Topic: ‘75 GL1000

[nvr2old]

Mine also was outfitted with a Windjammer SS fairing, and a set of Samsonite bags and trunk.  Literally, suitcases..lol  Off they all came.  Back to the naked nature it was born with. I put Progressive springs in the forks, some slightly stiffer shocks, some nice sticky Michelin tires and super bike bars.  I also slid the fork legs up in the triple tree about 1/2" to level it out.  It handles a bit quicker that way.  Love that bike.

[grcamna2]

Mine also was outfitted with a Windjammer SS fairing, and a set of Samsonite bags and trunk.  Literally, suitcases..lol  Off they all came.  Back to the naked nature it was born with. I put Progressive springs in the forks, some slightly stiffer shocks, some nice sticky Michelin tires and super bike bars.  I also slid the fork legs up in the triple tree about 1/2" to level it out.  It handles a bit quicker that way.  Love that bike.

That gives me an idea for saddlebags/hardbags: Samsonite suitcases    I only need to figure out the mounts !

[BenelliSEI]

It’s obvious we all need an early ‘wing! Such an iconic design.

[Don R]

 I bought my first wing for $400. A guy took it on trade for fixing another guys car, but he didn't ride at all or want to. I spent a few bucks on it, replaced everything made of rubber and eventually rode it to Sturgis 960 miles each way. My first test ride was crazy, it felt squirmy on the off ramps and corners. When I got home, I realized it was because of the top front motor mount bolts. Whoever installed the crash bars had left one side out and one side loose.
 

[70CB750]

It’s obvious we all need an early ‘wing! Such an iconic design.

I keep looking at Wings, but I have this thing about water cooling.  Call me prejudice. 

[MauiK3]

The addition of a water cooling system is a lot of extra complexity plus the risk of corrosion if it isn't maintained. I don't think that with regular care the Wing has problems with the system. I don't remember it ever being an issue.

[BenelliSEI]

Any one ever seen this GL1000 powered vehicle? Made in the USA in the ‘80’s. PULSE Autocycle. I almost bought one about 20 years ago, and then came to my senses!

[grcamna2]

Any one ever seen this GL1000 powered vehicle? Made in the USA in the ‘80’s. PULSE Autocycle. I almost bought one about 20 years ago, and then came to my senses!

That one looks a little like an airplane missing the wings and tail 

[BenelliSEI]

Any one ever seen this GL1000 powered vehicle? Made in the USA in the ‘80’s. PULSE Autocycle. I almost bought one about 20 years ago, and then came to my senses!

That one looks a little like an airplane missing the wings and tail 

Very well engineered in the USA. The extra wheels only touch down when stopped or cornering. Ran down the road as a motorcycle.

[grcamna2]

Any one ever seen this GL1000 powered vehicle? Made in the USA in the ‘80’s. PULSE Autocycle. I almost bought one about 20 years ago, and then came to my senses!

That one looks a little like an airplane missing the wings and tail 

Very well engineered in the USA. The extra wheels only touch down when stopped or cornering. Ran down the road as a motorcycle.

Had you taken it for a ride ?

[BenelliSEI]

Any one ever seen this GL1000 powered vehicle? Made in the USA in the ‘80’s. PULSE Autocycle. I almost bought one about 20 years ago, and then came to my senses!

That one looks a little like an airplane missing the wings and tail 

Very well engineered in the USA. The extra wheels only touch down when stopped or cornering. Ran down the road as a motorcycle.

Had you taken it for a ride ?

Never did. They used to be reasonable. Last one I saw on EBay went for +20K. Lost interest!

[Bankerdanny]

Any one ever seen this GL1000 powered vehicle? Made in the USA in the ‘80’s. PULSE Autocycle. I almost bought one about 20 years ago, and then came to my senses!

