Topic: Went to the grey side ;)

[clarkjh]

Just got closer to the dark side

Just picked up a new bike yesterday and while it is still a SOHC4 engine it is a flat four instead of an inline, so I had to post in the "Other bike" section.  Boo Hoo   

I was looking at a 78 GL1000 just down the road but the guy wasn't home yet so thought I would go look at a 1980 GL1100 Interstate that I knew was for sale but hadn't seen.  Well, took one look and thought, hmmm, nice bike, just needs some TLC.  The PO said that it was over charging, but so far everything is testing fine except for the driving lights he hooked up, can you say "Vampire" short. .  That had toasted the battery so bought a new one today and she fires right up.  Need to take the starter off and do some maintance to it, the bendex doesn't always engage.  Couldn't get it on the truck either, so put my 550's plate on to take it home, beatiful day all day till I buy the bike, rained all the way home, 45min drive. 

The PO also let me take it for a test drive before cash changed hands, and wouldn't you know it I droped it at the damn stop sign .  He had followed me in case I needed a boost, boy did I feel stupid.  Came to a stop, went to put my foot down and there is this big ass engine in the way, and slowly starts to go turtle until the guards stop her.  For a big bike, it lifted easier then the 550.

I'll post a pic or two when I get some, SWMBO said I had to name the bike Samson, so I guess she will now be a he from here on.

James

PS, anybody have a copy of the owner manual for a 1980 GL1100 Interstate?  Have the tool kit but no manual.

[upperlake04]

 Nice to see you back James - it's been a while since you regularly squandered your life here like many of us still do.   
  That's a good year for Goldwings, bigger engine and more refined than the earlier ones and lighter and less complex than later models. The factory touring bags are nice. I picked up an 81 GL500 last year and really like it. Not the same bike as yours of course, but the touring package, TI and shaft drive are very nice. The GL1000 fairings are the same units that were used on the 81 and 82 GL500 Silverwings also.   A pic?
                                               Daveingopherland

[edbikerii]

You'll find any required manuals here:

http://www.goldwingdocs.com/

Congratulations on the GoldWing!!!  I love my GL1200.  In fact, I just got home from grocery shopping with mine.  That luggage allowed me to bring home my groceries for the week with ease.

Wooo hoooo!

[clarkjh]

Thanks guys.

Took it to work yesterday and damn if it wasn't running HOT, upper end of the "normal" and this was only a 25KM drive on the highway, 120KM ish, when I got to work I shut the bike off and heard boiling coolant .  The PO did warn me that a head gasket might be gone. Babied it home after work and started to pull the plastic off.  Sure enough that nice foamy film that you never want to see was on the bottom of the rad cap.  So I have a top end gasket kit on order.  I am also going to clean up all the wiring for the extra lights, I hate hanging wires.

I downloaded the shop manuals from www.goldwingdocs.com, but they aren't as nice of a scan as the one I picked up for the CB550.  I knew I was going to have to do work to the bike, new oil and filter, flush the brake fluid and coolant, and fix the electrical wiring.  Everything was "grafted" into the harness  I have to take the starter out and repair it, doesn't always engage. 

It is nice having two bikes though, fix one and still can ride on the other.

I'll post pics when I get it back together.  Little embarrassed how much "crud" is under the plastic.

Also, original paint, and will pass the 10' inspection.

James

[bryanj]

Starte clutch might frighten you as thats an engine out remove the rear casing job to get at the starter clutch

[clarkjh]

The starter motor can be serviced engine in, but the starter clutch is engine out.  I need to service both, so engine is coming out.  Better now then in the middle of a ride, Honda removed the kicker all together after the 77 model year.  Depending on what I see when I pull the heads it might be a full engine rebuild this winter or worse case, now.

I want the bike to run nice, then pretty it up.  Surely doesn't look real pretty right now, but she hasn't let me down yet, I want the same reliability from Samson.

I'll keep everyone posted as I progress.

James

[tbpmusic]

James -

I have a good PDF file of the manual, but it's very large (283 MB) - much too large to email or post on my website.
Email me at tbpmusic@comcastdotnet (replace the "dot" with a ".").
We'll get you a copy on cd........

[Tim.]

If you guys need an FTP site to push/pull the manual to, just let me know.  I've got tons of room on my server.

