My GL1100 Build: Lightwing

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robin1731
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Re: My GL1100 Build: Lightwing

#46

Post by robin1731 »

crazyjackcsa wrote:snip........................
Things I learned today: Maybe it's because I lowered it an inch on the front forks, maybe it's the renthal handlebars, maybe it's just the nature of the bike but it's pretty twitchy up front!

These bikes are heavy! I've pulled 125lbs off the bike when compared to the first picture, and it's still heavy! Not so noticeable while riding, but in and out of the garage!
Do you feel any "notchiness" in the steering when not moving? Worn steering head bearings can cause that twitchy feeling.

Remember, these bikes weight well over 600lbs naked. ;)

.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
crazyjackcsa
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Re: My GL1100 Build: Lightwing

#47

Post by crazyjackcsa »

I didn't notice any, but I wasn't feeling for it either! I'll give it a look see.

I've never been able to find a "curb weight" spec on these. They're all dry weight. A dry weight of 595 lbs (per wikipedia) figures to what curb? 650-660-ish? I also can't determine what's included in that weight. How much chrome? Which options? I figure I must be sitting around 600 curb.
1982 GL1100 Standard
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robin1731
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Re: My GL1100 Build: Lightwing

#48

Post by robin1731 »

A 1976 GL1000 is about 650lbs wet. That is naked. I don't see the 1100 being any lighter. Yours being a standard it came with no fairing or bags or trunk. No rack no chrome covers on brakes or engine. No crash bars. And I don't think air shocks but those probably aren't much more than stock shocks. So to get much under 650 you would have to either eliminate or replace parts with lighter components.

Easiest way to check for notch in the steering bearings. Put bike on center stand. Do something to get the front wheel off the ground. Then slowly turn the handlebars back and forth. Feel for the notch at the point where the bars are straight.

.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
crazyjackcsa
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Posts: 72
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2015 4:48 pm
Location: ontario

Re: My GL1100 Build: Lightwing

#49

Post by crazyjackcsa »

13661766_10154202550736469_5669492607493242988_o.jpg
So, here it is, without a headlight and without a seat cover,other than that, it's done.

Total weight loss from beginning to now.

30lbs. Garbage bag full of stuff. Wiring, heat shield, cancelling signal lights, this do-dad-that do-dad, the idiot lights in the centre, fuel gauge, the steel and plastic from the chopped fenders, various stuff.

1.5lbs. Switch to conventional suspension, not including the hoses, that's included above.

9.2 lbs. Switch to smaller, more modern lights all around.

3.4lbs Switch to single front rotor, ss lines and Randakk master cylinder. Caliper and master cylinder included in the garbage bag stuff. By the way, the upgraded master cylinder and switch to single front rotor pretty much cancels each other out. Hanging onto the splitter and rotor in case I want to switch back.

6lbs. Centre stand removal.

So from a standard, it's 50lbs lighter.

Other stuff taken off:

8lbs Crash bars.

22lbs Fairing.

57lbs Luggage and associated chrome and brackets.

All told 137lbs lighter than when it came home.

BTW, that's my wife's cb300f in the background. 357lbs curb weight!
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1982 GL1100 Standard
crazyjackcsa
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Re: My GL1100 Build: Lightwing

#50

Post by crazyjackcsa »

IMG_20160719_151750.jpg
Short of the seat, it's done. Nothing fancy, nothing groundbreaking, but I really like it. Finished up the wiring and added the headlight. It's all set to hit the road.

It runs a little rich, but I'll get that squared away without too much trouble.

It was going to be a two year project, and I got it done in seven months and about $2,500. I'm pretty happy with the results.

Maybe someday I'll get that lighter battery, find an aluminium rad that I can make work and a smaller, more modern fan. Until then, it's cruising the open road.
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1982 GL1100 Standard
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