Scottdog Bought a Wing.... Don't Tell Anyone!

[Scottdog]

Hi, New here.

I'm new to this forum but I am sort of well known on another forum pertaining to another brand of scooters.

Enough said about that....

Recently, I trimmed down my inventory and moved some 1,000 miles or so south to the state of Florida. Settled in now, I figured it was time for another bike in the barn. Familiar to 70's CB750's and having had a couple of projects pass over my table, I was recently perusing Craig List for another CB project and discovered yet another fascinating historical and innovative creation from Honda Motors. The GL1000. With the CB750 becoming scarce and somewhat over priced, I decided to give the GL a try. I bought a fairly clean 1979 model. Well taken care of but, now that I own it, some of it's dirty little secrets are starting to surface. Not totally unexpected, really.

Now it is time to learn....

From what I can tell, the pre-1977's seem to be more desirable. Is this true? Did I make a mistake in buying a 79? Should I move it along and seek out a better one? Comments welcome. That's part of what I am here for.

Here is the start of my punch list. Comments and advise please:

• Timing belt, timing belt, timing belt! - Being a veteran mechanic, I am well aware of the perils of an unknown timing belt in an interference motor. My question is, "Are there acceptable aftermarket belt brands or should I seek out the OEM product?"
• Speedometer & Tach - These have obviously been swapped out and don't even match each other.
• Carburetors - These have been replaced with 796A's. How important is it to re-equip it with 771B carbs?
• Swingarm - Curious to hear pros & cons on the GL1100 swingarm conversion. I like the idea of the added wheelbase length and from what I have read, being able to install a wider tyre? Will the GL1000 wheel fit right in the front fork as well?
• Seat - Already on order. Something less comfortable with more cool factor. A different bike gets used for the longer hauls.
• Signal Lights - Already received.
• Mirrors - Looking for a set of stock silver painted V-Rod mirrors. An acetylene torch and some black paint and I already know what to do with them to suit my likings.
• Cables - New replacements are already on their way.
• Clutch & Front Brake Controls - Any information on these $50 Chinese sets seen on eBay?
• Hondaline Saddlebags - I have a lead on some bags but I need to find the hangers. Anyone?

Well, that's the short list for now. I am sure it will grow and looking forward to it.

SD

PS - I also registered on Classic Wings so I will probably cut & paste this post there as well..... Or not.

[5speed]

welcome to NGW's..before someone else says it..we love pics here.

[TNTbefree]

From what I can tell, the pre-1977's seem to be more desirable. Is this true? Did I make a mistake in buying a 79? Should I move it along and seek out a better one? Comments welcome. That's part of what I am here for.

Welcome to the club. In my opinion, No. You did not make a mistake. I think all the Old Wings are desirable. I prefer the 80-83 models due to the upgrades. But I also want a 78 for the looks. The 79 has the best of the previous years and still has the looks.

[Rat]

Welcome to the 'Wingdom.

Looks to me like you might become 'well known' around here too ......

Gord

[Scottdog]

Ugly little secrets.....

Looks like I am in the market for a subframe section without rust holes and bad welds. LOL!
There is a couple on eBay. The rest of the frame looks better.

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[1962siia88]

Looks great imho! What bike are the front brakes from?

[Scottdog]

....What bike are the front brakes from?

A very good question indeed!

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[1962siia88]

Looks like older 600cc sportbike stuff. My guess would be f4i. I wonder if the discs bolt right up to the front hub or if it required some more work.

[fish]

howdy scottdog & WELCOME
"From what I can tell, the pre-1977's seem to be more desirable. Is this true? Did I make a mistake in buying a 79?"

The answer to this is depends on what you want.
the earliest/oldest ones are the smallest/lightest/most HP/chrome fenders!
obviously they have the skinnyest tires, skinny forklegs and weak brakes.
newer and newer they get bigger forks, wider wheels & tires, more displacement and more torque.. but HP stays the same.
I researched before buying and decided the '83 interstate was the one I wanted.. so I went out & found one.
The reasons are
fat forks
wide wheels
big brakes
1100cc = torque
also the smallest & best looking "gas tank"

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[duke182]

Welcome

[olchris]

Hi and welcome from Australia 6209... If its a 70's bike, then its cool.................

[82aspy]

Hi, New here.

I'm new to this forum but I am sort of well known on another forum pertaining to another brand of scooters.

Enough said about that....

no big deal, got harleys, nortons and you name it other scooter interests and rides other than gw here, even a few real deal scooter toys, site is manly wingding but bikes period, not bashing, a few bigwigs even go wing or hog on any given ride

so, up to you but what other scoots? also of course, pix or i didn't happen?

lotsa swingarm/wheel ways (front end swaps incuding other brands /4 cyl gw engines) you can go, 11-12 even 1500, some 18 single sided fiddling happening, depends mostly on what you are after exactly,

doesn't really mater what you start with cos you can go many or any direction from there, dirt cheap too

cheers

[rcmatt007]

welcome to ngw.... as for the belts, after market... carbs work best on the year bike they came with as the cam timing is different on every year 1000 (except the 78-9s) there might be a marginal improvement of early 78 carbs over later 78 and 79 carbs.

Make a mistake? other than the well known fact the 78's are the best looking, your 79 has enough mods, no one would know.

the only advantage I would see in an 1100 swing arm is if you used the 83 with a 16" rear, but you cannot get a whole lot wider no matter what you do

[Jai]

Welcome. You've got a solid 79 with some nice mods that look well done and must have taken some thought. The brakes look great and must stop a lot better than stock. Your seat is worth some money on flea-bay. I like my 79 as well

[sunnbobb]

Welcome. Looks lke EBC rotors matched to the nissan caliper. Wonder what bike that set up came off of? EBC makes the rotors for wings.