[edbikerii]

Starter clutch may not be the problem.  Often the problem is just the starter spinning too slow to engage the starter clutch.

The starter motor can be serviced engine in, but the starter clutch is engine out.  I need to service both, so engine is coming out.  Better now then in the middle of a ride, Honda removed the kicker all together after the 77 model year.  Depending on what I see when I pull the heads it might be a full engine rebuild this winter or worse case, now.

I want the bike to run nice, then pretty it up.  Surely doesn't look real pretty right now, but she hasn't let me down yet, I want the same reliability from Samson.

I'll keep everyone posted as I progress.

James

[clarkjh]

edbikerii
Starter spins like a baneshe, also you can hear the starter clutch making a god awful noise at times when it is not engaging.

Hey tintin, long time no see.

tbpmusic
I think I found a pretty good copy of the Honda service manual.  Crappy photos, but at least you can read the directions.

I would rather be home wrenching then sitting here working.

James

[edbikerii]

Try changing the oil and using 10W40.  Maybe do a motor flush as well.  Heavier oil can screw with the clutch.  Also, try running it for awile.  Seems like it may have sat a bit and gotten gummed up.  Mine had sat for a few months before I got her, and my starter troubles cleared up after some mileage and a couple oil changes.

Like SOHC4's, these beasts prefer to be ridden regularly.

edbikerii
Starter spins like a baneshe, also you can hear the starter clutch making a god awful noise at times when it is not engaging.

Hey tintin, long time no see.

tbpmusic
I think I found a pretty good copy of the Honda service manual.  Crappy photos, but at least you can read the directions.

I would rather be home wrenching then sitting here working.

James

[clarkjh]

Maybe I'll hold off on pulling the engine then and see if the starter clutch frees up with running.  I am really hoping the gaskets come in on Friday so I can the it for a ride this weekend.  Planned on flushing all the fluids when I bought it so that might help.  Bought 4 L of Honda 10W40 from the stealer to see if that helps.

Once its back together it will get a lot of milage, I plan on using it for commuting to work everyday this year, I just have too much stuff I need to carry to use the CB550 all the time.  I have a #$%* load of body work to do to my truck.  If it wasn't for the rubber floor mat I could do a "Fred Flintstone"

Scary thing is, SWMBO, isn't complaining about how much I'm spending on parts to fix it, plus she wants me to buy a trailer to haul behind it.  This makes it closer to our dream of biking coast to coast, I'll have the bike for it.

Any ideas on what would cause a low speed head shake?  I know one caliper is sticking a bit but thats on the "To Do" list. As is replace the fork oil.

James

[jumpjg]

Any ideas on what would cause a low speed head shake?  I know one caliper is sticking a bit but thats on the "To Do" list. As is replace the fork oil.

James

Tire pressure, tires, steering head bearings?

Really enjoying this thread. There is a '75 GL1000 close by that is for sale I'd like to take a look at. But if I look, I won't leave without it.  I can't justify dragging it home....yet.

[clarkjh]

jumpjg

Dive right in a get it.  It's only money .  Hell I would still like to get the 78 GL1000 that for sale down the street from me, but I know the wife won't let me have two wings.  Maybe I need to find an old Harley somewhere to mark a spot in the carport too.

I'll keep everyone posted on progress

James

[edbikerii]

I've ridden a 2008 HD Road King for a weekend.  I have to say that my 1986 GoldWing is a far superior machine in just about every way.

jumpjg

Dive right in a get it.  It's only money .  Hell I would still like to get the 78 GL1000 that for sale down the street from me, but I know the wife won't let me have two wings.  Maybe I need to find an old Harley somewhere to mark a spot in the carport too.

I'll keep everyone posted on progress

James

[clarkjh]

Well, the front breaks where dragging, pull them off, damn if the left side is tighter then a whores heart. .  Got them both off, cleaned up and working.  Now to get the thing to bleed the air out.  I was hoping to have my parts today, but no luck, it will be next week before they are in.  So much for getting it running over the long weekend.

James

[fuzzybutt]

You'll find any required manuals here:

http://www.goldwingdocs.com/

Congratulations on the GoldWing!!!  I love my GL1200.  In fact, I just got home from grocery shopping with mine.  That luggage allowed me to bring home my groceries for the week with ease.

