turning a 4 into a 6

[handysmurf]

Well i am 3 weeks or so into swapping out my Gl1200 with a Gl1500. I purchased an 85 LTD and the motor was trashed. It sat around in my garage in pieces for 2 years and now i have decided to bring her back from the dead with a couple extra cylinders. I found 6 out of a 93 gloldwing with 37k miles and had it shipped. It has a little cosmetic damage to the left valve cover, but other than that it is in great shape.
My thoughts are to loose most of the plastics and go for a more sporty naked look. I stripped her down to the bare frame and i like the lines of the frame work. I had to stretch the frame 4 inches to fit the 6. I also lowered the cradle tubes a couple inches. The new motor fits beautifully. I had to remove the right side belt cover and starter to get it in, so i could not have been any closer with my calculations.
Now that the motor is sitting in place (resting on a 4 wheel creeper that i purpose built for the task) I can start designing the new engine mounts. Everything is tack welding at this point. Now that i know the motor will fit, I can begin welding everything up. Here a few pics of the project so far. Please bare with me as this is my first photo documented project. It been tuff to remember to stop and take pics.

[handysmurf]

Once i get the engine mounts figured, the next hurdle is the universal joint. apparently the spline count changed between the 1200 and 1500.

[5speed]

In!

[hoganJr]

Wow!

HoganJr

[wingrider]

If I am not mistaken, the 1500 swing arm and associated parts can be switched to a 1200 frame without to much difficulty. Might be an option for you.

[handysmurf]

Thanks wingrider, I did and am still considering that option. The issue is my wheel base. It's already 2 inches longer than a stock 1500. I understand that a 1500 swing arm will add another 4 inches or so. Not sure sure about the specific deminsions yet. Still researching. Any thoughts on that?

[gltriker]

Interesting!

[handysmurf]

I have just done a little more reading in the 1500 final drive swap. It looks like i can use my tire with the 1500 final drive and drive spacer. I read somewhere a couple weeks ago that the swing arm itself was 4 or 5 inches longer on the 1500. I can not seem to find that now. I will definitely be considering this swap. I seem to get done frequently for the beefier bearings and parts availability aspect.

[82aspy]

yup, the 1200 swingarm takes a 1500 pumpkin with easy tweaks

http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/2-g ... ssues.html

[handysmurf]

That is great news.. Thanks. Joining you guys is already paying off. Now to start sourcing parts.

[82aspy]

added link above

You only have to drill out the 4 mount holes in the swing arm when using the 1500 final drive in place of the 1200 final drive, drill to 7/16" diameter

edit - bit more
http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/1087681-post7.html

[desertrefugee]

Now this is going to be fun. This build begs for a serious swingarm mod (in addition to the swap) to allow more rubber out back...

(While you're at it)

[handysmurf]

Man she would be a long ship for sure then

[82aspy]

the only 1500 swingarm to 1200 & 1100 frames (or info) i'm aware of,
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic. ... 06#p622997


haven't seen any details on how it was done but i do have contact info for dude who did the above

[Rat]

Don't forget to stop and take PICTURES .....

Gord