Next 'wing - 1978 GL1000

[toomanybikes]

I had mentioned a possible addition to the stable and here it is, a 1978 GL1000 with 9643 on the clock. The seller only had it for a few months, buying from the original owner then doing nothing with it. I was happy to take it off his hands.

I've done numerous 1100 rescues (yes, I've already ordered the timing belts), but this is my first 1000. It came with the dealer installed(?) fairing (although not a Vetter), platforms, and toe/heel shifter. I'll ditch the fairing but possibly keep the foot controls.

Gave her a wash on the way home, then stripped off all the fat to bring her back to NGW status. Stay tuned for more progress.

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[Whiskerfish]

Nice!! I rode a 78 for a LONG Time. My personal favorite for the styling.

[CYBORG]

I have a soft spot for the 78's as well

[Lucien Harpress]

I'm genuinely surprised you still have the hinge pins and cable stays for the shelter sides. Most times those get tossed when the fairing gets put on, because you can't get the shelter sides off otherwise.

I mentioned before I waffled for a long time deciding which model 1000 I wanted. I ended up going with a '76 only for the spoke wheels. Put spokes on a '78, and that might be my perfect GL1000.

[toomanybikes]

I'm genuinely surprised you still have the hinge pins and cable stays for the shelter sides. Most times those get tossed when the fairing gets put on, because you can't get the shelter sides off otherwise.

I mentioned before I waffled for a long time deciding which model 1000 I wanted. I ended up going with a '76 only for the spoke wheels. Put spokes on a '78, and that might be my perfect GL1000.

The shelter isn't 100% intact, the latch "bolts" are missing. Seems like a situation where hunting down and paying for the original parts doesn't buy much unless you're going for pure authenticity, which I'm not.

[toomanybikes]

Update - New belts, plugs, oil/filter, battery, air filter and ... she's alive! At least on starter fluid.

For posterity, i was able to change the belts without taking the radiator off. I drained it, undid the pump cover, and was then able to pull the radiator out enough to get the belt covers off. It was helpful to have the oil filter off to provide a little more room for wrenches.

I'll try gas tomorrow, but I assume the carbs will need to come off for cleaning.

[toomanybikes]

As expected, running on gas through the carbs was a no go, so the carbs have to come off. The hardest parts were getting the airbox out of the faux tank shroud and getting the throttle cables off the carb assembly. Other than that, the carbs came out easily, moreso than on my past 1100's.

Once the carbs were removed, the float bowl condition could be checked. Ouch ...

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One the plus side, the engine casings appear to be free of corrosion and oxidation, leaving relatively clean factory paint. Still some stubborn dirt to get off on the right side.

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