Big Red, the "Parts Bike"

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!

Moderators: Brant, Sagebrush, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Big Red, the "Parts Bike"

#1

Post by tory »

When I was working on my last 1978 GoldWing, I bartered from a friend another 1978 for parts.
One bike sat for many years with the right side exposed, the other with the left. Between the 2 I was able to put together 1 full set of good plastic not needing paint, 1 set of good fenders, 1 good set of engine covers worth polishing, 1 good exhaust and a good original seat. As well as anything that was the best of the 2 bikes.

That left me with this. After ignoring it for a year I decided it still had another life left to give.
Attachments
IMG_20211020_183012390.jpg
IMG_20211020_183012390.jpg (189.12 KiB) Viewed 522 times
Last edited by tory on Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:32 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#2

Post by tory »

So, with bad paint, cobled exhaust, corroded timing and tappet covers and a ripped aftermarket King Queen seat and no plan, I decided it was time.
Digging around the garage I found a set of shadow mirrors, some low bars I swapped off a CB900F, a front fender off a CB1000C, a couple fat boy mufflers that where already cobbled to it. A bread knife and a new seat cover from a 1975 GoldWing. ( I did buy that) I think I found a direction. Kind of a Honda SuperSport tribute..?
I did wrinkle paint the engine covers as I don't think they would polish nice. I rolled the back fender forward, painted black.(Might look for something different) and mounted a Lucas tailight.
Attachments
20220723_162137.jpg
20220723_162137.jpg (266.34 KiB) Viewed 1129 times
20220523_071013.jpg
20220523_071013.jpg (256.44 KiB) Viewed 520 times
Last edited by tory on Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:38 pm, edited 3 times in total.
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#3

Post by tory »

I attempted a Norton inspired paint, but it was a fail. So before clear coating, I began stripping it off. I think I'm going bright red with blue and gold HONDA decal from 400F. Unsure about sidecover graphic yet. I do still need to do seat cover. It is just laying over to size the foam.
Attachments
20211221_171056.jpg
20211221_171056.jpg (211.48 KiB) Viewed 1127 times
20211224_125118.jpg
20211224_125118.jpg (159.5 KiB) Viewed 1127 times
20211226_102948.jpg
20211226_102948.jpg (177.13 KiB) Viewed 1127 times
20211231_124454.jpg
20211231_124454.jpg (175.42 KiB) Viewed 1127 times
20220123_164842.jpg
20220123_164842.jpg (155.77 KiB) Viewed 1127 times
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
User avatar
Rednaxs60
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 974
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:14 pm
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#4

Post by Rednaxs60 »

Nice work. This old lady may just turn out to be a favourite of yours.
"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)
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#5

Post by tory »

Lol, right. If I put enough left over parts on it from all my favorites, it would only make sense.
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
User avatar
Lucien Harpress
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 4077
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:41 am
Location: Michigan

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#6

Post by Lucien Harpress »

Looks like a great start so far. And it's always nice to see one rescued from the parts pile.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#7

Post by tory »

Had decals made, and paint mixed. Decals I am happy with, but paint not so much. I got a mix code from something I liked. But after a test panel, it was WAY to orange. I think rather than using it and regretting it the rest of my life, I will get another pint of something more RED.

Hard to see but decals are blue over gold similar to 400F.

I am undecided on leaving the F4 after the GL1000. Curious what you all think about that?
Attachments
20220819_121122.jpg
20220819_121122.jpg (125.35 KiB) Viewed 1041 times
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
User avatar
Lucien Harpress
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 4077
Joined: Sat Dec 24, 2011 11:41 am
Location: Michigan

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#8

Post by Lucien Harpress »

I'd say drop it. "GL1000" is already a lot of digits for a motorcycle. I tried using "GL1500C" for my Valkyrie at a show once, and it was all a bit much.

Just my opinion, of course. Maybe replace the GL1000 with "F4C" (custom) if you want to get crazy?
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#9

Post by tory »

I see what you are saying. And do wonder if it is to much.

Problem with F4C is that a Custom is not what I'm after.
Honda used 3 destinations for the CBs.
K was standard
F was SuperSport
C was Custom.
CB750. (K)
CB750F
CB750C

I am looking for a style similar to an F bike. I added the 4 for the F4 slang for flat 4.
Ofcourse if I need to always explain it, then it just seems corny. Which is what I'm afraid of.
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
User avatar
Whiskerfish
President
President
Posts: 36852
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:34 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/whiskerfish/
Location: Norfolk Va

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#10

Post by Whiskerfish »

How bout two lines

GL1000
Flat 4
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
User avatar
Whiskerfish
President
President
Posts: 36852
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:34 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/whiskerfish/
Location: Norfolk Va

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#11

Post by Whiskerfish »

Like that front fender. It looks just right on there.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#12

Post by tory »

Thanks. Front fender went on with no mods.
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#13

Post by tory »

Upgraded to the MP08 coils with new wires today. Reused the old resistor caps as they tested good. Stayed with points because I have been stranded with bad pickup on a conversion in the past. Points may need more PM, but I like the simplicity.
Upgraded coils allowed me to eliminate the ballast resistor too.
Attachments
20220820_153157.jpg
20220820_153157.jpg (206.92 KiB) Viewed 999 times
20220820_153123.jpg
20220820_153123.jpg (189.28 KiB) Viewed 999 times
20220820_145919.jpg
20220820_145919.jpg (160.55 KiB) Viewed 999 times
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
User avatar
Rednaxs60
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 974
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:14 pm
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#14

Post by Rednaxs60 »

tory wrote: Sat Aug 20, 2022 3:39 pm Upgraded to the MP08 coils with new wires today. Reused the old resistor caps as they tested good. Stayed with points because I have been stranded with bad pickup on a conversion in the past. Points may need more PM, but I like the simplicity.
Upgraded coils allowed me to eliminate the ballast resistor too.
Conversions can be an issue. Years ago I wanted to convert my '65 Plymouth to electronic ignition, Father says no. Mentions you can always jury rig points and such to get home, not so much with electronic ignition - stayed with points and such.

Great rebuild.
"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)
tory
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 373
Joined: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:54 pm
Location: Holland MI

Re: The "Parts Bike"

#15

Post by tory »

Thought I better get the parts painted before the weather starts getting unpredictable. Not a very controlled environment.
Went with GM Torch Red. Cleared over the SuperSport style decals. I may wet sand and clear a couple more times to take the bumps out of the Decal edges. We will see how it looks tomorrow.
Attachments
20220917_121601.jpg
20220917_121601.jpg (134.82 KiB) Viewed 888 times
20220917_131449.jpg
20220917_131449.jpg (104.62 KiB) Viewed 888 times
20220917_131430.jpg
20220917_131430.jpg (107.98 KiB) Viewed 888 times
20220917_131427.jpg
20220917_131427.jpg (115.91 KiB) Viewed 888 times
1978 GL1000
1986 GL1200 Aspencade
With California Sidecar
1965 CA95 Benly
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “Members Restorations and Projects”