Making a naked bike out of a bagger???

[BarnRat]

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?

[FrontRunner]

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?

[BarnRat]

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.

[Lucien Harpress]

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.

[BarnRat]

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.

[Track T 2411]

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!

[desertrefugee]

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.

[desertrefugee]

Could this be your huckleberry?

https://tucson.craigslist.org/mcy/d/83- ... 59260.html

[desertrefugee]

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

[Lucien Harpress]

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.

[TNTbefree]

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:

1981 Goldwing GL1100 01.jpg (110.89 KiB) Viewed 283 times

After:

army od green naked 1981 goldwing gl1100 04.jpg (80.04 KiB) Viewed 283 times

[BarnRat]

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...

Nice work!

[BarnRat]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I've made notes of them.

[ericheath]

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.

[BarnRat]

Thanks!