2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

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Track T 2411
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2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#1

Post by Track T 2411 »

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'Layla' is a 1981 Standard that was dealer dressed with a fairing and Hondaline saddlebags. She's been waiting (rather impatiently) for more than a year for me to get her back in tip-top shape. Here's a link her 'intro' thread, with more pics from when I brought her home...
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=63872
Although she's been tucked away in storage for most of that time, I've tried to be fairly diligent at giving her some love, starting and warming her up on a regular basis. I also had an extra set of carbs, valve covers, and timing belt covers, so I did get a bit of a head start on working on her.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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Track T 2411
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#2

Post by Track T 2411 »

For future reference, here's a shot of the odometer from last weekend, before I started tearing into it...
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...and some general condition shots.
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"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#3

Post by Track T 2411 »

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"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#4

Post by Track T 2411 »

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The issues are apparent from the photos, and seem to be common to all of my 1100 bike purchases lately: leaky carbs, leaky forks, and leaky rear shocks. The tires have almost full tread, but are ten years old, which sucks, but was expected. The rear brake caliper sticks, and the front brake pads are obviously contaminated with fork oil. All the rotors look to be in exceptional condition, though.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Track+T+2411/
Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#5

Post by Track T 2411 »

Up on the lift she goes! (Yes, I'm doing this portion of the project in a storage unit, and yes, I'm a hoarder! lolol )
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It's funny how parts start falling off almost immediately...
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"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#6

Post by Track T 2411 »

Saddlebag and rear rack, gone...
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Rear fender, gone...
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Tire and wheel, and rear shocks, gone...
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Just your typical road grime build-up!
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"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#7

Post by Track T 2411 »

I should state my goal for this project, i.e. "begin with the end in mind." Cosmetically, the bike's in quite nice condition, with the usual scars one might see on a well cared for 38 year old bike. A very thorough cleaning is definitely in order, and as the belt and valve covers have to come off for the usual belt change and valve adjustment, those will be polished.
The same goes for the front forks, which will get a full rebuild, as well. The rear shocks don't seem to be leaking fluid, but won't hold air. I'm on the fence regarding replacing the springs with progressives, mostly due to budget concerns.
The brakes will get a full rebuild as warranted, with the addition of ss lines, and I'll probably drill the rotors, as well.
I'm not certain if I'll replace the wheel bearings at this point, but I'll repack the steering head bearings at the least. And of course, new tires would round out the suspension work.
I'm trying to convince myself that I can live with the fuel strains on the engine. I'll give it a good cleaning while the carbs are off, as well as change out the fluids, thermostat, radiator hoses, and crossover tube o-rings and gaskets. The water pump seems to be in good shape but will get the 'twist and play' test while I'm down there.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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desertrefugee
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Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#8

Post by desertrefugee »

I agree that you've got a remarkably well-preserved specimen on your hands. Congratulations on that score. But, with the Covey "end in mind" manta...what DO you have in mind? Could go anywhere with that one.

I still find it remarkable how many of these things are still running around with some or all original fuel line. I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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Track T 2411
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Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#9

Post by Track T 2411 »

desertrefugee wrote:I agree that you've got a remarkably well-preserved specimen on your hands. Congratulations on that score. But, with the Covey "end in mind" manta...what DO you have in mind? Could go anywhere with that one.

I still find it remarkable how many of these things are still running around with some or all original fuel line. I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
You're right, I didn't state the actual goal. lolol
Short term, my goal is to clean it up well, get it roadworthy, and enjoy the ride.
The machine is, as you say, well preserved, so my long term goal is to return it to a true Standard, losing the fairing and bags. I'm not overly interested in keeping a bike 'stock' per se, and I think she'd look great running a set of '83 wheels with the matching two pot brake calipers, and maybe the anti-dive forks. That's a ways down the road, me thinks...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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Jonesz
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Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#10

Post by Jonesz »

Layla looks like a great bike already. I am sure that with a little TLC she will be phenomenal!
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
OldRider2
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Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#11

Post by OldRider2 »

Nice looking bike! I had an 82 Standard similar that sat for a number of years. Good project.
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
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flyin900
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Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#12

Post by flyin900 »

Great looking bike and as already noted very well looked after it appears. The paint and clear coat also look very good too. If it hasn't been previously molested too much the project is usually a little smoother.
I like the idea of down the road using a 1983 set of wheels, front end and brakes as an upgrade.
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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Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#13

Post by rcmatt007 »

:popcornx2
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
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Track T 2411
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Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#14

Post by Track T 2411 »

I've got a little bit of prep work to do...
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The intake runners and carb caps are worse, but I didn't take a pic of those before I started sanding. I would have loved to just send everything off to Sunnbobb for a truly professional polish, but I've got way more spare time than spare change. In a couple years she'll get the full treatment, I swear!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
Track T 2411
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Posts: 8481
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 9:37 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Track+T+2411/
Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: 2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

#15

Post by Track T 2411 »

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These carbs are from 'Old Crusty,' the free '82 I picked up a while ago. I figured I'd rebuild these as time permits rather than pull the rack from Layla for who knows how long. Besides, they're a bit easier to do with the screw-in jets. At least the screws aren't stripped!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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