There was one of these at the Gilmore Vintage Bike show last summer

[jas67]

Gary really looks after this one. He had the instruments restored by a guy named “Pistol Pete” and I think he did the carbs too, years ago. It runs like a Swiss Watch and is a real pleasure to ride. Not long ago, he found an NOS muffler and it’s super quiet. I really enjoy riding it occasionally.

I'd be interested in contact info for this "Pistol Pete".    My trip odometer needs some work, plus the tach needs a new face.

[newday777]

Gary really looks after this one. He had the instruments restored by a guy named “Pistol Pete” and I think he did the carbs too, years ago. It runs like a Swiss Watch and is a real pleasure to ride. Not long ago, he found an NOS muffler and it’s super quiet. I really enjoy riding it occasionally.

I'd be interested in contact info for this "Pistol Pete".    My trip odometer needs some work, plus the tach needs a new face.

Pistol Pete passed a few years ago now.

Cb750faces.com in Holland works on gauges.

[BenelliSEI]

Sad, but true.  Nice guy and did very nice work for reasonable money. Missed.

[MauiK3]

Beautiful GL
CB750 Faces is a good place to go for gauges

[Johnie]

I like the comments on the GL. Many of you know I purchased a titled 76 GL sulphur yellow with 15,500 miles on it from an estate sale 3 weeks ago. Details are in the build thread here. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,192293.0.html  I really had no idea what to expect, but it's nice to hear that it handles good. The batch of wires in the pic is how I found it. PO was selling parts off it. Still sourcing some parts. Looking for the right foot peg, radiator screen, helmet locks and one black rubber cap that covers the swing arm outside bolt. If anyone has these I would like to buy them. PM me please...

[jas67]

I just placed an order for Ikon shocks for my '75 GL1000.
The air shocks on it (haven't looked to see what make) are harsh on the bumps.
I'm trying to make the bike easier on my back.  Dips in the road, especially the ones where sewer cuts have been made, and then the road sinks a bit, are painful.

[Johnie]

After reading all the positive comments on the GL1000 here I can't wait to get mine done. Hopefully will get it running summer 2024.

[jas67]

After reading all the positive comments on the GL1000 here I can't wait to get mine done. Hopefully will get it running summer 2024.

I think you'll enjoy it.
I wasn't even thinking about buying one.  My belonged to the father of a friend, and is a one-owner, all original, unrestored excellent condition bike.  When he offered it to me for a very good price, I couldn't refuse.   It is way more enjoyable to ride than I had ever imagined.  I'm usually more of a fan of smaller, lighter bikes.     

The performance, braking, handling, and comfort (bad shocks currently on my bike not-withstanding), it was a truly revolutionary bike for its time.

[MauiK3]

The 75 GW is maybe one of the most under appreciated bikes. It really worked well in its day.

[RAFster122s]

Doesn't hurt that the 75 had a bit more grunt and was more sporty than later variants they detuned a bit. Torque and HP were good that first year and as several Tail of the Dragon videos can attest, the Gold wing can hang with and perform really well in twisty roads for someone confident and willing to push it to its performance capabilities.

[BenelliSEI]

The 75 GW is maybe one of the most under appreciated bikes. It really worked well in its day.

For a real surprise, check out the red line on a ‘75 GL1000 tach. Cb750 fans will get a real surprise. Most of them suffered from being idled around for way too long. Whenever I ride the one in my shop I tell my buddy Gary I just gave his bike an “Italian Tune Up”. It usually blows out a bit of smoke for a while and then really sings!

[BenelliSEI]

Steve’s comment got me thinking….. the GL1000 will celebrate a 50 year anniversary very soon. Only a few years newer than my K1. When I first saw one, I thought it was monstrously big. Funny how time changes perspective!

[RAFster122s]

Steve’s comment got me thinking….. the GL1000 will celebrate a 50 year anniversary very soon. Only a few years newer than my K1. When I first saw one, I thought it was monstrously big. Funny how time changes perspective!

With even bigger Goldwings and Indians and Harleys as well as the monstrous Triumph Rocket III the 1000-1200cc Goldwings are smaller bikes today...