Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
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- BarnRat
- Tin Member
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:51 pm
- Location: SW USA
Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
Is it feasible to buy an old Aspencade (or the like) and remove all the bags and tupperware to create a naked GoldWing? Or is there too much ugliness (wiring and such) under the plastic and too much that would have to re-added to make the bike look presentable? Is it possible to put a normal set of handlebars on a de-nuded GoldWing, replacing those huge swept-back bars? I guess the instrument cluster, headlight, turn signals would be another PITA?
Stop continental drift!
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- Cast Iron Member
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Sun Jun 03, 2018 10:27 pm
- Location: Belmont West Virginia
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
As I understand it, people have done it. It's not as easy as starting with a bike that didn't come dressed out by the factory but it has been done. What year of Aspencade are you working with?
1978 GL1000 My 1st GL Learning experience
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
2000 Kawasaki Nomad 1500
- BarnRat
- Tin Member
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:51 pm
- Location: SW USA
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
I just used the Aspencade as an example. I assume the difficulty would differ depending on which tupperware/bagger model I started with. I really don't care much about the final looks -- I would just consider it my "rat bike" and go with it. To strip a bagger is not my first choice, but there are a lot of old baggers out there.
Stop continental drift!
- Lucien Harpress
- Honored Life Member
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- Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:41 am
- Location: Michigan
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
1000- Pretty easy for all of them.
1100- From what I remember, it's pretty easy to do on any of them except for the 83 Aspencade. It came with a large digital instrument cluster, a LOT of options, and all the associated wiring. Still doable, but a PITA.
1200- Look for a Standard, or look for a LOT of work.
1500 and up- You're a madman.
1100- From what I remember, it's pretty easy to do on any of them except for the 83 Aspencade. It came with a large digital instrument cluster, a LOT of options, and all the associated wiring. Still doable, but a PITA.
1200- Look for a Standard, or look for a LOT of work.
1500 and up- You're a madman.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
- BarnRat
- Tin Member
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:51 pm
- Location: SW USA
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
Thanks. It's just a thought -- maybe not a good thought. I'm patient so I'll probably just wait till a real naked GW comes along. They pop up a couple of times a month on Craigslist.
Stop continental drift!
- Track T 2411
- Honored Life Member
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- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Track+T+2411/
- Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
The 1100's (except the Aspy, as mentioned above) are very easy to go naked. All the fairing and bag wiring are sub - harnesses, and just unplug. If you're not concerned with 100% original, a set of aftermarket turn signals, headlight bucket, and brackets are about all you'll need. The bars are typical 7/8 inch diameter, so just about any 'metric' bars will work. Cable lengths can be an issue if you go really low, but there are options. Good luck with your search!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- desertrefugee
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3947
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Chandler, AZ, USA
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
Yep, if I was in your shoes, I'd be looking for a 1000 or an 1100 (non-Aspy). They're common as heck and will save a lot of aggravation.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
- desertrefugee
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3947
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Chandler, AZ, USA
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
- desertrefugee
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3947
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Chandler, AZ, USA
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
Don't know how picky you are, but there are choices here in AZ if you drive a bit. (Lots in Phoenix).
South of you:
https://tucson.craigslist.org/mcy/d/197 ... 17936.html
South of you:
https://tucson.craigslist.org/mcy/d/197 ... 17936.html
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
- Lucien Harpress
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 4083
- Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:41 am
- Location: Michigan
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
Pretty much everything they said. If you stay in the GL1000-1100 range (and stay away from the 83 Aspencade), it's no more difficult to strip one down than it is any bike with bags and a fairing.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
- TNTbefree
- Silver Member
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 8:49 am
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
It takes a bit of work, but it can be a lot of fun. What was said above is true... This is the before and after of my 81 interstate...
Before: After:
Before: After:
- BarnRat
- Tin Member
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:51 pm
- Location: SW USA
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
Nice work!TNTbefree wrote:It takes a bit of work, but it can be a lot of fun. What was said above is true... This is the before and after of my 81 interstate...
Stop continental drift!
- BarnRat
- Tin Member
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:51 pm
- Location: SW USA
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I've made notes of them.
Stop continental drift!
- ericheath
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 9581
- Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:20 am
- Location: Winnipeg, Manituba
Re: Making a naked bike out of a bagger???
I wouldn’t rule out a 1200. If you don’t mind adding your own gauges (cheap) and adapting an 1000 or 1100 tank shelter, the wiring isn’t daunting. Except for the stator issues, it was pretty bullet-proof. Nice rims, ability to adapt 1500 parts and use a car tire.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
- BarnRat
- Tin Member
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:51 pm
- Location: SW USA
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