1980 GL1100 Custom - The Dirt Bagger

[WesleyJ]

Hey Guys,

1st post! Myself and some buddies do a yearly rally/challenge called the MER and this year's theme is big bikes. So, here I am with THE big bike for my steed. The rally is 4 days of adventure riding with a mix of offroad, gravel and pavement twisties while camping off the bikes.

I picked up a 1980 GL1100 with a complete Vetter kit. Although I love the vintage cool of the Vetter setup, I gave it to a fellow rider who was setting up a '80 for touring. It also came with a complete floorboard kit that had to go.





My vision for the bike is pretty simple, make it more like a modern bike. By that I mean modern ergonomics and generally de-clutter the thing but overall nothing major.

So far I've completed the following:
- rear caliper rebuild
- rear master rebuild/powder coat
- carb rebuild
- tank drain and clean
- new fuel filter
- powder coat final drive black. All new seals
- modify headers to accept Harley pipes
- rear fender chop/wedge
- new seat
- get rid of those terrible footboards and replace with pegs
- blast and Cerakote rear wheel Tungsten
- new battery
- new tires - Kenda Big Blocks in stock sizes





































And this is how it sits today



Cheers,

Wes

[flyin900]

Looking good there Wes and welcome to Wingdom and your first post, since your well on your way and no stranger to mechanical stuff. How did you reset the preload/lash on the rear end when you reassembled?
That looks like a Texvina seat and I would be interested to hear how it works out comfort wise after the trip. I like the looks of it, yet these old bones do need something with comfort too.

[WesleyJ]

Thanks!

As far as preload goes, I marked it prior to disassembly and re-installed to the same point. Not ideal but good enough IMHO. Ring/pinion wear was perfect.

[flyin900]

Thanks Wes, most of us are not willing to tackle that job because the FSM has a procedure to follow, so buying a used unit seems to be the way most of us go.
I am sure your fine with that method and one to keep in mind, if I ever have to take one apart.
Your trip sounds like a real adventure and that bike should treat you well, as they are pretty bullet proof once sorted out.

[Jonesz]

Nice work. Did you cut the front fender or is it from another bike/model?

[Rat]

Gotta love it ...

Gord

[Fred Camper]

Nice job on the rear fender, looks like it will be great.

And the Kenda on the rear looks to up for the Dirt Bagger look.

[SFR]

Looks good - what did you use for the seat?

[kerryb]

Looks great, all of it, but I especially like the fender results. I too will be interested in a ride report on that seat when you're done. Are you going to add some engine guards for the trip?, mine always seems to find an opportunity to take a "nap" in the dirt when I'm camping!

[bluefisher]

kudos on PCing those rims. My buddy Tom did his 78 in gold and they look pretty sweet. I had an 82 for 23 years and loved it...A-B all over California with no problems. I sold it for more than what I paid for it 23 yrs later!

[Areba21]

It's a very nice bike! I got a '82 gl1100 standard as a project in 1982. Everything is unique, and I intend to maintain it that way.
The importance of changing the timing belts on these ancient beauties is pounded home on the goldwing forums. It's important to keep them on the roadways.

[WesleyJ]

Nice work. Did you cut the front fender or is it from another bike/model?

A buddy is turning a Sportster into a Dual-Sportster, lol. He's got a KTM dirt bike front end, long travel rear shocks, 21"/18" wheels etc. He gave me that fender to try out. Dear dog its heavy and I wont be using it. I'm starting my front fender build tonight.

[WesleyJ]

Gotta love it ...

Gord

Thanks Gord

[WesleyJ]

Nice job on the rear fender, looks like it will be great.

And the Kenda on the rear looks to up for the Dirt Bagger look.

Thanks!

[WesleyJ]

Looks good - what did you use for the seat?

I bought the Texavina 29 inches. Quite the name, lol

https://texavina.com/29-inches-honda-gl ... sku-l4367/

I really like the look and the feel. Its a high quality unit and I'm very happy with it. We'll see how it is on the road, its pretty thin foam but its nice and stiff, which really helps. I stand a lot while riding so it should be very managable.