first big boy bike

[cellarius]

hello all, I am going to be purchasing my first goldwing. i have previously been riding a 1976 Honda Cb550 cafe bike but it is time to move on to a big boy bike. I am looking at a 1984 gl1200. it is bone stock and purple lol, all the bags and huge faring still in place. i want to strip it down and make it more of a muscle bike rather than the ol'pappy cruiser it currently is. the bike is in excellent mechanical condition with all service records on hand.

what i envision is a cafe-cruiser hybrid. (like a nighthawk on steroids)
if i remove the HUGE front faring will there be massive voids and wiring everywhere? is there a kit available of is it all custom to remove it and make it look right?

[TNTbefree]

First off, welcome to the club. I do not know of a kit available to do what I think you wish to do. Yes, you will have a lot of wires, but they can be spliced down to fit. Does bike have digital dash or mechanical? Easier to deal with mechanical dash IMHO. Will need headlight ears, headlight bucket, and light. Try to find OEM. Do not get "new" China bucket/light. I did. It was junk. Good luck. Start a build page and take lots of pics.

[Rat]

Welcome to the 'Wingdom.

Gord (old pappy) Jones

[chewy999]

Welcome to the club from the UK. All the help you need is here, ask and someone will help. Have a look in the gallery to get ideas of what is achievable. As TNTbefree said, take photos and post them here.

[sparkyrasmus]

Welcome from Minnesota!
If you get a 7 or 8 inch headlamp, there will be enough room in the bucket to hide a lot of the wires. Have fun with the project. They can become addicting. The affliction is presaged by statements from those who love us "How many motorcycles do you need anyway?" Admitted, many of us are afflicted with TMB Syndrome, but are usually able to keep the symptoms at bay by the old adage -"The number of bikes that are too many are N+1, where N= the number of bikes at your place already."

[ole496]

Welcome! The GL1200 is a muscular bike so you're off to a good start. If you remove all the extras and dump some weight off that bike it will move out nicely.

I'd remove all that extra electrical wiring etc. and replace the electrical system with a Motogadget M-unit. Good luck with your project!

[ericheath]

They've been coined, "Buffet Racer."

[MegaDan]

I wanted to "cafe'" (Buffet) my bike, but I like functionality. That's why I decided to go for more of a more sporty approach, but still keep it comfy and practical for daily use and taking long trips. I wouldn't worry about too much wiring and such behind the fairings. Even if there is, there is a ton of information and advice on here to help you get it sorted out.

[Oldwingguy]

The 1984 1200 was the only 1200 offered without the fairing, that model was called the Standard version. That would be the easiest to convert back to naked. The Interstate model has analog gauges and more conventional instruments and indicator lights. The top of the line Aspencade has a digital dash that would require major electrical reconfiguring. Also I do not know about the Interstate, but the Aspencade faiiring blends into the faux tank in a manner that if you remove the fairing some large areas are left empty. not impossible to do, just requires a bit more thought. Study the gallery photos here for some great ideas on possibilties.

[Track T 2411]

Welcome from Wisconsin! As said above, the fairing blends into the shelter. Several people have adapted '80-83 1100 shelters, which are similar in style and will fit with some creative mounting modifications. Enjoy the ride!

[cellarius]

so i ended up going with a 1982 gl1100 interstate. the PO had already removed the fairing and installed a headlight so at least i dont have to worry about that. she ain't very pretty yet but 64k miles on her and only $1100 i thought it was a good deal. brakes squeak a little, rear suspension seems soft (bottoms out over bumps) but everything works and it runs great

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=58F8518B

[MegaDan]

For the money you are off to a good start. You are eventually going to see somebody say "change the belts" lol. I would say put together a full maintenance list for it. As far as rear shocks, you can get some basic Hagon shocks for about 200 bucks setup to your use/weight/etc. Progressive 412's are also another option, and what I have on my bike.

[sparkyrasmus]

If the bike has the original (non-air) shocks, they are adjustable. Just twist to increase the load capacity and stiffen them up. But it never hurts to go good quality aftermarket to improve the ride. Enjoy your wrenching. The more you get to know your bike, the better the ride.

[Moto nut]

Welcome from Colorado You're off to a good start, keep your head in these forums and you will "learn to burn"