The Glorious Completion of THING 2

[Pb9717]

As some of you may remember, I’ve been working on the 2nd of an identical pair of 82’ GL1100’s for close to two years now. The 1st bike, Thing 1, was my uncles lifelong bike which he gifted to me, as a non runner that’d been sitting for several years. This was in 2020. I was able to get it running beautifully following the Randakks carb rebuild manual, and installing the corresponding carb kit.

I then modded it to look more akin to a CB than a GL. Turned out great.

Fast forward to 2022, and found another, identical to it. Same year, color, and history, 1 owner. Been sitting for 10+ years. I attempted the same process with it. Complete opposite result. This began a lengthy, time consuming hunt as to why Thing 2 would not run properly. Long story short, after spending thousands in parts, mechanic fees, and personal man hours, I simply could not determine what was making this bike run as poorly as it was. I was referred to Robin Ray thru these forums. So, I brought thing 2 to Robin Ray.

In less than a few days Robin determined it was the head gaskets that needed replacing. Despite good compression. He then sorted the multi rebuilt carbs ( I’d had a local “specialist” charge me an obscene amount of money to rebuild them TWICE, only to have Robin find double o-rings in some jet ports, amongst other things. This mechanic, of course no longer works there…. But I digress) Robin also installed new fork seals, and gave the bike a look over for any other significant issues.

Needless to say, the bike now starts instantly, idles beautifully, and pulls like an absolute freight train when you roll on the throttle.

The objective initially was to have twin GL1100’s…but the amount of time and money spent has created a debt that must be satisfied.

So for your viewing pleasure I am posting some of the pictures of the completed, detailed and ready to sell GL1100 custom restomod. If anyone has any interest in purchasing it, feel free to PM me. This couldn't have been done without the help of many of this forums members, with a special thanks to Robin. Sweet guy, and very patient with nervous owners.

Here she is…..

[robin1731]

[Old Fogey]

Beautiful! All that work was well worthwhile.

[Liam]

That bike is just simply beautiful.

[Jonesz]

Spectacular build too nice to sell but someone will get a sweet bike to own/ride

[GL1-242]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet. Very nice.
Job Well Done.

Paul

[Gowing]

Now, that’s a proper goldwing!