Topic: Johnie's 76 GL1000 Sulfur Yellow Build

[newday777]

Just a little grease to slip the orings on into the elbows

[grcamna2]

I like this GL1000 Johnie,how are you enjoying the project  ? 
I would enjoy owning a GL1000 in similar condition 

[Alan F.]

"in similar condition" being the qualifying terminology. While there are quite a few of them out there, the majority are much rougher.

But yeah me too.

[Johnie]

What I am enjoying is the seeing differences between the smaller CB's and 750's compared to this GL. Learning a bit more about the HONDA technology. My 2000 GW 1500SE I got with 2,000 miles on it. Had 20 years and sold it with 54,000 on it. Didn't really have to do much mechanically on it besides brakes, tires, forks and plugs besides fluids. Digging into this first generation bike is cool seeing what HONDA came up with engineering wise.

[MauiK3]

Bart's YouTube channel has a great video about the GW, he really digs into the development and how they got there. Honda is just amazing with how they have tackled some of these bikes. The original engine for the GW was going to be a flat 6 but they went for the 4 due to engine issues.

[Johnie]

BINGO…

[Johnie]

Thanks Bill for the video. It was an excellent story about the birth and history of the GW.

[grcamna2]

Thanks Bill for the video. It was an excellent story about the birth and history of the GW.

That is a very nice video Johnie;it was uploaded by MauiK3/Steve.

I like that GATES manufactures timing belts for the GL1000;do those belts also fit other (auto) applications ?

[Johnie]

Shoot...sorry about that. Thanks Maui/ Steve. I watched it while at my car dealer getting a new fob coded in my car.

[MauiK3]

Interesting looking shock absorbers

[Johnie]

Thanks Bill for the video. It was an excellent story about the birth and history of the GW.

I like that GATES manufactures timing belts for the GL1000;do those belts also fit other (auto) applications ?

Yes Bill...if you look on the front of the right side of the box it lists 5 other Honda applications. Not sure if those are for cars or bikes?

[BenelliSEI]

What I am enjoying is the seeing differences between the smaller CB's and 750's compared to this GL. Learning a bit more about the HONDA technology. My 2000 GW 1500SE I got with 2,000 miles on it. Had 20 years and sold it with 54,000 on it. Didn't really have to do much mechanically on it besides brakes, tires, forks and plugs besides fluids. Digging into this first generation bike is cool seeing what HONDA came up with engineering wise.

I agree.... my first ‘Wing was a ‘76 and then Gary and I did a lot on his ‘75. Really enjoyed working on a “non cb750” and the GL1000 is such a uniquely different motorcycle. Sheer genius at the time and still very modern in so many ways. The 50 Year Anniversary is not far off. Bet they’ll be a few great events you can attend!

[Bankerdanny]

There are several parts on the GL1000 engine and transmission that interchange with the early Civics.

[Johnie]

Finally got the old gas stains off the top of the case. Still working on getting the old gaskets off the coolant tube elbows. Picking up my last o-rings and fuel filter from the dealer today. Then will polish the timing covers and then work on getting the belts in place. Again, not going crazy spending a ton of time in the shop as this was supposed to be my winter project. Summer is very busy with grandkids, car shows, bike shows, yard work, etc. However, I still find myself going into the shop as it's just a lot of fun. Plus, I'm taking my 2 boys to the Indy 500 this year. Have watched it on TV and never thought I'd get there so this is the year.

[ekpent]

Finally got the old gas stains off the top of the case. Still working on getting the old gaskets off the coolant tube elbows. Picking up my last o-rings and fuel filter from the dealer today. Then will polish the timing covers and then work on getting the belts in place. Again, not going crazy spending a ton of time in the shop as this was supposed to be my winter project. Summer is very busy with grandkids, car shows, bike shows, yard work, etc. However, I still find myself going into the shop as it's just a lot of fun. Plus, I'm taking my 2 boys to the Indy 500 this year. Have watched it on TV and never thought I'd get there so this is the year.

Just had a very good friend die of cancer last night and am just getting back from seeing him this AM and getting him dressed in proper clothes etc. for people coming over to mourn. Was going to 'babysit' him today. He was a fellow biker and has a really cool hot rod.  Put the family first people and don't take good friends for granted.  Mechanic projects will be there waiting their proper turn.

[Johnie]

You are very wise Eric! Those are good words to live by too.

[Stev-o]

I'm taking my 2 boys to the Indy 500 this year.

Good for you, I have been twice, it's the greatest spectacle in racing! I love the Indycar series, the competition is so close, on the big track at Indy it will be exhilarating to watch them at nearly 230mph in the straights!

There were here at the Austin COTA F1 track a few years back, was there for qualifying and the race, but disappointedly they have not returned since. Have fun!

[Johnie]

Seats are in Penthouse A just before turn one. We can see down the straight away and pit row. Actually got the tickets from a friend who has season tickets and can't make it this year. He offered them to me and I jumped on it. My boys are more excited than I thought. They are 37 and 39 and can do the driving :-)

[Stev-o]

Seats are in Penthouse A just before turn one. We can see down the straight away and pit row.

Those seats sound excellent. Watching it on TV is great but being there FEELING the horsepower of 33 Indycars will be an experience you will never forget! But pack your patients, there will be 300,000 other race fans there.

[Johnie]

Polished the intakes today. Got 1 of the timing covers done. Removed the clear coat couple days ago. This polishing stuff is what I am not crazy about. So time consuming and messy, but the look makes it worth it. At least I can do it outside. Usually I do this stuff in winter in the basement. Not looking for concourse, but those covers really were full of oxidation. Took the carbs to a retired HONDA mechanic who knows them really well. Got the HONDA kits for it and he is all for keeping the brass with only 15,000 on the clock.

[bek1966]

Nice work on the cases Johnie, what a nice improvement!

Regards,
Brad

[RAFster122s]

Looks good Johnie!
One bite at a time....

[BenelliSEI]

Wow….. that turned out well!

[grcamna2]

Johnie,the corrosion looks heavy(years)but well worth the effort you've put into them to clean them up. 

[Johnie]

I’ll start on the last timing cover this week. They did look pretty bad. Then comes the valve covers. Question on the timing and valve cover gaskets…do they go on dry or use some RTV in a few spots to hold them in place? Thx