Noob to Goldwings and the forums! Hello!

[TaizerBeam]

I finally decided to join and say hi after browsing all the amazing builds people have done with goldwings across the internet. After seeing that, things seem to just fall into place as I got a rugged cheap 1980 Gl1100 Interstate! I have almost zero mechanical experience but I want to get this thing ready for the road and since it was so cheap I thought it would be a great way to learn. I hope I can ask all of you for help because I already have a ton of questions.

P.S I actually got the front fairing off on my own!

[Rat]

Welcome to the 'Wingdom.

Shoptalk is your new friend ..... start with 'changing the timing belts' and go from there.

If you can't find something, just ask.

Gord

[TaizerBeam]

Welcome to the 'Wingdom.

Shoptalk is your new friend ..... start with 'changing the timing belts' and go from there.

If you can't find something, just ask.

Gord

Thanks! I've been hearing about changing timing belts for a bit. Is that the go to first step when getting a new-2-U bike? I'm itching to get working on it.

[Track T 2411]

Welcome to the Wing nut cafe! Yes, belts are one of the first orders of business. There's an excellent writeup posted as a sticky at the top of this forum titled "New 2u bike" that will guide you through some of the typical issues a new 2u bike can have. Take your time, ask questions, and take lots and lots of pics! We LOVE pics!

Good wrenchin'
Told

[robin1731]

Welcome aboard from Indiana.

Buy a good shop manual. A real Honda manual is best. Clymers has some good/better pics than the Honda manual but also has some mistakes in it. But they are invaluable for working on these.


.

[TNTbefree]

Hey, welcome to the club. Yea, timing belts are the first 'to do' item on the list. This is a good link with pics on how to do that. http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/10- ... orial.html

Also, while you have it open and the belts off, you may wish to change out the Timing Belt Idlers. You can order OEM or you can check out this page on how to rebuild them... http://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10919

As you are going to be at the front of the engine, take a look underneath, at the water pump weep hole. Take a look for oil or radiator fluid coming out of that hole. If you see one or the other, or both, you will also need to change out the water pump. Bad water pumps are a fairly common issue on bikes this age. It's an easy repair, just a bit costly.

water pump weep hole.jpg (48.49 KiB) Viewed 311 times

Taking an interstate down to a Naked Wing, is a lot of fun. If you got the fairing off, you may have found the rats nest of wires under the counter weight. If not, take off the counter weight. There it is. A lot of guys will tell you that all those wires will fit in the headlight bucket when you put it on. Maybe. But I couldn't do it.... You can shorten them, or hide them as I did. But you have a lot of other stuff to do before you get to that.

Also, when you get to it, you are going to need headlight ears. Try to find them with the turn signal tab and rubber boot.

This one has turn signal tab. No rubber boot

headlight ears.jpg (23.58 KiB) Viewed 309 times

This one has rubber boot. Broken off turn signal tab. Rusty spot

headlight ears 2.jpg (26.01 KiB) Viewed 309 times

As for the headlight and headlight bucket. The one in the fairing will not do. You will need a new one. Do not buy a New-New one. They are too small and pieces of junk. Find an old OEM stock headlight and bucket that is all together. Do not try to buy it piece by piece. Bucket, light, ring... Find one that is all together. Trust me on this.

Good luck with your build. Start a build thread. Take lots of pics and build the thread as you build your bike. You will be glad you did.

[TaizerBeam]

Thanks for all the help and advice everyone! I plan to really start working on it this weekend. I may try to change the oil and see if I can at least get the bike running, but is that ok to do before changing the belts? I may take your advice TNTbefree and start a build thread, though it will most likely be a pretty slow one.

[brokentoe]

I hope I don't bring down wrath on myself, but if you truly have almost zero mechanical experience, I wouldn't change the timing belts first. Most of these guys on here can change the timing belts in their sleep, and, true, it is extremely important to change them. Do whatever super easy things you can find to do first, and then, once you have gotten familiar with the bike, change the belts. But pay absolute close attention to the instructions. If you're unsure ask a lot of questions.

[5speed]

I hope I don't bring down wrath on myself, but if you truly have almost zero mechanical experience, I wouldn't change the timing belts first. Most of these guys on here can change the timing belts in their sleep, and, true, it is extremely important to change them. Do whatever super easy things you can find to do first, and then, once you have gotten familiar with the bike, change the belts. But pay absolute close attention to the instructions. If you're unsure ask a lot of questions.

I agree...considering these aren't non interference engines a botched timing belt change will definitely ruin your day..

[heraldhamster]

Welcome! glad you found us. and Congrats on buying one. I got my first one 'cuz it was cheap and running (@ the time). that was LONG before this forum existed and even before the internet was a thing. I wish I'd had this resource back then. she might still be running.
+1 on doing some more removal/repair of stuff to help familiarize yourself w/the bike before digging into the belts. I know the feeling of just wanting to get 'er running but it can only take a heartbeat to toast the engine if a belt goes.
and ask away. we're help to help & encourage.

[TaizerBeam]

Thanks! Yeah I may hold off on the timing belts for a little bit. Just got some oil so I can switch that and am looking for replacement filter. If I can get that all set then it's just a matter of some missing nuts and bolts and a new headlight/turning signals for the front back.

[5speed]

what condition is the inside of the gas tank in? Mine was horrible and was the first repair I tackled...

[ericheath]

If the previous owner can verify that the belts were changed in the previous five years, you "might" be safe to run it. However if the belts sat in the same position for a few years, they can develop weak spots where they're flexed.

It might be nice to have a set of eyes to help with first belt change or watch someone else do it. I'm hope you found the Shoptalk section. Lots of good help there.

[TaizerBeam]

what condition is the inside of the gas tank in? Mine was horrible and was the first repair I tackled...

Minor surface rust. It's actually in pretty good condition which I am thankful for.

[5speed]

you caught a nice break.