81 GL1100, What to do first........

[Oldewing]

I now have 2 wings in the Family, an 82 Interstate, and now an 81 Standard. The 81 needs something. Maybe a solo seat, or some of that neat stuff from KW Wicked Wings.....
I like the look of your wing Zyder. So that maybe my road. Thought I would toss it up to the group and see what you all think. Great site Great people.



I got the new one in the Garage today, let the games begin

[Bandanna]

yes my friend....
brother zee`s ride is rather tasty...
i am sure he would be proud to tell you the way to do it like his...

but at the end of the day,is that how you want it?
if so,give him a shout......

and post pics as you get along with the project.....

safe riding.............friend.

[Zryder]

Well , Thank You Brother GL1100hio , There are many different styles of naked GLs here . I built mine on a whole picture of a GL I found on the net as I was browsing , and didn't have a great support group here as I joined after mine was prettywell complete . What I would have done first I think would have added a widened Yamaha Gas tank as the Fat Wing has done , I like that , Plus are you a tall person , I have done frame alteration and lower shocks to bring the bike down to where I am . And another thing I think I would have done was and still will do next year is the taildragger fenders on front and back . Bandanna has a good idea , look carefully through our Photos , where you will find many great ideas and make yourself a list from that to what you want to do with your GL . But If you do fancy what I have done just let me know as I do have pics of the build as I went along . As far as my gas tank , it is a KW tank , the very first one he build , in that it is the proto tank he's done for a GL frame . So have a look get back with questions and we can provide with detail what you can do .
Later Chum

[Chewbacca]

The first thing to always do is sit on your bike and imagine what you would like to be different. Are your handle bars too high, too low? Is your seat not quite what you want it to look like, is it not cooshy anough? Would you like some more power out of the engine? Maybe you prefer the looks of Z's tank over OEM.

Next start looking at parts and write down everything you will keep and everything you will have to change (also write down where you found it and what you must change to install it). Many parts are not available to us anymore so make sure you keep everything untill you are finished with your project.

Next decide on colors and find the places that can suport your demands. The first thing you should do before the tear down is take pictures. Lots of pictures. This will help you alot, and we all enjoy them. Also buy a box of plastic bags and a marker. Label the bags and put all the nuts and bolts to the part in a bag. This will allow you to do 2 things. One is know what is what. Two is, say you are ready to put your engine in. Now grab the bag that is labeled "engine mounts" and go to the hardware and start matching up nuts and bolts (I recoment Stainless Steel hardware, but you can also go with the chrome hardware). Then start sending stuff in that you need re-chromed and powder coated. Do your alterations (if you choose to do them) to the frame before sending it in to be powdercoated of course. You may choose to paint the body panels (IE Tank, side covers, ect) now or later.

Next is the engine. Do you want to rebuild it, send it in, or if it still runs great just make it look nicer. Begin your ordering (Valve covers, Case guards, and floor boards (if you choose to go with them) are a must because these things will be a part of the mounting of your engine. Then begin putting things back togaether as you order the parts to do so.

These are just some tips I wish I had before I started. I figured them out in time, but, had I known them, I may be done by now.

Good luck to you, and may your ride treat you as good as you will treat it.

[QUEEENlE]

Just plain great advice ...<smiling>...trial and error best way to learn sometimes... sure helps when someone else gets rid of some of the errors for you. Thanks Chewie from all.
Hugs
Q

[Oldewing]

Got the new one home today, and in the Garage. Let the Games begin.

[Oldewing]

Took the false tank off, Melted spagitti. Both Ingniter boxes ,the epoxy was melting out down on the radiator. Bare wires all over, If I did not ride it home,I would of bet it would not start..........

Looks like the 82 Interstate will not have any road company this fall.

But , still like it better than a new one