A forum for stories, pics and updates of your resto's. Be it a barn find, Grampas hand me down or a bike being brought back to it's former glory.If you are restoring it, show us your stuff!
I am just getting started on my first bike build. I picked up a complete 1983 GL1100I project with 11,000 original miles. My current plan is to end up with a white 'bagger' with Indian style headlight and round spotlights, so if it follows the same path as past projects, it will end up cafe style with led lights
The tank is rusted inside and the carbs are frozen, so I have not started it yet. I have new belts/hoses/plugs/etc. on the way. I plan to get it running good then tear it down to the frame to clean and paint.
First day in it's new home
A little disassembly
Radiator and timing covers pulled
I will post updates as they happen, and look forward to getting this on the road again.
Well, it looks like you got all the parts ... and hey, the tires are clean. If you don't like the cafe idea you might consider making it into an adventure bike.
Welcome to the looney bin, and don't forget that we're here to help you get through it.
I saw my first naked wing while fueling up my GL500I in St. Ignace, MI in the late 90's. I have wanted one ever since. I found this site a year or so ago and started looking for a project bike. There are already enough informative threads to tackle anything I am not comfortable with on this project. Hopefully I have it on the road sometime this summer!
Keep posting updates, however, as we also plan to learn from you. Each builder brings a different perspective and the more builds we watch then the more creative we become. The 1100 is a good base for a bagger due to the longer wheelbase. A bar mounted removable fairing or windshield really makes the look more flexible.
Proud member of the NGW Cartel (Rochester MI)
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'
You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
Finally got around to working on the Wing today. Glad to have the Jeep regeared, locked and back on the road (It usually gets first priority).
Pulled the luggage brackets/tubes, rear fender, shocks, tire and fuel tank. I am going to find a radiator shop to dip the tank for me. Next step will be overhauling the carbs to get them in working condition again. I also have a box of regular maintenance items (belts, filters, plugs, etc.) to throw on. The frame looks remarkably well under the dust and dirt. I planned on stripping the bike all the way down to powdercoat the frame, but I may skip a few steps and leave it alone.
Roady wrote:For the frame, just put some anti-rust on the spots and brush on a little Testor's. Works for me.
Another old model builder heard from.
2006 GL1800 (Brutus Maximus)
1978 GL1000 (White Trash - 2012 BOTY
(If you want to discuss the Trashmobile, Webers, Rearsets, Clubmans, or other stuff then send me a PM.) "Getting old ain't for sissies" - Phyllis Diller "So how much you gonna spend to win that $5 trophy?" - Cyborg
82 GL1100 Interstate-Oldewing October 23 BOTM
06 GL1800 Road bike, as in Rode alot...
Sometimes I wrestle with my inner demons.........
Other times we just hug.......
Team 898
Team LTD 993
Team 76 R2B3
And always remember: beer has some food value--but food has NO beer value...
A project of that scale is much more affordable, however, the wiring would be a little tedious. Not to mention difficulties fitting an appropriate sized seat...
Pulled the carbs out tonight. It went a lot easier than I expected. I definately have a lot of cleaning ahead of me, there is a lot of varnish in the plenum and the bowls.
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing "I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
If you don't like the cafe idea you might consider making it into an adventure bike.
