GL1100 resto-mod build thread

6311 Views 20 Replies 11 Participants Last post by JIMBO83, Jul 3, 2009

599

Discussion Starter · Jun 13, 2009

11

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I inherited this bike from my late grandfather, and it needs a little bit of work to be roadworthy again. Primary objective is rebuilding the carbs, along with fresh fluids and filters throughout. Next up is a thorough brake inspection, new battery, and tires.

I'm not one to leave well enough alone, so I've already got a few modifications planned.

Seat:
smooth recover, or a brat style, can't decide. Needs to be a 2-up though. Sissy bar is as good as gone.

Tires:
whitewall maybe?

Lighting:
ditching the turn signals, thinking lucas style w/ plate bracket on the fender

Paint/body:
repaint white or black, ditching the fairing and trunk bag, silver wheels, GL1000 chrome fenders shortened up

Gauges:
new bracket to mount the clocks lower, toss the warning light cluster in favor of something integrated into the false gas tank

Exhaust:
repolish the pipes, can the cans, turndown tips

Suspension:
shorter rear shocks, straighter bars (2" rise/2" pullback), fresh fork seals and drop them through the clamps an inch or two

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TXRLGL1500

· #2 · Jun 13, 2009

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If I ever needed a second bike that would be the one. Last week a gentleman passed me riding one about like that. It was soooooooo clean. Only difference was he had a little utility rack on the back with a stained wood floor and open air angle iron box
to carry stuff. Also he had a smaller clear plexiglass bolt on fairing for wind protection. It would make a great in/out of town bike without all the weight associated with a full tour bike like my 1500. I was completely ENAMORED with it just like the one you have.

Welcome to the forum!!!! Looks like a great bike.
David

599

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 13, 2009

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Thanks! The weight of even this bike will be very different for me, my daily is the black CB600 in the background there, and it's around 400lbs. The other project bike is a stripped down cb360, and I think it is around 250lbs. My planned use for this bike is a weekend rider, the 600 is my daily/touring machine.

Right now it's frustrating me though, everything is heavier, there is more stuff, and whoever worked on it needs to get a torque wrench. I had to crank the compressor up to 150psi to get the swingarm pivot bolts out with a 1000lb/ft Mac impact wrench.

RB

· #4 · Jun 13, 2009

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Before you do all that take all the plastic off..and ride it for awhile you might like it just as is a naked 1100 is a well balanced bike.

599

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 13, 2009

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I wish I could ride it right now, last time I rode it, I was probably 8 years old. It's been sitting collecting dust in my grandpa's garage until now.

One of my friends had a cb650 custom with similar bars and a backrest, I didn't care for either. Mostly, I just love the looks of a naked GL, and the sound of the flat four uncorked. I've got the 599 (background of pics 4&5) for my commuter and fun bike, now I want a weekend cruiser that girls don't complain about the seat padding (or lack thereof).

hoverkat

· #6 · Jun 13, 2009

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Nice looking project,

I just got my 1100 runing a couple weeks ago, plenty of power but definetly heavier than I was used to.

If it hasn't been mentioned before and you don't know age of timing belts you should change them. Also I found out that the orings on the water pipes just below the carbs were aged and started to leak, If your changing coolant anyway it might be worth looking at. O rings was easy job just annoyed that I had coolant drained for timming belts then drained again for water pipes.

Good luck on your project. I am happy with mine

TXRLGL1500

· #7 · Jun 14, 2009

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When these bikes came out they were at that time one of the fastest bikes around until Kawasaki came out with the 900 and 1000 inline fours. These early wings were no slouches even by todays standards. Yours looks like its not been modified other than the rack and windjammer. Both easy to remove and downsize a bit. I especially like the fact it doesnt look butchered up or rigged in any way. Looks like a well kept bike even though its not been on the road for while. Let us know how the project goes.

599

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 14, 2009

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Thanks for the tip on the o-rings, I'll make sure to get those. I was worried about the timing belt, it's only got 28k on the odo, but 28 years is still hard on rubber. Might as well d it all now, cause the engine is out of the frame as of tonight. I found a few rust spots and decided to strip and repaint the whole thing.

The closest thing I've found to being rigged were the 4 scotch locks used to tap power & ground for the fairing and trunk.

Should have pictures tomorrow, but it now sits as a bare frame. Hopefully I'll get enough done tomorrow that I can start putting it back together monday.

vabikeguy

· #9 · Jun 14, 2009

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Welcome to the forum and best of luck on your project. I look forward to hearing how it turns out.

599

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 15, 2009

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Decided to do it all the way down & back up

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OnaWingAndaPrayer

· #11 · Jun 16, 2009

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Hello and Welcome :waving:

It looks like your well on the way . You have some nice ideas and it should work well for you . Here is a link to lots of info on the 1000 for bringing them back to life .

Honda GL1000 Restoration Specialist - Randakk's Cycle Shakk

I hope to see more pics as work progresses , best wishes on your project Wing :action:.

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599

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 19, 2009

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Aight, too hot to work, so I'm posting pics.

Found rust, decided to strip it all.

Fresh paint.

While that was drying I stripped the rear end and wheels, and put it together.

Friend hooked me up on a CM400T cause I wanted the fenders and headlight bucket. Test fit the rear fender and seat.

Stopped there, too damn hot.

Total investment:
GL1100-$200
CM400-$100
Misc. paint/cleaner-$100

All-in-all, I'm not totally happy with the frame paint, but I'm putting it together anyway. I didn't want to do a full resto on it yet, because I'm moving in about 3 weeks. I don't plan on selling the bike, so sometime in the future it will get a full restoration and powder coating throughout.

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TXRLGL1500

· #13 · Jun 19, 2009

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Ok what is too hot for Cedar Rapids?+ Its was 98 down here Tuesday.

599

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 19, 2009

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Like 85% humidity. That's what kills me. After 10 minutes in the garage it looked like I had been swimming.

599

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jun 26, 2009

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carbs are getting there

mmm, blood

test fit the front fender, I need to lower it about 1/2". No big deal there is space to drill it. Also need to finish stripping the front wheel, it's not going as well as the rear.

side panels on

should have the carbs on the engine, maybe the engine in tomorrow night. Still waiting on timing belts and a few other parts though.

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AZgl1800

· #16 · Jun 26, 2009

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You definitely love projects. Spotted several in your garage just waiting for "time to do it". :cheeky1:

oldtoys1961

· #17 · Jun 26, 2009

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All the essential tools I see, Marlboro's, Busch Beer, and what looks like a Checkbook.

Yep, thats whats needed for a groundup restore.:cheeky1:

jimsjinx

· #18 · Jun 27, 2009

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I had that same model in 1980.It is a great neckid' wing, and a real looker. You are gonna love it! That was my first wing, was even brown! jimsjinx

clouddragon9

· #19 · Jul 2, 2009

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Hey 599!
Would love to have that sissy bar for my 1980 restoration!
Send me a PM please!

OnaWingAndaPrayer

· #20 · Jul 2, 2009

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Nice work and work area . Those wheels look real sharp when buffed out to a chrome like shine . I kinda like the look of the big green ? project in the background too . Your doing a great job so far , keep it up .:clapper:

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