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So I recently purchased a neglected 1982 GL1100 in great cosmetic shape. I had also recently inherited an identical model from my uncle which I modded to reflect a CB type roadster.

I’m now in the process of duplicating the changes made to the inherited GL (thing 1) onto the newly purchased unit (thing 2) and, I’ll log the work here for those that are interested.

Removed the shelter, seat, air filter stack, and some of the carb pieces, and already discovered zero coolant in the reservoir. Brakes are non functional, both masters have zero pressure. Engine turns but acts as there is no fuel coming in. Carbs are bound up, linkage frozen. Tires are original 1981 Dunlop in back, 1990 Bridgestone in front. Suspension appears ok. Electrics too.

I’ll post some pics as things progress. Here she is before digging in. Here’s Thing 1…the bike I’m duplicating in the build.
Wish me luck…I’m gonna need it…

Your very fortunate to find a bike in such nice condition. The mechanical stuff is easy IMO compared to painting and replacing graphics, chrome etc. That’s where it can really get expensive to bring a bike to that visual level which is already at your starting point.
I will be interested in following your build and change over.

So I pulled the Carbs and they’re in a lot worse shape than the ones I rebuilt on Thing 1. ….Had never been touched in 40 years. Still had the adjustment locks on the air/fuel mix screw. Carbs were covered in an oily film, and a nice bit of varnish pooled and solidified inside the plenum. Was able to get em all separated and laid out in the surgery table Day 1 proved to be a success, as the carbs got removed and the #4 carb got cleaned out, rebuilt, and polished the slider cap on the buffer. Looks brand new, vacuum slide is free and all linkage is free and smooth.


Jets needed boiling, and clean out with a guitar “E” string to ensure openings were clear, and the air/fuel passage is always tricky.

I have an earwax removal tool that is also a camera/light for viewing ear canals’. It works beautifully to inspect the air/fuel channel to confirm no clogs, or additional washers/o-rings.

Got the 2nd carb done…… Not lookin forward to this plenum clean up…..maybe tomorrow.

And that’s 4……(still gotta scrub that plenum…..ugh)

Nothing like a polish job to bring these old girls to life

Jonesz wrote: ↑Fri Nov 12, 2021 4:42 pm Nothing like a polish job to bring these old girls to life

Oh, wait till I get the rest of the aluminum on that buffer….this bikes gonna be a stunner. I think polished aluminum looks even better than chrome.

Got the Plenums cleaned up nice and assembled the carb bank. Filled with fresh clean fuel and awaiting results of leak test. Leaving overnight on the bench on a dry piece of paper should display any leaks. One thing I love about this test is, once you determine there’s no leaks, and mount the carbs and connect everything, the engine starts immediately, because there’s no waiting for the fuel to fill the carbs. That was the case with thing 1, and I anticipate an identical experience with Thing 2. Now I have to prep the bike for mounting the carbs and that includes the throttle & Choke cables. Because they’re on the handlebar, the new handlebar needs to be mounted. Which means the new front master cylinder gets mounted. Also took off the clown car rear fender. Once the engine starts, It’ll be time to pull the wheels, front fender, and get to the brake systems. I can work em while the new tires are getting mounted. Also pulling the front forks to polish up on the buffer.

Fortunately I have a lift in my barn, so I can pull both the front and rear tires at the same time and support the chassis on the lift. Very handy, and I know you all have lift envy. ( its only natural) ….

Carbs in. Started right up. Needed to gap some plugs correctly to get idle to smooth out but now purrs like a kitten. Can’t wait to finish up the mechanicals and take her for a test ride. Polished the manifolds on the buffer. A little bling never hurts.

Rebuilt rear master. It was, like many never touched items on a 40 year old bike, a mess. Air bladder on reservoir cap was shot too. There’s another $20 into the build. Getting killed on shipping an $8 part.

Got the front end partially assembled. Buffer really does a nice job on the fork lowers. New tire and very good condition cb900c fender look sweeeeet.

Looking good. I like the front fender. I put one of those on my recent ‘76 project.

MikeNTexas wrote: ↑Sun Nov 21, 2021 10:00 am Looking good. I like the front fender. I put one of those on my recent ‘76 project.

Thanks. yea, they just pop right into place, no mods. I love that OEM Honda parts are going into this build. Rear fender is a modded CX500C unit. Ill post that once its in.

Got the LED Lamp in, rebuilding the rear caliper now. Dust seals I received with the new piston kit are too small. I hate when I spend money on parts that aren’t usable. Will need to order reputable seals.

Got the rear end sorted with the fender and lights. The CX500C fender I got is in great nick too. Honda assembly lube on both ends of the final drive splines, new 90w gear oil loaded in the diff, and the seat arrived in time for delivery. Ready for oil change and final once over. She’s been earmarked by a gent in upstate NY, and will be delivered on the 22nd by yours truly. Steel brake lines are a nice upgrade, as well as LED lamps.

Well, during final assessment the engine started backfiring, knocking, and was hard starting. Replaced the plugs and she starts and idles, but runs poorly upon acceleration. Knocking is severe, and warrants a review of the timing belts and valve clearances. Very disappointing. Hoping there isn’t serious engine issues but thinking its not likely with only 22K on the clock. Damn. So close.