2010 GL1100 state of the art project

653 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by DeDubya, Jul 13, 2009

cldryder

Discussion Starter · Jul 11, 2009

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I don't like the direction touring bikes have been taking the last several years. to me, an 800+ pound curb weight is ridiculous and unnecessary. I had a GL1100 before my GL1500 and it was a completely capable tourer and a lot more fun to ride.

Been giving this a lot of thought and I thinking about finding a nice GL1100 and spending a year upgrading it to something comparable to state of the art without the 800 pound curb weight. I expect to have $5 - 7k into it when I'm done as I can get a real nice GL1100 around here for about $2k. I would avoid the GL1200 due to the alternator problems.

About the only thing I'd like to do that IMHO wouldn't be worth the effort is fuel injection. it'd be expensive, a lot of work, and I'd expect only a marginal improvement in performance.

suspension upgrades will be relatively easy and I think a custom bracket with Givi bags (or something similar) will give me ample and 1st rate luggage capacity. electronics will be based on something like starcom or maybe gl1500 electronics. It'll take some time to work out clean and ergonomically desirable mountings but should be very do-able.

will have to take a close look at the frame, if anyone has some knowledge on weaknesses in the stock frame I'd love to hear about it. the suspension upgrades should allow me a higher GVW but of course the frame has to carry the weight as well.

would be interested in any thoughts or comments on options for upgrading the suspension, luggage, or whatever.

I'm sure a lot of 1500 and 1800 riders will think this is a pointless exercise as they are quite content with their bikes. Thats fine, to each his own. I don't need to take a beating from those folks for this idea.

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DaveO430

· #2 · Jul 12, 2009

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The only frame problems with 1100s I know of are the center stand cross member and the removable frame piece rusting out. Both fixable. The only problem with upgrading the suspension for more capacity is finding tires with the capacity to carry it. With some work it would be possible to put a 1500 swing arm on it.
I don't blame you, I liked my 1100s but had to sell them to afford the 1800, which by the way is easier to handle but it's only about 100 lbs heavier than the 83 interstate and the weight is lower down.

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zimmerleemark

· #3 · Jul 12, 2009

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it would be nice if the front of the frame would come out with the side piece like on the 1500. makes easier to pull motor when you have to.

mark:waving:

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cldryder

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 12, 2009

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Daveo430 - does your comment mean in your opinion the GL1800 is eqasier to handle than a fully loaded GL1100?

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DaveO430

· #5 · Jul 12, 2009

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cldryder wrote:

Daveo430 - does your comment mean in your opinion the GL1800 is eqasier to handle than a fully loaded GL1100?

Yes!

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low level flight

· #6 · Jul 13, 2009

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Can a newbie add anything to this thread? I would like to share a lesson that I learned about motorcycles and human beings while riding my KLR.

Thanks

LLF

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82gl1100iWingman

· #7 · Jul 13, 2009

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low level flight wrote:

Can a newbie add anything to this thread? I would like to share a lesson that I learned about motorcycles and human beings while riding my KLR.

Thanks

LLF

All comments from any member are always welcome. :clapper:

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cldryder

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 13, 2009

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yes. have at it.

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low level flight

· #9 · Jul 13, 2009

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Thank you for your answer to my question. I purchased a 08 KLR last year and I went through allot of grief on dual sport forums about how to set up my machine. One day I was put onto a site that changed my whole motorcycle attitude. Topgunmotorcycles, was a God send. This site is run by military pilots and a dual sport genius. They have the same attitude towards their bikes as they do their planes. So what does this mean to a Wing project?

They have approached the machines from a full point of view. Every nut and bolt has been looked at and changed to make the bike better, more reliable and more capable. A more capable machine makes a more capable rider. The best thing about this information is it is all explained why they have done the changes. You would be amazed what info transfers to the Goldwing.

I can not see that this project is pointless at all, nor can it be looked upon as such. I am going to rebuild my own Aspencade on this premise.

If you go to the site you will see what I mean.
All the best for the project and I look foreword to see the results.

Thanks

LLF

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DeDubya

· #10 · Jul 13, 2009

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cldryder wrote:

I don't like the direction touring bikes have been taking the last several years. to me, an 800+ pound curb weight is ridiculous and unnecessary. I had a GL1100 before my GL1500 and it was a completely capable tourer and a lot more fun to ride.

Been giving this a lot of thought and I thinking about finding a nice GL1100 and spending a year upgrading it to something comparable to state of the art without the 800 pound curb weight. I expect to have $5 - 7k into it when I'm done as I can get a real nice GL1100 around here for about $2k. I would avoid the GL1200 due to the alternator problems.

About the only thing I'd like to do that IMHO wouldn't be worth the effort is fuel injection. it'd be expensive, a lot of work, and I'd expect only a marginal improvement in performance.

suspension upgrades will be relatively easy and I think a custom bracket with Givi bags (or something similar) will give me ample and 1st rate luggage capacity. electronics will be based on something like starcom or maybe gl1500 electronics. It'll take some time to work out clean and ergonomically desirable mountings but should be very do-able.

will have to take a close look at the frame, if anyone has some knowledge on weaknesses in the stock frame I'd love to hear about it. the suspension upgrades should allow me a higher GVW but of course the frame has to carry the weight as well.

would be interested in any thoughts or comments on options for upgrading the suspension, luggage, or whatever.

I'm sure a lot of 1500 and 1800 riders will think this is a pointless exercise as they are quite content with their bikes. Thats fine, to each his own. I don't need to take a beating from those folks for this idea.

I do admire your plan, but have you ridden an 1800? I'd wager that it "feels" lighter than the 1100 on the road. The bike truely handles effortlessly. Of course, it would probably be much less expensive to modify the 1100 than to buy an 1800. Like you said, "to each his own."

Dedub :18white:

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