Back in the Goldwing saddle

[toomanybikes]

After some regret on selling my '81 due to a move, I'm back in the Goldwing saddle with yet another '81 project. This will be my fifth GL1100 resurrection, so I know what to look for, but I'm sure something new will pop up.

This one is an all original standard/naked with a Vetter fairing. As usual, it's a non-runner and will need the standard fixes: battery, belts, carbs, valves, plugs, etc. Hopefully it avoids the heavier lifts, especially the dreaded sprag clutch.

Most interesting thing about this one, 43 years old and only 8038 miles on what appears to be the original speedo. Nice.

I'll probably pull the Vetter off to bring it back to true naked status.

PXL_20240612_123211147.jpg

PXL_20240612_093513352.jpg

[leonardhcross]

Congratulations. It looks like it has been stored well. Good luck with the gas tank. I have had a dickens of a time getting rusted gas lines inside the tank cleaned out. Keep us updated.

[Track T 2411]

Nice find! Enjoy the ride!

[Rat]

Glad you’re back … nice looking rescue …

Gord

[toomanybikes]

Congratulations. It looks like it has been stored well. Good luck with the gas tank. I have had a dickens of a time getting rusted gas lines inside the tank cleaned out. Keep us updated.

The tank is surprisingly clean, fingers crossed it will take 0 work, making up for the '85 V30 I'm currently working on. I brought the scope with me when checking the bike out, so that was another selling point.

20240613133134317.jpg

[NotSoLilCrippseys]

Hey, hey! Nice seeing you back.

You and I almost had a duel over an '81 a few years back, as I recall. I wouldn't play the seller's game of "two buyers=bidding war" and wouldn't show up. You got the bike.

You picked up a really nice looking '81, and old tanks don't get any cleaner than that. Pull the Vetter and sourcing front signals, fork ears, and bucket could run you more than most of the other parts you'll need - combined. But you know that.

I love it when I see that the "600 mile service" sticker hasn't been removed. I never know if that means the dealer didn't do the service, the dealer forgot to remove it, the owner did the service, or the 600 mile service was never done. Or I guess one might simply decide that break-in maintenance is required every 600 miles! Of course, it can't be a Honda if that's the interval.

[toomanybikes]

Hey, hey! Nice seeing you back.

You and I almost had a duel over an '81 a few years back, as I recall. I wouldn't play the seller's game of "two buyers=bidding war" and wouldn't show up. You got the bike.

Yup, I remember those threads. That '81 was the reason I picked up this one. We move a year ago and I (foolishly) sold the previous one rather than pay for moving.

If you're curious, here's how the previous one ended up after ditching the Vetter and adding some signals, HD shocks, CB900 front fender, and HD exhaust. I'll probably do similar mods to this one once I get the engine, brakes, and tires right.

PXL_20230510_110441381.jpg