Wooo hoooo!

hey ed! long time no see, hope all is well where youre at

[edbikerii]

Thanks, Fuzzy.  I've been focused on my GL1200 lately.

I see you caught the flu.  That freakin' sucks.  Based on some of your recent posts, I really hope things improve for you soon, man.

You'll find any required manuals here:

http://www.goldwingdocs.com/

Congratulations on the GoldWing!!!  I love my GL1200.  In fact, I just got home from grocery shopping with mine.  That luggage allowed me to bring home my groceries for the week with ease.

Wooo hoooo!

hey ed! long time no see, hope all is well where youre at

[fuzzybutt]

thanks ed, got out into the shop tonight for the first time in a week, i fit the new airtech cafe seat before i tired out

[clarkjh]

Just a quick update on Samson.

Left hand head gasket installed.  The timing belt looked new, but will be replaced with a set of known new belts.  Replaced the thermostat.  Hoping to do the right side tomorrow.  Also, this engine has been opened before, I could still see cross hatch marks in the back left cylinder.  No way of knowing how it was broke in.  Will find out soon enough if the rings are set or not.

The exhaust is toast, so have a new one on order.  Think I can get him on the road by the 23?  There is a ride and show and shine I want to go to. I would take the 550 but I don't think my butt or SWMBO's would last the 5 or 6 hours in the saddle to get there, ride, and get home.

James

[edbikerii]

Did you get the Good Year Gatorback timing belts?  Whatever you do, don't get the belts from Honda.  They are about $60 each or more, whereas the Gatorbacks or Napa or PepBoys variety are less than $20 each, but are of the same construction.  Look up Steve Saunders' website and you'll find the part numbers.

Visible hone marks are not necessarily an indication of recent work.  93,000 miles on my Jaguar XK engine and it still had visible hone marks.  Those hone marks help hold oil to lubricate the rings sliding while under compression from combustion.  They help the rings to last.  They should be visible for the life of the engine.  If they were not visible, I'd have the bores honed.

Just a quick update on Samson.

Left hand head gasket installed.  The timing belt looked new, but will be replaced with a set of known new belts.  Replaced the thermostat.  Hoping to do the right side tomorrow.  Also, this engine has been opened before, I could still see cross hatch marks in the back left cylinder.  No way of knowing how it was broke in.  Will find out soon enough if the rings are set or not.

The exhaust is toast, so have a new one on order.  Think I can get him on the road by the 23?  There is a ride and show and shine I want to go to. I would take the 550 but I don't think my butt or SWMBO's would last the 5 or 6 hours in the saddle to get there, ride, and get home.

James

[clarkjh]

Genuine Honda parts , I like to support my local stealer's retirement.  I'm a member on Steve's site as well as the "nakedgoldwings".

Will be interesting to see if I can have Samson on the road for Saturday.

James

[clarkjh]

Todays update

Both head gaskets are in, belts on, valves set.  Filled with oil and coolant, only problem is I crimped the inside O-ring on the tube that leads to the left head .  Will do some more tomorrow.  Also ordered a Motad SS exhaust, should be here in 4 to 10 business days.  Better then back ordered for 3 weeks.

Ride Safe
James

[edbikerii]

Sounds like you are really doing her up right!  You'll have a really nice ride in a week or so.  What'd that Motad run you?

Todays update

Both head gaskets are in, belts on, valves set.  Filled with oil and coolant, only problem is I crimped the inside O-ring on the tube that leads to the left head .  Will do some more tomorrow.  Also ordered a Motad SS exhaust, should be here in 4 to 10 business days.  Better then back ordered for 3 weeks.

Ride Safe
James

[clarkjh]

I got the Motad for $599.95 US, last one at that price, old stock.  The next batch will be about $699.95 US.  I was so ticked about the other one being back ordered I never did ask the total $

Here is the US contact if anyone is looking for it.

Annitori Distributing
www.Annitori.com
Toll Free:  1-888-963-1212

James

[clarkjh]

It's Alive!!!!!!!

I had to bump start it but it started right up .  A little noisy with the old exhaust and I didn't put in new copper donuts.  Now to fix that damn O-ring so I can stop that leak.  I may just get a ride this weekend after all.

James

[edbikerii]

Woo Hoo!!!!  Great work!  Have fun riding this weekend.

It's Alive!!!!!!!

