Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

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ob1quixote
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Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#1

Post by ob1quixote »

Just picked up a '79 with 31K on the odometer. Ran, but rough.
New tire on rear, front was old as the hills, DOT date code 279...

New tire, flushed hydraulics, oil change, final drive lube changed, air filter, fuel lines and filter changed, all the normal stuff.

Decided to upgrade the headlight, I run an LED light on my dual sport bike and like it a lot.

Old light
Image

New light
Image

Image

Bought the light from eBay, $48.44
Plug and play, unless you want the halo and turn signal function {halo turns yellow and flashes}, I skipped that.
I dont think you could see it anyway.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/7-LED-Headligh ... 2749.l2649

Also added charge ports, 12V cigarette lighter and USB power. Cycle Gear items, the lighter is meant to be bar mounted, but the bar mount can be removed for panel mounting

Image
1979 GL1000
2001 DRZ400
1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
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Track T 2411
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#2

Post by Track T 2411 »

Nice! I keep saying I'm going to upgrade my headlight, but never seem to be able to make a choice. The more I research, the less I seem to know...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
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ob1quixote
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#3

Post by ob1quixote »

This headlight throws a nice pattern with a distinct horizontal cut off. Once I get it off the lift and loaded with me, I will get it aimed nicely. I like a bright light, not an obnoxious one. The high beam should be very effective.

Only wish cagers would bother to aim their aftermarket lights...
1979 GL1000
2001 DRZ400
1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
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CYBORG
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#4

Post by CYBORG »

ob1quixote wrote:This headlight throws a nice pattern with a distinct horizontal cut off. Once I get it off the lift and loaded with me, I will get it aimed nicely. I like a bright light, not an obnoxious one. The high beam should be very effective.

Only wish cagers would bother to aim their aftermarket lights...
I agree about the cagers action1 action1
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#5

Post by Sidecar Bob »

Welcome to the forum. Please add your bike's model and model year (NOT year first registered) to your signature so that you don't have to remember to tell us every time and we don't have to keep asking when you forget.

And welcome to the world of antique vehicle ownership. Your bike has had 4 decades of Previous Owners who may or may not have done the maintenance necessary to keep it safe & reliable so it is highly recommended to download the Factory Shop Manual (someone please provide a link) and go through all of the service procedures, regardless of whether your bike has reached the specified mileage. I also recommend looking on all rubber parts with suspicion because rubber does not age gracefully. Check the date codes on your tires and replace them if they are over 5 years old no matter how good they look & feel because old rubber simply cannot flow around the irregularities in the asphalt well enough to grip, especially if it is cool or wet. If your bike still has the original rubber brake line(s) (should be replaced every 2 or 3 fluid changes = 5 or 6 years) start shopping for modern stainless braided ones (they last practically forever and double the life of the fluid).

BTW, that headlight looks good but I agree with your decision not to connect the halo. Most people don't realize that (at least in Canada & the US) those are not legal because US DOT & Transport Canada regs require at least 100mm/4" distance between a turn signal and any light that is on while the signal is flashing.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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5speed
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#6

Post by 5speed »

welcome to the forum. I put an LED bulb in the wife's shadow more to get her noticed then to improve her vision as she doesn't ride at night.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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Rat
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#7

Post by Rat »

Not exactly a new guy .... been here 10 years .... just kinda quiet ....

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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#8

Post by Sidecar Bob »

With no posts in a decade he might as well be new. And I'm sure a lot of people that have been active here could benefit from what i said anyway....
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
ob1quixote
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#9

Post by ob1quixote »

I wandered in when I inherited a 1200 Aspencade from my father. It didnt work out for me, and I'm not the tupperware type anyway.

Was always hooked on the naked bike, my father bought the 2nd '75 that came to town.
1979 GL1000
2001 DRZ400
1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
ob1quixote
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#10

Post by ob1quixote »

The plexiglass windshield/fairing lowers would contact the faux tank on both sides when at full lock.
Not good, as I plan on painting the bike soon!

Went with a NOS old school windshield without lowers or hand coverage.
Check out the copyright date!

Image

Image
1979 GL1000
2001 DRZ400
1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
ob1quixote
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Posts: 460
Joined: Thu Oct 09, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Charleston SC

Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#11

Post by ob1quixote »

Sudden turn to trashy running, looks like a carb rebuild is in order.

While I wait for the right carb kit to be restocked, might as well tend to the paint.
Honda car Root Beer, YR-569M. Not terribly far from the Candy Burgundy it came with.
Thinking about some ghost pinstripes...

Replacing the tank emblems with these, and going with clean side panels.

Image
1979 GL1000
2001 DRZ400
1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
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desertrefugee
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#12

Post by desertrefugee »

I like those emblems. Early Civic?
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
ob1quixote
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#13

Post by ob1quixote »

S-600

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1979 GL1000
2001 DRZ400
1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
ob1quixote
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Posts: 460
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#14

Post by ob1quixote »

Image
1979 GL1000
2001 DRZ400
1983 CR480
And a few late '60's - early '70's British thumpers
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Graham Cracker
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Re: Reviving an old GL1000, a couple improvements

#15

Post by Graham Cracker »

That headlight's gonna set the weeds on fire
Mark

1975 GL 1000 Candy Antares Red
1976 GL 1000 Sulfur Yellow
1977 GL 1000 Pearl White
1978 GL 1000 Candy Limited Maroon
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