2013.  I believe he's now cut back dramatically and may even have pulled the plug.   The last known good address I have for him is: 

1hotwing@bellsouth.net

Good luck.  His stuff was really first rate.
I talked to Dave about 4 years ago.  He had his stuff set up at the Gilmore Museum swap meet.  He made the tail section on my gold cb750.  Absolutely top quality stuff.  I bet he still sells mostly the tracker stuff.
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #288 on: February 12, 2022, 12:40:44 AM »
Lol.  We won't talk about iseats on a GL1000.  My 78 was a 10-year sleeper also with the full Vetter treatment.  I went down the cafe path with it for some crazy reason. I'm good for maybe 200 mi on this thing before my derriere starts screaming.  Not the most comfortable seat I've ridden on.  But I like it and it's the right tool for the job sometimes.

Where'd you buy the tracker seat Darrell? I need one for my son's Yamaha XS650 "Tracker" build. ;D

A guy named Dave in Florida was running a business called Hot Wing Glass.  He at one time had a full line of fiberglass items.  I bought mine in 2013.  I believe he's now cut back dramatically and may even have pulled the plug.   The last known good address I have for him is: 

1hotwing@bellsouth.net

Good luck.  His stuff was really first rate.

Thanks mate, I'll check him out. ;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: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #289 on: February 23, 2022, 08:47:34 PM »
 When I first got the sleeper, I sold the black one and spent every penny on the sleeper.
« Last Edit: February 23, 2022, 08:49:29 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 grcamna2

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #290 on: February 24, 2022, 11:39:20 AM »
When I first got the sleeper, I sold the black one and spent every penny on the sleeper.

Don,that blue 78' is sweet Don  8) Did it come with the Windjammer stock ?
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
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Offline Don R

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #291 on: February 24, 2022, 12:06:01 PM »
When I first got the sleeper, I sold the black one and spent every penny on the sleeper.

Don, that blue 78' is sweet Don  8) Did it come with the Windjammer stock ?

 I'm sure the Vetter equipment was dealer installed but ordered in the Honda blue. I bought 5 1/2 750's from a guy and he gave me the wing. He was moving to Florida and it hadn't run in 20 years. I paid a hundred just because.
  I've been able to get a few Hondas cheap because the owners could see how excited I was to talk about them and listen to their Honda stories.
« Last Edit: February 24, 2022, 12:07:45 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 grcamna2

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #292 on: February 24, 2022, 01:37:08 PM »
When I first got the sleeper, I sold the black one and spent every penny on the sleeper.

Don, that blue 78' is sweet Don  8) Did it come with the Windjammer stock ?

 I'm sure the Vetter equipment was dealer installed but ordered in the Honda blue. I bought 5 1/2 750's from a guy and he gave me the wing. He was moving to Florida and it hadn't run in 20 years. I paid a hundred just because.
  I've been able to get a few Hondas cheap because the owners could see how excited I was to talk about them and listen to their Honda stories.

I have heard(never owned one)that the GL1000 engine has a bit more rpms toward the top of their powerband than the GL1100?
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
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Offline MauiK3

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #293 on: February 24, 2022, 02:01:15 PM »
When I had my 75 Wing I remember it revved willingly.
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Offline Don R

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #294 on: March 03, 2022, 07:48:11 PM »
 A couple years ago I rode it to a Judicial hiring meeting. Crazy asking a plumber's opinion, right?  Anyway, coming back on a long straight with good visibility I let it loose. Redline in third and fourth then for a bit in fifth, I got up over a hundred five or so pushing a windjammer and lowers. It might have had more but I didn't. The Michelins were just broken in then too. 
« Last Edit: March 07, 2022, 04:54:55 PM by Don R »
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 desertrefugee

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #295 on: March 05, 2022, 09:34:38 AM »
When I first got the sleeper, I sold the black one and spent every penny on the sleeper.

Don, that blue 78' is sweet Don  8) Did it come with the Windjammer stock ?

 I'm sure the Vetter equipment was dealer installed but ordered in the Honda blue. I bought 5 1/2 750's from a guy and he gave me the wing. He was moving to Florida and it hadn't run in 20 years. I paid a hundred just because.
  I've been able to get a few Hondas cheap because the owners could see how excited I was to talk about them and listen to their Honda stories.

I have heard(never owned one)that the GL1000 engine has a bit more rpms toward the top of their powerband than the GL1100?

The early 1000s ( 75 - 77) were tuned to spin a bit more. By that time, it had become clear to Honda that they had created a touring beast. So, the 78-79s were detuned a bit to provide more torque in the mid-range as these bikes began to be outfitted (think Vetter) for the long haul. 

Folks have long crowed about how much "faster" the early 1000s were than the 78/79s.  Well, sometime back - 5ish years -  I ran for a couple of seasons with dual Weber 40s on my 78. Those Webers made such a difference at the higher end of the RPM range, that I installed early cams to go along with them.  I was just disappointed. Couldn't really feel a seat of the pants difference. Maybe there was one, but my butt dyno could not detect it.

It wasn't until the 1100s were introduced that Honda finally decided that they wanted to reap the benefits of the touring capabilities of the machine and not let Craig Vetter get all the glory. The Interstate was born. The Aspencade soon after.

« Last Edit: March 05, 2022, 02:13:26 PM by desertrefugee »
'86 Vmax, '83 ZN1300, '78 GL1000, '75 CB750 K5, '78 F4

Offline Don R

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #296 on: March 07, 2022, 04:57:49 PM »
 I had a black and gold 79 that was naked for a while, no one knew what it was. I'd bet your bike with the Webers got similar responses.
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Offline CaseyH

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #297 on: March 07, 2022, 05:51:11 PM »
When I ride my yellow 76 people are surprised how cool it looks naked.
It revs pretty solid.
Third gear is strong.
It is just so quiet with the stock exhaust

Offline Don R

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #298 on: March 08, 2022, 09:32:51 AM »
 I think my 78 exhaust has been slightly modified by time and corrosion. My 79 had rusty welds which let go as I was returning from Sturgis about 13 hours into the return. I had used some propoxy to seal them up and it worked fantastically.
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 MauiK3

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Re: 78 GL1000 20 year sleeper! Time for a seat cover.
« Reply #299 on: March 08, 2022, 01:59:07 PM »
The early GL1000 was way under appreciated. It’s really a good bike and rock solid.
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