I had to bump start it but it started right up .  A little noisy with the old exhaust and I didn't put in new copper donuts.  Now to fix that damn O-ring so I can stop that leak.  I may just get a ride this weekend after all.

James

[Peterbylt]

I have an 81 GL1100 and love it, me and the wife have put thousands of enjoyable miles on it. I did many of the same things you did and many more getting her in shape. One of things that I did to cure the finicky starter clutch was drain the oil down by one quart and fill it up with MMO (Marvel Mystery oil) and run it for about 200 miles then change the oil. That cured mine. I have been running Castrol syntec oil in it made things a lot quieter.

Peter

[clarkjh]

Well, I think I have the coolant leak fixed.  I won't know for sure till I can run the bike up to temp to pressurize the system.  Going to try some SeaFoam in the oil and see if that helps the starter clutch, but I'm not hopeful.  Starter is now just spinning and the clutch will not engage at all, but maybe some klicks on it will help.

Before I put all the tupperware back on I need to find a spot to put the Flamm air horns I bought.  Going to rewire all the extra lights to a new toggle switch as well as the driving lights to a new switch.  I am thinking of putting relay on each switch that won't have power unless the key is on, that way I can't forget any lights on.

Ride Safe
James

[edbikerii]

Just be careful about too much auxiliary lighting.  The 1200s are known to have stator issues, which seem to be more common when overloaded.  The stator, I believe, is the same design as the earlier bikes.

[clarkjh]

Don't plan on putting anymore lighting on it then already has, I might see if I can get LED bulbs for them though.  I can always get the stator re-wound at the local electric motor shop, he has done quite a few wings.

James

[clarkjh]

WOOT!!!!!

Just had the first ride since the new gaskets.  Wow, whole different feel then the little 550.  Still have a litte itty bitty leak in the X-over.  I also have to rebuild the front shocks, won't take air and it acts like the right seal is shot.  I need to put some highway pegs or boards on, 32" inseam, just too tight to leave my feet on the main pegs all the time.  I rode about 45KM and Samson never went over half way in the normal range on the temp gage.  Need to put some more air in the back shocks and tire, still feels a little mushy back there, I like a very firm ride.  I had to bump start it before my ride, starter clutch wouldn't engage, tried it after the ride and noise, then, varoom.  The carbs need synced but am going to wait for the new exhaust to come in.

SWMBO really wants to got for a ride, but I want to get at least a week of riding in before I go 2-up.  Need to find out all of Samson's quirks.

Safe Rides
James "Ginning ear to ear"

[clarkjh]

Couldn't resist, Crys and I went for a ride.  Man I need to tune the suspension, the 550 rides 2-up better.
Photos
http://cryscom.nb.ca/images/1980%20GL1100/1980%20GL1100%20InterState%20003.jpg
http://cryscom.nb.ca/images/1980%20GL1100/1980%20GL1100%20InterState%20002.jpg
http://cryscom.nb.ca/images/1980%20GL1100/1980%20GL1100%20InterState%20001.jpg

James

[edbikerii]

Beautiful bike!

You know the seat is adjustable for different inseams?  It looks like you've got yours all the way back.  Maybe sliding her forward an inch or two willl elminate your need for boards?

On these bikes the motor & tranny have to come out to change the stator.  Worth avoiding this repair by going with LEDs ASAP, I think.

So, you think the starter motor/clutch has improved from riding?  More frequent riding will only make it even better!

Have fun!

[clarkjh]

Getting a steady 15V on the gage as I drive, hardly ever see it drop below that.  I had to put the seat back, I kept stepping on the engine.  Might give it a try on the middle setting.  The starter clutch is improving with riding.  Put a couple hundred miles on it this weekend.  Need to change the rad cleaner out and put 50/50 in, plus fix the damn leak in the cross over on top, I have put 3 O-rings in there so far and still have the leak.  I ordered in the parts to rebuild the back shocks, I hope that will fix the sudden stop when we hit a big bump.

I'm really surprised on how well it handles.  Once I get use to the size I should be able to drag the pegs very easily.  He also handles much better in the wind then the 550 with it's fairing.  I do need to track down a windscreen vent from a newer wing, gets damn hot when in full gear.  I'm hoping that the new exhaust comes in this week, but with the holiday in the US I can see it being next week, shipped from Il on Thursday last week.

Ride Safe
James