My Last Two GL1000 Projects

[cfairweather]

Over the past 12+ years, I have restored a lot of bikes, mostly GL1000s. I have decided these will be my last two major projects and focus on smaller projects like making parts, rebuilding carbs, etc. Both of these "twin" projects are 1975 GL1000s and I have already completed a lot of work on them. These bikes were in terrible shape when I stared and I believe they would have eventually ended up in the junkyard. Let's start with the slightly modified one. This one has a 4-N-1 gauge in place of the fuel gauge. I also installed one of those eBay $110.00 four row aluminum radiators. I only had to do some minor changes to make this work for me. The overflow spout is pointed in the wrong direction, but I simply installed a new longer hose to solve this issue. If you look careful in the last picture, you will see it. More on this in another thread.

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[dontwantapickle]

Restoring 2 bikes at the same time is a tough row to hoe. been there - done that.

Like you,
Last year I decided to give up fixing up old motorcycles and I got rid of a bunch of project bikes and parts.

Fast forward 1 year later and I'm now back up to 9 bikes in my shop.
It's a sickness.

[cfairweather]

That post made me smile and I think you are right.

[cfairweather]

Had some good progress the past few days. Both bikes have exhaust systems and one of these has new chrome tips. Both bikes are running and everything seems to be fine. One of these bikes has had the baffles removed and it doesn't sound a lot different that one with the baffles. Slightly louder, but not much.

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[cfairweather]

I forgot to mention that I completely disassembled both engines and replaced the primary chains on both. I added tensioners from 1978 models as this was one of the short comings of the 1975 model. I had to replace the oil sight glass on one of these because it was coated with an oil additive and I could not clean it. I was lucky to find a NOS replacement on eBay.

[wingrider]

Very nice work so far! No doubt will be better than factory when you are done!

[digger]

I agree, very nice work Cedric. You could be working for Jay Leno.

[Easter]

Looking very good.

[cfairweather]

Thanks. Today I got the forks done. Polished, new seals, etc. Yesterday I rebuilt the front brake calipers. Waiting on new tapered bearings for the triple tree.

[cfairweather]

Progress Report...Triple Tree Bearings installed, Front forks installed, Rims now have new spokes and are ready for tires.

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[cfairweather]

Got the wheels trued and tires installed. Also, got them on the bike and a few other things done.

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[Track T 2411]

Beautiful work!

[cfairweather]

I have been working on the gauges and dash. The slightly custom GL1000 will get new CB750 third party gauges. This bike has the 4-In-One gauge that has the temp gauge in it, so that is why I elected to go with different gauges. These do not directly replace original GL1000 gauges, but they are close enough to fit with only a few modifications. The angle is slightly off, but I am satisfied with the look. I also used a 1978/79 indicator panel instead of the 75-77 version because I bypassed the RLU. I also turned the thin aluminum dash plate over because the natural aluminum color looked better than the black to me. I just bead blasted the plate and clear coated it. Here is how it turned out.

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The other mostly stock GL1000 will get new GL1000 gauges although they are for a 1976. Most people would never know. I haven't got the gauges mounted yet but here is the indicator panel.

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[wingrider]

Always meant to ask, but what brand is your black and orange lift table? I know your other one is a harbor freight, but the other eludes me.

[cfairweather]

The orange and black lift is a 1500 pound air lift and this one is sold under different names. I highly recommend this lift! The official name of the lift is "APlusLift MT1500 24" Wide 1,500LB Air Operated Motorcycle ATV Lift Table" and you will get the best price if you go directly to the sellers web site. The site is https://www.apluslift.com/

I converted the Harbor Freight to a air/hydraulic lift and I like it a lot better now; however, it is no match for the other one. I made a lot of progress today on both projects and will get some more pictures up tomorrow if I have time.