Bringing Back an '81

A forum for stories, pics and updates of your resto's. Be it a barn find, Grampas hand me down or a bike being brought back to it's former glory.If you are restoring it, show us your stuff!

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Geropat
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Bringing Back an '81

#1

Post by Geropat »

This Goldwing was destined for the graveyard. A friend of mine called one night back in November of 2019, he had a neglected "1982" Goldwing that had to go! It was taking up valuable space in a family members garage. "It doesn't run, it's in a garage now, but it was outside under a tarp for a few years. I don't know if you want it, I understand if you don't." he said.
So here begins my story of trying to revive this 1981 GL1100 with hopes of taking it on great adventures someday.
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'81 GL1100
'85 650sc
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Rednaxs60
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#2

Post by Rednaxs60 »

Welcome from the west coast rock. Look forward to your thread on the revival. Bike looks pretty good, a good cleaning first will be a great start.
"When writing the Story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen."

Ernest

1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
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Track T 2411
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: Bringing Back an '81

#3

Post by Track T 2411 »

I'm kind of partial to the 1100's; you'll enjoy the ride! It's surprising how durable these bikes really are. If you haven't found it already, there's a great thread in ShopTalk that includes numerous tips took help get 'er going. It's linked in my signature...
"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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CYBORG
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#4

Post by CYBORG »

I've seen worse looking ones brought back to bike of the month. Good luck, and have fun
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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5speed
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#5

Post by 5speed »

welcome..she looks like a great starting point.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
Geropat
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#6

Post by Geropat »

I started by pulling off the bags and removing the fairing. I really started to like the look of the bike at this point. I'm seeing some potential.
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Next I needed to get the brakes off, both front and the rear were seized.
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attachment=1]IMG_1364.jpeg[/attachment]

pistons are pitted, but mostly above the seal, hope it will be ok.
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'81 GL1100
'85 650sc
Geropat
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#7

Post by Geropat »

Next up, I pulled the carbs and did my best to give them a thorough cleaning. I read that pinesol was good at cutting through the grime, so I heated a big pot of it on my coleman stove and dunked the body, lots of scrubbing. Not sure if this really recommended, but it's done and I'm happy with the results. I used carb cleaner and steel wool to polish the inside of the jets, also some pretty small drill bits I found on Amazon to make sure passage ways were all clear.
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'81 GL1100
'85 650sc
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Rednaxs60
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#8

Post by Rednaxs60 »

Very nice work.
"When writing the Story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen."

Ernest

1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
Geropat
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#9

Post by Geropat »

Carbs back together and on the bike, fresh fuel, battery charged, but she wouldn't run. I pulled the starter and ordered a rebuild kit, but still no luck. I ended up finding a used starter on eBay that was cheap but rough and I was able to make a good hybrid form the two motors. cleaned it up and gave it a fresh coat of paint. That did it, I've got a runner!
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'81 GL1100
'85 650sc
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Track T 2411
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#10

Post by Track T 2411 »

action1 action1 action1
"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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Liam
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#11

Post by Liam »

Nice job on the polishing. It is nice to see a rescue job, as you get a picture of how nice the finished article will be it makes it all worthwhile.
Geropat
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#12

Post by Geropat »

Liam wrote: Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:06 am Nice job on the polishing. It is nice to see a rescue job, as you get a picture of how nice the finished article will be it makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks Liam, you are right, it does make it feel worthwhile. Every part that gets cleaned, polished or painted and looks good, just motivates me to keep going. Can't wait to ride this beast!
'81 GL1100
'85 650sc
Geropat
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#13

Post by Geropat »

Spent some more time polishing...
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Also cleaned the wheels and did some painting.I think I'll be looking to put some new rubber on soon.
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I decided to go with black on the forks and the final drive.
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'81 GL1100
'85 650sc
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Jonesz
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#14

Post by Jonesz »

The black will look good.
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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Rednaxs60
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Re: Bringing Back an '81

#15

Post by Rednaxs60 »

Very nice - like the polished aluminum look. The black on the FD is striking.
"When writing the Story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen."

Ernest

1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
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