Big Red, the "Parts Bike"

[tory]

When I was working on my last 1978 GoldWing, I bartered from a friend another 1978 for parts.
One bike sat for many years with the right side exposed, the other with the left. Between the 2 I was able to put together 1 full set of good plastic not needing paint, 1 set of good fenders, 1 good set of engine covers worth polishing, 1 good exhaust and a good original seat. As well as anything that was the best of the 2 bikes.

That left me with this. After ignoring it for a year I decided it still had another life left to give.

[tory]

So, with bad paint, cobled exhaust, corroded timing and tappet covers and a ripped aftermarket King Queen seat and no plan, I decided it was time.
Digging around the garage I found a set of shadow mirrors, some low bars I swapped off a CB900F, a front fender off a CB1000C, a couple fat boy mufflers that where already cobbled to it. A bread knife and a new seat cover from a 1975 GoldWing. ( I did buy that) I think I found a direction. Kind of a Honda SuperSport tribute..?
I did wrinkle paint the engine covers as I don't think they would polish nice. I rolled the back fender forward, painted black.(Might look for something different) and mounted a Lucas tailight.

[tory]

I attempted a Norton inspired paint, but it was a fail. So before clear coating, I began stripping it off. I think I'm going bright red with blue and gold HONDA decal from 400F. Unsure about sidecover graphic yet. I do still need to do seat cover. It is just laying over to size the foam.

[Rednaxs60]

Nice work. This old lady may just turn out to be a favourite of yours.

[tory]

Lol, right. If I put enough left over parts on it from all my favorites, it would only make sense.

[Lucien Harpress]

Looks like a great start so far. And it's always nice to see one rescued from the parts pile.

[tory]

Had decals made, and paint mixed. Decals I am happy with, but paint not so much. I got a mix code from something I liked. But after a test panel, it was WAY to orange. I think rather than using it and regretting it the rest of my life, I will get another pint of something more RED.

Hard to see but decals are blue over gold similar to 400F.

I am undecided on leaving the F4 after the GL1000. Curious what you all think about that?

[Lucien Harpress]

I'd say drop it. "GL1000" is already a lot of digits for a motorcycle. I tried using "GL1500C" for my Valkyrie at a show once, and it was all a bit much.

Just my opinion, of course. Maybe replace the GL1000 with "F4C" (custom) if you want to get crazy?

[tory]

I see what you are saying. And do wonder if it is to much.

Problem with F4C is that a Custom is not what I'm after.
Honda used 3 destinations for the CBs.
K was standard
F was SuperSport
C was Custom.
CB750. (K)
CB750F
CB750C

I am looking for a style similar to an F bike. I added the 4 for the F4 slang for flat 4.
Ofcourse if I need to always explain it, then it just seems corny. Which is what I'm afraid of.

[Whiskerfish]

How bout two lines

GL1000
Flat 4

[Whiskerfish]

Like that front fender. It looks just right on there.

[tory]

Thanks. Front fender went on with no mods.

[tory]

Upgraded to the MP08 coils with new wires today. Reused the old resistor caps as they tested good. Stayed with points because I have been stranded with bad pickup on a conversion in the past. Points may need more PM, but I like the simplicity.
Upgraded coils allowed me to eliminate the ballast resistor too.

[Rednaxs60]

Upgraded to the MP08 coils with new wires today. Reused the old resistor caps as they tested good. Stayed with points because I have been stranded with bad pickup on a conversion in the past. Points may need more PM, but I like the simplicity.
Upgraded coils allowed me to eliminate the ballast resistor too.

Conversions can be an issue. Years ago I wanted to convert my '65 Plymouth to electronic ignition, Father says no. Mentions you can always jury rig points and such to get home, not so much with electronic ignition - stayed with points and such.

Great rebuild.

[tory]

Thought I better get the parts painted before the weather starts getting unpredictable. Not a very controlled environment.
Went with GM Torch Red. Cleared over the SuperSport style decals. I may wet sand and clear a couple more times to take the bumps out of the Decal edges. We will see how it looks tomorrow.