1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

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WesleyJ
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1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#1

Post by WesleyJ »

Hey Guys,

1st post! Myself and some buddies do a yearly rally/challenge called the MER and this year's theme is big bikes. So, here I am with THE big bike for my steed. The rally is 4 days of adventure riding with a mix of offroad, gravel and pavement twisties while camping off the bikes.

I picked up a 1980 GL1100 with a complete Vetter kit. Although I love the vintage cool of the Vetter setup, I gave it to a fellow rider who was setting up a '80 for touring. It also came with a complete floorboard kit that had to go.

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My vision for the bike is pretty simple, make it more like a modern bike. By that I mean modern ergonomics and generally de-clutter the thing but overall nothing major.

So far I've completed the following:
- rear caliper rebuild
- rear master rebuild/powder coat
- carb rebuild
- tank drain and clean
- new fuel filter
- powder coat final drive black. All new seals
- modify headers to accept Harley pipes
- rear fender chop/wedge
- new seat
- get rid of those terrible footboards and replace with pegs
- blast and Cerakote rear wheel Tungsten
- new battery
- new tires - Kenda Big Blocks in stock sizes

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And this is how it sits today

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Cheers,

Wes
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flyin900
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#2

Post by flyin900 »

Looking good there Wes and welcome to Wingdom and your first post, since your well on your way and no stranger to mechanical stuff. How did you reset the preload/lash on the rear end when you reassembled?
That looks like a Texvina seat and I would be interested to hear how it works out comfort wise after the trip. I like the looks of it, yet these old bones do need something with comfort too.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
WesleyJ
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#3

Post by WesleyJ »

Thanks!

As far as preload goes, I marked it prior to disassembly and re-installed to the same point. Not ideal but good enough IMHO. Ring/pinion wear was perfect.
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flyin900
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#4

Post by flyin900 »

Thanks Wes, most of us are not willing to tackle that job because the FSM has a procedure to follow, so buying a used unit seems to be the way most of us go.
I am sure your fine with that method and one to keep in mind, if I ever have to take one apart.
Your trip sounds like a real adventure and that bike should treat you well, as they are pretty bullet proof once sorted out.
Last edited by flyin900 on Fri Nov 26, 2021 6:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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Jonesz
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#5

Post by Jonesz »

Nice work. Did you cut the front fender or is it from another bike/model?
Jonesz

1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
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Rat
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#6

Post by Rat »

Gotta love it ...

Gord anim-cheers1
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
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Fred Camper
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#7

Post by Fred Camper »

Nice job on the rear fender, looks like it will be great.

And the Kenda on the rear looks to up for the Dirt Bagger look.
Proud member of the NGW Cartel (Rochester MI)
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
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SFR
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#8

Post by SFR »

Looks good - what did you use for the seat?
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kerryb
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#9

Post by kerryb »

Looks great, all of it, but I especially like the fender results. I too will be interested in a ride report on that seat when you're done. Are you going to add some engine guards for the trip?, mine always seems to find an opportunity to take a "nap" in the dirt when I'm camping!
intrigued by the wail...seduced by the scream.
'78 cb750K, '83 GL1100s,I,&A,'08FXSTC, '79 WilMac trike
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bluefisher
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#10

Post by bluefisher »

kudos on PCing those rims. My buddy Tom did his 78 in gold and they look pretty sweet. I had an 82 for 23 years and loved it...A-B all over California with no problems. I sold it for more than what I paid for it 23 yrs later!
have a great day!
Areba21
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#11

Post by Areba21 »

It's a very nice bike! I got a '82 gl1100 standard as a project in 1982. Everything is unique, and I intend to maintain it that way.
The importance of changing the timing belts on these ancient beauties is pounded home on the goldwing forums. It's important to keep them on the roadways.
Life is a Gift
WesleyJ
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#12

Post by WesleyJ »

Jonesz wrote: Fri Nov 26, 2021 3:10 pm Nice work. Did you cut the front fender or is it from another bike/model?
A buddy is turning a Sportster into a Dual-Sportster, lol. He's got a KTM dirt bike front end, long travel rear shocks, 21"/18" wheels etc. He gave me that fender to try out. Dear dog its heavy and I wont be using it. I'm starting my front fender build tonight.
WesleyJ
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#13

Post by WesleyJ »

Rat wrote: Fri Nov 26, 2021 8:41 pm Gotta love it ...

Gord anim-cheers1
Thanks Gord
WesleyJ
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#14

Post by WesleyJ »

Fred Camper wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 6:45 pm Nice job on the rear fender, looks like it will be great.

And the Kenda on the rear looks to up for the Dirt Bagger look.
Thanks!
WesleyJ
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Re: 1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

#15

Post by WesleyJ »

SFR wrote: Fri Dec 03, 2021 10:15 am Looks good - what did you use for the seat?
I bought the Texavina 29 inches. Quite the name, lol

https://texavina.com/29-inches-honda-gl ... sku-l4367/

I really like the look and the feel. Its a high quality unit and I'm very happy with it. We'll see how it is on the road, its pretty thin foam but its nice and stiff, which really helps. I stand a lot while riding so it should be very managable.
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